18-months: Developmental Stage: Very active toddler
Travelling alone days after the February 22nd Christchurch earthquake with a tired, scratchy toddler should have been exhausting. It wasn’t though; I had things in perspective by then.
A few days before I’d been with Isobel in Christchurch city centre when a concrete wave shattered our safe, solid world. So to sit on a flight; to have food and wine brought to us; to have flushing loos and an in-flight entertainment system was bliss.
It reminded me that if you travel with kids, some preparation is a good idea. But more than anything it’s your state of mind that will make or break the experience. You probably won’t get to watch six in-flight films – so if you do watch one it will be much appreciated. Ditto a glass of wine. And the help and support you get from the staff and most passengers is fantastic.
If you are travelling alone I’d recommend requesting extra help at the check-in desk. My mum was blown away when Isobel and I walked through Heathrow arrivals with an entourage of cabin crew behind us pushing our luggage – who needs first class travel; just take the kids for rock star treatment!
So which age was easiest? Can I cop out and say they were all hard and not-so-hard in their own ways? Ultimately, there were too many factors at play to make a fair assessment and that will be the same for any family planning their trip. My advice? Ignore the naysayers and go for it whatever your child(rens) age.
What to take:
6-months:
Arnica for exhaustion, cocculus for jet lag, boobs, a soft carrier and a good night’s sleep before you leave! Also a piece of muslin for shade, lights are often positioned directly above the bassinet.
12-months:
A buggy and carrier combination, balloons, small interactive books and snacks: save something special and ‘picky’ NOT messy for take-off and landing. This is the hardest time because little ones have to be strapped on your lap. Raisons are best – crackers are not so good. The crumbs go everywhere, not ideal if you have another 12 hours in that seat!
18-months:
If possible, ask for a spare seat instead of a bassinet they often have a few on the flight. Isobel would have been too big for a bassinet and she loved having her own big-girl’s seat.
Breastfeeding in-flight
Breastfeeding was of course a huge help for settling Isobel and stopping painful ears on take-off and landing.
It is worth bearing in mind that you are in a very confined space. Understandably, you may find this confronting so it could be best to sit at a window seat away from the aisle, which will also protect baby’s head from passing passengers and trolleys.
Breastfeeding was easiest for me when Isobel was six-months old. I’d fed her exclusively for half a year by then so had no qualms about being in a small, public space. I also had a piece of muslin, which I draped over my shoulder. It doubled as a bassinet shade.
At 12-months old, breastfeeding was slightly more confronting. Firstly, I was alone and sitting next to another Dad. Doing something so personal SO close to a stranger didn’t feel quite right, he was very polite though and averted his eyes. Also, I was the only mum still feeding her toddler. That didn’t put me off, but there’s always power in numbers. Finally, the logistics were harder. Isobel’s legs either stuck out in the aisle, or her head knocked into my neighbour!
At 18-months although I was still feeding Isobel, I chose not to do it on the flight, mainly for logistical reasons! She loved her bottle with cow’s milk though and the staff helped clean, fill and warm bottles.
This article originally appeared in Issue #3 of The Natural Parent Magazine.
