https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 05 Apr 2026 15:00:38 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tips-on-surviving-an-international-flight-with-a-25-yo-toddler-and-10-month-old#post-239893 Sun, 29 Jul 2012 09:48:39 +0000 erwoo 239893@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>How exciting! Get bulk head seating on the plane and request for a bassinet for Olive, especially if she's going to be a lap baby. Double check with the agent at the gate that they have it for her when you get there. As for sleeping, I found the <a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3372657">Kidco PeaPod Plus</a> a great buy for travelling. It comes with a sleeping bag which I never use b/c it's bulky and hot. I find the inside of the sleep tent itself a little warmer than the outside temperature. We use ours every time we travel. Totally love it. And I think Nicholas likes that he sleeps in a tent. It folds flat and you can put it in a large suitcase. They have three different versions but the PeaPod Plus is the largest one. The red and green one comes with a pump so if you decide to get this get the one of those. I think the yellow one comes with an inflatable mattress which I think might be bulky to travel with.</p> <p>I did notice that Amazon, who usually carries lots of these, are out of it and diapers.com as well. They must be changing colors or something. </p> <p>If I think of anything else I'll let you know. Wow, 2 days of flying. And just an FYI, if you're flying United, they don't let families board first anymore. Sucks. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tips-on-surviving-an-international-flight-with-a-25-yo-toddler-and-10-month-old#post-239843 Sun, 29 Jul 2012 08:34:33 +0000 808love 239843@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Just returned from a roundtrip HNL/NYC flights that ended up being close to 13 hours both ways because of in plane re-routes/delays on the tarmac. I agree with PP mentioning, get seats in different rows but nearby. We had an extra seat by me and an extra seat by DH on the way over so it helped so much. Not so blessed on the way back, in the same row and it was a huge uncomfortable difference.Nursing is a huge pain with someone next to you...or even in your row. I ended up going to the big bathroom. </p> <p>Also as mentioned LO not liking the headphones so plan accordingly. The flight attendant reprimanded us for playing the sound a little loud during the red eye. </p> <p> Find/train them on ipad games to see their favorites then don't let them do it until the actual flight time. Novelty works wonders. </p> <p> Here's a packing tip from a friend, that we didn't actually do but I can see how it would work-on the return trip, throw all the dirty clothes in your carseat case (if it's counted as free baggage on your airlines) , that way you have more space in your luggage to bring things back.</p> <p>Also, we wrapped toys like presents and let LO take a while to unwrap. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tips-on-surviving-an-international-flight-with-a-25-yo-toddler-and-10-month-old#post-239819 Sun, 29 Jul 2012 08:13:22 +0000 Andrea 239819@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Wow, have a great trip! </p> <p>Some of my experience from our plane ride, more relevant for Charlie since DD is closer to his age:</p> <p>1. I packed a lot of snacks from home for the plane ride but we ended up buying a lot of snacks at the airport so I could have saved myself the trouble. Having new snacks probably kept DD entertained more than the same ole stuff from home anyway. </p> <p>2. Is Charlie used to using headphones? We tried them on DD a few times at home to get her used to them but she didn't like them on the flight so that was kind of a waste.</p> <p>3. We thought that she would be entertained by the iPad but she didn't care to use it at all so we were kinda screwed because I didn't have enough little toys on our outbound flight. But I think maybe Charlie gets to use the iPad at home so hopefully he likes it more. DD didn't even want to watch shows on it for some reason. I bought a lot of little toys from the dollar section at Target for our return flight to entertain her.</p> <p>4. This airport activity book kept DD entertained for quite a while. You can buy different versions. </p> <p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Little-Airport-Sticker-Activity-Dover/dp/0486412725/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&#038;qid=1343567336&#038;sr=8-1&#038;keywords=airport+sticker+activity+book" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/Little-Airport-Sticker-Activity-Dover/dp/0486412725/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&#038;qid=1343567336&#038;sr=8-1&#038;keywords=airport+sticker+activity+book</a></p> <p>5. This is probably hard for international travel but we didn't bring a car seat, stroller, or travel crib and rented stuff at our destination. Well, we didn't use a stroller at all and the hotel had a crib. </p> <p>6. I think Charlie has a little rolly suitcase/bag? DD LOVED her rolling suitcase and I put all of her snacks and toys in there and she rolled it around the entire trip so that really freed us up from having to carry her and her stuff/or push her around. