any advice for flying with an 11 month old long haul???

Anna - posted on 01/22/2010

i traveled for over 18hrs...twice wth my daugter when she was 6 and then 7 months...i brought stuff that wouldnt bother the other passengers, quiet toys. i made sure she was eating or sucking(my daughter doesnt take paci) while we were landing and taking off. def take finger foods...and as far as liquids are concerned i had a ton of bottles filled with water and an entire can of formula with me andthe didnt ask any questions. make sure u have some tylenol with you as well. and i she gets fussy during the trip can always get up and walk her around.

Pamela - posted on 01/22/2010

I think Jolene means manga doodle ( the boards the kids stamp things and draw on and you pull the swiper across and it erase's ) there are much cheaper brands than manga doodle but its a good idea

Pamela - posted on 01/22/2010

I did I flew 22 hours with my nearly 11 month old he didn't want to sleep on the first leg and he wouldn't fit in the bassinet and he is not huge. we just played trains and I had to constantly sing to him we walked up and down the isle.. its a hard age cause they are not really ready to sit there with colouring. I also got him a shape sorter which worked lots of milk and snacks grapes where a huge hit with my son. But he had gastro so it was hard work but its a bit like labour it's really feared but its over before you know it .. we have just booked a flight to the uk from perth 19 hours my sons will be nearly 3 and 21 months !!! OMG heheh good luck

Angela - posted on 01/22/2010

you can bring practically anything for your baby onto the plane. bottled water, juice, saline nose drops, other liquid things. Put it in the diaper bag and say it's for the baby. Have your baby suck/drink on the way up and down to help with ear pressure.

Susan - posted on 01/22/2010

Children often have problems with their ears during take off and landing. Make sure they have something to chew or a bottle to suck on, as that will help equalize the pressure.
I had to fly overseas with mine when they were little, and I found that something new was a good distraction - music headphones used to be available on the planes, but it might be a good idea to take a little player with some toddler tapes and earphones, cloth books that have activities like zippers and buttons in them are good. If she is used to the freedom of being able to run around, it might be good to start practicing by "playing airplane" - two chairs side by side or a small couch, and practicing spending time with them doing quiet things. This will help you figure out what things are likely to keep her occupied for longer periods of time. A small "kiddie computer" that can be used quietly with lots of buttons, colors and things to do is an asset. Watch that any finger foods you take aren't too messy, or you could get off the plane wearing your child's snacks. Cheerios are good. Remember that flying is dehydrating, but the trick is to keep a balance between giving enough liquid and not having to change a diaper too often, or not ending up stuck in your seat because a meal is being served and you can't change a diaper (always tricky on an airplane). If you're lucky enough to be in a row with an extra seat, this helps.
Good luck!

Charlene - posted on 01/22/2010

thanks! what is a Magna Toddler?

Jolene - posted on 01/22/2010

Take things that won't bother travelers around you. quite things. Like a magna toddler that can be used over and over. They also have a little coloring book now that you add water to the marker type pen and color magically appear on the page and when it dries you can do it all over again. I children loved to listen to headphones they would sit quietly for quite a while with music playing softly. Songs they liked for them, like nursery rhymes. Maybe a magnetic board. Books. i would also remember to practice now. Do you go places where they have to stay on your lap and sit quietly like church, Dr offices etc.. That helped my kids. I have taken day care kids to office appt. and they do not want to sit they want to get down and run. The next time they don't go, then I try it again. Soon they learn that there are places that I go where they have to stay on my lap and sit quietly. Just sit on a couch and hold them quietly and read or look at books and activities that you think might hold there attention.

I am not sure on the types of food. My children are now 23, 21, 19, 17, 14 so there weren't the restrictions that there are now.

But things they like, crackers, grapes, bananas, finger foods of any type. Is what I would take. But check with the airline you are flying with as far as liquid goes for sure.