Come fly with me…and my kids
In July I have foolishly arranged to take both the boys to Seattle to visit my parents by myself. That’s 9 1/2 hours each way on a plane with a 4 year old and an 18 month old. The return flight is overnight and I’m not really sure if that is a good or a bad thing.
Other than a trip to Brighton and a weekend in Devon before T was born I’ve not taken the boys on any long trips, let alone a flight without Hubs. I have a feeling that there is a whole world of parenting experience out there so I’m turning to you, oracles of the blogosphere, for advice. So far my plans consist of:
- Get them passports
- Get a light weight pushchair to take with us
- Pack loads of snackfood
- Steal Hubs’ iPad for E
But I’m sure there’s loads more I can do. What would you suggest to prevent this becoming the most traumatic few hours of my parenting life? What should I take? Is there anything that is hard to get hold of in America? How can you get a toddler with a pretty set sleep schedule used to an 8 hour time difference? I’d love it if you’d leave me some suggestions or if it’s something you’ve written a post about just link it up below so we can all see it.
I’d particularly welcome suggestions for a pushchair that folds up well and is easy to steer so do link up any reviews you’ve done. I love our Jane three wheeler travel system which we’ve had since E was born but it is so big it barely fits in my boot and is pretty heavy so given that I won’t be off-roading I think something cheap and simple would be better.
Keep your fingers crossed for me :s
Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net
We are travelling for the first time with our 3 yr old (9 hours) I’m dreading it as she is fiesty to sat the least. Ipad great idea, for my older one. I have no idea how Miss A is going to handle it. Snack sound good, maybe load the ipad with some favourite movies? Ill be really intersted to see if you get any good ideas
Good luck to you too then. We can exchange war stories later.
My heart jumped when I saw what you’re about to do! I made a trip from London to Chicago (also 9 hours) with a 16 month old. Also by myself.
I wrote some tips here: http://wanderlynn.wordpress.com/2012/03/26/toddler-traveling-tips/
I don’t advise reading about my experience getting there.
What I wish I had known? Don’t expect sleep on the way! The good news: at least with the baby, the time adjustment was no problem – just feed them when they’re supposed to eat.
Good luck!
Thanks Lynn, that is a brilliant post. Load of really good tips and it made me laugh (which is just what I needed to avoid the rising panic). Fantastic!
Think the 4 year old will be easy – the elecronics will do the job for you. It’s the 18 month old that will need the attention. Guess you need some lightweight non bulky toys and books and hope that sleeping and eating takes up lots of time.
Good luck! The petite star zio is very light, I’ve just returned from London with it and it was folded up and down all day and was easy to carry.
If you have connecting flights make sure your pushchair is kept in an overhead and not in with the luggage. A lot of times they’ll take the pushchair at the plane but with then transfer it down to belly of the plane. Then you get to the next airport thinking your pushchair will be there and it’s not. If you ask them to keep it in overhead they will do it… sometimes. Also get to check in early and ask if they’ll block the seat next to you- you sit in aisle seat hubby sits in window and block middle seat. If the plane isn’t full the seat will be yours. If it’s full then you’ll be out of luck. It’s worked for me… I now have to buy a seat for my 6 yr old so I’m not too bothered anymore but under 2 it was a lifesaver!
Lots of great tips already, but just in case… http://scandinaviansojourn.blogspot.de/2011/04/flying-with-children.html (from my old blog!)…
Do you have an iPad? It’s the only thing that can keep my nearly two year old still for more than 5 minutes. He’s the world’s most uncooperative traveller and very little can make him sit still in his seat. I just approach every trip with the thought ‘this time tomorrow it will be over’.
Good dose of piriton?