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tips-on-surviving-an-international-flight-with-a-25-yo-toddler-and-10-month-old#post-239807 Sun, 29 Jul 2012 07:53:10 +0000 aprk 239807@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've never done it but have heard this advice from other moms: the adults get seats in different rows, so when the littlest ones get restless they can switch - they get new scenery and the parents can get a "break." Might not be ideal with two, but something to think about for shorter flights?</p> <p>Bon voyage! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tips-on-surviving-an-international-flight-with-a-25-yo-toddler-and-10-month-old#post-239790 Sun, 29 Jul 2012 07:26:09 +0000 looch 239790@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I thought of two more things:</p> <p>take photographs of all things you check in just in case they don't arrive. It's a lot easier to show a picture of your black suitcase than try to explain it.</p> <p>Also, on your way home, what's your first point of entry into the US? If it's not your home destination, you have to clear immigration and collect your checked items, so you need a good cushion of time. In case you can't get your stroller from a gate check, then consider using the Quinny Zapp, it's so small you can carry it on board. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tips-on-surviving-an-international-flight-with-a-25-yo-toddler-and-10-month-old#post-239745 Sun, 29 Jul 2012 05:25:10 +0000 aunt pol 239745@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm with @chopsuey119: on this one, beg borrow whatever you can to buy business/1st class seats, even just for the 12hour leg. I always find its not the flight that wears me out, it's all the crap either side of it- getting to the airport, hanging around in the airport, delays, lugging bags around, then check in/customs/departures/arrivals...<br /> Can you afford a night to stay in Tokyo? Seems like the bulk of the travel is all kind of close together. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tips-on-surviving-an-international-flight-with-a-25-yo-toddler-and-10-month-old#post-239731 Sun, 29 Jul 2012 00:55:20 +0000 BoogieBea 239731@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>That is quite the journey! The last time we flew international, my son was just 9 months old. Luckily, we were able to fly business so I was able to lay flat with LO for most of the flight. I was still nursing at the time as well so I didn't need to bring too much entertainment. Our last trip to NYC, our son did really well so I'm sure Charlie we be adjust pretty well for most of the flight. Prior to the trip, we pumped him up with lots of airplane talk and watched all the airplanes fly across the sky. He's been really into anything transportation related so we was so amped up to be on a plane. Every time, he started fussing we just started talking about the plane, looking at the clouds, the sound of the engine and that would distract him for a while. I also went got a bunch of toys from the dollar store (stuff I can just throw away after the flight if I don't want to carry around), and wrapped each one up so he can open one every once in a while. And as a bonus, in some of the packages, I would include a few snacks. I didn't have to use any of it with him though, so we ended up bringing it all back and I eventually used them as potty rewards. I always bring my ergo so I can strap the baby in during security check. My son used to sleep a long time on flights in the ergo. But if you can swing it, business class would really help, even if it's for one of you with the baby. Definitely opt for seats with more leg room. I also try to be friendly with our neighbors on the flight. They always seem to be able to entertain the kids for a bit. Both my kids just love the attention.<br /> My son always knew, somehow, when we're on vacation and is always happier and better behaved. I think you guys will have a great trip! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tips-on-surviving-an-international-flight-with-a-25-yo-toddler-and-10-month-old#post-239635 Sat, 28 Jul 2012 20:43:04 +0000 Maysprout 239635@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Sounds like quite the adventure! </p> <p>If you have a small wrap you can put in your carry on it might be a nice option to have at the airport to be able to be hands free at some points. When we went through customs it was crowded and got our bags I had LO in a pouch so I could grab bags without worrying about keeping a close eye on her in the stroller or walking around. </p> <p>We had lots of little toys and stickers for LO and lots of different food so she could taste different stuff. But we really stretched nap time for LO and kept her up as long as we could in the airport and let her crash to sleep on the planes. It could have backfired but luckily it didn't and she slept for most of our trips.</p> <p>Best wishes! Safe travels. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tips-on-surviving-an-international-flight-with-a-25-yo-toddler-and-10-month-old#post-239599 Sat, 28 Jul 2012 20:08:03 +0000 Boogs 239599@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Your list looks pretty good. For such long flights space will probably be your best friend, so whatever you can do to get more would probably be super helpful. Flying across country, our LO actually did better when we flew overnight because it coincided with his usual bedtime. Is that something you can do?