Travelling with a 22 month old

[noella]

We will be flying to start our new life in Hong Kong soon. Trouble is our flight is at 10.30 pm. I am sure that my daughter will probably sleep in her buggy the 2 hours we have to be at the airport before the flight and then wake up full of beans. Any suggestions on how to keep her asleep or get her back to sleep quickly once on board? I am not looking forward to a 11 and a half hour flight on my own with her and my 5 year old! Help!

[barbwong_130]

When I travel on late flights with little ones I try to keep them awake until we get on the aeroplane. Then I settle them to sleep as soon as possible and let them sleep through the first meal. Sometimes this means keeping them up longer in the afternoon so that they get a really late nap. I’ve found that the excitement of the airport with all the shops and the special children’s play area are usually enough to entertain them. If this isn’t enough to keep them awake and they do wake up full of beans then the first meal is usually served within an hour of take off – let them eat and then try to settle them to sleep again.
Good luck.
Barb

[Eddison]

Noella, no real advice to add, but am probably also coming out in 6 months. I have a 21 month old & 6 year old. Where are you from? Interested to know what your experiences are like (school, housing etc., ). I will be working full time.

[jane01]

I recommend going to your doctor and getting them to prescribe an anti-histamine, which makes your baby sleepy. I have a very alert 22 month old who needs a little bit of sleepy medicine to get to sleep. You have to test the medicine before you fly, as a very small percentage of children are hyped up, rather than put to sleep with it. The medicine is also good for helping children to adjust to time differences during or after the holiday. You might not need the medicine on the flight but it is always reassuring to have it with you.

We also buy her a seat as she doesn't fit in the bassinet anymore. 12 hours is a long time to have a toddler on your lap. Our daughter sits in her carseat, which is very safe and means she can't escape from it !

Good luck with the flight.

[noella]

Thank you all for your advice. I have made an appointment with the doctor so we shall see!! And Eddison I shall gladly share my experiences with you !!