Flying with preschoolers, toddlers or babies is never easy, but often it’s the only option when you are headed off on a family holiday. With today’s security procedures, long lines, the inevitable airport delays and crowded airplanes, air travel can be very stressful for parents and kids alike. Planning and preparation is the key to surviving the experience and minimizing the headaches and hassles.
Before you even book your flight, check out airline websites for information on flying with small children and infants. Airline policies vary from one company to another and some are certainly more family-friendly than others. Depending on the age of your child, you’ll want to know about policies regarding sky cots (baby bassinettes), approved car seats, pushchairs allowance and/or flight harnesses.
When booking your flights, try to book non-stop flights if at all possible. You’ll also have to decide whether to book a separate seat for children under two. Holding them on your lap during long flights can be very uncomfortable and is certainly not the safest option. If you can’t afford a separate seat, ask if the flight is full when you check in: airline staff may be willing to put you next to an empty seat. A few days before your flight, check with the airport for up-to-date information on security measures, so that you can dress and pack accordingly to avoid delays at security checkpoints.
Traveling with a baby can actually be much easier than travelling with toddlers or preschoolers. Many babies will sleep through much of the flight. Just make sure you’ve packed everything you may need to care for the baby including: disposable diapers, wipes, powder or diaper cream, a supply of plastic bags, a changing pad, formula, plastic bottles, disposable bottle liners, baby food, disposable bibs, a pacifier and a couple of changes of clothes. By the time you have done packing all this you will probably be thinking all I am missing from home is the nursery furniture but I promise it’s worth it and I’m speaking from experience! If you are breast feeding, a scarf or a shawl can be used for privacy. It’s also a good idea to make sure you have an extra change of blouse or shirt for yourself, as flying can play havoc with a baby’s digestive system.
When packing for toddlers or preschoolers you want to ensure that you have everything you need to keep them entertained, hydrated and fed during the flight. Small children have very short attention spans so you will need to keep them entertained with colouring books, sticker books and small toys. Have preschoolers pack their own backpack with some of their favourite games, toys and books. Handheld video games and personal DVD players with headphones can keep them busy for quite awhile. Bring along plenty of snacks, like granola bars, fruit roll ups, crackers, fresh fruit and string cheese. Pack sippy cups for younger children and empty water bottles. You can fill the bottles up in the airport after you go through security. Lollipops are a great alternative to gum to keep the kids ears from popping during descent.
Always take advantage of pre-boarding when traveling with infants or small children. It gives you a chance to get the kids settled and everything stowed away so it’s easily accessible. If you and your family are the first on and the last off the plane, there is also a greater chance that the flight attendants will have the time to assist you if you need any help. Air travel with small children and babies doesn’t have to be a nightmare if you take the time to prepare in advance, and make sure you pack everything you may need along the way.
Author Bio
Jamie Anderson is a proud parent of 2, apple iPhone fan, footballer, photographer and daddy blogger. Jamie has been managing his own blog for a few years now. Jamie enjoys writing articles for mums to be and parents of young children and currently writes for Baby Planet who are a leading UK retailer of baby equipment including nursery furniture, pushchairs and cots.
