For starters, I am not insane, it was not out of choice, but out of necessity that I fly from Frankfurt to Sydney with my then two year old Max and my 5 month old, Noah. I had three weeks to prepare for the flight and even that was cutting it fine. The preparation, planning and strategy needed to be well thought out and totally clear in my mind. It may sound like I was preparing for war, but it seemed a lot like it. 

Deciding on an Airline & To stop over or not to stop over

Not everyone can decide on airline, often it comes down to cost. So working within your budget generally gives you several options of airline. I like to choose one where you can stopover on the way. I also choose an airline that stops into an airport that has a hotel at the gate! You can try to book before hand or take the gamble that a room will be available when you get to the hotel. Choose a flight time that suits your kids sleeping habits. I also 100% of the time get night flights, it means my oldest will sleep sooner and he wont be so confused.

Checking in and boarding

When you check in make sure you ask for help. If the airline is equipped to help parents traveling alone, then they will. If no they will at least let you board first or last depending on what suits you. I also board last, it means everyone else is in their seats. We can get to ours and it cuts off another 20 minutes you have to wait “onboard”. Make sure you get your kids changed and dressed (at the gate if it is easier). Make sure change of clothes are easy to access. I always dress my kids in comfortable, 100% cotton or the like clothing. Something with some stretch is always good, my favourite is the bonds wondersuits or the leggings and tops for the older kids. My toddler suffers from eczema and I put him in an all in one (I got some looks) but it was best for him and he was very comfortable and warm. Feed the baby and toddler if they are hungry too. Get everything that that can be done outside the aircraft done now! Get your toilet trained kids to go to the bathroom.

Onboard - now you are stuck

So you have found your seats, hopefully been assisted by friendly, understanding and helpful attendants - you are ready to take off. Little ears are very sensitive and can be affected during takeoff and landing, make sure older kids who don't use pacifiers have some kind of sweet to suck (I know - good luck with this one). If they are in between this age and you aren't comfortable with sweets, there are some great ear savers on the market (see below). I also give my baby a pacifier and my 2 year old was happy to take one. 

Once in the air, with tense shoulders and a sense of panic only breaths away, it is wonderful to see the bassinet for the baby being brought out. I place Noah into the bassinet, put his blanket on him and he is asleep - he is a dream. Max is not tired at all. He is hungry again, so I get out the individual little bags and he chooses what he wants. I always pack in little bags, divide the food or spillage could mean you run out of snacks and things. Get your child involved in the choosing of the foods (But remember gummi bears are not one of the major food groups, no matter how hard your child screams). 

Put the food tray table out, prepare some food, get a book ready and any small travel games that your child would enjoy. By this time you are probably trying to keep your eyes open after the mammoth effort to get to the airport and check in and get to the gate all in one piece. The best way to stay awake, apart from copious amounts of coffee is to try and stay calm, get your child really excited and involved in the games you are playing or book you are reading and that way they remain happy, content and allow you to just conserve what little energy you may have left. When you get to your first stop destination make sure you have everything, it is so easy to lose one of your kids favourite toys and then it can be a nightmare for the rest of the trip.