Please give me advice on flying 13 hours with a 19 month old!

[eenybeeny]

Our son will be 19 months old when we fly to America this March. He is already 32 lbs and very active and physical. We are totally freaked out at the thought of being cooped up on a plane with him for that long. Any ideas? Also what are good ways of getting him into the rhythm of the different time zone?? Any travel tips much appreciated. We are flying United Airlines.

I have just done Oz to UK return with a 9yo, 7yo and 4yo. It is 23 hours. There were quite a few young babies and toddlers on the flight. They all seemed to be in the back section of the plane but we didn't hear too much out of them.

Are you able to choose your own seats with United? The front row seats at the back of the plane would be good as there is a bit of space between the seats and the wall in front iyswim. Might give him some room to move around and you could lay him on the floor to sleep. Just beware of seats near the toilets. They are very busy so would disturb you and him.

My dc are a lot older than your ds but my method was new toys and lots of food. Good luck.

Usually, the airline gives kids a few things as well.

I would bring lots of toys and other things that would keep him busy. Do you have a portable DVD player, by any chance? This works for my nephew (15 months and VERY active.)

mymama

At 19 months he won't necessarily have his own seat unless you've paid for one. He will otherwise be seated in your lap (the crew will give you an extender belt) for both take off and landing.

Change his nappy before boarding and ensure you have spare clothes for him and you in case its needed.

If you're using a buggy for him ensure the check in staff tag that too. Tie something brightly coloured and inexpensive around it for easier identification. You can wheel this to the departure gate. The security staff may or may not ask you to remove him from the buggy when you go through security.

The aircrew won't let him sleep on the floor though due to the usual sort of safety reasons. Have seen people use a soft squidgy cushion which they have purchased themselves for their little ones comfort - they seem to like these.

Take his drink, favourite foodstuffs (do not solely rely on the airline to provide in this regard) and toys. Portable DVD player is good - programmes for little ones in the air are usually rubbish. Be prepared also to walk around the plane with him so wear comfy shoes.

Lastly ensure that all documentation required for entering the US is in order well ahead of time. If you are UK citizens you will be required to complete the visa waiver forms (you all will need to have a completed form, you sign the form on your son's behalf) and customs form. Those will be given to you at check in.

Flew to Mauritius with our 18 month old. (14 hours) Take lots of snacks as airline supplied baby mush rather than toddler food. They did have milk on board which was good and warmed it up. Take lots of little books, toys, stickers. We wrapped them all up so she had something new every few hours to unwrap. We also had a portable DVD player with cartoon on it which was a life saver.

If possible ask immediately on the plane if there are any empty seats you could use so they can lie down.

Give drink on take off when ears are likely to be a problem.

Take spare t-shirts (for you and baby) in case of air sickness.

Try and book a night flight if possible so it will be dark and quiet.

Finally. No matter how awful they are and how much people tut, remember you will never see them again and who cares what they think.

AttilaTheMeerkat

My 4 yo ds slept on floor for 8 hours on flight from UK to Australia. That was 3 weeks ago.