12 hr flight with 2 kids - AAAAAGH

[elisebutt]

We're flying from the UK via Washington in December
My kids will be 6 and 19mths.
Does anyone have any good ideas other than coloring books on how to keep them amused.
Its a midday flight arriving at 19.45 local time
I read somewhere in a book on travelling with kids that recommended doping their kids with antihistamines but I really think thats a gross idea. - I rather put up with annoying kids than drugged ones.
The little one will probably be hardest to keep amused as the oldest is reading quite well now so I will be able to bribe him with a stack of comics - hopefully?
Help

 

[Barb D]

Can you get books on tape from your local library? Or rent them from Recorded Books International? We listen to books on tape on long car trips, and it really helps pass the time. Your 6yo could use a little tape player with ear phones. If you're interested, I'll ask my kids for recommendations of ones they think your 6yo would enjoy. (Boy or girl?) One that comes to mind immediately is Caddie Woodlawn, which is a true story of a very adventurous girl growing up in the 19th century America.

http://www.recordedbooks.com (use the "Genre" menu on the left of the screen to search for children's books.) It would definitely be better to get them free from the library if you can. I would imagine that shipping to the UK would cost a bit!

 

[holycow]

at the last minute with little preparation. My DD was 26 months old at the time...The ride was from H*&^ I did have to use the baby dramamine as a last resort. (She was kicking and screaming etc with a flight full of business men)...It was the most awful flight of my life... But when she woke up she was more calm. I did take things for her like little containers of playdo, coloring supplies, tape player with music she likes, her favorite books, a little stuffed animal, small treats she likes to eat. Thats all I can think of right now...

Good luck!

Holycow

 

[Claudine]

If you have a laptop bring dvd movies for them to watch. Bring their favorites or pick up a new one to surprise on the flight. Good Luck!

 

[MassMom]

We just survived 13 hours from Boston to Tokyo with a 4.5 DD and 11 year old DS. The 11 year old was all set with a new GameBoy game, books, candy and snacks, some game books, cards etc. The 4.5 year old...well that was work. First, I had wrapped little presents for her (about 20 of them). Nothing expensive, just things that had potential to occupy her and that were NEW (very important - the usual things from home lasted less time) - pipe cleaners, modeling clay, coloring books, chunky crayons, Polly Pocket Fashion (a big hit - don't know if your 6yo is into the doll thing, but if so, the little Polly Pocket dolls were great), books on tape with books that were actually from the library (but new to her!), PEZ candy, etc.

Also we brought TONS of drinks and food. THis was very helpful. It helped prevent dehydration and I brought the kinds of drinks the kids normally don't have (Koolaid Tropical Punch in a plastic bottle, Capris Suns, Sprite). Fruit was also terrific - my DD is a real fruit nut so eating blueberries and raspberries was a sure pick-me-up.

It helped to think about it one hour at a time. Usually we'd open a present, play an activity associated with the present, take a walk to the bathroom, eat and drink something then...oh! almost time for another present! But first, color this picture for me.....

Good luck! Oh, by the way, the flight back was a piece of cake - we flew in the evening and both kids slept most of the way! We had really worn them out that day walking around the temples.

 

[abbyndrewmom]

WE do this once a year to see MIL in Hawaii. I have a 4yr and 2 yr old. My best advise is to fly at night. Aside for that have lots of presents. Like the previous poster I try to have something new every hour and lots of food and drinks. Colouring books, sticker books, paint by water books (bring water in small pill dispenser), favorite character toys and books all work well. I can usually get them to sleep for at least an hour. I have been known to give them gravel to help them along. I know not very nice but it does work and I figure once a year won't hurt. Flighing at night is by far the best way the kids will sleep the whole way. However makes a long day for you when you get there that is when we leave the kids with Grandma and get some sleep!!

 

[padams]

 

[skeezixspud]

As of 2 years ago, most of the flights on that route have seatback TV, and there is usually a children's channel w/ cartoons. We found it MUCH easier once those TV's came in. However, you still do need to actively entertain them for the first and last 45 minutes of the flight, when the entertainment system is shut down for navigation. All of the above ideas are good ones, and transcontinental aircraft tend to be large, so you can take them for walks around the cabin. You will probably have a harder time coming here than going home, as it's probably a daytime flight. Good luck!

 

[abbyndrewmom]

Gravel is an anti nauseau medicine sold over the counter here in Canada. My daughter gets car sick everytime we are in the car for more than an hour, so she gets it failry ofter. It is similiar to Dramine in the US, I think. Anyway make the kids very tired and puts them to sleep. I asked the doctor about it and told me it wouldn't hurt the kids if we only did it once a year. With DD motion sickness it helps prevent any unpleasant accidents on the plane, especially since the turbulence really bothers her. Now to find the Vallium for me I hate flying!!

 

[stacy6552]

books on tape are a great idea. the last harry potter book is 22 hours long!

a friend had a great idea. they video taped the kids videos and then played them back on the camera (they have one with the screen).

bring food. but not candy you dont want the sugar kicking in at the 8th hour.

keep them up all night the night before.

 

[stacy6552]

books on tape are a great idea. the last harry potter book is 22 hours long!

a friend had a great idea. they video taped the kids videos and then played them back on the camera (they have one with the screen).

bring food. but not candy you dont want the sugar kicking in at the 8th hour.

keep them up all night the night before.

another good idea is to bring a lap top with a dvd player in it and play their movies on that.

 

[lookingforward]

Oh boy, I understand your concern. We lived in Japan for three years and I flew back and forth, NY/Tokyo many many times when my kids were about the age yours are now. I suggest you pack their favorite blanket and small pillow, NEW toys (this will excite them and keep them interested longer), crayons and coloring books, snacks, and two changes of clothes. I understand your concern about giving them unneeded meds, but I would pack the benydryl anyway. They may need it with the recirculated air for so long, at least my little one did, he got very stuffy. Also, request childrens meals from the airlines. They usually provide a burger and chips, cookies, etc. Much more appealing than regular airline fare unless you are lucky enough to flly first class. Also, request the bulk head seat if you think the floor space will be useful. Personally I did not like the bulk head seats because the arms did not fold up between seats so my kids could not cuddle with me and lean into me, but some people love to let their kids crawl around on the floor. Every hour or so I would walk around with one of my kids and this also kept them interested. For the baby insist on bringing your car seat if you have purchased a seperate seat. Your little one will feel much more comfortable in the car seat than in the airplane seat. Have a great trip!

 

[Barb D]

Just for the record, though, I don't think the average 6yo is ready for Harry Potter, especially book 4! They are pretty scary. My 8yo has listened to the first three, but I'm going to make her wait a couple of years for book 4. IMHO, 8 is about as young as you should go for HP.

There are lots of great books on tape for younger kids, too. I can get suggestions from my kids if you want them.