Will be flying from SFO to Sydney this April. Earliest flight out was 10:30pm, arriving at 6:30am Sydney time. Any advice for keeping toddler (17 months) occupied for the 4 or so hours she won't be sleeping??? (Hopefully, she will sleep as soon as we take off!)

Hi Mary,<BR>We have done a few flights with toddlers, but never one that long.<BR><BR>I would say, firstly, we have learnt not to plan on toddlers sleeping when you want them to. Dont try and keep her awake in the hope that she will fall asleep on cue as soon as you board - all that does is make for a very grumpy, OVER-tired toddler, much harder to get to sleep. Hopefully she will sleep at some stage though.<BR><BR>Make sure she has plenty to drink- milk or water preferably. Try and stay away from fizzy drinks.<BR><BR>Keep some snacks handy, eg, saltanas, crackers, cheese sticks, etc. Just make sure if you have any left, leave them on the plane or put them in the quarantine bin when you land. (Dont forget to book her a 'Toddler Meal' with the airline before you go.)<BR><BR>Maybe beforehand buy and wrap a new small toy/present/surprise for her to open at an appropriate time.<BR><BR>Maybe bring along a toy car, pop-up book or two, small writing pad and pen/cil for drawing. What about one of those mini travel 'Magnadoodles'?<BR><BR>Does she have a favourite cuddley toy or blanket for sleeping? Make sure you bring it in carry-on luggage, but also if possible invest in a secret spare, identical item in case of emergencies, or if it gets lost.<BR><BR>Make sure she is dressed in loose, comfortable clothing. You can ask for pillows or blankets on the plane.<BR><BR>Once you arrive try and get back into her 'normal' routine (eg, naps, bedtime etc) as quickly as possible, as much as is practical while on holiday.<BR><BR>Finally, realise that this could be a breeze, if she sleeps all night, or it could be a nightmare!! Expect the worst, and you may be pleasantly surprised.<BR>Good luck!<BR>Mandy<BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR>

I would go and see either my Doctor or child clinic ( if you have one) for some ideas too. Perhaps they can suggest something that we havn't thought of. <BR><BR>I have travelled with my children around the world a few times and have never had any trouble but I also have had the misfortune to sit in front of a child who screamed for 11 hours of a 13 hours trip. I blamed the stewards for that because I am sure that they could have let the mother and child have their little sleeping compartment for a while until the child got off to sleep. I was just on the verge on homicide when we got to London.<BR>Good luck

Try Benedryl.

If you intend to give your toddler any medication please try it ahead of time. All those things that are supposed to make the kids sleep have the opposite affect on mine - that could be a disaster!

Good luck! I am a professional speaker (once pilot) that travels weekly. Live in USA, but currently in Perth Australia. I have a 2 and 4 year old daughter that has flew with me (and my wife) in the past. A few items should help you get through.<BR><BR>Make sure to give as much water as possible. An airplane will have 25 percent humidity max. Dehydration (which leads to discomfort) is a huge reason why toddlers get ill.<BR><BR>If your child has a passe' or sucks their thumb, I would recommend encouraging that during takeoffs, landings, and altitude changes. If these are not the case, encourage your child to drink, yawn, or munch on something. Young ones aren't able to "pop" their ears for pressurization changes. So many parents aren't aware of this and can't understand why their child is crying for this reason.<BR><BR>Last, try walking around in the back of the plane. It is usually less croweded and won't bother others as they may be sleeping during a great portion of the flight, plus it will give you some time to stretch out and give you a little more room.<BR><BR>Good luck and best wishes!<BR>