And it’s already August!
If you are thinking, and “panicizing”, about that plane trip that you now regret buying because you have no idea how you are going to manage the children, don’t stress (too much😂).. we are here to help!
Here are some tips from veteran parents:
When booking flights, and if possible, schedule trips 1h to 2h after the time children normally take their nap.
Before the trip:
Comfortable clothes that can get dirty;
Dress them in layers;
If possible, take two backpacks, one for hygiene items: diapers, wipes and extra clothes and the other with toys, books and games;
Avoid carrying loose items, reserve space in your hand luggage to place coats, hats and other things that children may have in their hands before boarding;
FOOD! Healthy and simple snacks that don’t leave hands, and everything else, sticky!
At the airport:
There are airports that give priority to pregnant women and children, others don’t, but even if there isn’t a specific queue, ask, there are a lot of kind people in this world who can help you;
Avoid having to open your hand luggage at security:
- Carry tablets, laptops and other electronic instruments in the same bag (they are prohibited in the hold bag, even when turned off);
- Place all liquids in a separate transparent bag;
- You have the right to take water bottles, bottles and other food products, even if they exceed 100ml;
You can take the baby stroller to the boarding gate, don’t forget to ask for the label (at check-in or boarding gate) which indicates that it should be handed over when leaving the plane and not on the mat as far away as possible from the exit;
There are suitcases with wheels for older children to sit on. If you also have a baby, you can attach the strap to the stroller and pull the baby at the same time as you push the stroller. It surely beats the gym!
Do a quick toilette run and change everyone’s diaper;
Use and abuse the children’s entertainment area;
Boarding:
🛩 Pregnant women and children have priority when boarding on most companies;
🛩 Baby carriers, slings and similar accessories are wonderful allies;
🛩 When you get on the plane, if you are traveling alone with one or two children, ask the crew if the plane is full and if it is possible to change seats, if the person next to you agrees (sometimes the crew are more receptive if you are the one talking to the passenger sitting next to you);
- Ask the person next to you if they mind changing seats, tell them that you have already spoken to the crew member and, if there is that option, it is possible. Most people understands that traveling in a tiny space with a baby is challenging and they will probably prefer to change too;
On the plane:
On take-off and landing, breastfeed (if you are the mother) or give your baby a bottle. In the case of older children, give them something to drink/eat. Swallowing helps them deal with the pressure in their ears;
If it’s nap time, and the baby is still in an acceptable state, give him lunch/snack first, it can help the baby sleep a little longer;
Eating has the advantage of taking up a good part of the flight:
- bananas, apples, blueberries, grapes, cold pasta are good options, if you want to be adventurous with spaghetti you will have something to do during the whole flight
. Raw or cooked carrots, cucumber or cherry tomatoes split in half to avoid squirts, etc.…
- bananas, apples, blueberries, grapes, cold pasta are good options, if you want to be adventurous with spaghetti you will have something to do during the whole flight
Offer non-electronic toys first, (it helps if you make a prior selection of toys that children haven’t seen at home for a while);
- crayons and charcoal pencils are a good choice, they don’t have caps that roll off during take-offs and landings and that you will never see again;
Don’t rush to offer the tablet or cell phone, let them exhaust all other alternatives; children tend to become more tired and irritable after looking at screens and it is more difficult to make them want to draw or play with other things again;
Relax and have a good vacation!
Do you have other tips that have saved your vacation? Share them with us in the comments!