Help - unexpected flight tomorrow with an 11 month old

[Anonymous]

We had a death in the family today and I have to fly out with my 11 month old tomorrow at 5 PM. I booked her a seat and I'm taking her car seat, but what else should I bring? Snacks? Entertainment? Ugh I am dreading this flight.

[Anonymous]

How long is your flight?
Is it one plane or two?
About what time is regular bedtime?

[Anonymous]

OP here. Flight is an hour and a half. Only one plane. Bedtime is 7 pm.

[Anonymous]

I would take an ipad or something similar loaded with fun apps (check out duck duck moose's line up of baby apps), snacks, some quiet toys that maybe DC hasn't seen for a while. Also, I know that flight would be right in the middle of dinner for my kid, so bring food to eat-feeding a meal will actually take up a good amount of time.

We had a very similar situation when DD was 11 mo-death in the family, sudden flight, but it was a bit shorter flight. Turned out absolutely fine. We ended up getting to the hotel well past bedtime, but she was able to snooze in the car.

[Anonymous]

pp here, so sorry about the death in your family too!

[Anonymous]

If you have an ipad or kindle or similar download a few apps and videos and bring it. Bring some small toys, post-it notes (function like stickers, but peel off) board books, lovey and wrap each item individually in aluminum foil so it can be wrapped and unwrapped. Bring lots of diapers and changes of clothes for both of you. Bring twice as many snacks as you need (3X if you are BF).

Get there early if possible. Run around, get a snack, buy an overpriced toy, get one more diaper change in before the flight. Much better than being pressed for time in security.

[Anonymous]

I pad
Stickers
Tape
Post it's
Small books

It will be fine, especially with the seat and a car seat.

I'm sorry about the passing of your relative.

[Anonymous]

I'm really surprised at all these people who are suggesting an iPad. Really? You can't entertain your 11 month old for an hour and a half? A few books and a couple of loveys, my boobs for take off and landing, and we're good to go.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm really surprised at all these people who are suggesting an iPad. Really? You can't entertain your 11 month old for an hour and a half? A few books and a couple of loveys, my boobs for take off and landing, and we're good to go.

I agree. An hour and a half isn't very long. Get up and walk around between take off and landing. Bring a new toy if you have time to get one. Nurse during take off/landing or give her a a pacifier/bottle - the sucking will help her ears. Diapers, wipes, extra change of clothes. You'll do fine. And I'm sorry for your loss.

[Anonymous]

Op, does your child fall asleep easily in the car? I wouldn't be surprised if she/he fell asleep during or shortly after takeoff. My child always did until he was about 2.5. The loud hum of the engine, the excitement leading up to it, etc. always knocked him out. Bring your child's lovey and a blanket and you just might get lucky.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm really surprised at all these people who are suggesting an iPad. Really? You can't entertain your 11 month old for an hour and a half? A few books and a couple of loveys, my boobs for take off and landing, and we're good to go.

My thoughts exactly

[Anonymous]

PJs for DD and an extra set in case of spilling/throwing up/diaper explosion etc
Board books
Blanket or soft toy
Ergo or carrier for you as an alternative to a stroller
Soft shoes that won't bang the seat in front if DD moves her legs
Any snacks you bring, in a container that minimizes spilling
Spoon, bib, wipes, bottle

Sorry for your loss and I hope the flight goes smoothly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm really surprised at all these people who are suggesting an iPad. Really? You can't entertain your 11 month old for an hour and a half? A few books and a couple of loveys, my boobs for take off and landing, and we're good to go.

Sorry to go off topic here, but this kind of snarky sanctimommy response is why DCUM can drive me nuts. Of course I'm capable of entertaining my 12 mo, and one of the ways I do it is to play on the iPad with him. He loves the peekaboo barn app, and it's enjoyable to play with him. Maybe OP has the same stick up her ass that you do and will scorn the friendly, helpful advice offered by people who use electronics, but if not, now she has some ideas. She sounded a bit stressed in her post, so I would think any ideas would be welcome.

Hijack over. OP, lots of good advice here, and I'm sorry about your family member's death .

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm really surprised at all these people who are suggesting an iPad. Really? You can't entertain your 11 month old for an hour and a half? A few books and a couple of loveys, my boobs for take off and landing, and we're good to go.

Sorry to go off topic here, but this kind of snarky sanctimommy response is why DCUM can drive me nuts. Of course I'm capable of entertaining my 12 mo, and one of the ways I do it is to play on the iPad with him. He loves the peekaboo barn app, and it's enjoyable to play with him. Maybe OP has the same stick up her ass that you do and will scorn the friendly, helpful advice offered by people who use electronics, but if not, now she has some ideas. She sounded a bit stressed in her post, so I would think any ideas would be welcome.

Hijack over. OP, lots of good advice here, and I'm sorry about your family member's death .

But there are peekaboo barn BOOKS. Screens are recommended against for the under 2 set. I wasn't being snarky or a sanctimommy. I included what I bring when I take my toddler on planes. If I had been sanctimonious I would have said "Oh, I would NEVER let MY baby see a screen, because while obviously you don't, but I value my child's brain!" I genuinely AM surprised, so I said that. I've flown 12+ hours with my 17 month old numerous times throughout her life, so I'm not speaking without experience on this. Sorry if it came across in a negative way though; that wasn't my intent.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I pad
Stickers
Tape
Post it's
Small books

It will be fine, especially with the seat and a car seat.

I'm sorry about the passing of your relative.

+1 you and your DC will do great. I'm sorry for your loss.