22/23 month old in lap

[gigi556]

Are we mad? The long leg is Dublin to LAX so over 10 hours with our son on our lap. We could probably afford the extra cost but really we need to be watching what we spend. We are going to visit my family so the rest of the trip should be relatively cheap.

My thoughts are it will suck but it's only 10 hours of my life (x2)...

Sounds a living hell to me. But at that age mine was pretty much he'll on legs at all times.

I would buy him a seat for both legs of your travels. Those 10 hours will feel like an eternity with him on your lap and your legs could feel quite squashed. He could also feel uncomfortable being on your lap too.

I did 4 hours with mine, that was enough, definitely a seat.

No chance. I did an hour and a half with a 20 month old on my lap and it was awful. She wanted her own seat, ended up having a massive tantrum in the aisle and held up the drinks service. She's normally so well behaved too.

I wouldn't. If it were an hour or two, fine. But not 10 hours.

Depending on who you're flying with, and if it's a busy flight or not, they may well allocate a spare seat between adults for your DC for free. BA have done this with every flight we've taken with DD.

I did four hours (due to delays, not choice) and it was bloody hard work. I have a very active kid but had prepared lots of distractions and snacks. I wouldn't have wanted to do a minute longer.

We did a four hour flight with an 18 month old, and that was a nightmare. At 22 months for a short flight you could probably grit your teeth and bear it, but for 10 hours I think it would be madness - and not much fun for your fellow passengers if your child is having a melt down because they need more space than your lap can provide!

I flew to Sydney with a 22 month old and it was fine. It was challenging but alright. Top tips:-

• Make sure you take additional food (BA didn't cater for him so he had my food)
• Make sure you take an adaptor for the headset (normally two prong) and a set of headphones that your child is happy with
• Try and fly at night so they'll mostly sleep.
• Try and get a bulkhead seat so that there is plenty of foot space.
• Take lots of colouring in/reading etc for them.

The way back there was a spare seat to Singapore which was great but honestly, it was alright, I'd do it.

I’ve done this with no problems. But mine is a limpet and wouldn’t sit on his own seat anyway.

My youngest wouldn't have sat on my lap at that age for that length of time.

I personally would buy the seat but I do 24 hour longhaul and I throw everything I have at it to make it more bearable!

Ok thanks for all your input. We booked our son a seat.

What do we need to bring on the plane to make it more comfortable?

Have seen those JetKids suitcases with the bed that look cool but very expensive...

I would check with the airline that this could infact be used on the aircraft as many airlines have banned such items.

(Flights to LA CharlieandLolaCat normally depart during daylight hours; its the return leg that will be an overnight one).

I would not rely on the airline to fully provide re foodstuffs so take along what he/she likes to eat (leave any uneaten fruit behind on the aircraft). Be prepared to walk up and down the aisle a lot!.

Will he watch TV? A set of headphones he will wear, every headphone jack adapter known to mankind, a tablet loaded with stuff, and fingers crossed for the on board entertainment. Snacks (twice the amount you think you need), an empty cup for drinks.
Colouring books, stickers etc if you think there is a chance of him doing them.
Spare clothes for you all.
10 million packets of wipes!

Make sure you prebook a kids meal. Colouring, couple of books, snacks to break up the screen time!

I’ve seen/heard of people taking cheap fleecy dogs beds for kids to curl up in.

I flew long haul with mine frequently at that age. They don’t need a bed, just a blanket and a favourite cuddly toy, mine used to curl up like a cat in the seat to sleep.

Take plenty of food, but nothing with chocolate because of the mess and avoid nuts in case anyone else on board is allergic. Have at least one more change of clothes than you think you need, you don’t want to be the person carrying your toddler off the plane in nothing but a nappy and wrapped in a blanket (as I was).

Remember to move around yourself as if he is sitting on your knee the risk of DVT is raised.

Oh, god, don’t get one of those bed box things, or a Trunki.
You don’t want to be dragging that thing on a string through a crowded airport, children dragging them are worse, you need your hands as free if awkward luggage as possible.

I used to think trunkis were the worst possible luggage for a child, then I came across these beauties. My DD always traveled with a little rucksack she could carry herself, with a few of her bits and pieces inside.

Bluth those too look good for when you realise you have ten minutes to get to a gate that’s nearly a mile away with a preschooler who doesn’t like walking.

Yes trunkis are a bit awkward and useless if your hands are already full carrying hand luggage/pushing a baby.

We flew to SE Asia when DS was 22 months old and bought a seat for him. It was great to have the extra space and a lot better for meals.

If you can afford it i'd do it.