Flying to Barbados end of Jan - advice please

[2bayumimum]

Hi there, we are flying to Barbados at the end of Jan, with our 3 yr and 17 month DSs. I know it will of course be warm ( hopefully ! ), but as we will be in ariconditioned rooms, not sure what tog sleeping bag to bring for the little one, or what he should sleep in e.g sleepsuit, shortie etc ? Can anyone who's been to Carribean at that time of year, let me know what you think ?

Also, we are flying with Virgin, would they supply warm milk for younger DS's bottles, or should I bring powdered milk and ask for hot water to make them up ? He still has milk about 4 times a day ( so I think twice on the flight )

Finally, our 3 year old will be very happy watching the TV, being read too etc for the length of the journey, but the youngest doesnt like to keep still, at all, so any tips on how he can be entertained would be greatly appreciated ?

We are really looking forward to the trip, but slightly concerned about the flight, given how active the youngest is.....Thanks a lot

Can I come in your suitcase?

We flew to the USA last Summer when DS2 was 18 months, he was a pain in the ass for the first 6 hours, would not sit still, up and down the plane, would not watch TV, not intersested in his toys.

He eventually settled with warm milk and slept on me for the remaining 5 hours (I needed a wee but did not dare move!), powder and hot water from BA cabin staff, but had to go to back of plane for the water, which was not a problem.

He was flat out most of the way home, late flight, screamed all the way down to landing for about 45 mns, not fun, but Dh had him and people were not so huffy to a man about it!

Have a fab time!

Thanks a lot Carocaro, I am anticipating with worse with DS2, but secretly hoping to be pleasantly surprised....but walking up and down the aisle as he stops to smile sweetly at everyone he passes, is probably going to be the reality ! Will be fab when we get there though...

Hi, went to Barbados when DS was 19 months (& again when he was 3.4) so similar ages to your 2. He slept in grobags & think we used a 1 tog in the hotel but took a 0.5 tog for the plane (they seem to crank up the heat on the night flight back). I think he slept in thin pj's as well but it'll all depend on where the air con is in your room as to what they need on (1st time we went ds was in cot but the only place to put the cot in the room was directly under the ac so was bit chilly & he ended up in our (huge) bed. I'd take whatever tog you've got & adjust the stuff underneath accordingly when you get there (take long & short sleeve pj's if you've got them!)

We also flew with Virgin both times & they are really good with kids. We took ready made formula first time but had to put it in bottles to taste 'cos of the security checks) so formula to make up would be better option (I think they'll give out hot water to make it up). DS didnt eat much on the plane but drank loads (was still teething!) so we ran out of ready made formula but the crew were happy to give more milk (makes sense for them to try to keep lo's as happy as poss during the flight I suppose!!!)

As for keeping them quiet / occupied during the flight. Take as much stuff as possible. Stickers go down well, plenty of small presents in party bags for them open throughout the flight, preferably things they haven't seen before or in a while (poundland good for stuff), colouring stuff, magazines, snacks & if you've got one or can get your hands on one, a portable dvd player & a few of their fave dvds. Battery will only last a certain length on plane but also handy for going out for meals at night when you get there or even sitting round the pool under the umberella!

Take a spare set of clothes for you all in your handluggage in case of accidents, calpol just in case & ziplock bags are handy for putting wet clothes in!

Most of all try to relax & enjoy. DS was probably the best behaved on our flights & he slept all way home on both trips (had to wake him for landing both times!). As long as you try to keep them occupied & aren't leaving them to scream the place down then hopefully others will be accomodating, if not you'll probably ever see them again .

Sorry for war & peace & shout up if any other questions & enjoy Barbados (it's fab

SC

Thanks a lot Spacecadet, very, very useful info, I particularly love the party bags idea ! Will also bring sachets of calpol, as usually have that stowed away in the hold, but this will be a longer flight of course ! Brilliant food for thought, thank you.

You have both given me some really good ideas, to help us relax and hopefully enjoy the flight - maybe pushing that last point :-)

Did this flight earlier this month. DS (22 months) only slept for two hours on the flight out to Barbados. However, he slept most of the way home.
We managed to get the bulkhead seats in premium economy so at least he had some room to play.

I second the advice about lots of toys and books. A Magna Doodle (tesco have cheap ones for £4) and an Aqua Draw pad kept my son entertained for ages.

Just seen your message Ronx, thanks v much. We have a feeling that DS wont sleep much on the way out, but very much hoping that we have your experience on the way back and that he sleeps for most of it ! Our local Poundland will have had a bumper day on Saturday, with the number of bits and pieces plus party bags we bought :-) ! May also get a magna doodle to add to the collection too.

Have a great time!