Travelling with 13 month old

[nino]

Hi Everyone,
I'm flying solo back to Canada with my daughter (16 hour flight, layover, then 3 hour flight). She's just turned one (she'll be about 13.5 months when we leave, 15 months when we return). We've done the trip before, but she was younger and slept almost the entire flight. Oh, and I don't have a seat for her and she's recently discovered tantrums.

I am looking for any tips (what to bring, how to entertain, etc - she's not really interested in dvd's or many toys) on keeping her happy for the flight. I was also wondering how you have dealt with the very small changing tables provided and an older child who doesn't like to lay still for a diaper change. And how to deal with tantrums (arching backs, thrashing) in such a confined space.
Any advice would be very appreciated. Thanks!

[southside852]

for that long of a flight and if you are by yourself, i would advise getting a seat for you child. it's going to give you extra space for her play, for your stuff and a provide a place for you to change her. she's going to be too big obviously for the bassinet to sleep as well so she can always lay across your lap. we only used the bathrooom changing table if my son did #2 - if he just peed then we changed him on our seat. i would bring books she likes, stuffed animal and toys that don't have a lot of small parts to lose. I would introduce the toys a week before you leave so that you have time to check if she likes it and can actually play with it.

if you are not opposed to watching tv, i would perhaps try and get her to like a particular show so that you can bring a portable dvd plalyer on board for her to watch for even 15-20 minutes a few times throughout the flight it's really going to be a lifesaver.

[nino]

thanks southside852 - an extra seat would be ideal, however I've just checked and its not possible...I'm hoping since we are flying early for the holiday rush that the plane will not be full. I hadn't thought to make sure she likes the toys; great idea. I was going in thinking that the toys should be brand new, but I would hate to waste carry on space with toys she has no interest in.
Thanks again!

[starbucks2]

The change tables are fine. We still use them for our 20 month old and he tends to kick when having his nappy changed. It will be a challenge by yourself make no mistake but it is do-able. Don't forget snacks too if that might pass the time.

SB2

[nino]

Thanks for the advice. On the subject of snacks and food:
Will HK airport security allow frozen or partially thawed pureed food through? Does it need to meet the liquid restriction requirements? What about whole fruit (oranges, apples, bananas?) I assume breads/crackers/cookies/etc. are ok? And small self packaged peanut butter/vegemite?
Thanks again!

[mazamarie]

Food for baby does not come under the restrictions for liquids. They may ask you to taste it if it's not the jar food though.

I've done quite a bit of traveling over the last 6 months with bub and never had a problem with bringing any food for her whether it was jar/pureed food or fruits. They have even allowed through her water bottle full when I had forgotten to empty it.

As for the seat try and check in early and ask then how full the plane is and if you can get a spare seat beside you blocked off. Also not sure who you are flying with but don't forget you can check in at Hong Kong Station and Kowloon Station for a lot of Airlines which would make it easier than having to take all you luggage to the airport.

Last bit of advice is that I found the main thing that entertained my little one (especially now she can walk herself) was walking around and chatting to everyone on the flight so be prepared to walk the length of the plane a million times!!!!

Hope you have a great flight.

[nicolejoy]

Last bit of advice is that I found the main thing that entertained my little one (especially now she can walk herself) was walking around and chatting to everyone on the flight so be prepared to walk the length of the plane a million times!!!!

Yeah, that!!

Talk to the flight attendants - often they are REALLY helpful. I've had them hold the bub for me, or just watch her if she was asleep (although now can't fit in the bassinet) and they're really helpful. That's their job, or at least part of it - so don't be shy to ask!! It's definitely easier than trying to go to the bathroom with bub on your knee ;)

On my last flight, my friendly daughter was even making friends with all the people around us - and would even go to them and play with them for a while. It was really nice to have a bit of a break!!

I haven't had any problems with them blocking a seat for me - last time the flight was supposedly 100% full (so they told me when I was checking in) and they still managed to block the seat next to me. Fingers crossed, but I would guess that you most likely would be able to have a seat blocked for you (and that way you don't have to pay for it either - but you are taking a chance that it may not be available...)

All the best!!

[Obiwan]

I'll be doing the same flight as Nino for Xmas. Direct flight to Vancouver though so slightly shorter.

Bub will be close to 4 months then, anything in particular I should take note of? Was thinking of just bringing milk powder and asking the crew for water, that works right? No real toys for her to play with, so I hope she will sleep most of the time and not fuss too much.