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

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We did a 28 hr flight with 10 month old. Not exactly the same but baby slept for a few stretches. Rest of time played on our laps or next to us. We brought a gallon ziploc bag of his favorite toys. We took turns holding him for an hour or so each (not sure if you are traveling alone). We had a long layover and let him crawl around as much as possible. We also set ourselves up mentally for the worst - imagining we would not sleep for a day, would get into fights, and just be exhausted. Turns out it wasn’t as bad as we imagined so even felt like it went well!

Small things we did that helped though -
Prepped all his bottles and food before hand so minimal prep needed. Had a special lunch tote just for bottles that we could fit in front pocket. You could even switch to powder formula for the trip so all you need is water.

Great tips! Thanks so much

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:To all the people saying why would you do this, bla bla, just move on, you’re not helping. It’s not difficult to imagine why this would be necessary.

In any event: kid needs their own seat of course. Second, screen time limits go out the window. Third, yes reusable stickers, those little coloring books that work with water and are reusable once they’re dry, no limits on sleep. Yes, lots of changes of clothes and snacks that you know kid will eat.

As with infants, try to sleep when they sleep.


Good luck, it will be okay.

Thank you, thIs is helpful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Fly business or first class. Did that with a 14 mo old on a 24 hour flight and it was more comfortable.

Business will be $5K each we dont have that kind of money.

[Anonymous]

Check your car seat in and use a CARES harness. Otherwise the 18 month old's feet will touch the seat in front of them. Every time the child moves their feet, the person in the seat will notice even the slightest movement. Ask me how I know.

CARES Harness
https://www.amsafe.com/kidsflysafe-com/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Check your car seat in and use a CARES harness. Otherwise the 18 month old's feet will touch the seat in front of them. Every time the child moves their feet, the person in the seat will notice even the slightest movement. Ask me how I know.

CARES Harness
https://www.amsafe.com/kidsflysafe-com/

Thanks, he hates his car seat . we plan to carry it but doubt it will be used much.

[Anonymous]

Tylenol, inflatable cube airplane bed if you can get the 3 across seats ( but then you need to decide between car seat and seatbelt). Get the very front of seat in case kid kick ( mine does). Lollipops to ease ear pressure. Kids headphone and allow more screen time. Pipe cleaner and magnetic toy like puzzle and blocks you don’t mind losing.

[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!

1. Don't do this as both of you will be miserable. There is no way an 18 month old can make a 24-hour trip without major breakdowns. Good lord, an adult would find this trip difficult. If this trip is absolutely then break it up by staying in a hotel overnight so both of you can get a decent nights sleep.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Tylenol, inflatable cube airplane bed if you can get the 3 across seats ( but then you need to decide between car seat and seatbelt). Get the very front of seat in case kid kick ( mine does). Lollipops to ease ear pressure. Kids headphone and allow more screen time. Pipe cleaner and magnetic toy like puzzle and blocks you don’t mind losing.

Thanks! All front row seats are booked. We have flown with her before and it went well. Love the idea of lollipops to ease ear pressure.

Thanks

[Anonymous]

Do NOT use Benadryl unless you are absolutely positive of how your child reacts to it.
It knocks one of my girls out, but it makes my other DD very hyper and emotional. Bad idea on a long flight.

[Anonymous]

This ride on suitcase saved us when we had a tight connection: https://microkickboard.com/collections/travel-all/products/luggage-eazy

It's also easy entertainment at the gate. My 3 and 5 year old loved pulling each other around and they still ask to use it around the house.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Fly business or first class.

Please don't do this.

- A first class passenger.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do NOT use Benadryl unless you are absolutely positive of how your child reacts to it.
It knocks one of my girls out, but it makes my other DD very hyper and emotional. Bad idea on a long flight.

Thanks don't plan on it. Not sleeping one day will not be the end of the world for us. She is a good sleeper and we are hopeful she will.slero through the first 14 hours.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Check your car seat in and use a CARES harness. Otherwise the 18 month old's feet will touch the seat in front of them. Every time the child moves their feet, the person in the seat will notice even the slightest movement. Ask me how I know.

CARES Harness
https://www.amsafe.com/kidsflysafe-com/

Thanks, he hates his car seat . we plan to carry it but doubt it will be used much.

Where are you going to put the car seat on the plane if your kid doesn't want to sit in it? If you bring the car seat on the plane they will make you use it in the seat. They don't have room to store it and won't.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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!

1. Don't do this as both of you will be miserable. There is no way an 18 month old can make a 24-hour trip without major breakdowns. Good lord, an adult would find this trip difficult. If this trip is absolutely then break it up by staying in a hotel overnight so both of you can get a decent nights sleep.

OP needs to get her instagram pic of her little in Fiji.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Check your car seat in and use a CARES harness. Otherwise the 18 month old's feet will touch the seat in front of them. Every time the child moves their feet, the person in the seat will notice even the slightest movement. Ask me how I know.

CARES Harness
https://www.amsafe.com/kidsflysafe-com/

Thanks, he hates his car seat . we plan to carry it but doubt it will be used much.

Where are you going to put the car seat on the plane if your kid doesn't want to sit in it? If you bring the car seat on the plane they will make you use it in the seat. They don't have room to store it and won't.

Was going to check in. Decided not to take it inside.