Hi
We are planning to celeberate our sons 1st birthday in Australia. The flight from Hong kong to Sydney is of 9 hrs. We would be going there at the end of september that too . We plan to be there for 17 days. We are going to Sydney, Gold coast and Melbourne.
Do you think this will be too hard on our 1 yr old? I am a bit worried about his food as we will be staying in hotels in all 3 places. Moreover, we would be doing lot of sightseeing, which would disturb his day time sleep.

Any tips about food, sleep, moving around, what to take, etc. would be most welcome!

Thank you. Aarti replied. Hi Puja,

It would depend on his temperament. We have done similar intense travelling but for shorter periods of time. The longest was 7 days in Europe. If he is a non-fussy baby he will take it in stride.

Just buy bottled food from the stores in Australia as also formula powder (provided he is flexible in taste). Fresh bananas are always a safe option.

Yes, his sleep will be disturbed. Try not to cram too many activities within a day and try to plan long drives during his nap time. You might want to slow down the pace compared to your travel before a baby.

Take a lightweight stroller. He can easily sleep in it while you are sightseeing. We used the NY transit system for two whole days and managed to carry the stroller (with him sleeping it in!) up and down the stairs!

Make sure you guys eat well and stay hydrated. You will need it to travel with a one-yr old!

Tip: If you are really tired and end up spending a whole day just lazing round in the hotel, don't worry. That will be fun too! Stay in good humor. Hubby and I end up fighting more during vacations ;-)

Oh yes, there will be those times when he will cry loudly just when you are in a quiet place. Always expect it and plan a quick exit.

Keep plenty of small, cheap toys in diaper bags. At that age he will be very happy with odds and ends. Does not have to be toys. My son was happy with big bottle caps and offbeat things. Keep talking to him in an amusing way esp. on the plane. I would make all kinds of monkey faces at him and make a total fool of myself. But he was happy.

Anticipate dirty diapers and change it before he gets too uncomfortable. Keep plenty of handwashing liquid. Give him milk or juice during takeoff or landing. Or even few crystals of sugar to suck on during takeoff or landing.

Finally, just ignore insensitive or immature people who will stare at you if your son is in the middle of a crying spree. You will never see them again!!

I have the best memories of travelling with my son. Now at 2 1/2 he is a seasoned traveller.

- Aarti