Air Travel with Little Children
The bags are packed, and you're ready to go.
You thought a little away time from the craziness of everyday life would do everyone good. And now, get ready to board that plane, headed off to your dream destination. The first time in 5 years! The first time since the little one was born! Go on - its only a 13-hour plane ride away...
You probably started freaking out weeks ago, but everything was booked, and now there is no way out anymore.
Here's what I can tell you from many years of experience of traveling with small children - it's not as bad as you think. In fact, it works quite well. The key things to keep in check are your worries and fears!
First and foremost set realistic expectations!
Fact is, kids will be kids. Kids get frustrated, and kids get scared, tired, hungry, and bored. If you're expecting a relaxing and stress-free air travel where you get as much sleep as your heart desires, you're in great need of a reality check! The trick is to learn to ride the waves that might be coming at you.
An excellent way to do this is to load your tablet with lots of things for the kids from Movies, to TV shows, games, music, and whatnot. EVEN when they usually don't get to use electronics. Flying long haul with a child is an exception.
Now is not the time to try and discipline the offspring; you are exercising manage control! Keep that in mind.
People will give you stink eye when your toddler cries for 8 out of the 10 hours you are in flight - let them! You most probably will never see them again. If they mind, they should be helping you!
Tips and Tricks from a Seasoned Traveling Mom
A few things you can bring that have worked time and time again
SMALL TOYS
TRAVLE BOARD GAMES
SMALL ART SUPPLIES
Travel crayon wallet
Stick it directly on the fold out table. Make sure you take it off before leaving the aircraft.
Dos and Don'ts
- Bring lots of snacks
- Give baby a bottle or breastfeed during take-off and landing to help with inner ear pressure
- Make sure everyone drinks plenty of water to avoid dehydration
- Don't forget tablets, headphones, chargers
- Pack one set of back up clothes for everyone, including yourself!
- Have plenty of diapers on hand. Delays or sickness can get you into tricky situations
- Travel Toilet seat covers come in very handy as they are big enough to reach down to their feet.
- If you need help, ask for it. But always be polite and kind!
- Pack a surprise for them. A new book or small stuffy can go a long way
- A little junk food is ok.
- Pick your battles, now is not the time to set new restrictions but don't let them run wild. You won't get any sympathy from anyone if your child picks the seat in front of it or throws things
- Don't try and stick to your routine. There is no routine at this point. remember - damage control
- Don't forget who's in control! It really is the parent's job to make sure their child is occupied.
Remember - you will get to where you want to go - Eventually
One last thought:
Clean up after yourself and your family. We always have a small plastic bag handy to keep our trash pile under control.
Be it candy wrappers, empty disposable cups, etc. it all goes in the bag!
The cleanup personal deserves some respect, too. ;-)
Enjoy your vacation and remember - the flight is only the means to get there. You will get to where you want to go!
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