An 11hr flight with a toddler

In a matter of days, we are departing for warmer climates, 32 degrees in fact. However, to find heat that means travelling, so we are heading to Sri Lanka.

We are, of course, taking Baby B with us (this time!). For regular readers of the blog, I would like to add for the record, that this is not normally how we roll – child-free winter break one week, long haul trip to soak up the sun in Sri Lanka the next. The start of 2014 has been an extraordinary one for us with holidays with great friends.

A group of 13 of us, 8 adults and 5 children, will be making the journey to Sri Lanka. The children are aged from 11 months to 5 years.

So, to the point of this post. To get to our destination, we have to fly. Fly for…11hrs.

Are you crazy, I hear you say. Well, if it wasn’t for the fact that our friends I have done this twice before and survived, I would say yes, we clearly are.

However, the thought of being trapped in a metal tube at 35,000ft, with a large number of other people, many of which will likely be children haters, is quite literally filling me with dread. If I was flying alone, I would be beyond excited at the thought of 11hrs to do nothing but snooze, watch films and read. However, I am not flying alone. I am flying with Baby B and his mates, in the form of our friend’s two girls, aged 3 and 19 months. Obviously there are four of us adults, but I am not sure that the four of us will be enough to control two very active and strong-willed toddlers and an outspoken 19 month-old.

I am actually considering buying a little gifts for the other passengers on the plane by way of a bribe.

In addition,

• I have purchased pretty much the whole of the Amazon UK Children’s book store (I actually bought two of everything to avoid any sharing issues) and have stocked up on snacks.
• Organix Goodies must be wondering what the sudden demand is in the Surrey area for packets of Carrot Sticks and Oaty Bars, as I have bought a years supply of each to occupy a hand luggage case in their own right.
• I’ve uploaded every episode of Peppa Pig ever created, including outtakes, to the iPad, for which we have got a splitter and two sets of over-the-ear headphones.

Have I missed anything? Other than, of course, several large Gin and Tonics for me and a sedative.

Any tips, ideas and suggestions would be most welcomed.

No ‘rather you then me’ comments please!

B’s first ever flight at 6 weeks old. Lets hope he stays that still this time round!

Flying at 8 months.

Bit more active at 10 months

Needing a bit more entertaining at 19 months

19 months

Watch this space!

Related posts:

Surviving a long haul flight with a toddler Packing for a holiday with a toddler. A ‘holiday’ with a toddler