Traveling by air with children can feel like an extreme sport, especially if it’s your first time. I vividly recall my initial journey alone with my eight-month-old son. It went something like this:
- I handed him a “brain-boosting” toy meant to keep him entertained. Instead, he launched it three rows back with the precision of a future baseball star.
- I attempted to rock him to sleep, forgetting how much effort we’d put into teaching him to sleep independently in his crib. The result? A dramatic meltdown that could rival a Broadway show.
- Then came the unpleasant discovery of a dirty diaper. I thought I could manage a change while he sat on my lap. Spoiler alert: I was wrong.
After nearly seven years of air travel with my two kids, I’ve gathered some insights to help you survive flying with little ones. Here are my top tips:
- DO Consider Subliminal Messaging: If you’re flying with a toddler, try convincing them they’ll be tired once on the plane. I once whispered to my daughter all morning about how cozy and sleepy she’d feel. Miraculously, she fell asleep as soon as we boarded, unlike our previous flight where I felt like I was wrestling a wild animal.
- DO Pack Plenty of Familiar Snacks and Supplies: Bring along an abundance of snacks, milk, and diapers. You never know when you might find yourself stuck at a random airport, and these items can be lifesavers. I learned this the hard way when my toddler rejected three meals and insisted on eating the warm cheese I had packed hours earlier.
- DON’T Let Grumpy Passengers Ruin Your Day: Some travelers may not understand why your baby is crying during takeoff and might even blame you for their disrupted naps. Just remember, karma has a way of balancing things out.
- DON’T Medicate for Drowsiness: Avoid giving your child Benadryl to help them sleep on the plane. It can backfire spectacularly; for some kids, it might actually make them more energetic. Trust me, the last thing you want is a hyperactive child on a flight.
- DO Carry Hand Sanitizer: It’s a great way to ease your mind about germs, even if you can’t use it on your kids directly. I once caught my son trying to lick the seatbelt. To combat that, we had to start explaining that everything in the airport likely had germs (which it probably does).
- DON’T Overpack Toys: Skip the pricey new toys; kids often lose interest in them quickly. Instead, ask the flight attendant for a couple of plastic cups and straws. They can be surprisingly entertaining and if they fall on the floor, you won’t mind as much.
- DO Keep Dum Dum Suckers Handy: When your child is having a meltdown, a little sugar can work wonders. A kind stranger once handed my daughter a Dum Dum sucker during a particularly loud episode, and it helped calm her down. Always be cautious about taking candy from strangers, though—it’s a mixed bag!
- DO Allow Screen Time: Let older kids watch whatever shows or play games on electronic devices. When you’re busy managing a tantrum, you won’t want to answer a million questions.
- DO Accept Help: If someone offers assistance, take it—even if they sound condescending. I once stubbornly refused help while juggling numerous bags and kids, and later wished I had accepted it.
- DON’T Envy Other Travelers: The calm passenger sipping a cocktail while reading a magazine? One day, you’ll enjoy that too—without the chaos of kids. But for now, just remind yourself that this is a temporary phase.
For more parenting tips, check out articles like this one on intrauterine insemination. And if you’re interested in home insemination, explore options at Cryobaby.
In summary, flying with kids can be a daunting task, but with the right preparation and mindset, it can also be a manageable adventure. Embrace the chaos, and remember that these moments will pass!