Traveling with a 1 year old-getting organised
So it is just over 2 months until we head back to the UK for the summer. It will be our first flight with Arthur (apart from the inter island flights on the little prop planes). I’m pretty nervous about it and so I am trying to be as organised and prepared as possible. I’m known to fret quite a bit before we travel anywhere at all so I’m hoping that by being ahead of the game I will be less of a nightmare to travel with! Although if we are traveling with a 1 year old and I’m the worst part of it then that will be pretty good going!!
Our flights were booked for us through Mark’s school. We will be flying with Emirates which I am really happy about as I know they are a good airline. I want to be as comfortable as possible for the long flights!
I had been um’ing and ah’ing about taking our pushchair back with us despite Mark’s parents having got one for us. I wanted to make sure that things would be as easy at the airport as possible. I recently read that at Dubai airport (where we have a stop over) they give you a pushchair! So this problem was sorted, we can leave our push chair here and we only have to deal with not having it for one part of the journey!
The Emirates website has lots of information about what they do to help traveling with children which I found really useful. I read that they can provide a bassinet for babies up to 11kg (Arthur is 9kg right now so I’m banking on him being less than 11kg by that time!). Arthur will be almost 13 months when we fly so we are going to have to be sure that we have lots to keep him busy. If he carries on the way he is right now he will almost certainly be walking but either way all he’s going to want to do is go up and down the isles so I’ve resigned myself to the fact that everyone on the plane will hate us but I think I’ll let him do it, best that he’s doing that and he’s happy then forcing him to sit on our laps the whole time and him be screaming!!
Yesterday I phoned up the Seychelles Emirates office and booked the bassinet and the lady said that she would put in a request so that Mark and I will be sat together also. She has also arranged for baby food to be provided. I’m really pleased that I’ve done this it has taken a big weight off my mind.
Next up we need to start planning our time while we are there. Although we will be there for almost 6 weeks I know the time will absolutely fly. We need to make sure that we get to do what we want to do but also that our family and friends get to do what they want to (mostly this will be things with Arthur, not us!!). We will be heading to Mark’s parents first and then down to mine.
I’ve started doing a little sorting of big things we will need for Arthur. Mark’s parents have already got Arthur a car seat and a push chair. My best friend, Hannah is going to lend us a travel cot for when we are with my parents so we need to sort one out for while we are at Mark’s. Then we need to figure out what we will do for stair gates and a high chair.
I also need to start sorting out what we are going to do for clothes. Mostly Arthur just wears a pair of shorts or maybe a little vest but its too hot to dress him fully, even at night. Mum bought a nice cozy outfit for Arthur to wear on the plane and we have a few things we can take for him but I’m definitely going to have to do some online shopping to have a few things waiting for him when we get there (honestly i’m very exited about this!!)
So thats it for now I think. If you have any suggestions on things we will need for summer in the UK, or any tips on traveling with a 1 year old please let me know 🙂
I have travelled with both of mine. And buba has gone back home to the west coast of america with me numerous times throughout his life right from birth. A 26 hour trip with a baby isn’t as bad as you think. Just be prepared for everything, have extra diapers, they may get diarrhoea, not scaring you but it happened on one flight for us and it wasn’t pretty, bring extra clothes they will knock the water or drink of the next person or yours on their lap, on you! Its a small space don’t bring little toys that will fall on the floor and roll to the back of the plane you will never get them back and your child will want them and not be pretty. lol Be there too! I brought a ton of healthy snacks every hour give my 1 year old nibbles kept him happy, busy and entertained. It always helped him to not get unsettled. LET THEM rip the magazine in front of you to shreds. It will stress you out worrying that they should ruin them. You pay enough for that seat the airlines can replace it it kept Buba happy on numerous flights ripping it to pieces for hours!! lol If they are sitting on your lap don’t wear layers or warm clothes you will get so hot and so will they on top of each other and then attempting to take layers off etc is a pain. Bring a little mini backpack for snacks, a diaper, wipes, a drink, and maybe a book or fav toy one that fits in your carry on but that you can take it out when you sit down. You don’t want the seat belt light on due to turbulence and because you requested a bassinet you will get the bulk head which has no underseat storage for you. Its a wall and you can’t put things down by your feet during take off and landing so I always have a mini backpack that I can take out of the carry on and sit it in the seat with me so I have the bare essentials ready and not sitting up above me while my child screams and the flight attendant tells me to sit when I am trying to grab wipes out of my carryon. Be there too! lol I could go on all day. I am so excited for your trip. Kids are great travellers usually as it’s so entertaining. Something new. Good luck. Thank you so much for linking up to Share With Me. #sharewithme
Jenny recently posted…Share With Me ~ wk 15
Wow!!, thanks so much jenny!! So much stuff here you little gold mine 🙂 xxx
