Travelling with kids is really really hard!
Flying long distance is quite tedious in the best of circumstances. However, add a toddler to the equation and suddenly you are not only looking at a long and uncomfortable flight but also a potentially horrendous several hours for you and those around you.
Long flights usually mean that you are travelling for a day or more, which means your toddler will need to go through the regular motions of night and day on the plane.
There is no escaping on a plane; there is no time out corner if your son acts out which is why you need to be emotionally and physically prepared for the flight with your toddler.
The best-laid plans will not only get you through this journey but will also ensure that at you arrive at your destination with at least some of your sanity left.
Here are my 10 Tips for Flying with Children!
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1. Try to Stick to Your Normal Sleep Routine
While it might seem impossible, your toddler will sleep on the plane. He will also need to eat, drink and go to the toilet. Try to keep to a similar schedule as home in terms of eating, sleeping and playtime. For example, if you eat lunch followed by a story and nap, then do the same on the plane.
If possible, try to book a night flight so both you and your toddler can get some sleep.
2. Pre-Order Child or Toddler Meals Before the Flight
Did you know that most airlines will cater to toddlers and little kids when it comes to their in-flight meals? You just have to specifically request them when booking your ticket.
If your child has any specific allergies, it may be safer to pack your own meals as airlines cannot guarantee allergy-free meals.
Also pack lots of snacks. Snacks can be a lifesaver when a toddler is having a meltdown. Small treats like raisins, fruit gummies all take a long time to eat which is a bonus for you.
3. Take Advantage of the Space During Layovers
If you have a layover use this time for playtime. Let him run around the airport; let him stretch his legs and let him get a little crazy. It may be the last time he gets to run and jump for a very long time!
4. Offer ‘Presents’ to Open During the Flight
While the portable television and movies on planes are great, not all kids will happily watch movies for several hours. Having a small present to unwrap for an hour provides excitement when your little one is about ready to crack it. Think small matchbox cars, crayons, sensory books, stickers, stacking cups, little dolls, puzzles, baby fidget spinner toys and travel-sized books.
5. Bring Medicine
Hopefully, you are taking off without a cough or cold in sight. However, you never know what could happen on the plane. Pack Nurofen or Panadol just in case your little one gets an earache or stuffed nose from the high elevation.
Ask your chemist for other medicinal options for long haul flights that are safe for toddlers.
6. Travelling with a Baby? You Can Reserve a Travel Bassinet
Many airlines also supply infant bassinets that attach securely to the wall in the front row of each section of the aircraft. These are usually popular and limited in numbers – so ensure you book one when booking your ticket – and double-check.
There is usually an additional fee, but it does give your baby a very comfortable place to sleep and gives you a bit of breathing room!
7. Kid-Sized Headphones are Absolutely Necessary
You can only listen to so much Peppa Pig before wanting to jump out of the plane – kiddie headphones are usually pretty cheap to buy, and they are sound limited so you don’t have to worry that they will turn up the volume too far and hurt their little ears.
Simple is usually the best – we recommend the iClever HS20 Cat Ear LED Light Up Kids Headphones. They are simple – and adorable. Grab them from Amazon.
8. Give Your Toddler Snacks During Take-Off and Landing
The change in altitude when taking off or landing can be really cruel to kids ears. If you are bottle-feeding or breastfeeding, try and feed them during this time to equalise their ears. Otherwise, toddlers should have a nice chewy snack to ease that potential pain.
9. Keep Them Busy
Pack colouring-in books and crayons, some toys that don’t take up too much room. Download some of their favourite tv shows or movies.
Plus remember you are allowed to move when the seatbelt light is off – so take your toddler up and down the aisle as needed.
10. You Need to be Comfortable Too!
A comfortable parent is a relaxed parent. So take a comfy pillow, your headphones and wear really comfy clothing. Allow your toddler to snuggle up to you when they want!
And, hopefully, at the end of the flight you will be greeted with a relative that will be more than happy to take over and give you a much-deserved break!
Response to “10 Tips for Flying with Children”
I’m an ex air hostie and have travelled a lot with my little man, so my little one is quite used to flying and is amazingly good on a plane. My main suggestion for flying with a toddler though is to make sure you sit down and have a chat with them before you get on the plane. The chat should involve what they should expect and what you expect of them. These conversations should start about 2 days before the expected flight if you can. Explain that it’s like being in a car and that they have to wear their seat belt whenever they’re sitting down, let them know that they won’t be able to run around but they can go for walks up and down the aisles (when the service isn’t on) and that they can have a sleep on the plane and can eat food on the plane. Make it sound fun as well as let them know your rules before they get on the plane. I’ve always found with kids on planes, once they know what’s going on and what to expect they’re very well behaved on the planes. I also found, as said above, having little pressies for the them to open along the trip is great. Going to the $2 shop and getting little wipe clean books for them to draw in, and little sit down toys is a great way to keep them entertained. Plus most airlines give out kids toys too.
I recently travelled to the USA, a 12 hour flight then 5 hours in LA airport, then another 2 hour flight with my 4 year old so he could visit his dad and he didn’t have one melt down. He stayed close to me in the busy airports (so close in fact that one time I couldn’t see him through my handbag hehe) and sat in his seat on the plane the whole time and only got up to go to the toilet.
Also if you’re worried about your child’s ears on a plane, which is the main reason kids cry and get unsettled, you can get Ear Planes from the chemist and they’re great!! They’re like ear plugs but they have a valve to help with the pressure. You put them in half an hour before take off (so basically once you’ve boarded and can take them out once the seat belt sign comes on. Then again about an hour before landing and once you’ve landed you can take them out again.