Long Flight W/ a Toddler (23 Months Old)

We have travelled a lot with my son, and a few things that are key are making sure she is drinking something or using her pacifier on the way up and the way down. This will help her ears to remain comfortable and not pop. Also, DON'T try the whole keeping her up to make her extra tired so she'll sleep on the plane. This will most likely backfire ans she may be overly tired and more irritable. Also, don't stress about letting her move around a little bit or if she makes a little noise. You paid for your tickets just like the other passengers so you and she have as much right to be comfortable as they do. In other words, walk her up and down the aisles a few times whenever you feel she is getting really antsy and needs to move around. And don't worry - you'll both do fabulous! :)

I have done two trips to Brazil alone with my son. The first time he was only 6 months old so it was really easy. This last time was a little more difficult. I did all the stuff everyone said below, dvd, snacks, walking the aisle, small toys and books. Since it's a night flight I also used medication. My son was older as is yours and my pediatrician gave me a prescription for a light anti-allergy medicine. It basically took the edge off for him to initially fall asleep and he did fine after that (even though the meds only technically last for 5 hrs). I see no problem with it. It's a personal choice. Also, my flight was a pain, SD to Houston to Sao Paulo to Rio. I made sure my son took a good nap before we started. I know some people try to make their kid more tired but I find that my son is much more patient if well rested. Also try to do your normal bedtime routine (as much as possible). Ie. read a story, give him a glass of milk, whatever it is you do. It'll be fine. You will be tired when you get there but we moms are used to that, righ ;)

Works for me... Purchase a cute little backpack she can carry and fill it with all new little things for the flight. She doesn't see any of the goodies inside until you're on the plane. Some ideas to put inside are playdough (they come in little tubs w/tools attached to the lid),crayons w/new coloring book, little doll, anything she'd love! Also, have a couple lollipops for take off and landing, so her ears won't bother her too much!

Have Fun!

C.,

Don't be scared. You CAN do this!!!! In the end you and Sofia will be fine! First, check how long your DVD battery is good for.... you might want to buy an extra battery. As far as entertainment goes- how about travel size playdoh, crayons (crayola makes "Twistables" which don't break) post-it notes (fun to pull of and stick to stuff) felt shapes/animals and a larger felt rectangle for "sticking). Go to the $1 bin at Target or Joanne's Fabric- stock up on things that are new to Sofia to keep her interest, but don't forget her old favorites of course! Also, check out "colorform"s- too difficult to explain, just google it. Available at toy stores

Also, have you thought about whether you are taking a car seat and a stroller? Here is a thought. Does she have her own seat- hopefully?! Check with the airline, but chances are you won't need a carseat on the plane. I think they say at 2 years- she is close enough to go without it and I'm sure the stewardess won't ask. However, if you need one when you get there, think about buying wheels for the stroller. We use a product by GoGo Babyz. It is basically a roller and handle that screws on to the back of your carseat so it can operate like a stroller. It is great!!!!!! You just wheel her right through the airport and then check it at the gate. You could essentially use it on your trip as a stroller, but I would recommend buying something cheap when you get there and then just donating it before you leave. I know it seems a little wasteful but if it makes your trip easier, do it!

And finally, don't be afraid to ask for help. If you need it, put yourself out there- you know that other parents will completely understand and most are more than willing to lend a hand. Make friends with them- they are also a great resource for sharing toys!

Hope all goes well- remember it is only 2 days of your lives. Just a drop in the bucket!!!!

Good luck,
K.

I am traveling next Tuesday with my 3 1/2 and 1 1/2 year old(without husband). My flight is 4 hours long, but in the past has been a hard 4 hours to keep my very active daughter occupied. Things I have packed so far:

small bag full of small toys nicknacks daughter can look thru(good time to use some of those mcdonalds toys that are accumulating bc I don't care if they get lost).

dvd player. Very important to bring daughters favorite movie even though I am tired of it. I have tried bringing new ones that she hasn't seen and she was not interested in them. I think she feels more secure in the familiar.

Stickers are a must and paper or notebook so they don't end up on the back of seat in front of her. I stocked up at rite aide with their 99 cent sticker booklets.

color wonder book and pens. these don't leave marks behind like crayons do.

bag of cheerios and dental floss. My daughter will sit and string cheerios onto dental floss for a long time. Then she has a fun snack when she's done. Also fun with dare I say, fruit loops.

Sudafed cold and cough to administer 1/2 n hour before boarding to help with ears. My kids were sick last week and still have a little conjestion that I worry about

For takeoff and landing i take healthy fruit snacks that are chewy(floridas natural), pacifier, and sippy cup that has strong seal. The harder they have to suck out of the cup the better it will work for popping ears.

