Tips for International flights w/ 3 kids? Jet lag help?

[gibsontrio]

I'm flying to Germany (Army move) soon and I was wondering if anyone had any tips on making a 10+ hr trip with 3 children (8,5, 7mths) ? We'll be flying AA leaving midday (no control over either of those). I figure they will be excited on the plane, so i'm sure it will be difficult getting them to fall asleep to early Also, any quick ways to combat jet lag?

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

I'm flying to Germany (Army move) soon and I was wondering if anyone had any tips on making a 10+ hr trip with 3 children (8,5, 7mths) ? We'll be flying AA leaving midday (no control over either of those). I figure they will be excited on the plane, so i'm sure it will be difficult getting them to fall asleep to early Also, any quick ways to combat jet lag?

You're going to have your hands full! Although you say you're leaving mid-day, I'm guessing you have a connection but that international leg will leave late afternoon or evening. On the day of departure, wake them early so they get tired early. Keep the older ones awake all day; no naps. On the international leg they will serve drinks after takeoff, then dinner followed by after-dinner drink service. Then they will shut off the lights for the night. After dinner, whether the movie is shown overhead or on seat back videos, do not allow them to use it any more. Sit on the starboard side of the plane (facing forward, on the right of the aisle) because going eastbound it will be dark on that side of the plane whereas the left side could remain daylight outside from that elevation and far north latitude. It is key that everyone gets 3-4 hours of sleep on the way over to survive the next day. Your pediatrician may have some medication to give your infant to help him/her become drowsy and sleep more than usual. Upon arrival in Europe, it is very important to keep everyone awake all day, as hard as that may be. If anyone goes to sleep, they'll be messed up for days to come. Hopefully your husband is ready for you and give you some immediate relief upon arrival but more important take the entire family to some local sights that will keep everyone awake all day! Good luck. You'll love it over there.

BobK/Orlando

 

[deerislemaine]

The best thing that I've found for jet lag is to eat our meals on the new time. Somehow the body adjusts with the meals. I also try to stay up until at least 7PM the day I arrive and not eat breakfast until 6AM the next day. I try to do lunch between 11:30 and noon, and then dinner around 6PM. That seems to help quite a bit.

You are traveling with kids, so it will be more challenging, but that is what I've found (even when traveling with kids-- albeit not as many children).

 

[T1nkerBell]

I second Bob's suggestion to get some sleep on the plane. When you arrive it will be morning with a long day ahead. Trying to keep awake and then go to sleep at as close to normal bedtime in the new timezone is what works the best for us.

In addition - it also works for us to be outside in natural light when it's nighttime in the timezone you traveled from. That convinces the body it's wrong to think it's night

DeerIsle suggested following new mealtimes. I haven't tried that as a strategy, but it makes sense. In all things, try to make the change to a new time as soon as possible, with as few exceptions as possible.

And when that doesn't work out (little kids WILL fall asleep if tired enough) - don't stress, you'll be there for some time and it'll sort itself out

 

[gibsontrio]

Great advice! My ds8 is unhuman sometimes and he can stay up for long periods of time, but I think my 2 girls will be the ones struggling (ehem..and me) Hopefully we will be so excited to get there we will be up and about. Thank you all! I knew I could count on the Dis crew

 

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

You've already received awesome advice but I wanted to wish you a great experience. I'm a "military brat" myself and actually grew up in Europe and spent 10 1/2 years in Germany It's a great place to live and I'm excited for you and your family. My advice is to take advantage of living over there and travel while you can and see how the Germans really live! It shaped who I am as a person and I have life long friendships.

All the best!

Heather

 

[gibsontrio]

You've already received awesome advice but I wanted to wish you a great experience. I'm a "military brat" myself and actually grew up in Europe and spent 10 1/2 years in Germany It's a great place to live and I'm excited for you and your family. My advice is to take advantage of living over there and travel while you can and see how the Germans really live! It shaped who I am as a person and I have life long friendships.

All the best!

Heather

Thank you for this!!! I have an 8 year old who is nervous and not sure what to expect ! I am nervous myself , but I try to reassure him it will be an awesome experience

 

[DopeyDame]

In addition to the great advice above... drink lots of water! Long flights are dehydrating, so keep drinking water to give your body the best chance possible of staying in shape and staying awake.