I’m no use on the advice front because we’ve only travelled by plane once, but I hope you have a smooth journey and have an absolutely wonderful time in the UK xx
Iona@redpeffer recently posted…Really easy masking tape craft
Thank you Iona! Xx
I bet Jenny’s covered everything up there 😉 We’ve only done short flights with Princess but we had lots of toys, I sang to her a lot (sorry passengers!) and we also did baby signing, and I found this great for holding her attention in situations like this. I had loads of drinks and dummies (even though she didn’t really use them) for the take off and landing. You’ll be just fine. Small ones travel all the time and I found our daughter really took it in her stride because she was with her family and had loads of new faces to look at too Zx
Zena’s Suitcase recently posted…Why Is Breastfeeding So Good For Mums
Thanks Zena!! Glad you mentioned singing, we do a lot of that so it’s good to know others have done it on planes haha! New people will definitely interest Arthur, let’s just hope they are happy faces, not grumpy ones!!! X
ooo how exciting but nerve wrecking at the same time… i have travelled by plane for many years, but we do, do alot of coach trips and some have been 6-7hours. i find it easier to pack clothes in individual zippy bags i.e (monday: vest, sleepsuit, top, trousers, socks, cardigan) then continue for the rest of the days, my memory is terrible and i hate travelling but i find trying to be organised as best as i can helps 🙂
Goodluck #ShareWithMe
Leanne @suggys.co.uk/Leanne recently posted…Building FREE Lego from the Daily Mail – Ashton Aged 6
What a great tip, thanks Leanne! X
We flew with Emirates to the Seychelles and they were amazing! I bet you can not wait to see your family, it’s so exciting. Jenny is fantastic isn’t she, shes said it all 🙂 I hope he’s ok on the flight x #sharewithme
Michelle recently posted…Homemade Father’s Day Cards
Ooo that’s definitely good to hear thanks Michelle!! Haha she is, clearly a pro…unfortunately for her though I’ll be pestering her with questions right up until we go haha!
X
when we went away to a caravan we managed without a highchair we just used the pushchair its not ideal but it saves having to get one – I hope you have a lovely time 2mths will fly by before you know it #sharewithme
Helen Porter recently posted…Finally back to work, Back to work as a nurse – About Me!
Thats not a bad idea Helen, although since we will be in our parents houses they might not want the pushchair up in the kitchen 🙂 will probably try to get a travel one though so it doesn’t take up a lot of space! x
How exciting! Great that you can sit together and have a basinet on the plane. That should make Arthur’s naps much easier. Make sure you have enough spare clothes, nappies, food for him (and you). I would say pack more (as hand luggage) than you usually use as little accidents and sickness happen. Layers that are easy to put on and take off are quite good. When you are there, you will probably not need much so don’t worry about stair gates etc. x Mel#SharewithMe
Mel recently posted…Healthy Loaf
I think Jenny’s done a good job of covering everything. I’ve actually just written a guest post on 10 tips to do when travelling with a child, but can’t share it yet 🙁 But my best advice is to make lists, just so you make sure you pack everything that is essential. Kids are so adaptable when travelling, they’re much easier than you think. ps. Buy one of these when you get to the UK, http://www.amazon.co.uk/Polar-Gear-Harness-Travel-Booster/dp/B00863FJW2/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1400067441&sr=8-8&keywords=booster+highchair+seat
We used this all the time and it’s great for when you’re out and about!
Safe travels! x
Wow thanks for that tip the high chair looks great!! I’ll keep a look out for your guest post!
Sounds very organised! We’ve never taken H on a plane as yet, not out of any reason – we simply haven’t gone abroad together since he was born. But I know I would be exactly like you.
I have however done a few long car journeys and bought a travel aqua doodle set, stickers and card for him to stick them on and colouring books with washable pens. That seems to keep him busy. Then on top of that I always have my trusty babysitter – the iPad, with loads of kids shows/films and games for him.
Very exciting though 🙂 xxx
PottyMouthedMummy recently posted…Commuting Pains : Part 2 {The Commuters Fight Back}
Haha totally going to rely on my best friend the iPad!!! Will have a look at the aqua doodle set! Thanks lovely x
Jenny has pretty much covered it lol, but I wrote a post a few years ago if you want to have a peek http://artfullycarin.com/tips-for-flying-with-babies/
Carin recently posted…The Big Book of Realistic Drawing Secrets (review)
Thanks Carin having a peek now!! Xx
We travelled a lot with our first in her first two years , and getting organised definitely helped us a lot. i found kids love to travel too , and as adults get upset with inconvenience etc but planning and support goes long way to have fun together and building memories 🙂 x
ritz recently posted…19/52
Aww you are going to have so much fun! Definitely a good idea to get things organised when travelling with a little one and sounds like you are doing really well! The bassinet on the flight sounds like a great idea as does letting him walk up and down the aisles! We’ve only done a short haul flight but we found stickers to be a godsend – the seat in front of was covered in them but hey Monkey was happy! That and a portable DVD player with lots of Postman Pat to watch! Best of luck with your travels, I’m sure all will go well and you’ll have a fab time! xx
Caroline (Becoming a SAHM) recently posted…Messy Play with Shaving Foam & Cornflour
