stops during long flights better at beginning or at end?

We are planning to fly from Europe to South-America with our 11month old. There are no direct flights, and will require at least one 2-3h stop in between a short (3h) segment, and a long (10-12h) segment. The question is, if it would be better to take the short segment first (this will be a stop in Europe), or the long segment first (stop in South-America). What will be more optimal for the babies comfort? I understand that the way back will then have the reverse order, but going home is ususally more easy anyway. Any experiences/suggestions?

Thanks

Hi

WE travelled with a 15 months old in 4 months.
From europe we flew to london from denmark about 2 hours in the afthernoon, and then waited till late night around 22 h. he slept alle the way and woke up very fresch 2 a clock in the afthernoon in Bangkok, so we where up for a long night but he never minded.
The same thing back.

So I dont think that it is so important, take the prcaution you can soncidering the normal rythm in the babys life and then go and have fun and be patient.

Kevin

what has worked for us is what ever is cloest to the young ones normal routine will work best. so if his/her normal sleep time falls during a layover then that may not be the best. we always try to have the kids sleep times fall during the flying times. we think it's better to let then burn off steam while waiting around in a terminal. if in your case if a 10-12 hour layover falls during there sleep or night time then i'd say better to be flying then. i hope this makes sense...