Travelling with a 15 m.o- advice please!

[Hairypuppies]

Hi everyone,

We are heading to Orlando in 2 weeks as our first family holiday with our 15 month old daughter. This is the first time we've travelled out of the UK with her and we're starting to get a bit nervous the closer it's getting!

I wondered if anyone had any advice if they've travelled long haul with a young toddler?

Things I'm stressing about most are the long flight and also sun protection... I have sun block to protect an army but any other things you can recommend to be extra safe would be appreciated!

Also if anyone has experienced a toddler in tropical heat it would be great if you could let me know how they coped! I just hate the thought of us going over there and for little on to have a miserable time!

Thanks!

We live in the US and just got back from visiting family in Europe with our 15MO. As for the flight, I take the view that as long as she’s quiet anything goes really, especially in terms of screen time and snacks (except limit the sugar for obvious reasons). So buy some toddler headphones and practice at home with them then load up an iPad with Peppa Pig etc. If you don’t have a seat booked then your DD won’t get fed so bring your own food. A drink during take off/landing can help with their ears. Take new small toys to bring out mid flight, colouring is good too. And be prepared to walk up and down the aisle a lot!

I’m also in Miami at the moment, without DD though, and it’s not any hotter than home. I wouldn’t be worried if she was with me. Just apply sun cream regularly and make her wear a hat in the sun. And I love those Evian handbag sprays for quick cool downs. Anywhere indoors will be air conditioned so it’s easy to escape it if you feel you need to. Don’t forget insect repellent either!

Have a great holiday

Order all baby food and nappies that you want/need for the flight and when you're waiting for your flight online to be picked up from Boots at the airport after security. This will hopefully save you some time in the security queue as you will have less liquids to be checked and perhaps save a little room in your suitcase too. Win, win! You are allowed ONE standard airport shopping bag on to your flight in addition to your hand luggage. e.g You can have hand luggage + 1 Boots bag or hand luggage + a standard bag from another airport store.
You can get Calpol and Ibuprofen sachets. Perfect for travel and in handy 5ml sizes.
Good toys to take:
A set of nesting eggs or stacking cups- can be used for playing hide and seek with snacks!
The humble balloon! I always pack a few, and there you have a game of catch whilst waiting for a plane or train!
Finger Puppets
ELC star links
Fisher Price snap lock caterpillar
John Lewis discovery cube
Sticklebricks
Edushape curiosity cube