Has anyone travelled long distance with a one year old child?

My husband and I are thinking of bringing our baby along with us on holiday but that would involve a seven hour flight. I'm feeling nervous about the idea coz my baby is very active and I'm afraid that he may not take well to the flight especially since he likes to move about and on planes, this is restricted. Anyone has any tips?

Answers:
We brought our 10-month-old with us on our flights (one plane change each way) from Alabama to Pennsylvania last year. So this short list is just one person's viewpoint from experience.

(1) It helps if you bring a sack of things that your infant likes to play with, preferably quiet things like picture books and soft toys, if you travel during the day; nonsugary snacks and water are good take-alongs as well. Also, if you have introduced a "lovey" like a teddy bear that he loves above other things and perhaps sleeps with, consider bringing it in the cabin with you.

(2) Travel during normal nap times is also usually a good idea (we had one "active" flight leg and one "sleepy" leg), although I doubt you'll get much sleep for days if you disrupt his daily sleep routine by taking red-eye flights.

(3) If you can, try to get seats far away from distractions, and that includes other adults and especially other young children and babies; you should also consider buying a seat for your infant and having him travel in his usual safety seat for safety and comfort reasons (note that most airlines discount such seats by 50%) -- you don't want to wrestle a wiggly baby for seven hours!

(4) Finally, it's just human nature that some people don't like babies. Try not to take it personally if you get harsh stares or muttered criticism because your child is spirited. Your son won't be this age forever, for better and for worse.

Can you make a night flight? Leave later in the evening so maybe baby crashes before the plane takes off. Seven hours is a long time on a plane with a baby in tow. Other than the usual toys, snacks, bottles (remember you can't bring liquid on flights now) there isn't much else to keep in busy.

I would make a night flight, much easier on you and baby.

You've been a parent for a year now! What are you afraid of? Embarrassment? Please! How would you enjoy your vacation if you went without the baby? Isn't that the real question? If you want the child with you, then just cross your bridges when you get to them, and stop worrying about it!

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Has anyone travelled long distance with a one year old child?

Pregnancy & Parenting