Overseas travel with energetic 2 1/2 year old

[Reg1123]

I'll be travelling overseas (12 hour flight) alone with DS, and am starting to get genuinely frightened of the possibility that he won't sleep.

We'll be taking a red eye, so I'm hoping that by the time we're on the long leg he'll be so exhausted that he crashes, but what if he doesn't?  I hear horror stories of travelling children who don't sleep for 24 hours, and the thought of doing this alone with my son is... scary.

Does anyone have any good recommendations for travel toys suitable for an airplane ride of this duration?  I've thought about bringing small toys, approximately 1 per hour (just in case!), but this will be difficult because I can only carry so much in my shoulder bag.  We'll be using a C.A.R.E.S. harness, so I will be sans carseat, but will likely bring our umbrella stroller, as well.

Also, any advice from other mamas who've taken long flights with toddlers will be greatly appreciated! 

Thanks!

[redvlagrl]

I would basically prepare for getting no sleep and then any that you do get is a bonus. We went to Australia when DD was 8 mths (yes v diff from 2.5) and she sleot about 2 hrs out of the 40 hrs we were in transit. Hideous. I would highly recommend some Richard Scarry books because there is an awful lot for a toddler to look at and if you get the softcovers they aren't too heavy. Also try and get a flight that has the ind. screens so you can put on a movie (we are TV free, but I would totally do this or a portable DVD player). Be prepared for one hellish meltdown which you can't soothe and completely limit/cut out all sugars for the flight and before including juices etc. You don't want him ramped up! They usually give out colouring books and stuff as well.

[mom61508]

I wish I had advice for you but I don't. I'll be flying to Japan(16 hours) with a 6wk old and a 2.5 yr old in April tho so I'm there with you. I plan on using a dvd player, coloring books, getting stickers, bringing lots of snacks and hoping she sleeps some. have you tried googling for more ideas?? Are you flying coach or business class?  If i  find any ideas i will surely post.  

[RVKF]

I'm already trying to plan for a 7 hr car ride followed by a 7 hr flight in March with my daughter who will be almost 3.

In addition to stickers, notebook and crayons, books, pipe cleaners for bending and crafting, playdough, books, etc... I've gotten a lot of recommendations for a gaming device.  I haven't allowed her to have any electronic toys up until now but she sees her dad and I using computers, smart phones etc... (and I do give in and share my blackberry sometimes...).  But, when traveling I'm willing to bend the rules. 

The two choices we're considering are Vtech Mobigo Touch Learning System and a refurbished IPod touch.  I like the Ipod touch bc it can grow with her over time and it would allow us to leave our family ipod at home and just use one device for music, videos and play.  Apparently there are tons of kid apps we can download.  I'm VERY discouraged by the price though.  The Vtech Mobigo was appealing to her in the store and it's much more affordable. 

Hope this helps.  Looking forward to reading other responses.  I'm new here!