I also buy two new small toys. ONe to reveal on the first flight and another for the flight home.

Fun snacks have been more helpful than just the same old thing from home. At sprouts they carry strips of applesauce that you squeeze into your mouth. I also splurge on a cracker shaped like something they recognize. Last year I brought cheezits shaped like spongebob. This time I am bringing goldfish crackers with the added starfish shape that my daughter will notice.

I generally don't start with my scheduled snack/play until my 3 1/2 year old shows signs of needing entertainment bc flying is very exciting to her and can burn at least half n hour looking out the window and talking about it.

I am excited to read through everyones elses ideas now. Thanks for posting the question, MamaT

hi Cladia- That sure is a long flight - Well I can say try and get her a new packpack bag or something like it and get a bunch of new toys and things she has never played with or seen- WRAP them like gifts in tissue paper or b-day wrapping christmas whatever you have and let her open them as she gets bored -Dont let her see them all at once you need to hand them to her when needed -They have the Aquadoodle travel books with pens that hold water LOVE THOSE!!-can be used again after they dry-new dvds or ones that she loves to watch - crayons coloring books - books with pictures for the 2 of you to learn with #;s and letters and colors - try and bring her favorite pillow and blanet if she has them to have her comfortable in her chair to sleep - maybe new fun themed cups with water,milk or juice whatever you give her -i have seen princess ones - Toys that stimulate there mind to figure out a bit to make her a bit tierd after awhile - They have the learning stores,Lakeshore learning store is GREAT- that might help with those type of toys you can wrap for her,Try to stay away from alot of sugar snacks - the box of animal crackers they love to play with and the single boxes of goldfish are great too for there little independent fingers ,my boys love to see themselves in the mirror so a little pocket mirror might work for a bit -Good luck and safe flying - If you can not sure if you are bring her carseat on the plane to strap to her seat but it helps to have them strapped in that they are already familiar in the seat and its theres so that works as well -happy trip :)

Make sure you fly when child should be napping to help and ask pedit. about children's benidryl in case and the dose. Good luck is all I can say and bring lots of books, crayons, and a few new toys not pricey ones just some cars or trucks. Or something simple for a buck at target, if its wood and painted make sure shes doesn't chew on it it may contain lead paint. Good luck.

I packed a little backpack with the things he like the most when my 2 yr old and I went on a trip. I also gave him a little mortin when we got on the plane so that the height didn't affect him and I bought ear drops just in case he needed that too.

Hi C.:
Having traveled abroad many times, I totally can relate to where you're coming from. First of all I would suggest for you and your tot to have seats assigned closest to the lavatories, I would recommend in the very back of the plane that way if your tot cries or gets restless you wont be as nervous knowing that you are right in the center of the plane where passengers can be bothered more. You are doing the right thing by bringing along things that will keep your baby entertained. I probably would take the advice of your pediatrician as to have something to relax your baby such as benadryl. Dont forget your tots favorite blanky or toy. Good Luck!

I would definitely have a bag of stuff for her to do. The twins I take care of are 24 months so I would recommend toys she could play with in her lap or on the little table top.

Something like a coloring book and cryans, books she can look at like the cardboard kind or some you could read to her,a stuffed animal and favorite blanket for nap time, snacks, sippy cup with water and another one with juice and lots of wipes! You want to be able to change up the activity every time she starts to look disinterested... so she is busy and is having some fun.

If you have a window seat you can show her the clouds and tell her about them... you can ask her what color they are... 24 months we are just starting with shapes and colors - it might be a little too early for you but you could try it. You could go to the library and get a book about clouds if you don't have one. You could get some cotton balls and glue them ahead of time on a piece of paper and she could color it so she has her own clouds....

Good luck! Safe travels!

We always had good luck with rolls of scotch tape and other art supplies--popsicle sticks, spools of thread.

Safe travels!

