Any suggestions as to how to manage overseas travel with 12 month old!?

Question

I have to travel with my little girl abroad. She'll be 12 months by August end. Its 10 + 10 hrs flight! What can I give her in flight?? She doesn't eat Gerbers or cereal! Only home made food. Can i freeze them and take them with me? Any other suggestion. I have to do this travel in August end. Really worried :( I can't skip this travel is really important!

Answer 1

Frozen homeade foods should be fine for her to eat. The airline attendants will heat it up for you. You paid for their service, use it.

Otherwise...it's a long flight. LONG, LONG, LONG, and you will want sleep too. Schedule an appointment and ask your baby's doc for a perscription for your baby for benadryl, phenogran, tyenol...basically anything that will make your baby sleep. I know it may seem unnecessary, but your baby's doctor would never perscribe anything that would hurt him or her, and would also not give her more than you need for her to get through a nine or ten hour flight.

A year ago, I came overseas (husband stationed in Germany) with a 4 year old, and even at that age...they don't sleep. I woke her at 3 am to prepare for the 2 pm flight (thinking she would sleep on the plane) and 36 hours later, she was still awake. I didn't think about it for a child her age, but I wish I would have gone to the doc and had some sedative to give her so that she would sleep and I could sleep too. At the end of that flight, with an 8 hour car ride ahead of me, I was at the point of tears.

Get something that your baby's doctor thinks is safe, and at this age, almost anything that induces sleep is. Enjoy your baby sleeping on the plane, and enjoy your stay when you get there.

Answer 2

I flew overseas on a 13 hour flight with my son who was 8 months old. I suggest taking a small ice chest with you. They have some that will hold a six pack of drinks - look for that size. Chill the food in Ziplocs, and then put ice packs in it. The airlines can give you ice if the ice packs wear off. I would also call the airlines to see what kind of help they can offer you on the plane. Take a blanket, and some soft toys with you, and don't forget the Benadryl. (I don't advocate drugging your child, but sometimes they just make themselves sick when they're upset, and this helps.)

Here's an article I found at the link below:

"I was a flight attendant for eight years. Here are some of the best examples I've seen of how to keep you children entertained on a plane: First, if your children might not like the food offered on board, pack them a 'picnic.' This is a great food solution and also keeps them busy for a while. Second, if you have a laptop with a DVD player or a portable DVD player, bring it. Third, before your trip, get a backpack or bag for each child and secretly fill it with toys, books, games, and puzzles. Keep the bags in a visible but not reachable place (e.g., on top of the refrigerator). When the kids ask about them, say, 'Oh, those are your bags of secret toys that you can only play with on the plane. You'll just have to wait and see.' When you get on the plane, don't let your kids open the bags until you're ready (after the plane has taken off, after the seatbelt sign has gone off, after they have eaten, or whatever your rules are). This works amazingly well to entertain your children during the flight. You might also want to pick up one or two new items on your trip, so your kids have an added surprise on the way home."
— Beca

Answer 3

If your baby eats homemade food, then there will probably be something in an airline meal that you can share with her!! But bring along a couple of favorite snacks (something that doesn't need freezing--it won't stay frozen long enough on a plane!!) in case she's hungry before it's official meal time.

Be prepared to nurse her on take-off and landing. Otherwise her ears will probably cause her a lot of pain. Babies who don't nurse don't cry--they *scream*!! My daughter (3 1/2 months old at the time) refused to nurse on take-off the first time I flew with her. She was *very* willing to nurse when we landed (and on the return flight--and the *next* time we flew, too!!).

Almost anywhere you travel in the world, you'll be able to find fresh food that is appropriate for a 12 month old. If necessary, you can buy a cheap grater or a few knives when you get to your destination so that you can grate a bit of carrot or apple...or cut up some food for her.

Answer 4

I would go buy a portable DVD player and an extra battery and have both charged and a variety of movies. Also one of those wiggly pens, some of the magic markers and the special paper made by Crayloa Crayon. Also some books, and playdo.
I am a nanny and I have had to fly with two to Iran and it is no fun, but it can be! Also I wouldnt give the child any meds to make them sleep, since your destination time is different then at home.
Ps. Also you can take a travel sound machine incase the child does go to sleep, you can lay it by the child and it will help block other noises out. Best of Luck

Answer 5

Have your baby food in one serving small containers. Do not freeze, just keep it in the freezer for few hours and it will survive the 20 hr journey. Aircraft's are pretty cool, you can also get the food heated by requesting the parser (air host).
I would not worry about her food but her mood. Babies this size will sit or want to stay confined in a small area very long. Take enough games and things to keep her occupied. Also you may ask the doctor to get her some thing to help her sleep during flight.
It wont be easy but hope you have a less hassle flight.

Answer 6

Taking a slightly broader view, don't forget to obtain some travel medical insurance so that if something unexpected happens you will be able to get really good care. With just the two of you and a limited support system overseas, it may be a good idea. Travel medical insurance is available FROM anywhere TO anywhere (as long as you are outside your home country). Go to http://www.wavehelp.com/travel-medical/index.htm and look around for some good ideas. You can also get a no-obligation quote to find out the costs for you and your child.
Best wishes.

Answer 7

I don't really know what they allow on planes since I've never flown but take some grapes in a baggy for her to eat or some crackers and cheese. Also, try some tiny cookies or something for her to nibble on.

Answer 8

first of all quit freaken out, i flew overseas with two 1 month olds. give her some tylenol pm, and take some coloring books for when she wakes up.