Mel said: March 27th 2011 8:22 PM
Hi! I will be traveling alone with my 19 month old son. What would be the best time to travel? I can get a 1am flight and I think I could get him back to sleep or one during the day? He is a very active little boy so I am leaning towards a night time flight. And I’ve checked, there are no flights around his bed time. He does travel well in the car on long trips. Any help would be great.
Donna @ Travel Toddler said: March 29th 2011 12:35 PM
Hi Mel,
a trip with your son sounds fun! I understand your thoughts on the best time to travel and it is certainly one we all wonder about. I guess its also worth giving some extra consideration when you’re travelling alone AND crossing a time zone, as you may be.
My only thoughts about travelling with a small child at night is to consider the worse case scenario. If he can’t get to sleep – neither can you and you may both begin your trip worn out. Of course you may
both board, drift off and wake blissfully hours later, its really hard to know!
Another thought is to consider your arrival time. Once I board a long flight I switch to the destination time and try and sleep accordingly. This always works for me and luckily I don’t suffer from jet lag. (I haven’t been able to try this with the kids though). The important thing is to consider what time of the day you will arrive at your destination -will you easily be able to make your way to your accommodation?
Of course, with either of these situations, you may not be able to have a choice, but when you do its something to think about.
To help with comfort on the plane take a look at the Zoobies (3-in-1 plush toy, pillow, blanket), animal neck rolls, disposable bibs and neoprene bibs. If you’re not using nappy pants, consider them as they are handy for a stand up change on the go. Try the ones that pull apart at the side (for travel they may be easier to get off if there’s a mess inside). The Little Gulliver Shop by age – Toddler category may be helpful. Also, I always pack a lunch box full of healthy snacks (after a history of flight delays). Make sure he understands only one snack at a time though (thats another story)!
And really, there are so many entertaining things on planes, people watching, perhaps looking out a window and don’t discount the in-flight magazine for a conversation starter. Take a look at the Little Gulliver – Play category for some extra activity ideas. Consider some colouring, while our Doodle Pro’s and Aquadoodle’s are popular for no mess. The Create-a-scene sticker books are also great for some creative fun with mum.
I’ve included some other blogs that have talked about some of these issues, you may find them useful;
is there a best time of day to travel with a baby or toddler?
first-time-traveling-with-baby-is-there-best-time-to-fly-other-advice
I think, instinctively, parents know whats best for their kids. So, after giving it some thought you feel your son will sleep well on the 1am flight, then perhaps he will. Ultimately, you’ve got to be comfortable and then, all going well, he too will be relaxed and enjoy the trip.
I hope you find this useful. I’ll also post your question on Little Gulliver’s Facebook page, some of the other parents (many of them frequent long haul travellers), may have some useful feedback.
Let me know what you decide and how it goes!
Regards,
Donna
Hi Mel! We very recently travelled to Singapore with our 14 months old twins – a seven hour flight from Adelaide. I was really worried about the flight home, as it was an overnight one, but actually found the flight there (which was in the afternoon) more challenging. My twins struggled with being confined for such a long time…however, on the flight home, we did as much of their normal bedtime routine as we could at the airport and they fell asleep in the pram and then picked them up and carried them on the plane and put them in the bassinets as soon as we could. My son slept for the whole flight. My daughter (who is a much lighter sleeper) did wake up a number of times but quite easily fell asleep again in my arms.
Hi Emma, what a great end to your trip! It sounds like your babies are great sleepers. Some people think the engine noises are settling, maybe? I think following your sleep routine is a great way to keep everybody relaxed – parents included.
I was just updating some links in this post from back in 2011 and thought I would add the Facebook comments for some extra helpful info;
Travel with Tots said, March 29, 2011 at 1:33pm: We generally try for evening flights with our toddler. A factor to consider with such a late flight is the excitement value of a new environment like a plane if your son is not used to flying; there is so much going on that it may take several hours for bub to take it all in and settle down enough go back to sleep. How long is the flight?
Little Gulliver said, March 29, 2011 at 1:53pm: Thanks Amy. We’ve tried both – leaving early (where the kids were crazy tired getting through the airport) and also arriving home late (where on arrival home they perked up soooo pleased to be home with their own toys). I generally opt for day travel now when I’m on my own! I’ll forward your hints to Mel and check how long her flight is…