Flying

Traveling with toddlers can be every parents worst nightmare and most people can recall some sort of bad flying experience, be it yours or someone elses. Below you will find a list of things that my friends and I have found to make our flights (and that of the passengers around us) just a little bit less stressful.

Check-in your pram: If you haven't already decided to leave your pram at home (see our suggestion in the 'planning' section) then you should definitely check your pram in with your luggage (rather than take it on board for the benefit of pushing your child around the terminal). Most airlines allow prams, portable baby cots and car-seats to be checked in additionally at no cost. If you can carry your infant in a sling or Baby Bjorn it will enable you to have both of your hands free at all times.

Pack 'extras' into your pram travel case: Should you choose to take your pram and check it in with the rest of your luggage, use the pram's travel case to pack (or hide!) additional items of clothing, books, toys, linen, blankets etc for your child. Prams are considered to be 'free' additional check-in items so make the most of every extra pocket and inch of storage space.

Be prepared for security checks: Preparation in packing is key - remember to place any items you'll need to remove (laptops, aerosols, liquids, etc) during the security screening process in the most accessible area of your bags. Also remember to wear easily removable shoes and clothing (your kids too) in the event that you have to remove them when going through the security scanner.

Wrap up some toys: Tessa says that making her little one unwrap toys is another clever five minute distraction. For older kids, many parents have suggested taking an iPad loaded with educational games or programs to keep them occupied. Don't forget a set of headphones so as to not disturb other passengers with the noise.

Book daytime flights: Karina finds night flights more stressful than day flights - at night other passengers are sleeping and there is much more pressure to get your kids to sleep too. By booking a day flight, your co-passengers won't be infuriated by not being able to sleep through the night.

Bribe fellow passengers! Make some lolly bags and distribute them to those around you with a similar note: "Hello! I'm a baby on my first flight and I'd like to apologise in advance if I lose my cool, get scared or my ears hurt. My mum and dad have earplugs available if you need them - we're sitting in 20F if you'd like a pair. I hope you have a safe flight".

Take your car seat onboard: Aside from the obvious safety benefits (much more secure than a flimsy extension seat-belt), infants and toddlers are far more inclined to sleep soundly in their car-seat on a plane. The downside of this is that you will have to book another seat on the flight, which is not always an affordable option for many parents.

Avoiding baby's ear-aches: Changes in air pressure can cause popping or pain in the ears and kids are particularly vulnerable due to their smaller ear canals. To avoid earaches, keep your baby awake during ascent and descent. If they are still being breastfed, feed them or give younger children a bottle or something to drink or suck on to alleviate pressure.


Here's a link to some other great advice from the Travel With Kidz website.