Flying with your kid can feel intimidating. You may think about how you’ll pass those long waits at the airport, the continuous questions, or the outbursts that come at unexpected costs. But armed with some planning and preparation, it’s bound to be easier than you think. Plus, flying with your little one allows you both to create cherished memories and experience exciting new adventures.
Pre-Trip Planning: Start Right
Choosing Child-Friendly Airlines
Selecting the right airline is one of the most significant steps toward improving air travel. However, it is not always easy, as not all airlines are child-friendly. Some allow for family priority boarding so that there is sufficient time to get settled before crowds overrun families. Others can grant a free checked stroller, car seat, present in-flight entertainment kits, or kiddie meals. It is worthwhile to read up on them to choose one that is right for your needs.
You should find out what the airline allows and bring baby formula, snacks, or breast milk. Knowing the rules before going can spare you some headaches and anxiety at the airport.
Booking the Right Seats
Next, let’s consider booking the seats. Booking the cheapest seat available may seem tempting, but this is generally not an option when traveling with kids. Being closer to the front of the airplane allows you to get off more swiftly, which is a great relief after a long flight.
Such seats also need more consideration when choosing bulkhead seats behind partitions. This segment provides extra legroom for children to spread out. Some bulkhead seats may not have under-seat luggage space, so ensure you stow any carry-on in overhead compartments. Reserve a complete row for your family if possible, making supervision and communication much more effortless.
Plan Around Nap Time
It often helps to schedule the flight according to the child’s naptime or bedtime schedule. Reasonably tired children behave better and are less cranky; you may be fortunate enough that the little one sleeps most of the way.
Packing Essentials for Air Travel with a Child
Carry-On Essentials
The perfect bag of essentials can make all the difference while traveling with children. Everything your child needs should be within arms’ reach. Let’s start with snacks. An unhappy child is a hungry child, so be sure to pack plenty of their favorite snacks and some small meals. Crackers, cheese sticks, fruit, and sandwiches make good finger foods. If you’re traveling with a child who takes a bottle, then be sure to pack sufficient formula for the whole journey.
Specialized comfort items should also join the club as they will provide consolation during take-off and landing when the child tends to feel discomfort due to pressure changes.
Entertainment
Traveling with some form of entertainment will be highly beneficial in keeping kids occupied on a long journey. Boredom commonly leads to restlessness and temper tantrums. Various other items could capture their interest; think coloring books, small toys, or an electronic device filled with games and programs suited for their age.
Remember to bring kids’ headphones to listen to their music without disturbing others. Change the headphones every other hour or so to keep the knee viperish. A new or long-forgotten toy is particularly fascinating.
Health and Hygiene
Is it essential? Certainly! Airplanes are not a bastion of germ-free environments; hence, hand sanitizer, baby wipes, and disinfectant wipes make terrific travel companions. You can use them to clean tray tables, armrests, or anything else that comes in contact with your child. It’s good to have a little first-aid kit packed containing assorted band-aids, pain-relief drugs, and anything else your children might need. Having an extra set of clothes for you and your child is always a quick fix in case of spills or accidents.
Cabin Strollers
If you want to avoid crippling your hand while carrying your child in a car seat, a cabin stroller is a great solution. These may be light and compact, guaranteeing they are foldable up to precisely a size to fit neatly in an overhead cabin of most airplanes. Thus, they allow you to take them straight to the aircraft’s door without checking them in.
Before you purchase, ensure you find a cabin stroller that fits into overhead cabins.
You Don’t Have to Carry Your Child Around in the Airport: Cabin strollers give parents great comfort in navigating comfortably in the airport as they do not have to carry their kids. Instead, your child could comfortably sit while you take care of your bags and pass security. Long aisle walks through the airport or layover times are made easier by foregoing the exciting between-the-legs cartwheels that have some parents swearing that this one is a lifesaver.