</p> <p>You are really my heros, and I can't wait to hear about it when you return. We are still considering a 14 hour flight at the end of the year and your experiences will likely sway me one way or another. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tips-on-surviving-an-international-flight-with-a-25-yo-toddler-and-10-month-old#post-239592 Sat, 28 Jul 2012 19:56:42 +0000 chopsuey 239592@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm so nervous for you! I would take an ipad, coloring books, activities and etc. for Charlie..<br /> And would take a blanket or mat to put on the floor of the plane so Olive can roam around. </p> <p>I would also fly 1st/business class.<br /> There's no way I could do an international flight with 2 LOs in coach.. I would die. I was SO uncomfortable when I flew to Korea 6 years ago .. and it was just me in the coach seat! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tips-on-surviving-an-international-flight-with-a-25-yo-toddler-and-10-month-old#post-239517 Sat, 28 Jul 2012 18:13:26 +0000 regberadaisy 239517@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Ask for the front row because it has the most space!<br /> Get them each a backpack so they can carry some stuff of their own?<br /> Keep some new toys/activities on reserve for when they get antsy.</p> <p>Medications?<br /> Call your pediatrician for country appropriate vaccines?</p> <p>Ii remember recently reading a blog post about this but now I can't remember where from!<br /> <a href="http://kidsgoglobal.wordpress.com/flying-with-baby/" rel="nofollow">http://kidsgoglobal.wordpress.com/flying-with-baby/</a></p> <p>P.S. it would be awesome to see a blog series on this when you come back from your trip! We're hoping to do a family trip to China when she's at least walking! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tips-on-surviving-an-international-flight-with-a-25-yo-toddler-and-10-month-old#post-239512 Sat, 28 Jul 2012 18:09:28 +0000 Rubies 239512@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>OMG, so you've decided to go! So exciting! I'm not sure if it's possible, but getting Olive her own seat (instead of being a lap passenger) might give you guys a bit of a break, especially from LA to Tokyo. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tips-on-surviving-an-international-flight-with-a-25-yo-toddler-and-10-month-old#post-239357 Sat, 28 Jul 2012 14:28:05 +0000 Mrs. Sunglasses 239357@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oh wow! How awesome! I'm sure it will go rather smoothly. I don't have any advice because I've never flown with the kids... but maybe your can inquire if there are cribs at the places you'll stay. I know in Canada and the US they have but maybe not in Europe or Asia. </p> <p>I like the idea of photocopies of important documents (passports, birth certificats etc) good luck with the planning. When are you guys leaving? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tips-on-surviving-an-international-flight-with-a-25-yo-toddler-and-10-month-old#post-239355 Sat, 28 Jul 2012 14:23:25 +0000 looch 239355@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Jealous! Have fun!</p> <p>Make photocopies and digital scans of all of your passports, keep a copy with you and another with a trusted person in the US just in case.</p> <p>See if you can reserve the seats with the infant basinnette that hooks into the wall, they're not perfect, but you have an extra space in case Olive sleeps. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tips-on-surviving-an-international-flight-with-a-25-yo-toddler-and-10-month-old#post-239284 Sat, 28 Jul 2012 13:24:49 +0000 Mrs. Bee 239284@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We just decided we're going to be flying to the Philippines in August to visit Mr Bee's parents. Because the flight there is so long from NY, we're going to fly into LA first (6 hrs), and spend a couple days there with my family. </p> <p>Then we'll fly to Tokyo (12 hours), then Manila (5 hours) and spend the night there, then to the small island (1 hr) his parents live on. Yes it is taking us 3 planes and 2 days of travel to get there one way!</p> <p>I only have two weeks to pack and plan, and the list of things I need to do is a mile long. Get passports for Charlie and Olive, ship car seats for use in LA (leave them there for visits), get a cat sitter, prep Hellobee, etc. </p> <p>I think Charlie will be ok on the plane because he is old enough that he can watch tv for pretty long stretches of time, and can fall asleep when he's tired enough. I hope Olive will be ok because she's still nursing and I know she'll fall asleep nursing if she's tired enough.</p> <p>The insane amount of travel is scary, but I'm worried about all the little logistics as well. We will be sleeping in so many different places, should I bring a travel crib? I just want to pack as light as possible though.</p> <p>Aside from the obvious travel tips like nursing on takeoff, etc. do you have any clever, life-saving, why-didn't-i-think of that tips that will help us survive so much international travel?</p> <p>ps -- here's a google doc I started on things we need to do/pack!</p> <p><a href="https://docs.google.com/a/hellobee.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0At4ZnifAXMAKdEkweC03YTZPRVdjNU9pSURvZDhlTGc&#038;pli=1#gid=0" rel="nofollow">https://docs.google.com/a/hellobee.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0At4ZnifAXMAKdEkweC03YTZPRVdjNU9pSURvZDhlTGc&#038;pli=1#gid=0</a> </p>