Travelling to Caribbean with 1 and 3 yr odl.. any advise

[Doj]

Hello,

We are leaving on Sunday for the Caribbean (much need vacation) with my 1 yr old and 3 yr dd's. It is a 5 hr flight during nap time (not sure how all this will work) and we arrive there at bedtime.
I am a little stressed about the whole thing because of the sleeping on the plane as well as keeping them entertained.
I have a DVD player that only last 2 hours, some reading books, colouring books and lots of snacks.
Does anyone have any advise or suggestions not only for the plane, but while we are there.

This is our first trip with the girls

[Samuel's mum]

I took Sam to Nevis when he was almost 3  February 2007.
I just got back from St Lucia with Sam and Josie. Literally got back on Friday.
Our flight time is around 8 hours from here.

It was honestly honestly easy both times. Naps were not remotely a problem as the plane is like the world's best white noise machine with the hum of the engine. I just bfed Josie to sleep. There were kids movies on the entertainment system. I took lots of books. With snacks, books, chats, some drawing, a little walk around, naps - the time flew. When we arrived I kept them up as long as I could (we have a 4 hour time difference) and they did really well.

As for when you are there. I used more nappies than I was expecting as I forgot to factor in changing in and out of swimming costumes and getting wet and sandy. I used factor 50 sunblock at all times, sunhats and all-in-one 'Aussie cossies'.  We had a couple of rainy afternoons and light raincoats were useful.

In the Caribbean hotels are very kid friendly, meals are easy, staff are incredibly friendly. Airports are not super duper so the flight home and waiting around in an airport with limited facilities was not brilliant. Where are you going?

[Doj]

We are heading to Curacao to an all-inclusive - kid friend resort. I think I most worried about the flight (and if eveyone is going to be healthy) We as  my 1 yr is soooooo busy. I was hoping to feed her a bottle on the way up, and then a snack on the way down.

What did you do for your lo's on take off an arrival

[Mimi 2]

We did a 5-6 hrs flight last year when dd was about 3.5 and ds 1yo.  I agree with Emma.  Bring lots of dry snacks/fruits.  DD's into Leapster so we had that for her as well as a DVD player.  Fortunately ds sleep for about 2.5 hrs on the plane as we had to wake him up early (5am) that morning for our 8am flight.  I just fed him to sleep for the nap and the take offs.  When he woke at the 45min or 1.5hr mark, I just fed him back to sleep as I rather have a well rested baby then an OT while going through customs and picking up luggage.

I wasn't too particular with keeping the same meal *times* as the snacking and playing, coloring, etc, kept dd & ds occupied and the time went by really fast.

Relax.  The people around us on the plane were very nice even when they have to put up with our games of "I spy", name that song, and dd's endless talking & singing.

Have fun.

[Doj]

Thanks! We are really looking forward to this as we are all in need of some warm weather. The girls have been so sick this year with everything and the lo is sick right now. Just hope we can stay healthy till we get back.

ACtually any other suggestions for snacks

i have
raisins
cranberries
aopricots all dried
puffs
cheeriors
crackers
grapes
bananas

[Samuel's mum]

There is some fussiness about transporting fresh fruit into different countries so just make sure it's all finished before you get off and go through customs. I also took some sandwiches and had kid meals ordered.

Nothing special for take-off and landing. No discomfort at all.

[Mimi 2]

Oh, as a bribery to the flight attendants I got dd to do a drawing to give to them.  Needless to say they were very nice. 

[maisy]

 I have just moved this post over to a more appropriate board so you can get the help you need.

There are a few thread/stickies about this, here are a couple

http://babywhispererforums.com/index.php?topic=85823.0


This one is about road trips but you may get some activity tips

http://babywhispererforums.com/index.php?topic=127529.0


good luck, hope you have a great holiday  

x x x x

[mum6791]

We have flown with our dd several times on long haul flights with large time changes and it has always gone a lot smoother than expected.  The flight goes a lot faster than expected.  We used books, playdough, lego, stickers.  Once there our daughter played all day on the beach with just a set of beach toys (pail, shovel, shape makers).  It was probably the only thing we really need to bring to keep her entertained.  Between playing in the sand, swimming and the playgrounds the days are pretty full!  You'll have a great time.