These are our long haul tips when travelling with infants from a recent experience during a 2023/2024, 3 month Asia trip. This trip took us from Paris to Hong Kong before heading to Thailand and Singapore including long haul flights up to 14 hours, shorter flights, mini van journeys up to 3 hours and Tuk tuk rides. We are a family of 4 travelling with a 2 year old boy and 1 year old girl.
1 – Night flights 🌚
We made a decision while planning our trip to fly at night on all long haul flights. It was the first time we had taken them long haul but the decision was honestly one of the best decisions we have made. Our children both slept at their usual time and patterns meaning we didn’t have a lot of time with them awake. This was easier for them as 12-14 hours is a long time in a small place and allowed those around us to get some sleep as well.
2 – Direct flights ✈️
They may cost a bit more but the jet lag didn’t seem to affect us as much and it is less hassle not having to change flights. Kids adapt fast but the thought of interrupting our children’s sleep and sitting around for a 2 hour lay-over didn’t appeal to us. The airline we were flying with didn’t offer layovers so that was a bonus 🙌. Before kids we always had a layover but we won’t moving forward if we can help it.
3 – Snacks, Snacks and more snacks 🍱
Although our children weren’t awake long, as soon as they woke up they were hungry and thirsty. We took breakfast bars and things with us to tie them over and kept snacks we know they would like handy. We were not fussy during the plane journeys as long as they ate something and we were not sure if they would like the plane food. Keeping some snacks is also a good distraction/tool/tip should you need to utilise it.
4 – Toys/iPads/tablets 🧸
Ok, iPads/tablets are a controversial subject for young children, but for us they were used so we didn’t disturb anyone near by and kept our children entertained. The iPad was a must for when you can see they are getting bored with the toys/games. We also packed new toys they hadn’t seen before to make it exciting and they don’t have to be expensive. Some ideas would include, mess free colouring book, one of those tablets you can write on and wipe off the writing, Sticker books (our son loved the dinosaur stickers), small trucks/cars, fidget spinners, and the list goes on.
5 – Sick Bags 🤢
We have never had travel sickness with our son however he got motion sickness on the flight out in the middle of the night and we didn’t have any bags near by as we were not expecting it. He also got motion sickness on the winding roads in Asia so we learnt our lesson of carrying some plastic bags (with no holes) or sick bags with us as an emergency and kept them somewhere handy. They are just useful to carry.
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