HELP...travelling to UK with kids..3yr & 7mth

[rae1976]

Hi, I am going for a visit to England in a couple of months and although I am thrilled to bits to be going (havent been back for nearly 9 years) I am terrified of being in a plane for that long with my VERY hyperactive 3yr old and his brother of 7mths. I cant check with the airline what they have to amuse kids as I have no idea of what airline I will end up going with. My son is the type of kid who will watch tv for 1/2 hour if I am lucky!! Please please any suggestions what i should take with me or what will make my life easier..........thank you for any advice....i was thinking valium for me lol, i am that anxious!!

[sylvesterthecat]

Hi
I guess the main thing is DONT PANIC!!! I did it last year with my then 18 month old hyper manic son, on my own. I was dreading it. Going out was awful but coming back much better as I knew what to expect. Will you have a partner helping you on the flight?
By the way, Malaysian, Emirates and Singapore are all good with kids. I went Qantas/BA and they were as much use as a chocolate fireguard.
Anyway, whatever airline you choose will probably have a kids pack. Colouring pack. Take your own things though, cuddly toy to sleep (and familiarity), I bought a new Thomas Tank book to open on the plane and little toy cars. Generally though he was more interested in all the buttons on the arm rest and called the hostess numerous times during the flight.
They all have inflight entertainment now though in the backs of the head rest, so you will be able to watch kids tv or movies. We had postman pat and Shrek on our flight.
Remember, you will be fine and its only 24 hrs of your life. Dont clock watch either.
you'll be fine.

Lisa

[rae1976]

Thank-u Lisa for responding, ok, NO PANICKING, and thx for the tip on what airline not to go for. Its just me, boys and bump, to be honest if DP was going it would be like having another child with me:)

[xxxgbbintxxx]

I've just got back from my trip to the UK with DD of 8 mths. I tried not to even think about it and so was mildly surprised at how bad it wasn't. I flew Emirates and found them helpful.(Baby kit - bib, wipes, puppet, food. Inflight cartoon channels but only good for 3 yr old as headphones required!) My best advice is to have 'all' (nappy change/clean outfit/toys/spoon/drink bottle)the things you need at your feet (under the seat or in the seat pocket (get rid of all the duty free mags, not for the likes of us!)). That way you dont need to keep getting things down from the lockers with octopus arms. I had 3 x 7 hour flights and changed/refilled the bag at each stop.( Bear in mind that at these stops you have to lug ALL your carry on stuff about the terminal without the use of stroller handles). I asked one of the stewards to hold DD when I needed the loo ( no choice really!) but they appeared to enjoy it. I also asked for water and fruit almost hourly ( DD likes to gum apples, they keep her entertained).

I would say overall not to stress over it, let the people sitting near you huff and humf if they want but you may find that they have kids/ grandkids of thier own and are more than willing to help out. It is only one day after all - how bad can it be? !!! LOL:laughing:

Good luck and dont forget to send us a postcard! (9 years - you wont recognise the place. I went back for 3 weeks and given the choice, would have come back after 1 !)

Have fun and enjoy raving about your fab Oz life, keep us posted!

:)

[Rose19]

I went home at Christmas with my 10 month old. granted not as hard as with two children!! But I'd second flying with Singapore airlines, I haven't flown with Emirates or Malaysian but I've heard they are also great.

We took our own pram as my son sleeps in his pram and we were able to take it right to the boarding gate where they put it on the plane and then when we arrived at Singapore we had his pram to rock him to sleep in while we killed a few hours in the airport. Made carrying everything easier.

We also had a stop over one way which was heaven to get out into the Singapore stopover airport (actually in the airport itself so you don't have to go and get your big bags) and was great to shower and all to sleep so we weren't so fractious for the final leg.

Breastfeeding was great as I stuck him on whenever he was grizzly.............although that depends on your own situation.

With singapore airline you can also request the basinette seat when you book and they are very accomodating. And childrens meal. They gave us a row of three seats where possible so we laid my son down in between to sleep.

Good luck - it it so worth it when you get home and see friends and family. I can't wait till I go again and next time I imagine or hope it'll be with 2!