Overnight long haul with baby and toddler - advice?

[Butmaaaaam]

Hi, I’ve got an overnight long haul (15 hours) coming up with a 7 month old and nearly 3 year old.

I’m hoping both will sleep for a good 10 hours of the flight. Unfortunately the baby is too big for the bassinet so I’m guessing he’ll have to sleep on us/in carrier the whole time, so we’ll not get much sleep.

I’m not sure how well the toddler will sleep in a chair though…is there any way I can make him more comfortable?

Any advice or tips would be great, especially around helping the kids get comfortable enough to sleep!

Thank you

Can you afford to upgrade your seats? I think that's your best bet as well as really.wearing your toddler out. I think 10 hours sleep might be a bit ambitious though, sorry

No sadly we can’t afford an upgrade.

Oh dear, sounds like I’m being optimistic! I don’t mind entertaining them but they both really suffer if over tired!

Buy one of the inflatable seat extenders, I travelled long haul with my friend and her children and these were a game changer. Edited to add sorry for the long link.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Airplane-Footrest-Extender-Foldable-Accessorie/dp/B0C7QC9GQK/ref=sr119?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.weGjQNMms5uwB6Im23Tv5qYfxplKDpYxVhCEOXkB1Jm84pBW0kG4l7weZ3aEufUke04whC7hBcABGkOZIbRwcQCkc8MdyQIrRn6BI4eHZxHgH6X0D2hlxBOU1LoymlDXEwvdmAQMO5YXu5WVVePIylkjCqSU1v8K1XRI2Jkv23zpq-ZOIPOmR95rcyiYliIM181kO2aKS-cmDQiSoNk8DuU873q5tpIYE-nTPLJXfOkFlab0keolj7fgY0FfLSbBwA6kc76tAUME1tOSll9dWJ9BOASDQNUkGd9j8Us8.OApyWxGGNjemBB6tbq9KYtyTUD4oAKTuEnItEb5rU4&dibtag=se&keywords=aeroplane+bed+for+toddlers&qid=1725995602&sr=8-19

You'll be fine! Have no expectations, just go with the flow. They might sleep (great) they might not (but if they don't, at least they'll catch up on sleep when you get to your destination and hopefully you'll sleep too then). 3 year old will hopefully like the airplane TV? Maybe take away all screens for a week before the flight so they really enjoy it on the flight? 7 month old will be easier age. Bring 6 million snacks. Might be worth 3 year old wearing a nappy to avoid an accident (especially if they might need a wee during take off/landing when you can't just go because of the seats on signs). Maybe get the 3 year old a present toy to open on the flight too, something to do like drawing. Good luck. X

Who are you flying with? Only as some airlines have car-seat style seats if the babies are too big for the bassinet. Are they too big or too long? We flew with a 13m old and she was a bit too long but when she was asleep managed to get her in as she scrunches with butt in the air! She's quite small though.
Snacks are also golden. So many snacks. Toys they'll both use - the stick on fidget spinner things, busy book, a new toy each long flight.
Carrier for settling and through airport for sure. Check pram (if taking one) at check in desk. Those toddler bed things look amazing for the older one.
We flew to Australia from U.K. twice in the first year of having a baby. Was awful but she did sleep for over 9 hours overnight each time! It's like the plane is magic white noise.

If baby is too big for the bassinet, don't go for the bulkhead seats. Go for normal seats, and lift the armrests to give the 3 year old chance to stretch out over you (both??).
Sling for the 7 month old - but you might be made to make they face forward when the seatbelt signs are on.
Spare clothes for everyone - Including the adults.

Don't expect 10 hours sleep!!! DS1 has never slept on a plane. His record is 36 hours awake....

This will be hard but you will get through it! I have done this a few times.
Assume zero sleep for any of you and then you won't be disappointed!

You'll need a sling for baby to enable you walk about with and for hands free help with 3yo to go to the loo. And endless walks up the aisle with 3yo. (Assume no other adult with you?). Spare clothes in hand luggage for everyone including every adult. Pashmina / muslins for mopping and blankets and pillows.

Lots of small games or different activities for 3 yo. Sticker books. Novelty new toy. Cards. Picture books. Comics. iPad??
Snacks. Lots of snacks.

Breastfeed on take off / landing will help with ears for change in pressure.

Typically they will fall asleep just as you will be landing!
Anyone at the other end to hand them to so you can get some sleep?
Esp if jet lag too.

Good luck!