Ever sit on the plane, looking longingly at those parents whose kids are playing without a peep, angelically following every instruction of their commander parent, wondering if you should enlist your one or two+ dependents in their military outfit? While that may have definite appeal, there are other more child-friendly hacks to taking the stress out of flying with kids – and dare we say even allow you to look forward to the journey.
As a mom who frequently travels with her two little girls, both under 5 (with and without her husband), Amanda Rogaly, Chief Mommy of BabyYumYum, the #1 parenting portal that talks about everything relating to a parenting lifestyle, shares some of her tips for travelling with kids.
- Sleep aids
Let’s face it, a sleep-deprived kid isn’t a pretty sight. “Be proactive,” advises Amanda. “A rolled-up blanket can double up as a cushion and provide warmth, helping to encourage sleep on the plane or a layover,” says Amanda. Depending on the size of the blanket and child, fold the blanket in half once or twice and roll it up. Secure a wide ribbon around the top and bottom ends, allowing the ribbon to slacken in the middle as a sling strap. Kids who are old enough can carry it on their own, teaching them responsibility and independence. Until then, blankets can be folded together and given to each child once you’re on board.
- Snacks
Having pre-packed snacks for each kid can help contain hunger, sugar levels, tantrums and your blood pressure levels.
“Make this a fun, visual and tactile experience using a plastic container with little compartments, filling each space with a healthy snack of different colours and textures,” says Amanda, who suggests snack ideas like nuts, dried fruit, pretzels, cut-up fruit or veggies. Include bottled water to keep them hydrated. Additionally, keep a tantrum-busting treat on standby as a bargaining chip when you’re all out of options and energy.
- Travel bag
Anyone who’s travelled with kids knows you need as many free hands as possible. Enter the backpack, helping you allocate a place for items such as your kid’s travel documents (ID, birth certificate, passport, visas – depending on where you’re flying).
“It’s best to err on side of caution here,” says Amanda. “Packing a spare set of clothing in case of spills, together with wet wipes, paper towels, hand sanitisers and sealable plastic bags for soiled or wet clothing can go a long way to restoring order and removing the evidence of any projectile mishaps.”
- Technological support
“Even if you didn’t attend boy or girl scouts, you can at least adopt their motto: ‘Be prepared’. Sign up for cellphone or email alerts via the airline website so that you’re informed of delays or flight changes.
“Make use of the online check-in to have one less thing to worry about,” says Amanda. Print out boarding passes or, better still, have the digital version, minimising check-in time at the airport, allowing you to go (hopefully) quickly through the security gates.
- Fun and games
“Don’t underestimate the distraction power of entertainment. It’s right up there with oxygen when it comes to preserving sanity (yours and that of fellow passengers).
“Bring out new toys each hour to break the monotony of a long journey. Games can be simple such as I-spy, naughts and crosses, or card games. Creative ideas include activity books, puzzles, Lego, board games, colouring-in books, pre-cut felt (which can be arranged on a felt-board), play dough and sticker books.
“Pack a separate games bag for each child together with their favourite toy. You can also ask a flight attendant about their inflight entertainment for children.
“Don’t be afraid to bring out the big guns aka digital devices to avoid having to share your child’s talent in reaching unusually high decibels. Make sure the device is fully charged. Take note that some airlines have travel tech restrictions regarding size of the device, so be sure to check in advance so you are well prepared.”
- Take care of you
“Just because you’re looking after your kids 24/7 doesn’t mean you should neglect yourself in the process.
“As parents, we need to bring along items that nurture us too – a book, magazines, sudoku, podcasts, music … just in case you have at least 10 minutes free or you can still stay up when the kids finally fall asleep.
“Holiday time is a wonderful opportunity to bond with the family, creating precious memories. As tempting as it may be to enlist your little ones in boot camp, you also need to include a generous dose of realism into your plans: things aren’t going to be perfect and your kid may ignore all of the known plane etiquette rules. You can always adopt the mantra ‘The flight will end. The flight will end’.”
“Despite the potential cringeworthiness of it all, it’s part of memory making and these are precious times that go by too quickly.
“And if all else fails, remember you’re only human (and chances are you’ll never see your fellow passengers again),” concludes the BabyYumYum Founder.