I've been going back and forth to Sweden a few times with my two year old daughter. It's also a 14h flight.
I don't know if your Sofia is like my Sofia (Zoe Sofia) but she loves small nick-nacks and boxes. I fill one of my old makeup-bags with anything and everything. Small empty lipgloss containers, balloons, mini puzzles, small finger pupppets, a deck of cards, small mini books, STICKERS,tiny plastic animals, bag of crackers, box with raisins etc etc...It takes her a good two hours to dig thorugh that bag and really play with everything in it.
The DVD player is also a hit, for my next trip I am going to buy an extra battery for sure.
One thing i found less stressful on my last trip is to mentally not think about it as a 14 hour flight. Take it in small increments. Plan one little entertaining thing that the two of you can do on your seat for one hour, then go to the bathroom. Then set a new fun goal for the next hour and after that walk up and down the isle, then you have lunch for 30 min and so on... hopefully you will soon find that it's only three hours left..and three hours isn't THAT bad!!!!
Find allies on the flight! There is always one lady or family on the flight who loves babies. Seek eye contact with them and walk up to them and talk if possible. Both you and Sofia will like the abruption of other people after a while.
Also don't stress, don't you feel your child feeds of your stress and that just makes it worse. I don't know if it's politcal correct but I always have one glass of wine, it makes me relax and see the whole trip as the fun adventure it should be. Good luck.

You have it covered - lots of great advice here.
:-)
The big problem no one has mentioned yet, is potential crying or screaming. This is really unbearable for some of the other passengers and no way should they be expected to put up with it - so fave toys and ways to comfort and calm her if she should get upset, are important.
While you are awake she will probably be fine, relax and she will too. If you try to nap yourself, it might be tricky, hope you get SOME rest!

They may be OK with her toddling along the aisles during the time the passengers are NOT sleeping and unless they are serving with the carts. This is adorable and shoulnt bother anyone while keeping her energy flowing and making it easier for her to nap.

You can take her around to the window areas and make friends with sociable adults. Bulk head no one in front of you, perfect. BUT don't let her band together with any other child you find up there!! It will be pleasant so long as she annoys no one.

Safe trip!

We definately used a portable DVD player. Also dont forget a sucker, a drink, or something to chew on as the plane is taking off and landing. Swallowing helps to relieve ear pressure
Good luck

Sit in a place that will allow you to wander the aisles as much as possible; the window seat is fun for about 5 minutes.
My two kids (4 and 2.5) suffer from the pressurization that occurs in their ears, so I bring gum (non-mint!), skittles, fruit leather, etc. anything to get them to chew and swallow, anything to have them salivate profusely. I don't give out candy lightly, but you'll be desperate, believe me.
Also, a favorite/soft blanket, stuffed animal, books (like I Spy--so great) that allow for interaction between you and your daughter, some small containers of playdoh (play and toss since they'll be picking up bacteria), slippers, a change of clothes, magnadoodle-travel size, some matchbox cars (girls like them too!), triangular crayons that don't roll, some of those new coloring books with the "magic" markers, etc. I think you can pick up everything I've mentioned at Target.
good luck

I came back alone from S. America with my granddaughter and it was a pleasure, exactly the same age of your girl.
Bring good snacks and her favorite stuffed animal and a blanket (ther airplane is so cold!), she slept basically the entire flight. I didn't bother with the TV sometimes we share the noice cancelling device to listening some music. I sang a lot of song for her.
She didn't have her own seat, so I carried her all the way to our final destination.
This was also my first time traveling with her.
Don't bring too many carry on bags, you need both hands.
Don't forget the stroller, it will be ready for you when you exit, this is very helpfull, after so many hours.
The car seat was checked out. I used it only in Argentina when we travel to the beach by car.
Good luck!

There's no getting around the fact that this flight will be a challenge, but my kids flew many times overseas for 14-16 hours at a time and I found these to be helpful: bring at least two changes of clothes, plus pajamas. When it's "time" for her to sleep have her put on her jammies and lay down. Use the airline blankets to make a tent over the seat in front so that it's cozy and dark. Also, schedule your time - 20 minute drawing/craft activity (stringing beads, putting cheerios through the hole in a cup, etc.) then 20 minutes of walking the halls, snack, movie, playtime, lunch, nap, etc. You don't have to keep the schedule but it will give you an idea of how to "structure" her time as closely to home as possible. Bring gummy bears or other chewy candy for the take-off and landing to keep her ears comfortable. Keep a great attitude...even if she has a horrible flight, there will be no long lasting effects =) Good luck!

Take her favorite toys - tell her before you are going on a long flight and she is going to have fun. Flight attendants will sometimes help to entertain her by taking her to the cockpit and giving her something new to play with. Also, she will sleep for a long time - flying makes them tired. If there is a row of seats emply after boarding - move so you have the space. Don't worry I have taken my child on long flights and it works just fine. Don't forget to take her favorite snacks - and be patient.

The bulkhead seat gives room to get down on the floor ( used a harness strapped to my seat belt for safety). Something to suck on relieves ear pressure (pacifier, sipper cup, etc.). Books and kids card games helped us on a shorter flights. Hope this helps.

