Flying with toddlers

Don't envy you that trip, clueless. Knockout drops would be handy. Failing that, how about a tape or CD of stories and songs - and earphones to spare everyone else from listening to them ad infinitum.

My daughter has a travel dvd player and plays Bob the Builder, Peppa Pig and Mr Tumble over and over on long journeys.

There should be a children's channel on the in-flight entertainment. That doesn't mean dozing off for adults as little ones wriggle, drop their headphones, etc. My daughter and son-in-law did manage a trip from New Zealand – more than three times as long – last year with a two-year-old and a three-year-old – but they were pretty tired when they got here.

Portable 'DVD players are a life saver.

Also when one of my grandchildren was flying back from Australia with his parents I made up a bag full of little wrapped presents for him to open - one every hour or so when he got bored - things like a little car, a crayon and book, a little pack of plasticine , a finger puppet etc. Once I had collected lots of wee things I wrapped them individually so he could have the fun of unwrapping. According to his parents it worked very well.

It also depends on whether the flight is day or night-time. If the latter, the child might be encouraged to sleep; if daytime, you are likely to need to fill the time, though sleeping might be part of the programme. Some airlines will provide activity packs for children.

Depends on length and time. I like the idea of dvd and child's own favourites, they love the repetition which is handy. A techo family could download some apps for an Ipad. I worry about my UK family and long flight to Australia with a 2.4 year old coming up. I think it is best to get a late night flight from UK and a stop over for a day or even two and another night flight to Australia to maximise the sleeping time and opportunity to wear them out with activities during the day. I haven;'t had experience with any sort of medication for this age group but wouldn't blame anyone resorting to it.

Make sure you have their favourite blanket and cuddly packed in a bag ...so can produce it as soon as you are seated.

If your airline is any good ...they'll let you on first ...so you've time to settle and get organised before the rush...so make sure you go through the gate as soon as you are allowed.

And let them work off as much energy as possible whilst in the airport ...don't carry/push them everywhere.

Have recently done several long haul flights with babies/toddlers on board ...they've all been very good ...so ask cabin staff for advice too!