I just returned from a short getaway with my family which included a three hour flight each way. I was seated near children or babies every leg of the trip. I love children and my heart always goes out to parents traveling with them. I remember the days of traveling with little ones and they were far from easy!
One flight I was pregnant with my second child and had a two-year-old in tow. I could barely even make it down the narrow plane aisle! All the baby paraphernalia I had to carry caught on each row. My sister, who was also traveling with a toddler, was my traveling companion on that trip. When we finally reached our seats, we collapsed with laughter at the ridiculousness of the whole scene.
Whenever I see a young family board now, I say a silent prayer for them, that their flight with their children will be fun and that the children will do well. I’ve seen both good and bad experiences played out before me. So here are a few tips to make your next flight with your children successful.
- Allow extra time. Get to the airport earlier than you think you need to. Rushing your child only adds stress, which in turn leads to crankiness in all of you.
- Take along ear pressure relievers. When a baby or child cries on a plane, it’s often due to uncomfortable ear pressure. Take plenty of bottles or a pacifier along for your baby to suck during take-off and landing to reduce pressure. Chewing gum works well for children who are old enough to use it.
- Let your child sit by the window. Being able to see what’s going on outside helps pass the time and keeps your child entertained. While on the ground, talk to him about things he sees. What are the workers doing? How many other planes can he see? How many cars are on the little train carrying the luggage? In the air, comment on the clouds and anything else that might be interesting. Even putting the window shade up and down is a terrific pastime!
- Take along a bag of tricks. Don’t pull it out until your child starts getting whiney. Purchase inexpensive new toys such as a new sticker book, coloring book and crayons, puzzle book, story books or audio books, Etch-a-Sketch, Wooly Willy, Matchbox cars, or paper dolls are all great options. Of course many electronic games and apps are fun and inexpensive as well. But keep in mind that if the pilot asks for all electronics to be shut down during turbulence, you’ve just lost your child’s entertainment as well. Be prepared for anything. Your bag of tricks should also include some special snacks, perhaps even some you don’t normally buy at home. The idea is to make the flight fun, exciting, and worth doing again some day!
- Be playful. Don’t expect your child to be able to entertain himself on the flight. Play with him. Even games like “I spy with my little eye…” are easy and fun. Keep a spirit of adventure as you talk about and experience the flight. Pretend you’re blasting off to the moon or flying somewhere to save the world. In short, have fun!
- Stay relaxed. Despite your best efforts, your child may be in a foul mood. Do your best to remain calm and use a soothing voice to help your child. The more you become agitated the more he’ll sense your tension and act out. If possible, get up and let your child walk in the aisle if he’s getting too antsy in that cramped space. Or walk your baby if he won’t settle down while you’re seated. Don’t forget to bring along his special blanket or toy that he sleeps with.
Traveling with a child can be exhausting. But with proper preparation, it can also be a fun, memorable time for your family. What has your family done to make it work?
