FLIGHT INFO

Flying with kids? Tips for a stress-free trip

From packing chewy snacks to scheduling your flight, here’s how to make travelling with young ones as painless as possible

As travelling becomes less of a challenge and the pandemic hopefully begins to ease, it’s time to start planning summer family holidays.

But if you are heading out with babies or very young children for the first time, you’ll face some different challenges.

Here are some top tips for families planning to travel with little ones this year:

Booking your flights

Look to match your flights with your child’s daily routine wherever possible. For instance, don’t opt for a latenight departure or overnight flight thinking your kids will sleep through it. They may not with all the excitement and noise, and you’ll be doubly exhausted.

Plan a flight departure between mealtimes or naps as this can help reduce the chance of public tantrums.

Choose your seats wisely

If you can, always book your baby a bassinet, or choose bulkhead seats. It’s worth considering sitting closer to the toilets, making trips with kids a lot more convenient.

Before boarding

Explain the security process to your kids if they are old enough to understand. It can be confusing for children, having to load their special things on the conveyor belt and be separated (albeit very briefly) from their parents to go through the scanner.

If you want to take a pram through the airport, consider investing in a folding onethat can be taken on board the plane as a carry on.

Take travel snacks

Carry healthy, proteinfilled treats with you in case of unexpected delays, or for when moving between time zones.

Carry fruit gums or similar chewy sweets as they are great for take-off and landing for older children, to help reduce the pressure on their ears.

Encourage kids to take sips of water as often as possible too, as dehydration can exacerbate jetlag.

Toy story

Allow your children to bring their own carry-on toys — this makes them feel more grown up and adds to the excitement of the whole travel experience.

Comfort is key

Make sure you r lit t le ones a re as comfortable as possible to minimise the risk of any midair tantrums. Planning the outfit they wear carefully and packing a mini travel pillow for them is a great start.

It’s also a good idea to have a spare change of clothes and a spare shirt for yourself in case of accidents or unexpected spills.

Board the plane first or last

While many airlines offer families priority boarding, some parents prefer to get on last to minimise the amount of time their baby or small child spends on the plane.

In-flight entertainment

While on board, make use of the inflight entertainment. Give your children freedom to watch more TV/films than usual, it will seem like a treat and will give you time to relax and unwind too.

Use the crew

Cabin staff are on hand to make your flight as enjoyable

as possible. They can help with warming bottles, keeping baby food refrigerated, offering children’s activities, holding meals until a convenient time (and maybe even sneaking a glass of wine to you after your little ones are finally asleep).

Be realistic

Finally, lower your expectations — flying can be fun, but it can be overwhelming for parents and confusing for youngsters as they may not respond wel l to noi se, crowd s, or waiting. Explain as much as you can about what to expect and be extra patient, while being kind to yourself.

— DAILY MIRROR