There is nothing worse than a screaming toddler on a plane, for both parents and other passengers. The experience can be made easier by planning ahead and packing plenty of “comfort items” to keep little ones entertained.
Preparing Children for Air Travel
Most kids are a little apprehensive about flying, especially if they have never been on a plane before. It helps to talk to them beforehand about what to expect, so they will feel more prepared. Before leaving on a trip, parents should talk to kids about air travel in general. By talking about what will happen on the plane — the take-off, the flight itself, and the landing — kids will have a better idea of what is going on.
Talking about the actual destination and showing children where they are going may generate excitement as well, and will help them get a better idea of how far they are traveling. It is also a good idea to introduce kids to the pilot upon boarding the plane (if time allows) and let them ask a few questions, so they will feel comfortable with the person who is getting them to their destination. However, on today's busy, crowded airplanes, this isn't always possible so don't promise the kids it will happen.
By preparing kids for the experience, parents can relieve some of their fears and help them to know what to expect.
Games and Toys
Taking appropriate games and toys on a flight is a must with kids. Flights longer than a few hours can produce boredom, and there is nothing worse than a bored child on a plane. Children who have nothing to do but sit and stare at the seat in front of them for hours upon end will tend to be more disruptive, which is unfair to other passengers. To avoid this, parents should pack as many toys and diversions as possible in carry-on bags, and get them out as needed. Items such as books, wipe-off boards, portable DVD players, and iPods loaded with kids’ TV shows and movies are great ways to keep kids entertained.
Parents should make sure that the things they bring are approved for air travel. The FAA’s web site offers information on child safety and FAA regulations.
Surprise Gifts
A wonderful way to keep very young children happy on a flight is to take along five to seven “gifts” in a carry-on bag and give one to the child every twenty or thirty minutes. Small toys, such as coloring books and crayons, action figures, and dolls given as surprise presents can make an unbearably long flight go much faster. By wrapping the toys beforehand and packing them on a bag that will accompany the child on the flight, parents have a guaranteed diversion. Kids will delight in unwrapping “gifts” along the way and then enjoy playing with their new toys. As long as the wrapping paper is carefully collected, there should be no problem. This is a wonderful way to keep children’s interest, and if timed correctly, can keep them entertained for the duration of the trip.
Bring Comfort Items
Parents should always remember to bring specific comfort items when traveling with kids, especially small ones. If a child has a favorite blanket or toy, that item should definitely make the trip. Travelers should check air travel regulations on approved items, and then bring whatever will help a child nap or rest on the plane, particularly if it is an overnight flight. Blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, and dolls may help a child feel more at home on a plane, and more at ease. Always bring pacifiers for toddlers or babies, since these serve a dual purpose of both comforting the child and protecting little ears from hurting during air pressure changes.
Flying with kids need not be a headache; with some preparation, the experience can even be enjoyable. Parents should always remember to plan ahead, prepare children for air travel, and do everything possible to make the experience comfortable and enjoyable.
Kristi McCabe - Kristi is a former editor and teacher who now takes great pride in being a stay-at-home mother. She is the queen of her domain, and ...
