Jet Lag and kids

[Sepeng]

So I've done a bit of Googling and can find tips and tricks on trying to help your kids deal with jet-lag, but wanted to check if anyone had any practical experience on travelling with little ones to the US? Ages 2 to 4 or thereabouts.
The flight is long, 16 hours and it's over night. You leave at 9 at night, get there 7 in the morning New York time, which will be 1 in the afternoon here (I think).
So reckon by 2 PM the kids will be out for the count, which is not ideal.
We like that flight cos it's direct and the shortest option.

Just wanted to check on what to expect from anyone that's done anything like this with children.

I'm aware of the normal things, plenty water, fruit. I was thinking they nap when they land for as long as possible, then go for as long they can that day, and hope for the best.

 

[Archer]

There shouldn't be any issues travelling to the US. I have not once felt lagged going there, coming back is sometimes difficult and takes 2-3 nights to sort out.
My suggestion is that once you are on the plane, live according to the time at your destination. So it's basically like having a (very) late night since you board the plane at 2pm destination time. Obviously only works if everyone is able to sleep on a plane

 

[Polly101]

Melatonin is available from the pharmacies in the vitamin aisle

 

[Sepeng]

There shouldn't be any issues travelling to the US. I have not once felt lagged going there, coming back is sometimes difficult and takes 2-3 nights to sort out.
My suggestion is that once you are on the plane, live according to the time at your destination. So it's basically like having a (very) late night since you board the plane at 2pm destination time. Obviously only works if everyone is able to sleep on a plane

Thanks - it's not me I'm worried about, it's the youngsters. Hard to get them to stay awake when they're tired.
I like the idea of staying up late though - maybe get them to watch a movie on the plane.

 

[ballade]

There shouldn't be any issues travelling to the US. I have not once felt lagged going there, coming back is sometimes difficult and takes 2-3 nights to sort out.
My suggestion is that once you are on the plane, live according to the time at your destination. So it's basically like having a (very) late night since you board the plane at 2pm destination time. Obviously only works if everyone is able to sleep on a plane

This. My boys did way better than us thou. Guess it was the excitement. They did sleep on the flight to Atlanta but once we got there around 8am ATL time. They played and only fell asleep at their usual bedtime around 7pm. They are energy bunnies thou but were getting up at 3 am or 4am for two days but after that they were great and would actually sleep in which was a bonus not sure whether to the jet leg or to that I let them be wide animals.

The killer was when we got back trying to get them back to their routine took more than a three weeks yet we were only there for 2 weeks. Whenever DH mentions US I remind him of this.

Good luck.

 

[mister]

Get everybody onto grass (without shoes) in a park for 20mins to an hour after landing. Google for grounding & jet lag.

 

[Sepeng]

This. My boys did way better than us thou. Guess it was the excitement. They did sleep on the flight to Atlanta but once we got there around 8am ATL time. They played and only fell asleep at their usual bedtime around 7pm. They are energy bunnies thou but were getting up at 3 am or 4am for two days but after that they were great and would actually sleep in which was a bonus not sure whether to the jet leg or to that I let them be wide animals.

The killer was when we got back trying to get them back to their routine took more than a three weeks yet we were only there for 2 weeks. Whenever DH mentions US I remind him of this.

Good luck.

Thanks ballade.
Look to be honest I hadn't even considered getting back. Figured if they on different time zones at home, heck I'll deal with it.
I'll try have kid friendly things to do that first day, keep them entertained.

 

[Wut]

I remember the saying from flight school. East to West best, West to East least. So the lag shouldn't be too bad because you are following the time. Kids also adjust must better to time differences than adults do. Just keep them hydrated and fed and everything will be fine.