Flying Long Haul to Asia with Toddler. Wish me luck!

[Anonymous]

Hello, there, parents -

My husband and I are flying long haul to Asia with our not yet two-year-old son next week. We're flying Air France, connecting in Paris.

I recently asked a veteran flight attendant for advice and she said, "bring lots of sedatives!"

But really, what do I need to know? Any particular tips on going through security, anything particular about Charles Du Gaulle airport, entertaining the kid on the 'plane, what seats are best etc.? He will have his own seat and we're planning to use the CARES harness instead of bringing the giant car seat on board. I am in a quandary about the bulkhead vs. any other row debate. The bulkhead arm rests can't be lifted, right?

Getting a little anxious here and would appreciate your advice.

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Make sure you have plenty of connection time at CDG-- as in hours. I have heard that is an tough airport for connections (of course so are many others).

I don't like the bulkhead because you give up under seat storage, and we like to have lots of toys/books/food within easy reach.

If you want more info. about seats you can check out seatguru.com.

[Anonymous]

snacks, new toys, books and if you're up for drugs, you might try benadryl on him to see if it makes him drowsy or hyper. I know some people aren't fans of using it, but desperate times might call for desperate measures.

[Anonymous]

DON'T GET THE BULKHEAD!!!! (sorry, I feel passionately about that) The arms can't be lifted, you're right, and it's so uncomfortable. Worst seats to have with a kid that age.

Since it sounds like the 3 of you, definitely try to get one side of the plane (where there are 3 seats together, not the middle where there are 4). I actually like being by the bathrooms, because we go there a lot and also it doesn't disrupt people when your DS wants to get up and walk a bit.

I'm also going to recommend the old standby, DVD player or other device to play movies or tv shows. Lots of new little toys. For my DS (a little older than yours), matchbox cars and maybe one of those matchbox car tracks that folds up small but then folds out into a firehouse or something (they are on amazon, just search for matchbox garage to see what I mean). Crayons and paper are good. A few new books, if he likes books. Stacking cups, which are also fun to put snacks in while playing.

You can do it - both you and DH will need to be on the ball, but the nice thing is with the 2 of you and one kid, you can switch it up and each takes rests if you need to.

[Anonymous]

We bought our daughter home from China when she was 15-m.o. It actually wasn't that bad. We had a seat for her -- thanks to United for its gift to celebrate her adoption -- in the bulkhead row. I liked having the extra room, but my husband thought it was unnecessary. In any case, the most important advice we can give you is to stock up on Cheerios! Dole those babies out sparingly to make them last. Just like with adults, mindless eating is a good way to make the time pass on a long flight. Good luck!