I took my son to Brazil when he was 6 months. I went alone, and it was no problem. But your child is 2 years old, so make sure you get a lot of rest before you go. She is going to want to walk around the plane a lot. I would also bring new small toys and take them out when Sofia gets fussy. A DVD player is a good idea. It could go either way for you. Make sure you bring a small stroller and take it to the gate with you. They will check it in when you board the plane, and give it to you when you disembark. You will need you two hands to check in, get your bags, etc. Bring plenty of diapers, and extra changes of clothes.
Have fun!

Hi C.,I've flown alone with my two children many times.(there 4 years apart)First when you check in,and get your seats ,let them know your are flying alone with your toddler, and could you board the plane first to get situated.They always say yes.Snacks are good (not to many sweets,you want them to hopefully sleep)as well as Dvd's.Take a special suitcase,bag just for her and put her favorite thing in. My little girl loved the magnet drawing board,and a sticker book where she placed the stickers on the outlined picture.You'll be fine,and so will she.It is not as difficult as it seems.Time passes ,there is if course time where she will sleep . I know it seem s long 14 hours,but it is actually a great expierience .Good luck,and have a wonderful trip.L.

I have done 2 longs flights with my daughter to the Philippines, an 18 hour flight! You can do it . My daughter was 1 1/2 for the first flight and 2 1/ 2 for the second flight. The one thing I would suggest is Children's Benadryl Allergy. I was hesitate at first, but am so glad I did that. I checked with my pediatrician, and they said it was common to do that. very few kids the Benadryl gets them hyper. But every mom on the plane that used it was fine. It makes for a less stressful trip. It just helps them get comfortable and sleep for the majority of the flight. We both arrived so rested. The day before we left I also took her to the park to play a lot, so she would be tired and would sleep. I brought DVD's too, but the only problem is @ her age she didn't want to keep on the headset for too long So we mostly colored, read stories, and use the Travel Size DoddlePro. It clips on to any backpack. It's kinda like an Etch a Sketch. Good luck!

Try to get the bulkhead seating, you may have to check in at the airport early but it's worth it. You have more room and there isn't anyone sitting in front of you. Try not to stress out about disturbing other passengers. I found that when I stopped stressing about it, the kids were much more relaxed. Also try taking an Ipod or CD player with kid music.

My friend who travels from Japan with her son buys a few small toys and wraps them. Then when boredom sets in, she gives him a present to unwrap. It's a matchbox car or some crayons...I tried it and it helps. But it seems to depend on the kid. My son (now 4 yrs)has always traveled really well (we go to North Africa yearly). My daughter (19 months) is a nightmare! I tried all the tricks and eventually resorted to a little Benadryl so she would sleep. I know, bad mommy! But it gets all of us (including other passengers) through a very long flight.

We've done a lot of travelling with our 3-year-old, and all the advice you've gotten is great. I'll add one more thing: Airport security. Make sure you are packed efficiently, so that you can get yourself and your toddler in and out of airport security quickly. Both of you should travel with slip on shoes and with socks, because they will make both of you take off your shoes. Put your sweaters/jackets in your carry-on luggage, otherwise you'll have to take that off, too. If you bring a DVD player, you should probably take that out of the case (just as you would a laptop).

Make sure your liquids following the "3-1-1" rule: No bottle may be more than 3 ounces, all bottles must fit in a 1 quart bag, and each passenger may have only one 1 quart bag. (If your toddler has his/her own seat, you can bring two 1 quart bags between the two of you!) If you bring Tylenol or Motrin, get infant drops or a 2-ounce bottle (the regular 4-ounce bottles are too big for carry-on). Buy an empty 3-ounce bottle, ideally with a spout top and cap, to use as a small bottle of water until you get through security and can purchase water/juice/milk inside the terminal. Keep sippy cups empty when you go through security.

Happy travels!

The first time I traveled alone with one of my kids I had a hard time too. I was worried. But guess what? It wasn't nearly as bad as I thought. I best thing I did was, to travel light. Besides the car seat i only had one carry on which was filled with diapers, snacks, and little toys to keep my little one entertained. So I wasn't loaded with baggage. I took an evening flight (to Europe) so after we ate, I showed him one episode of his favorite show, I changed his diaper and read him a goodnight story. Then he went to sleep (with his favorite blanket). If your daughter has a security object, take it with you.
On the way back we had to fly during the day which was a bit more challenging because he didn't sleep for the whole 14 hours! But he liked walking up and down the aisle and watching cartoons. He didn't fuss nearly as much as I feared.
The most important thing is: don't worry about the other passengers! You're not the first one with a little child in the plane and all kids cry once in a while (or some of them a lot). They'll get over it. You have enough to do.
I'm sure everything will be fine. I'm going on a trip with my family too. We're traveling to Europe soon with 3 kids age 5, 2 and 1. And I already decided that I will not feel guilty about one of my kids being fussy.
Enjoy your vacation!

