1st time flying with 16mnth old...Any good tips for a quite journey

[kitty17]

Hi there, We are planning to go away on holiday to Gran Canaria in August, this is the first time for my 16mth old....
Can anyone give me some pointers in having a good flight/Holiday with him, its a night flight, but im a nervous flyer and not looking forward to 4 1/2hrs with a upset toddler, have asked the doctor if there is anything i can give him to ensure he is settled but they said no, they would prefer them to be 2+.....

chammomile is safe to give as a tea to little uns, and can be v calming: you could share a cup of it. also lavendar oil (essential oil). you can put a couple of drops on their clothes, or even direct onto their skin. you could try doing a massage with lavender il in a carrier oil (olive oil, almond oil, or even vegetable oil), which should chill them out. also do this to yourself if you are a nervous flier!! me too!!

we took my baby on an 11hr journey recently, 3 different trains. it was much easier than i thought. i packed a mystery bag full of both favourite toys and things he hadn't seen yet....like a pastry brush etc. every 30 mins i gave him a new toy/object for him to explore. obviously you need to make it agedependent, but im sure you can pick up a few new cheap items to take with you. i would suggest even wrapping them for a 16mth old, like a lucky dip!
remember to try not to project your feelings onto your child. your toddler might find it fun and exciting. you could prepare him for enjoying it by getting him interested beforehand. it might be better if someone who genuinely liked flying tells him too, cos its hard to hide our true feelings from our babies.
i would remember the calmer you are, the better your toddler will be.
hey, if he likes it enough, you might even enjoy it more!
and in future, save on carbon and holiday somewhere you can travel by train!!!

medised

suitable from 3 months and is bound to make him sleep!

MaeBee - Thanks for the tips, I actually love flying I just get really nervous before hand (departure lounge stage), and well this is the first flight with him... mind you he will have his Dad and Big sister ther also, not as if it is just me and him...... have taken note of the oils and your tips... thanks

NannyL _ Thanks for the reply, will make a note of that....

My friend gave me some powder Calpol in case we needed it for our 15mth old when we flew to America.
He didn't, although we have done other flights before. He had a fab time on the flight, ran up and down the aisle and introduced himself to everyone.

Also the airport we departed from had a childrens play area so he had a great time there. Worth checking what facilities your airport has, maybe treat yourself to the lounge if they have a childrens play area, it might help you be more relaxed before going.

rookiemum - thanks for that