Air travel with kids isn’t always
easy and even the shortest of flights can sometimes pose problems. However,
there are a few things you can do to make your family’s air travel
experience a little easier and definitely more enjoyable.
Plan
The best way to avoid unexpected problems is to make sure you pack all
the necessary carry-on essentials. This will, of course, vary according
to how many kids you’re traveling with and their ages.
Make a list
A good thing to do is make a list of everything you may need. Think of
unforeseen situations like a child getting sick or a baby teething. If
you’re flight is short then you don’t have to worry as much, but for
long international flights it definitely helps to be prepared.
Anticipate delays
You not only need to make sure you have all the essentials for during
the flight, but also be prepared for any unavoidable delays at
departures or arrivals.
Here’s a list of some things to consider when packing your carry-on bag:
Food for babies and toddlers:
Take your diaper bag as you would normally do but make sure it’s
stockpiled with foods such as various crackers, Cheerios, or dried fruit
and other healthy snacks. Also, you’ll want to make sure your toddler
doesn’t have too much sugar on the plane, especially on a long flight.
For baby, take along any baby food or formula you normally use. It’s
always good to take a little extra but you don’t have to overdo it. For
example, if you’re flight is 6 hours then you may want to take enough
supplies for 8 or 10 hours (just in case).
If you have kids that need special attention or medications you may want
pack these essentials separately, or into one bigger bag so you’re not
digging around for it during the flight. You may also want to pack some
medicine in case your child develops a fever or headache.
Food for preschoolers and older kids:
Keep in mind that not all kids enjoy airline meals so take plenty of
snacks in case they choose not to eat the in-flight meals. Pack a
variety of fun and nutritious snacks such as granola bars, pretzels, cut
up fruit, etc. You can also purchase some of these things on flight.
Drinks:
You’ll be able to get drinks on most flights but not necessarily when
you want them! Always make sure you have some bottled water or juice on
hand.
Change of diapers and clothes:
Pack a bag full of diapers adequate for the length of the flight, and a
few more for luck. Don’t forget to include wipes, changing mats, and
diaper rash cream. It’s a good idea to pack extra wipes for sticky hands
and faces too.
And make sure you pack an extra set of clothes, not only for the kids
but for yourself too. It is no fun sitting on a long flight in the same
clothes your child has thrown up on. These things do happen and kids
sometimes get motion sick on flights. So when packing a spare set of
clothes add one for mom and dad too. Also, pack a few empty plastic bags
to put soiled clothes in.
Games and toys:
Pack a few bright toys like teethers and stuffed animals as well as a
favorite book to keep them happy. Make sure all toys are lightweight and
safe. If your child is bringing along a handheld electronic game ask the
flight attendants what period of time this can be used on flight.
Electronic devices can interfere with aircraft navigational or take off
safety system. Explain this to your child beforehand. And why not spend
a while printing out some of the activities at Activity Village to keep
the kids amused on the journey!
Older kids:
Once kids reach about 8 years and above, part of the thrill of a plane
journey is having their own carry-on bag. We have found that an
appropriately-sized backpack for each child works well. We make them
responsible for their own bag (so we check it is comfortable and not too
heavy before we set out). We give them a bottle of water, snacks, a
reading book and the latest copy of their favorite magazine, a notebook
and pens, some printed puzzles and activities, a pack of miniature cards
and perhaps a game of Top Trumps, and a surprise or two!
Dressing Girls For School
I have spoken to so many parents who tell me it is a monumental task to get
their younger daughters ready for school in the morning. Unless your daughter
has only one set of clothes to wear, she probably wants to change her outfit
three times before choosing the one she will "agree" to wear to school each day.
Here's how we solved the problem in our family...
3 Easy Ways To Make An Awesome Playroom
Are you irritated every time you walk past your kids playroom? Paper here, toys
there, the floor is strewn with stuff that you can't even guess what it is! Most
of us feel a whole lot better when things are organized. Is it natural to be
neat and tidy or is it a skill that must be learned? We'll let you worry about
that question but we'll give you a few simple ideas on how to make that playroom
fun again.
What should you expect at 6 weeks, 6 months or 1 year? We provide useful
milestones and developmental stages so that you can keep an eye on your
baby's development in the first year. Baby Stages
Ideas For Sharing Stories
With Children
This two-part article discusses the ways in which stories and
storytelling play an important role in children's lives. Techniques are
offered for using stories to help develop children's verbal skills and
imaginations. This is part one.
Who Owns The Problem; Parent or Child?
It is tempting for parents to assume ownership and responsibility for everything that goes on in the life of their child. However, when the parent jumps in too soon to solve the problem or give the answer, the child never learns to trust his own judgment and become a critical thinker.
Parenting - Making A Schedule This article on the benefits of scheduling your day as a parent
really struck home with me. It took me a while to work this out for
myself when I had young children at home, and I wish I had done so - and
benefited from the much calmer household that was the result - sooner!
