Photo by Kidperez
Flying long distances with children doesn’t have to be a nightmare.
You know the scene: someone boards the plane with toddler in tow, and reactions ripple down the aisles. Some passengers smile, some nod in sympathy at the parent, and some tense up and scowl, recalling the crying baby on their last flight.
Travel can be inspiring for children, but sometimes the actual travel part is more challenge than reward. Here are 20 tips for taking babies and young children on long flights.
Preparation
Travel can be inspiring for children, but sometimes the actual travel part is more challenge than reward.
1. Book an overnight flight if you can. Your children will be worn out from the day’s activities, and hopefully sleepy.
2. Pick your seats strategically. Sitting at the back puts you close to the bathroom. But if your child is fidgety the bulkhead might be best. There, you don’t have to worry about your child kicking the back of someone’s seat.
3. Load kid-friendly movies or favorite TV shows on an iPhone or laptop. Be sure to charge all electronics before the flight.
4. The Frugal Traveler shares this advice: buy your child a new toy or book, just for the flight. Alternatively, you can wrap up an older toy. Seeing this toy in a different setting will be a novelty.
Photo by xersti
5. Paul Banas at GreatDad.com says to plan for the worst. Delays, cancellations, or hours of sitting on the tarmac will make everyone fidgety. Pack a lot more food, diapers and wipes than you think you’ll need.
6. For the sake of other passengers and yourself, pack non-noisy toys. An Etch-a-Sketch or coloring books are quiet, creative activities. If your child has electronic toys, be sure to check the volume settings.
7. Bring healthy snacks, especially if your child is a fussy eater. Foods that won’t melt or crumble are easiest; think trail mix or homemade sandwiches. Single Parent Travel suggests avoiding foods with caffeine or excess sugar.
8. Pack extra clothes for your child, since temperatures can vary on planes and in airports. Pack an extra shirt for yourself in case of baby spit-up or other mess.
9. Consider an inflatable potty seat to ease trips to the bathroom. On-the-Go Inflatables sells handy ones.
At the airport
10. Get to the airport early. After a car ride, lining up for check-in, then lining up again for security, kids will want to stretch their legs before sitting on a plane. You also might want to tire them out a bit with physical movement. Most airport websites will tell you whether a play area is offered. If not, find an open space where your kids can move around and play. As Travel Savvy Mom points out, this is also good advice for long layovers, as it burns up energy.
Photo by livingonimpulse
11. Children older than 3 or 4 should carry their own bags. Get a solid, comfortable rolling bag with shoulder straps so the bag can also be worn as a backpack. They can pack in it what they can carry.
12. Delicious Baby has great stroller advice: do your airport research to ease the transit. Most airlines will allow you to push your stroller all the way to the gate and check it there. Be sure to attach a tag to the stroller with your name, address, and contact information.
13. Before you go through the security point, explain the process to your child. It might be scary for a child to see his or her shoes or favorite toy disappear into an x-ray machine.
Anne Merritt
Anne Merritt has lived in Canada, Europe, and Asia. She teaches ESL, writes, haggles, hikes, and wears sunscreen fanatically. Her work has appeared in The Globe and Mail, GoOverseas.com, and The Compass. Check out her blog.
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