Our dream is now reality, flights are booked for the 1st July We've got a short term rental sorted for the first month close to the CBD so it's near to work for Dave. Is anyone else flying out around then? We are so looking forward to it but the next 6 weeks will be mad busy / emotional / happy & sad - today looking at our list it seems there is soooo much to do. Our house has gone up for rent so fingers crossed. Any tips would be greatly appreciated, especially the flight with a 20 month old...... thanks Liza

Hi Liza
I must have missed your 'Got it' thread! Congratulations
I dreaded the flight with our DD. Her hand luggage was full of things to try & keep her entertained - books, stickers, colouring, pocket games etc.. Hardly used any as she slept most of the way & when she wasn't sleeping she watched a film & was golden. I'm sure it won't be as bad as you expect.
Good luck with your house & give us a shout if you need anything when you get here.

Leigh

egg salad

ah thanks Leigh, have sent you a pm

mmm now you've got me puzzled

Hi

Dont worry about the flight, its really okay with little people. Ive flown long haul with my little man at 3 months, 12 months and 20 and 30 months and he was grand each time.
Agree not to pack too much to keep them amused, we ended up with him watching Hi5 about 10 times over without the sound as he didnt tolerate the headphones that well. Keep giving them drinks, especially on take off and landing (unless you use a dummy and then let them have that)
there is a great little book called "amazing aeroplanes" which is fab for kids. (Ant Parker I think) to be read prior to the flight.
Explain there are going to be loud noises and whats going to happen frequently for the weeks leading up to the flight.
Take a hoody onboard as it gets a bit chilly. Also a few fav snacks and a teddy/fav toy. If your little one is on your lap for the whole way ensure you get up and take frequent tours of the plane and use the floor once your at crusing height. Contact the airline at your airport 24-48 hours prior to the flight and ask to reserve some bulk head seats. (extra wriggling room and no-ones seat to kick in front)
Remember use as many bribes as you need to get them through the flight.
Take some Panadol/Bruphen (small bottles) incase they get a bit irritable on the flight and speak to your pharmacist about Phenergan.(antihystamine sedatation) (in Australia its not recommended under 2 years, but as nurse I have given it 1000 times to kids under that, only use with caution, make sure if you are considering it, then give them a couple of trial doses at home first to rule out allergic or adverse reactions, such as hyperactivity. It doesnt knock them out, but more chance of them staying asleep once they drop off) I only used it on 1 flight when he was 20 months and it just ment he slept for 10 hours)
Keep the kids in UK time on the plane (normally advised other way for adults) but its much easier to sort out their jet lagg issues the other end.
Where possible arrive in Australia during the day, completing the majority of your journey at night (especially the long leg)

I usually take a small flannel, towel, toothbrush and track suit for the little one, and attempt a bedtime routine.

Like I said, do what ever you need to get through it, use the flight attendants when needed and if its all getting a bit much, remember its only 1 day and your never going to see the majority of those people ever again so try to relax and enjoy it. (Gin or Baileys usually help with the relazing part!)
Good Luck & Enjoy Perth.
PS There is a GREAT play area next to Sticky Beeks in Kings Park if you are going to be close to the CBD The entrance is just opposite and up a bit from Colin St.
Keep an eye out for posts from ClareH who has a little person and is fairly new in Perth.

Good Luck
Birdey

Birdey, thanks for all the great info, really useful tips. Have sent you a pm cheers Liza