8-9 hour flight with a 16 month old

So am I crazy, any advice?

I have grandparents and cousins in Italy that I haven't seen in a long time and now is the best time for my family to go.

The positive to the departing flight from NY is that it's at night (8pm) and I think my son might sleep through the ride. The flight coming back is a different story it departs at 9am so that's pretty much a whole day in an aircraft.

I would appreciate any tips.

Message edited 1/9/2009 2:57:35 PM.

Re: 8-9 hour flight with a 16 month old

I went to germany when I was 2.... but back in those days, seats were comfy and flying was much more civilized than now

I think you can do it.... but I would purchase a seat for him. I could not imagine having DS on my lap in an overcrowded plane and flying all the way to rome or milan.... he may even be small enough to lay down on the seat and sleep horizontally...

they make these earplugs for little kids so their ears don't pop on trips... they're good for 2 plane rides each and cost something like $9 for 2 pairs... I forget the brandname...

maybe someone else can give advice on toddler jetlag?

Re: 8-9 hour flight with a 16 month old

Took Dd to former SU last summer, she was 13 months old. And got stock in the airport for 12 hours in Amsterdam But other than that it was OK Bring lots of toys, snacks, portable DVD player if you have one.

Re: 8-9 hour flight with a 16 month old

No problem, just keep food and stuff to keep him busy! My 3 year old has been on about 6 transatlantic flights since he was a tiny baby. Just walk around, bring toys, and food.

Re: 8-9 hour flight with a 16 month old

I'm sure the answer ito this is yes...if I purchased a seat for him would the airline charge me the full adult price?

Re: 8-9 hour flight with a 16 month old

Re: 8-9 hour flight with a 16 month old

Re: 8-9 hour flight with a 16 month old

We did it with two 16 month old... 22 hours... yes, 22 hours door to door to Hawaii.

To complicate matters, we were staying at a resort that was 26 miles away from the closest Walmart where we could get diapers/milk.

If you do a search on the multiples board you'll find my post with tips/tricks... I had a spread sheet to keep track of what I packed/shipped/was bringing on board.

You can do it

Re: 8-9 hour flight with a 16 month old

We did it with one child to Hawaii at 9 months and at 20 months. Both times she was a lap child, we did not pay for her seat. You can do it. Good Luck!

Re: 8-9 hour flight with a 16 month old

We went to Spain with DD...she slept in her Stroll & Go the whole way there (overnight). Return she was more awake but we sang songs, read her books etc...take a favorite toy, and a book or two. You don't need more than that, don't weight yourself down. DC will be fine!

Re: 8-9 hour flight with a 16 month old

We went to Spain when DD turned 1. She literally slept from take off to landing on the redeye. Personally, I wouldn't have even considered going unless she had her own seat.

Coming home we had to connect....Barcelona to Madrid, Madrid to NY. She slept part of the time. Just bring things to keep DC occupied and you'll be fine.

Re: 8-9 hour flight with a 16 month old

We went to Italy when my DS was 13 months old.

I had the same plan as you - leaving at night and was hoping he would sleep the flight going. We ended up being delayed 3 hours and didn't leave until 10pm. He basically only slept 4-5 hours out of 13 on the plane. Jack didn't have his own seat - I thought it was too much money for my parents to pay when he could sit on our lap for free. They belted him to our lap belts so it was good.

One thing that really helped us - we got bulkhead seating - there was so much room at our feet that I was able to sit on the floor and play with him. As for the Sky Cot - my son was too big for it - but the little girl next to us was able to sleep in it for a few hours.

Bring tons of snacks. I had every fruit known to man cut up in snack cups. I also brought a DVD player - but we actually didn't use that as much as I thought we would have. Tons of toys and books. When the time comes FM me and I'll recommend the ones that we brought - because they were great for travel!

I bought the boxed milk made by Horizon and we basically used that in Italy also. It was so much easier then trying to hunt down and look for milk when he needed a bottle. I also filled up bottles at the hotels in the morning. I'm guessing you would be staying with family so that's not an issue for you I'm sure.

The flight back - he only slept for one hour - YEP - but Thankfully there was this adorable little girl next to us that he played with the entire time.

All in all the flights weren't that bad and I'm glad we did it!

FM me if you have any questions!

Message edited 1/10/2009 9:03:23 AM.