Tips for Surviving a 24-Hour Flight with an 18-Month-Old

[Anonymous]

I’m preparing for a 24-hour economy flight with my 18-month-old, which includes one connection, and I’d love any suggestions on how to make the journey smoother for all of us. So far, we have a bunch of suction toys, his favorite books, snacks, milk, and fruits on our packing list.

What tips do you have for keeping my little one entertained and comfortable during such a long trip? Are there specific items or activities you recommend bringing along?

Thanks in advance!

[Anonymous]

Does the baby have their own seat, or are you sharing?

[Anonymous]

Buy the baby his or her own seat and bring a car seat for them to sit in. My kids slept better in a seat than they did in my lap and it freed my hands up. It’s expensive, but it’s very worth it.

[Anonymous]

A change of clothes for you!

[Anonymous]

Why are you subjecting your child to this?

[Anonymous]

Have a plan B in case you miss your connection, consider even reserving a hotel

[Anonymous]

Benadryl?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why are you subjecting your child to this?

There is literally NOTHING on planet earth that would make me take an 18 month old on a 24 hour airplane trip. Literally nothing.

[Anonymous]

Make sure he has his own seat. Make sure none of what you are bringing will be stopped by security if you have to go through security and passport control at your connection.

Make sure you have PLENTY of time for your connection. Even better if the airport has a kid spot where they can run around a little.

Practice how you're going to carry things in advance. It sounds silly but lugging a toddler around plus your carry on can be difficult if you're doing a lot of walking!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why are you subjecting your child to this?

There is literally NOTHING on planet earth that would make me take an 18 month old on a 24 hour airplane trip. Literally nothing.

This is amazing advice, thank you so much. I'm sure OP is flying back and forth to Disney land 3x for fun

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why are you subjecting your child to this?

There is literally NOTHING on planet earth that would make me take an 18 month old on a 24 hour airplane trip. Literally nothing.

This is amazing advice, thank you so much. I'm sure OP is flying back and forth to Disney land 3x for fun

Look I have three kids. Please tell me what is important enough to subject an 18 month old to this for? I can think of one scenario only: her parent is dying and she literally has no one to leave the child with- not another parent, not a friend, not a nanny. OP is this the case? If so you get a pass. Otherwise? This is cruel and borderline insane.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m preparing for a 24-hour economy flight with my 18-month-old, which includes one connection, and I’d love any suggestions on how to make the journey smoother for all of us. So far, we have a bunch of suction toys, his favorite books, snacks, milk, and fruits on our packing list.

What tips do you have for keeping my little one entertained and comfortable during such a long trip? Are there specific items or activities you recommend bringing along?

Thanks in advance!

Hey OP - we didn’t do a flight that long, but did do a 5ish hour flight. We did find our 18 mo liked headphones - for music or a story rather than a tablet, which we do use on planes but she wasn’t interested at that age. She also liked the popper toys, as well as a little writing tablet she could scribble on. She loved the in flight magazines, and any new / different food. I think an extra seat would be helpful if you are traveling alone, but mine hate car seats so the idea of putting them in one for long periods seems nuts to me (though I acknowledge it’s safer).

[Anonymous]

Wow.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why are you subjecting your child to this?

There is literally NOTHING on planet earth that would make me take an 18 month old on a 24 hour airplane trip. Literally nothing.

This is amazing advice, thank you so much. I'm sure OP is flying back and forth to Disney land 3x for fun

Look I have three kids. Please tell me what is important enough to subject an 18 month old to this for? I can think of one scenario only: her parent is dying and she literally has no one to leave the child with- not another parent, not a friend, not a nanny. OP is this the case? If so you get a pass. Otherwise? This is cruel and borderline insane.

Military orders, foreign service family moving, child or parent needs medical care not available in the home country . . .

This is going to be harder on the parent than anyone else. If OP has decided it’s worth it then respect her decision.

[Anonymous]

Ipad or kids kindle fire.