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Parents of Infants

Overseas flight with baby......

AmericanMom_in_theUK

24 years ago

Hi All,

We're Americans stationed in the UK. A few weeks ago we got back from a month long home leave in the States. During the trip, we did a whole lot of driving from house to house, and state to state, so that we could introduce our baby (born in the UK) to both our families and all our friends. And with him being the first grandchild on both sides....can you say LOTS O'PRESENTS? (We mailed 11, yes ELEVEN, television-sized boxes back to ourselves, canyabelieveit? OY!)

WHEW!! Now I REALLY need a vacation, LOL!!!

Our son, who was 4 months old when we began our trip, did very well on the flights and road trips. We're going back to the States this summer, to celebrate his first birthday with our families.

Traveling with a 4/5 month old was pretty good, no major problems. (Just logistical issues....we had a lot of stuff to haul through the dang airports, LOL) My question is this: DS will be 1 year old when we fly this summer. What can I expect this time around? And do you have any suggestions?

Thanks!

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Comments (2)

Karla_NE
24 years ago
I am guessing the flight will be at least 12 hours or so? I would suggest, if you can, to schedule the bulk of it to coincide with his sleeping time at night. That would eat up a big chunk of time to worry about. As far as wake time, he will probably get easily bored. The good thing about flying is he will not be strapped in as much as he would be with a carseat. I would bring toys/games, lots of snacks and drinks, and books. He will want to crawl/walk at times, which is good, it will help get some of his pent of energy out. Best of luck to you, we are trying a long road trip end of March when our DD will be 16 months. Can you say fun? NOT!
chloecat
24 years ago
Um, I certainly HOPE your child will have his own seat. Do they even still allow children to fly on your lap?

Most overseas flights originating in Europe leave early in the morning, so I hope you can find a night flight.

I flew overseas 4 times with my DD when she was 18 months, 26 months, 27 months and almost 3.

TAKE THE CAR SEAT. Trust me on this. Take small toys - NEW ones, and pull out a new one every half hour or so. Take fruit and juice from home (just make sure all the fruit is eaten before you get off the plane or they will confiscate it). Don't try Benadryl or Tylenol to make him sleepy. Try to get an aisle seat for you so that you can get up and walk around with him.

Make sure you have at least 3 changes of clothes for him and at least one change for you - in your carry-on.

Most importantly, make sure YOU are very well-rested before you start your trip. Flying with a toddler is much more stressful than flying with an infant. (And I did it ALONE with two cats to boot!) :-)

Hope this helps!
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