Tips on Traveling by Air 11 Hours with 16 Month Old

Hi L.,
I traveled with my daughter on a trip to Hawaii (10 hr flight) when she was 11 months old. It was a challenge but worked out better than I expected. The flight over was during the day, which was a challenge. We reguested the buckeye (front row) seats which was really helpful. It gives you much more leg room which we put down a blanket and let her play there off/on. She didn't really knap great on the way there given all the distractions, but we walked up and down the isle a lot, sorta watched the movie they had on, brought lots of her favorite toys. The time went much faster than we expected. On the way back, it was an overnight flight. Much easier.... It took her about 2 hrs to get to where she was super sleepy, we did give her a little Benadryl however. She slept the entire way back. Another tip is to say hi to the people sitting around you. You would be surprised that the other passengers can actually help the process but making faces and entertaining him too. This also helps if he gets fussy, they are a little more understanding. It won't be perfect the entire flight, but you will survive. Good luck.

Upgrade to first class if at all possible. That is what we did and still do. Our daughter is 13 and we have flown with her since she was a baby. The seats are roomier.

If you can't do that, plenty of snacks, drink and toys. We also made puppets with the throw up bags and had puppet shows.

My daughter's ears still bother her. We used the "Ear-Planes" plugs for her ears and they help her a lot.

Susan

portable dvd player with his fav movies(Cars,Ice Age 2,etc)...
snacks,his fav books, and infant benadryl for emergency...

One major tip: Carry more of everything (diapers, wipes, food, drinks) than you think you'll need! We travel frequently with our 3 yr.old and have got caught in delays more times than we can count. There's no such thing as being overly prepared when traveling with a little one.

Also, we always give our daughter benadryl before we get on the plane. Not to knock her out but to help her if she's even the littlest stuffy. Sinus pressure on a plane is torture for even the most seasoned of travelers, it's much worse for a child that can't tell you that they're stuffy.

We have traveled back and forth to Europe every few months since our 19 month old son was born and I have done it on several occasions by myself. The best thing to do is go into it with a good attitude. Don't get upset if he gets fussy because that is just adding fuel to the fire. He is bound to be interested in everything so let him explore. Our son never sleeps on flights no matter what time of day and we just let him wander up and down the aisles visiting with people. Most people on the plan enjoy the entertainment and would rather have a little guy pulling at their legs for a laugh than screaming his head off. Also, look around for other kids on the flight and buddy up to them, even older ones. We always seem to attract little girls or boys who love to play with him and entertain him for a while. Remember to bring lots of his favorite snacks and toys that don't make too much noise. Little hotwheel type cars are good because he can hang out on the floor and drive them around. Get the bulkhead seat if you can and try to get him his own seat. If you didn't buy him a seat ask about getting moved to an aisle with an empty seat when you check in. Our son has never had problems with his ears but he always drinks when we take off or land just be sure and I always pack tylenol just in case. Be sure to bring his favorite blankie and sleep time animals too. Also, a change of clothes for him and a clean shirt for yourself (in case he barfs on you).

Hope this helps and have a good trip...don't worry it is only 11 hours!

DO NOT give your son Benadryl unless you are 100% super confident that it won't have the opposite effect on him. I speak from painful experience. We are on assigment in Asis and travel back to the States 4x/year. Benadryl can make children SUPER hyper which makes for a miserable flight. Can your son blow his own nose? If so, have him blow it well and then give him a shot of saline sprray (Little noses) up each nostril. Otherwise suction his nose and then use the spray before you board your flight. Have him drink, use a pacifier or chew on gummies while taking off. If he has his own seat -use the blanket to make a tent around the seat when it's bed time and keep it really low key. If you suspect his ears are bothering him give him a dose of motrin. We purchased a portable dvd player for our last flight back to Asia. It was a lifesaver because the flight leaves in the morning. The best tip I can give you is not to stress about bothering other passengers if he gets fussy. Most if not all of them will have children and will sympathize and even offer to help. Bring lots of snacks and a couple of new toys and you will be fine!

L.,
Here is a link to the responses I got when I asked that question. I found these ideas to be really helpful: http://mamasource.com/request/13811269743610429441
Good luck!