Loooong haul flight with 1 year old

[Bubblesandpop]

Hi everyone,

I'll soon be booking to fly from the UK to NZ with my 1 year old and am looking for any lessons learnt or advice on how to make it go as smoothly as possible!

I'm planning to take some of his favourite toys & some new toys. Lots of snacks that take a while to eat, try to get night flights where possible. He's walking now too so I'm guessing there will be lots of walking up and down the aisles. Is there anything else that may help?

Also my partner wants to stop somewhere for a few days halfway there so we have a break in the journey but I'm leaning towards trying to find a long change-over so we get some time to relax & stretch our legs but don't have to deal with getting our baggage, travel to and from an airport again etc. If anyone has any advice on that too I'd love yo know what worked for you.

Thanks

Done this one lots.

Best thing - coloured post it notes. Good to draw on and stick everywhere with easy cleanups.

Spare clothes for everyone. DS1 was sick all over himself and me as we took off once. On the first leg...

If you can afford it, book him his own seat - better than playing Juggle The Baby, and means he’s more likely to sleep.

We now always stop over in Singapore and make sure we have at least 12 hours. It makes a huge difference and Singapore has an airside hotel (so no customs, bag reclaim etc) - but still getting a good sleep in. Being able to have a proper sleep in a bed makes all the difference. I’m not a fan of being in transit without somewhere to crash, especially not if it’s been a tough flight.

Definitely book him a seat! Don't rely on the plane potentially being half full, or not having someone next to you...it's a nightmare having them on your lap. I second the post-it notes, and the stopping in Singapore.
Just take every hour as it comes. It'll eventually be over!

Thanks @JassyRadlett and @pingoose !
Singapore was the stopover we were thinking so great to know that's the best choice. I've just looked into the airside hotels and they look great. With all the facilities at Changi airport that sounds like it may be the perfect mix of getting a good break but not having all the hassle of staying in the city itself.
I'll look into extra seats & stock up on post-its too.
Thanks again

I’ve done lots of long hauls with my 2.

My top tips are night flights of at all possible and if you can get yourself any child melotonin to give little one, it will help them nod off.

Don't do a stopover. Really, don't. I've done this one lots and the best way to do it is bash it out. Seriously. you'll be battling jet lag the whole time you're in Singapore, then again when you hit NZ. Having gone through it a few times I'd rather do it once than twice in one go!

Look on keep em quiet- they do brilliant flight bags for children that my two love- the activities are good but they also love the unpacking! They also sell a plane pal which inflated so they can properly sleep. Have a great trip!

Thanks everyone this all gives me lots to think about. I really appreciate all the advice