Ten Top Tips for Flying with Little Ones
So you’re off on your holidays!
You must be so excited, dreaming of the beach, the pool, the cocktails!
But their is one little thing you need to get out of the way first, well actually it’s not that small. It’s a massive flying machine and can be extremely boring for all aboard, expecially when those passengers are your miniature humans off on their first holiday!
So we have put together a nice list of 10 things which will (fingers crossed) help make your life, and everyone else’s slightly easier for the duration of your flight!
1) TAKE ADVANTAGE OF EARLY BOARDING
At some point when everyone is waiting at the terminal you will hear a wonderful announcement:
“Would passengers travelling with small children or needing extra assistance please proceed to the gate now”
It might not seem like much, but to be able to avoid most of the hussle and bussle while finding your seats on the plane can mean less stress and much happier, more comfortable children!
2) BRING ACTIVITIES
A piece of hand luggage filled with lots of fun activities dedicated to each child will definitely help, pop in their favourite story book, magazines, stickers, colouring books with crayons, an ipad or tablet, portable DVD player or anything else you can think of that would keep your child happy and busy!
3) SNACKS
It’s a well known fact that airplane food is gross! (Okay, not everyone agrees and some people actually enjoy it!) But chances are your child will not be interested in a watery chicken korma or veggie filled pasta bake. So sandwiches, biscuits, crisps, raisins anything you know they will actually eat and help keep them from getting too grumpy.
4) EXPLORE
Sitting down for a prolonged period isn’t fun. And an airplane is something new with not a lot to see, but still your little ones will enjoy a nice slow walk around the plane and a chance to stretch those legs, they might even see some other children they could talk to or a nice old lady that wants to pinch their cheeks and tell you how cute they are!
5) STOP THOSE EARS POPPING
Most adults know the trick to help popping ears is some hard boiled candy. But most children would never be allowed this, so a nice compromise is a packet of jelly sweets! You could even make a game out of it, seeing who can suck their sweet the longest!
6) TRUNKI TO THE RESCUE
You may have seen these before, a plastic gruffalo, ladybug or dragon case your child can store all their activities in as well as sit on and be pulled along. It definitely saves their little legs and your arms from carrying them. They aren’t cheap but an investment worth looking into!
7) BRIBERY WORKS
Good behaviour deserves to be rewarded, and everyone likes presents! So why not wrap up some small activities, toys or sweets to let your child unwrap every hour or so, telling them they will only receive their present if they earn it.
😎 APPS, APPS, APPS!
Prepare your phone or tablet with some easy, child friendly apps your kids can peacefully play on, make sure they are apps that can be launched without WiFi and bring some headphones for them too.
9) PILLOWS & BLANKETS
If you expect your child to sleep on the plane prepare to be disappointed, but their is nothing wrong with trying to encourage them to do so. Some airlines will automatically give your pillows and blankets but not all do, so don’t be afraid to ask for some.
10) BE PREPARED
Expect the unexpected, and try to prepare yourself for it. Sometimes planes can be delayed once you are already aboard which can make your flight twice as long. Sometimes you aren’t allowed out of your seat for hours at a time, and although you might be okay holding your bladder, even a fully potty trained child might struggle, so pack some spare pull ups, wet wipes and a change of clothes. Chances are you won’t need them. But it’s better to have them – just incase.
We hope this list helps.
If you can think of any great tips or tricks we have missed please add them in the comments and don’t for get to share to help other parents.