We’ve only ever travelled with JJ to Menorca when he was just turned one (and we drove from Hampshire to the West of Ireland when he was one too). Lots and lots of books helped (we were a bit low tech!), and as Jenny said extra nappies for ‘just in case’ – JJ did manage to get diarrhoea on our two hour flight – that was a fun experience – NOT! 🙂 Good luck and bon voyage! BTW I love the way the little fishies swim past and the worm comes down on your blog – soooo cute! #sharewithme
Sam @ And then the fun began… recently posted…A is for Amethyst #Alphabetphoto
We went on many long-haul trips with our daughter before she turned four, including a flight from London to Seychelles. Change of clothes great, and a plastic carrier bag to put it in in case the clothes are soiled. Plenty of snacks and small toys. If Arthur isn’t too big/long, I would see about bringing along his infant/baby car seat for him to sit in if the plane isn’t full (if it is full then they will normally just keep the car seat in the top of the plane for you). My daughter hated that plane bassinet at 9 months and she couldn’t sleep in it so I had to hold her while she slept (on a flight from Korea–I could have wept). As for a highchair, you can pick up a booster set for a tenner from tkmaxx. If there is a Fara kids charity shop near your parents, you might be able to get a second hand one cheaper. Good luck! #sharewithme
Californian Mum in London recently posted…Mrs. Mummy
Ooo thank you loads of great tips there!! X
Ooh exciting that you’re coming here for the summer! I hate to say it, but bring a raincoat 😉 Take loads of snacks – I mean loads – preferably not messy ones or you will lose the indulgence of the air stewards. Be prepared to spend most of the time walking up and down the aisle with Arthur. At least it wards off DVT…Have a great journey and a fab holiday.x
Jess Paterson recently posted…Nap Roulette: A Game For All The Family
Haha rain coat will definitely be packed that’s for sure, will have to buy one for Arthur! Love your glass half full thoughts of wading off DVT haha! Xx
It sounds like you’ve done so much research! I can’t bare the thought of taking kids on flights yet – I went to Egypt when I was 21 and my baby brother was 18 months. It put me off holidays with kids! x
Donna recently posted…I’m Giving Up to Give Back #GiveUp2GiveBack
Honestly Donna I have always hated kids on planes it just seems like a nightmare haha! We have to leave Seychelles for renewal of Marks contract (a weird rule here) and we want to visit family else we would never be flying long haul for our first trip!! X
WOW, not long now. You must be so excited, Arthur will have a ball. I think you sound very organised – it should be a breeze ;-). I think snacks are the way forward – that’s the best way to keep me happy hehe – that and toy story on the iPad. xxx Ax
Little Miss Alba recently posted…Mango Kids x
Haha snacks definitely keep Arthur happy too, and his Daddy 🙂
The iPad will definitely be a handy friend too!! Not long until your trip 🙂 xxx
Great to hear you’re coming here for the summer. Are you mad?! Good luck with the flight, I’ve had to take my kids on plenty of flights in their short lives and snacks are my saving grace. Once you’ve cleared take off, enjoy strolling the aisle with Arthur. You’ll get loads of admiring looks, which helps later if he kicks off. 😉 #sharewithme
My kids are pretty much grown up now (17 & 20) but I traveled with them loads on international flights pretty much from the moment they were born, quite often on my own. Mostly we had great flights but we also had some horrible ones (projectile vomiting that had everyone in the rows surrounding us declining their breakfast). We’re proud that they’ve grown into savvy travelers and are comfortable traveling solo from one side of the world to the other.
On reflection I wish I hadn’t been so stressed about other people when my children were crying on board. Most people with rooting for you because everyone wants the baby to stop crying. People that have been in the same position will be feeling your pain. Accept as much help as you are offered from grey-haired ladies and the flight attendants. They’ll be delighted to give you a hand.
Best of luck.
Mary recently posted…Suva – A Beginner’s Guide
Travelling with a baby is a bit scary but the reality is much easier than you think it’ll be. You’ll have a wonderful time and Summer in the UK will be easy. Imagine if you had to pack Winter clothes! Gahhh!
Pinky Poinker recently posted…You Scratch my Back I’ll Scratch Yours!
Haha oh god I can’t imagine going back in the winter!!! X
It’s been great reading all these tips! We’re taking M to Brazil this summer and thought of a fully mobile and extremely willful 19-month-old terrorising the plane is giving me serious heebiejeebies…
We did the same trip last year though, and I know that what lots of other people have said already is true: kids are much better at coping with this sort of thing than we think they are.
I can’t add much to the brilliant advice already given, apart from: take along a few new (to keep him interested for longer) toys to open at strategic intervals mid-flight; if possible, get someone to pick you up at the airport AND take Arthur off your hands as you will be tired. Same goes for the first 24 hours after you’ve arrived! If Arthur is anything like my Bean, he’ll be so excited about being with his grandparents that this won’t be an issue. We’ve actually found that the excitement of the holiday is more of an issue than anything else – makes nap & bedtimes interesting! To help him settle I always take along a few things that are familiar to him, like his lovey, his night light, a soft toy, a scarf of mine. Oh and expect to feel cold despite it being summer in the UK – we’re used to balmy Italian weather and we’re always astonished at how cold we feel when everyone else is raving about how lovely it is… We’ve become complete wimps!
Have a lovely trip, can’t wait to hear all about it! x