Hi C.,

I raised four children. I used to traveled with four of them when my father and mother was ill,died in Alaska. I have their snacks,drinks,toys,books,games to amuse them. Since she was 23 mths old, maybe book,games,snacks of her favorite,drinks. What about puzzles,drawing board and crayon,markers,color pencil. Also I let her walked in aisle, as long as she won't bother anyone else. You can't let them sit down and do nothing for 14 hrs, she does not know what's going on in the flight. Also make sure she has milk. Did she still use pacifier? It is handy also or stuff animals that her favorite to cuddle. Good luck and see what will happen in your flight.

A.

Funny that you asked because I just went through it. I went to South America with my 20 month old. With connections and all the problems, it took more than 24 hours to get there. I would suggest lots of snacks but also her regular food, in case you get stuck at the airport and there is nothing open (it happened to me)! I took a very small cooler sack with fruits, juice, and even tea bags for her. DVD player, yes, with a charger and adaptor (some planes have outlets so you don't have to use up the battery. I also had an iPod with her favorite songs, that thing kids have to doodle that they can erase easily (cannot remember the name) her blanket, and other things to make her feel secure and pass time. I had an unopened bottle of Tylenol for babies (just in case). When they announce that they are going to land, have the baby chew something (mine was eating an apple) so she does not feel the the pain in her ear as much. Take an umbrella stroller if you can. You can use right up to the gate, and when you arrive, you'll have it at the gate also. It should be light because you'll be carrying lots of things. I used the Maclaren Volo. I was terrified of being with my baby by myself too, so I understand. Hopefully, your baby will sleep most of the time.Good luck!

Hello Sofia,

I have lot's of advice, having done this several times. Assume that your child will not eat any of the airline food. Pack enough snacks to get her through the flight. Bring a couple of clean sippy cups. The flight attendants will provide the drinks, but you want it in a sippy cup to avoid spills. Bring pull ups- even if your child is potty trained- avoid accidents! make sure your child is wearing something comfy, and dress in layers, it can get cold on the long flights. Don't forget the wet wipes. Bring an extra outfit in your carry-on luggage. Bring some infant Tylenol and what ever other meds your child requires, again in your carry-on luggage. The last time we flew, there was a sick baby on board, and mom didn't have meds! Poor baby! Bring some Similisan with you- it's a homeopathic ear oil available at the pharmacy. (Put a drop in the ear, rub your hads to warm them, and place over the ear, or use warm air from a hair dryer) Little ears are sensitive and can get irritated from the flight- which can lead to an ear infection 2-3 days after landing. This is where the Tylenol comes in handy- especially in the middle of the night! My little one had this experience when he was two. Walk your little one up and down the aisles, go to the restroom, stand where there is room to keep her occupied. Don't feel bad about getting up frequently. It's better for your child to be occupied, than throwing a fit and screaming. Make sure you have the best seats possible. Call the airline and ask for the bulkhead seating or an aisle seat, or window seat. If they tell you they are all taken, ask again when you check in. Bring a teddy or other favorite plush- your daughter will get a kick out of traveling with her buddy- and it works as a pillow too. Good luck! Have a wonderful trip.

P. W.
Mother of two little travelers

Get a few new toys for her (coloring book, little doll etc.) Wrap them up and let her pick one when she starts to get restless. It worked for us. Good luck!

Wow, 14 hours is a long time! Better to be flying that in the car though.
* Will she have her own seat? If so travel with the car seat, she is more apt to sleep on the plane.
* Wear her out. If your flight is in the afternoon or evening, try not to let her nap that morning, that way she'll be really tired when you get on the plane.
* DVD player if she'll sit there long to enough to watch a movie.
* Aquadoodle- you fill a little "pen" up with water and she can draw on it. They are at Target. A no-mess, great way to spend time.
* Color Wonder Markers. The kind that only write on special paper. There are a bunch of books to choose from.
* New little books and toys.
Don't get everything out at once. Relax and try to "enjoy" your hours!!

If it's not too late, try to book an evening flight. Your daughter is more likely to sleep a long stretch of your 14 hour flight. It sounds like you have the activities covered. Please post a comment when you return, my husband and I are planning a trip to Europe this summer and are not looking forward to the long flight, because we aren't sure how our 20 month daughter will handle the flight either. She will be 23 months when we take our trip. Good luck! ;-)