Traveling to Italy with a One Year Old

Try to secure bulkhead seats, it will be easier to maneuver without the seat in front of you reclined into your space. It sounds like your son may be too old to make use of bassinets that are often available on international flights. Call the airline and let them know you are travelling with an infant on your lap...they may help shift things around.

Pack "diaper change kits" in ziploc bags that have a diaper, wipes, and clean onesie to put in your carry on. You can also pick up sample size diaper cream to include if you need it. It makes it easy to grab what you need and head to the bathroom for changes. The ziploc bags are also good to contain anything yucky.

Your son will likely sleep most of the way if you have a night flight. I found that my Moby Wrap came in handy on flight with my daughter. It made sure she was secure in case I fell asleep. An umbrella stroller may not cut it for your trip...so it is good to have something compact that makes it easy to tote your little guy around.

Buy the washable, triangle shaped Crayolas...they don't roll away. I also sometimes pack washable markers (your son might be too young for this) and let my daughter color on me and herself. This is a last-ditch effort if a meltdown needs to be averted and they come off easily with baby wipes. She is old enough to understand this is only for the plane.

Pack a basic medical kit: Tylenol/Motrin, thermometer, neosporin, band-aids, teething tablets, etc. There is not 24/7 access to everything like there is here in the U.S. Try getting medical care in a small town in Sweden on a weekend...not happening...lol. It depends somewhat where you are going, but assume you won't be able to get some things. Also diapers are MUCH more expensive in EU than here.

I agree that it will b easier for him to have his own seat. I have always bought my daughter one.

Have fun! What a great trip!

We traveled to France with my daughter when she was 21 months old. I have to say, "Good luck" and I hope you and your husband are better planners and more together with your travels than we were. We bought a seat for her carseat, but she threw a fit when we put her in and it just stood empty, taking up the seat, for the whole flight. He will probably be a little anxious and want to be held for comfort anyway. Good thing those overseas flights use airplanes with big aisles! Bring toys/activities on the plane that are brand new to him. The Magna Doodle was our best friend, but I would suggest not getting the full size one (another bad decision on my part)! Other options are Color Wonder fingerpaints, and new and familiar, favorite books. Snacks also keep them busy. It would be ideal to travel light, but the bag with the baby entertainment should be the most densely-packed one you bring. Also, as a side note, keep in mind that Europeans eat dinner late, so unless you are staying with friends or have a nanny going with you, it might be worth thinking about ordering your dinners in. There is nothing more unwelcome in a European restaurant than an overtired child. I speak from experience, though I suspect the Italians are much more forgiving than the French! Have a wonderful trip!

If possible I would seriously reconsider not trying to purchase another seat. I held my 1 year old on a 4 hour flight and went nearly bonkers while she was awake and was sore and uncomfortable while she was asleep. I got her a seat on our last trip and brought snacks a coloring book and loaded a couple movies on my iPod and she was great. Bear in mind as well
that just because airlines don't REQUIRE a seat for lap infants does not mean that it is safe during take off and landing or potential turbulence to not have your child in their own safety seat. Also keep a bottle or favorite snack handy since chewing and swallowing will help with landing pressure in the ears. I also kept my daughter awake right up until we boarded the plane and let her get really tired so that she fell asleep as soon as we got her on the plane, just put her in her seat and out she went :) have fun in Itsly!

I know you said you already booked your tickets, but if at all possible I would try to get him a seat, even if it means you don't sit next to your husband. A flight to Europe is a long time for a wiggly 1 year old to sit on someone's lap. If he falls asleep (which is a good thing), you are stuck unable to move or do anything. They are also safer from turbulence, etc. if buckled in a car seat. Some people have suggested wrapping small inexpensive toys/snacks/gifts and letting them open one an hour. Does he watch movies yet? If so, a portable DVD player with Baby Einstein, Thomas, Barney or whatever types of DVDs he might like. Small board books. Lots of snacks and drinks (check liquids rules and exceptions first). He needs to suck on something (pacifier?) during take off and landing. Change of clothes (maybe even for both of you in case he leaks or throws up). Lots of wipes. Good luck and have a good trip.

Here are some ideas for toys.
http://www.bigbluetrunk.com/ourcorner/550

IDK? But I am very jealous! Enjoy your trip!

~I am thinking color crayons and coloring books and lots of snacks?