Tips for flying to New Zealand with a toddler!

[NorwichMummy]

We're flying to New Zealand in 5 weeks with ds who will be 22 months at the time. I would be very grateful of any advice or tips people have to help make the flight bearable! We are flying Air NZ with a stopover in Hong Kong both ways. I was thinking of taking a portable DVD player with Night Garden DVDs, lots of snacks, drinks, books, toys, what else? help me!! Am beginning to wonder whether this was such a good idea or not!

You'll be okay! We flew with our DDs' (twins) to NZ and back when they were about a year old and then about 2 years old..

Is it a night flight? That will help as your DS will hopefully crash out for some of the journey...

Take the buggy right up to the gate and they should unload it for you at the other end..it's amazing how much crap you will both be carrying with hand luggage, bottless, nappy bags etc so easier to have your DS's buggy..

Don't necessarily board the plane first as a family..we waited until as late as possible, why restrain an active toddler in a cabin any more than possible!?

Don't fret if he is too wired and excited to eat properly..our girls ate rubbish for most of the flights but did drink lots of fluids which was a relief...

Try and cultivate a thick skin..you have a right to fly as much as anyone else..apologise but not over the top..do be seen to make an effort taking your child for a toddle around the cabin if they are getting cranky..

Take changes of clothes for you and DH and DS..our girls got covered in food, drink and were sick when we got lots of turbulence over HK..it's much nicer to be able to change them and you!

Good luck and have fun, I'm very jealous!

Thanks for the tips Hattie! You are very brave flying with twins. Yes it is a night flight which I'm hoping will help. We flew to OZ when ds was 7mo and actually that was fine, he basically just breast fed all the way. This time I feel it will be somewhat different.

I like the idea of not boarding first, could save us some aggro!