Toddler on a 10h flight

[oceanob]

Me and my son(3 he'll be nearly 4 by the time of the holiday) are going on holiday in the summer the flight is 10hours long and it's a day flight from morning till afternoon. He is very active and hardly sits down, does have any activities/advice to tell him stay busy on the plane? I've heard to get in the plane last to have the minimum time in the plane

What should I wear on the plane and my son? A tracksuit something comfy?

That’s a long flight for a 4yo.
Have you considered your local Center Parcs for a holiday?

I've already booked this holiday hun we are going to see family aswell as having a holiday x

Get him to run about as much as possible before you get on the flight. There are limited options for movement on a flight that won’t bother others, can you keep him busy with snacks, toys, drawing etc and if need be, screens?

Have you flown with him at all yet?

It's the other passengers I feel sorry for.

No I was thinking to book a weekend away before going on the long haul flight to let him kinda get used to a plane

Simple card games, books, colouring etc. you have to adjust your expectations so that all you will be doing is playing with him, no watching a film (unless he’s watching one too!).

Thankyou x

You do know it's public transport? You can get a private jet if you want peace and quiet

Yes I was thinking this! He does have a tablet so I will be definitely downloading some games and films for him x

It'll be fine and worth it to go somewhere really lovely on holiday. Take him out for a really busy day the day before, some airports also have play areas so you might be able to use them if there are. A flight is definitely the time and place to relax the rules around snacks and screens. I'd also take a couple of new toys that can be given throughout the flight and some new books that you can read and look at.

No one will mind if you have to wander up and down with him a bit, lots of people do. Take him to the toilet regularly while the seat belt signs are off as that is guaranteed to be the time he becomes desperate. Also take spare comfy clothing in case of accidents or spillages.

With that response, I just know it will turn out exactly as I envisaged.

Thankyou very much!! He has nursery all day the day before and he is up running around all day there with his friends!! I'll definitely have a look into the play centres in the airports x

Top tips. Take some calpol sachets in case his ears hurt from take off. Also something to suck like a lollypop. If you are flying from Heathrow they have a soft play area you can use before hand. Take lots of snacks and things to entertain e.g sticker books, magic painting, books, minifigures etc. Save the electronic screens for later in the flight when he is tired and less engaged. Think about encouraging a nap on a flight that long, especially if you've had an early start to get to the airport. Tracksuits would be ideal for him, keep a spare set of clothes in your bag in case of spilt drinks etc.

Thankyou I'll definitely look into these to buy for the flight x

I've done longer flights with multiple preschoolers. It's really not that bad. They will have a personal screen in the back of the chair in front of them and you can bring paper and pencils and colouring books and quiet games to play and books and other things to keep them occupied.

Almost 4 is usually non stop for you but getting much more manageable than 2-3. Sticker books are good as well as iPad games, and a steady stream of snacks. If he is into cars then a few cheapie small ones to bring out on the journey could be good. Keep some sick bags handy and a towel just in case. Enjoy :)

It will be fine. I flew to Australia when mine were two and five. It's not easy but it's ok. The thing is they have your complete attention. You don't have to go and hang the washing up. They can't run about or yell but you are right there to make sure they don't.

Take a packet of balloons to play with in the airport. Try not to let him sit down at all before the flight.

Get small headphones and load up the ipad.

Take snacks, especially fruit. Not messy snacks and not sugar.

Get a new toy and a couple of books. Usbourne sticker books are good and a book like you choose.

Just say yes to everything. Tv yes. Snack yes.

My parents flew with me to Florida when I was 4.5 - pre iPad and individual seat screen days. They said they kept me occupied with travel games and colouring. So it’s definitely doable but I was a quite chilled child who didn’t always have to be up and moving. Saying that we had done a couple of short haul prior

Just try to keep as occupied as possible. If you can book a weekend away prior it may be an idea - so you all know what to expect and prepare for.

Don't be ridiculous. Her toddler has just as much right as everyone else to be on a plane. Dealing with crying children is a risk you have to take if you're going to take public transport 🤷🏻‍♀️

@Missingpotatocroquettes honestly x

I'm about to go on a daytime 10 hour flight next week with my 3yo. I'll let you know how we get on 😆

We did it with DC1 but I honestly can't remember what it was like ! (12y ago)

I'm packing

Books inc activity / colouring

Small Puzzle set
Mini playdoh and some tools
Cheap little soldier figures (his fave atm)
Handful of small cars
iPad with fave shows downloaded
Headphones
Calpol
Lolly for take off and landing
Lots and lots and lots of snacks
Spare clothes / wipes
Fave Teddy

Tablet, lots of snacks, crayola magic books and pens so he can draw but not risk it marking the plane, i got mini jigsaws from the works, mini connect 4 is another good one, favourite teddy.