Many parents dread the prospect of flying with their children. Spending hour after hour in a confined space with kids that struggle to sit still for barely five minutes is in theory a recipe for disaster – but a little planning can change your travelling with toddlers on long haul flights comfortable and give your family the freedom to jet off to all manner of exotic places on vacation.
To help any moms and dads preparing to make that first flight with their child, here are a few tips for flying with toddlers and helpful hints.
A bored child will be a disruptive child
Entertaining the kids is crucial and you need to make the flight as relaxing for them as possible, so pack plenty of distractions in terms of toys, magazines, mp3 players, books, puzzles and crayons. Consider your fellow passengers, though, when you decide on which toys to take and which ones to leave at home and avoid taking toys with loads of pieces as you may lose them.
Try and fly through the night
Night flying is ideal as it won’t impact on the sleep patterns of your children. If you’re lucky, they’ll sleep for the duration of the flight, but if not they’re bound to be naturally tired enough and should doze for a little while. Your child should also be a little more relaxed in the evening.
Get a stash of sweet treats
The change in air pressure when you land and take-off can be an unnerving experience for first-time flyers – and regular flyers for that matter – so take some sweets or a lollipop. Not only is this is a get distracted tactic, but the sucking action should help to ‘pop’ their ears, which will mean the flight gets off to a good start.
Carry some spare clothing
The threat of travel sickness means it’s crucial to take some spare items of clothing just in case the worst-possible scenario becomes a reality. Have a sick bag to hand as well. A few extra layers will also come in handy if your child becomes too cold during the flight. The last thing you want is for your kids to have a tantrum over the temperature.
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Have plenty of fluid at the ready
It’s quite common for flyers of all ages to feel dehydrated, so be sure to stock up on plenty of fluid before you board the plane so you can keep your little ones happy, hydrated and contended. Pack plenty of food and drink for your wait in the airport to save money and keep hunger at bay.
Go wherever you want on holiday
Don’t be put off by long-haul flights if there’s somewhere you really have your heart set on going on vacation. You’ll probably find that all the stressing and worrying about how child will be during the flight is unnecessary.
Keep the contents of the changing bag to a minimum
Travel light when it comes to packing the changing bag as you won’t have a lot of room to manoeuvre in when you visit the toilets on the plane. Buy travel-sized products, keep plenty of baby wipes and sanitizing gel to hand – and good luck!
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