No Waiting for the Gate-Checked Stroller: When a regular stroller is gate-checked, it usually takes center stage at the destination, which could be bad for a tired child. Cabin strollers don’t require their operator to wait because they are always with them.
Fold and stuff ONBOARD: Upon boarding, it must be folded up and stowed in the overhead compartment; you’ll have it ready for unfolding as soon as you land.
Navigating the Airport with a Child
Arrive Early
Specifically, design a few extra minutes for you and your child so that you can arrive early at the airport. These minutes are for checking in, going through security, and taking a bathroom break. It helps to ward off a mad rush in a way that’s unbearably stressful on you and your child and makes travel a little more enjoyable.
Security Checkpoint Tips
Security is sometimes the hardest part of flying with kids. Be prepared for additional questions about formula, snacks, or medicines. Per TSA rules, pack these items in an easily accessible location in your carry-on to speed up the check. You should not be surprised if a TSA officer requests that you take your child out of the stroller or carrier before going through the scanner.
Keeping Busy at the Airport
Airports can be overwhelmingly dull in this fast-paced world; however, airports can be fun! Most have zones where kids can play to get energy out before the flight. If airports don’t have such zones, parents can play simple games, like I Spy, or let the kids gaze out the window, watching planes depart and land.
In-Flight Tips for Traveling with a Child
Easing Ear Pressure
Changes in air pressure are among the most uncomfortable experiences children endure while flying. A fully-fed baby should have something to do with nibbling, like a pacifier, to mimic sucking motion. Children above six can be taught to pop their ears by swallowing, yawning, or feeding them a snack during take-off and landing.
Keeping Kids Entertained During the Flight
Once in the air, entertainment is a must for a happy flight. Good interactive toys, apps, and coloring books should be available. Asking them to walk them down the blanket or the maze when bored will be helpful. Throw in some surprises, such as a new toy or a book you know will keep his attention when bored.
Handling Meltdowns
Even the best planning cannot do away with an occasional meltdown. When your child does erupt, don’t join in; do your best to remain calm and reason with them in a gentle voice. Sometimes a simple change in scenery-a long walk to the lavatory, maybe-can work wonders. It should be pointed out, too, that many passengers are parents themselves, and so understand what it takes.
Helping Kids Sleep on the Plane
It is your lucky day if your child falls asleep on the airplane. Include a travel pillow, a blanket, and pajamas, if necessary. Ideally, time the flight when booking so that it falls within the window of the child’s usual nap
Post-Flight: Making the Transition Smooth
Getting Off the Plane
Therefore, when the group disembarks the plane, it takes time to get out of it; if you are not in a rush, it would probably be okay to let some other passengers disembark first while you quietly put your things together. Airports can be crowded and overwhelming, so keep your child close to you.
Navigating Baggage Claim
Baggage claims can take quite a while, so have some snacks or toys that are easily accessible. Some airports even have areas where children can play around baggage claim, so watch for those.
Transportation to Your Destination
If you’ll need transportation to the hotel or accommodation, arrange this ahead of time. Not every service will provide a car seat, so plan accordingly. If it’s an option, consider bringing your portable car seat.
Staying Safe in Transit
Keep an eye on important documents like boarding passes and passports. Store them in a pocket of your bag, which you will have immediate access to because you’ll need to show your boarding passes on many occasions. Make sure your child knows whom to contact for assistance, such as a safe adult (e.g., a security person), should you get separated.
Dealing with Jet Lag
Kids are so sensitive when traversing across time zones, as jet lag may also sharpen its claws on you. To cut its curse in half, start changing your child’s sleep schedule a few days before you depart. Once you arrive, act as if it is already morning/noon/evening, as the place dictates.
Conclusion
Traveling by air with a child can be quite unbearably nerve-racking! With foresight and the right attitude, the journey can pass off worthy of the destination! None of this is any way to lose the cool-go with the flow- Kids do not make any guarantees, and having some flexibility might help you have a wonderful trip. Enjoy the journey, capture the moment, and forge a lifetime of memories!
