Hello! I have two boys aged 3 and half and 16 months. I'm going to be making a rather long trip back home (11 hours flying direct), and wondering what everyones little secrets were when flying with children. Since we're all from 'somewhere else' - i'm really hoping for some good feedback!!!!

Hi, what time of day is your flight? I mean is it overnight your local time so could you expect them to sleep for a large portion of it?

I think organisation is key and knowing where you have stored everything for easy reach cos there isn't a lot of space to move around in a plane.

Changes of clothes are a must, don't forget yourself on that list. Spilled food, sick or wee-wees can soak mummy just as much as baby!

As far as entertaining, I travelled with my little boy when he was 14 months old, 8 hour trip. The secret was to pack lots of small things to play with and preferably things he hadn't seen before to hold his attention.

He is now 3 and we travel back to my parents a lot which is 2 plane journeys and a full day's travel so the same rules apply I find.

For you three year old, crayons and books are a must. Also you can get these great magnetic travel games - Charlie has in In the Night Garden one, but I know you can get others if you maybe look on Amazon or somewhere similar. Being magnetic you don't have to worry about picking up small things from the floor constantly!

To be honest he would have enjoyed that when he was a lot younger too so could be great for both your children.

I took stacking blocks too as they pack away nicely and can be used for hide and seek games with little cars or items, tracing around on paper to make lots of shapes for colouring in - it really is a case of being creative with what you can fit in your bag.

If you think they will sit and watch a film then a portable DVD player is a good investment but I don't find this is captivating enough for my little one.

I used to go to the 1 euro shop and get some little things that I could pack in a small bag and then produce something different every hour if need be. For the 3 year old it could be a good reward system for helping mummy and being a good boy/girl....nothing better than a little present every hour!

I know you have 2 to keep happy but I was surprised how much easier it was than I expected. Of course it can get fretful sometimes but hopefully you too will pleasantly surprised.

One tip I would pass on is pull up nappies for your 16 month old. At that age it is impossible to lie them down in the toilet to change them as the changing table is too small. I used to really struggle. At least with pull ups you can stand them on the toilet seat to pull them up - far easier!

Good luck!

C x

HI

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply. At least i know i'm on the right track. My second son hates it when i change his diaper now, and always wants to stand. So i know your tip would really help.
Ive got a fair amount of little toys, activity things for both children (less for the younger one though). But i shall certainly try to look for magnetic toys. I have a netbook which i'm carrying with a USB key which i'll put some firmliar films on.
Rest of the time i'm hoping they would sleep!! My flight is at 10.30 in the morning and i arrive in sri lanka at 4 in the morning. So if i'm lucky they'll have a afternoon nap and sleep off for the night. I'm looking at homeopathy to cure overexcitement! I travelled once with my older son when he was 18 months. It went off very well - but he was by nature quite calm (now hes like everyother 3 year old!) Its my second son (15 months) i'm worried about - hes an absolute tornado!!!!
Guess if i'm geared, organised and rested - i just need a prayer to get me through!

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