Flying with 18month old

[EbBb1991]

I’m flying next week with my 18month son. I’m very anxious about the flight with him. Any tips or recommendations of things to bring? Should I buy a travel pillow? Nervous as he has to be on My lap for 5 hours!

As toddlers have the attention span of fleas, you'll be lucky to get 5-15 minutes of sustained attention out of a TV show or movie but it's still worth taking an iPad as a quick distraction tool if he gets grizzly!
When my DC was that age, he loved playing a game where we'd stick post-its all over the back of the seat in front of us and he would peel them all off! He also loved sticking post-its on himself and me! Amused him for ages.
Take a small bit of bubblewrap for popping if you have some at home. Pipe cleaners can be taken in hand luggage and are fantastic fun.
Put some snacks in little envelopes for him to tear open. Raisins and Cheerios work well.
I've had success with the Melissa and Doug reusable sticker pads, magnetic shape board, aquadoodle travel mat and lift the flap books.
Pack some extra clothes in your carry-on, for both DS and yourself. Small DC are good at eliminating bodily fluids at inconvenient times, and plane travel is no exception. Turbulence can also create a mess of knocked-over drinks and spilled food, and motion sickness can contribute to the chaos.
Try and get your DS to suck on something or eat something during take off and landing. sucking and swallowing can ease ear pain.
Flight attendants are normally happy to watch small children while you go to the toilet. Just make sure you don't time it when want to be serving food and drinks.
Sometimes, when a flight attendant or fellow passenger notices an upset baby, they will offer to help by holding the child. Be my guest, is what I'd say!
Lastly, don't worry if he cries. Even though you may have eye rolls from travellers around you, just remember that you will probably never see them again and you are not the only one in this situation!