Flying with a 3yr old and 14mth old for 15hour flight

[greengables]

Hi - Just thought I would share in case other mums are about to go thru this:

I've just flown from Australia to Dubai (we've relocated o/s) by myself with my 3yr old and 14mth old. The flight was 15 hrs.

I expected it to be a trip from hell! However, it worked out FAR better than I expected. I have the following tips:
- Get an overnite flight (the kids slept for over 1/2 the flight)
- Get seats at the bulk head - the kids can comfortably stretch out on the floor in front of you (provided no turbulence)
- Phnergan! (with GP advice obviously)
- Bring fave naughty treats / snacks (I had twisties and was a hit - other children were scabbing them off me)
- Bring bottles even if your child has outgrown them (helps with ears adjusting) and lollypops
- Cater for 1 nappy change every 3 hours. I packed way too many.
- Pack extra wipes (ie 2 x huggies slim hard-case)
- Check what kids shows are on, not just movies but TV shows - Emirates had 'In the Night Garden' which is the only tv my 14mth old can seem to focus watching
- Borrow prams from the airline.
- Dont be proud to accept help from nice man passengers (I had one on each flight) who offer to carry your huge carry-on bag off the plane for you.
-
:ecomcity:
Hope this helps someone else. I was quite worried but it all went fine!

[MummyNanny]

Thank you for sharing that, great to read :yes:
I am booked on an Emirates flight early next year, DS & I are going to the UK for 5 weeks. I'm starting to research the 'travel with a toddler' things. :fingerscrossed: for our 4 hour stop in Dubai & 8 hour flight on to the UK.
Again, thank you, very helpful :thumbsup:

[MummaFug]

I will also add 2 things which I always pack

- An adult T-shirt in a plastic ziploc (in case of a vomit or accident - the dirty one can zipped away)

- a change of clothes for Bubs (also in ziploc bag)

- I ALWAYS pack each nappy in a plastic nappy bag with 2-3 wipes in each. That way you can just take the bag to the toilet with you and throw it away.. I have PACKETS of wipes spread all over my bag and seat for the "ust in case" moments.

[MimiGrace]

i didn't think children were allowed to sleep on the floor :no: we usually got moved.

I also think taking a portable dvd player is a good idea, just incase the movies and tv shows playing suck.

My mum always used to make a small gift bag for each of us with lots of little packages, which we were only allowed to open once we were in the air. Sometimes we had to pace the opening of them.

And the knock out drugs in the orange juice, best thing ever! (i was the one taking them and i think they're great).

But the rest of your advice, love it! :thumbsup: really great

Our trips usually take up to 24 hours, but your advice still holds totally true!