Travelling with very active 14 month old

[blissfullyignorantorinpain]

Hi fellows MNers. I'm due to go on holiday with my DS who is 14 months old. We haven't been anywhere far with him and have never taken him on a plane journey so understandably I am extremely nervous. Has anyone got any tips or hacks on how to make the flight and journey easier for us? Thanks in advance xxx

my dc used to be very very active, and i found it helped to get one of these harnesses. it made me feel better knowing that they couldn't wiggle out of the seatbelt. use the early boarding call for people with infants, so you have more time to get him settled etc. (however the above only applies if you are buying him his own seat!).

Aim to choose an aisle seat near the front of the plane or if the aircraft has a bulkhead seat (usually long haul) try and book one if possible. A bulkhead(B)seat is a row without any seats in front. This will allow you to have plenty of space and will give you the mobility to get up and walk around if you need to, plus you can board and leave the plane much easier. You won’t be able to book the seats next to the emergency exit when you travel with an infant.
Some parents do prefer to sit near the bathrooms at the back, but noise levels can be higher towards the rear of the plane, this might be useful depending on how your baby responds to noise, take this into consideration.
Take a hat to pull over LO's eyes and ears to help with sleep and to keep head warm if the air con is too strong.
Even though you'll probably get given blankets by the airline on the flight, still take LO's own blanket as it will have a familiar smell and texture.
Put hand luggage in a back pack so you have your hands free.
I've used this baby sleep balm and it works a treat www.babipur.co.uk/lgr-organic-baby-sleep-balm.html There are loads of other baby sleep balms on the market that are a bit cheaper. I think Boots sells some. Warm milk also has a soporific effect so ask the cabin crew to heat some.
Board according to your family- if you know it’s best to get on and settled, then opt to priority board. As your LO is a real livewire, then it’s probably best to let them run around and don’t board until the last minute, so they’ll be tired enough to sit still during the flight.
Try to take toys with a clip or attachment that you'll be able to fasten to the seat or tray table to stop them falling on the floor. We found a really good Lamaze toy with a suction pad that we could stick on the tray table. We also took a mirror that we could fasten to the back of the seat in front which DS loved!
If you're taking a dummy, bring a dummy clip to attach it to LO so it doesn't fall on the floor.
Make sure you have at least one change of clothes for him on the flight and bring a spare top for yourself. Just in case! Layer him up so you can keep him comfy through the flight.
Most airlines will allow you to take the pushchair right up to the plane door and then staff will pop it under with the luggage. Ask at check-in whether you get it back on the Tarmac once you've landed or whether it will turn up on the carousel.
Order all your toddler food and nappies/baby wipes that you will need while you’re at the airport (both ends) and during the flight from Boots for collection after all security checks. You can order baby milk, food, nappies, bottles, suntan lotion, makeup – basically anything they sell. When checking out, select delivery to store. This will hopefully save you some time in the security queue as you will have less liquids to be checked and will save room in your carry-on luggage.
You should try and give LO a drink whilst taking off and landing to relieve any pressure in his/her ears. Either that or encourage them to suck their thumb (that works for longer!). Take satchets of Calpol and ibuprofen with your hand luggage just in case.
There's a soft play area at each terminal at Heathrow. I know there are soft play areas at Gatwick too, but I'm not sure about other airports.
Good toys to take:
A set of nesting eggs or stacking cups- can be used for playing hide and seek with snacks (like raisins and Cheerios)!
Finger Puppets
ELC star links
Fisher Price snap lock caterpillar
John Lewis discovery cube
Sticklebricks
Edushape curiosity cube

My son was older, but you could probably still use some ideas and adjust others to your toddler's level:

Thank you all so much for your replies. I will try these useful tips