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Original poster

ADVICE / IDEAS *****20 hour flight just me and 18mo !!!!!!!

15 replies

littlepicklesmum · 28/12/2007 20:49

I am flying to Perth on 2nd January via Dubai for 10 days. Unfortunatley DP won't be with me. I have contemplated not taking my 18mo but decided I just cant do it - not that far for so long.
So its just me and him, he will be on my lap as the extra near £1000 for his seat can be used for our wedding later in year!
I have been trying not to think about it until today when I realised how close it is!!
My DS has become a handful the last few months, tamtrums, headbanging, slapping which in itself has caused me distress as he is on the whole a happy, funny child with lots of character. He is not really a cuddly child, he is so busy running around. I fear that all this time I have tried hard not to have him being too clingy to me is really going to backfire on this trip.
ANY tips you may have will be greatfully received.
I am already dreading the faces of the people sitting near me.

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sophierosie · 28/12/2007 20:55

Are you sure you definitely can't leave him for 10 days? It may be worth reconsidering especially with jet lag etc.

On a more positive note - plane journeys really do go quite quickly especially as you've got a stopover. Take a seperate bag with toys/treats/pencils/magic drawing thing/aqua draw etc and don't let him know what's in them etc. Do you have a portable DVD player and selection of dvd's?

Don't worry about your fellow passengers - you may well have some child friendly people/other toddlers sitting near you!

Good luck!

Original poster
littlepicklesmum · 28/12/2007 21:03

I have thought long and hard about leaving him, I managed 5 days in New York and can go away for the weekend, but just dont think I can do it to Oz. My friend would be devastated if she didn't get to meet him too.
Having done this flight a few times (although not normally via Dubai) without a child I know just how restless I get! I usually have a sleeping pill to help.
Am going to take my Ipod with his music on it, just need to get some childs headphones.
thanks.

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Original poster
littlepicklesmum · 28/12/2007 21:07

Aqua draw good idea didn't think of that, bought 'trunki' which he loves so will use that as hand luggage. Do you think he'll be interested in a DVD? Is he not too young?

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BitTiredNow · 28/12/2007 21:08

Ok - this could be hard, but I second the post about other people - I have flown on my won when ds1 was 2 and a half and ds2 was a year and people were so happy to help entertain - they were bored too! Playdoh worked very well, as did sticker books. Lollies last for ages as do crisps. Can you get hold of a portable DVD player and take some favourites? You could ask your GP for Phenergan too if that doesn't offend your parenting code.

BitTiredNow · 28/12/2007 21:09

not too young at all for a DVD - esp something like Bob (my ds1 was 14 months when he first clapped eyes on it and has loved it ever since - or baby einstein have some fabulous things which never seem to bore them, even on loop)

sophierosie · 28/12/2007 21:12

Yes - definitely get a dvd player and rent loads of cbeebies programmes (in the night garden/balamory/teletubbies etc) from the library/friends etc. Don't worry about films as possibly too young, however dd has had an unhealthy obsession with wizard of oz since she was about that age!

yogimum · 28/12/2007 21:13

My ds is the same age as yours and is exactly the same. I personally couldn't do it (couldn't leave him either). DS likes "in the night garden" and "peppa pig" both available on DVD.

Original poster
littlepicklesmum · 28/12/2007 21:14

AHH yes I have been told about phenergan by a friend. I did speak to my GP she said she could prescribe medication but didn't advise it. Medised & calpol don't seem to aid sleep when he is ill so I haven't really considered it. TBH i'm not sure how I feel about it, I hear so many conflicting stories!
I will take playdoh and get some stickers to take. Thanks.

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yogimum · 28/12/2007 21:16

Just remembered when I took a little boy with his dad to Antigua I just walked him up the aisles as much as I could to wear him out.

BitTiredNow · 28/12/2007 21:17

ok Love, but do think about the DVD and maybe give him a trial run - I really do recommend the baby einstein stuff - it is beautiful. Good Luck Hon

Original poster
littlepicklesmum · 28/12/2007 21:21

Thank you. I will now look into getting hold of a DVD player etc. I'll let you know how it all goes when I return!!
You have made me feel better already.x

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Original poster
littlepicklesmum · 30/12/2007 22:17

bump.

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Original poster
littlepicklesmum · 01/01/2008 19:04

Anyone with any last minute tips? I fly tomorrow, I think I am as organised as I can be.....

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KiwiEs · 01/01/2008 19:40

We just flew 12 hours with our 18 month old and have done several long haul flights with her earlier as well. When you check in, ask if there are any empty seats on the plane that they can put you next to. One flight they managed to do that when we checked in, and on another two (long haul) they swapped me to be next to an empty seat a couple of hours into the flight (without me even asking). Stickers were her absolute favourite activity - she spent ages sticking them on paper with me handing them to her one by one. Lots of snacks were good as well.

Original poster
littlepicklesmum · 01/01/2008 21:15

Thanks. Fingers crossed!!

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