Whether you’re hopping across the U.S. or traveling around the globe, taking your children on an airplane can be a trying experience for both them and you. When you plan ahead, though, your ride will be less stressful for everyone involved. Here are some essential items that will make your trip more organized, and that will help everyone aboard the plane keep their sanity.
Laptop/DVD Player: This item is a lifesaver on lengthier flights or when flights are delayed. Watching a movie with headphones will keep children content. Most companies allow passengers to use laptops once the plane is at cruising altitude. Bring enough batteries to get through several hours.
Emergency Survival Items: Devote an extra luggage pocket to emergency-only items. This can include inexpensive toys your children have not discovered in the diaper bag. Now is a great time to breaking out special occasion cookies or candy.
Copies of Birth Certificates: If children are going to sit on your lap and are young enough to meet the airline’s criteria, bring a copy of your child’s birth certificate. This can avoid an ugly scenario with airline employees.
Stroller: It is best to have children contently seated for easy maneuverability while walking through large airports or as a convenient place to nap on layovers. On short flights strollers are typically given back to parents directly outside of the plane. On larger flights, it is normal to check the stroller. Strollers are convenient when flying through airports without trams or transportation that moves passengers from place to place in a large airport terminal. If you are forced to move from one area to the next via tram or subway, consider checking the strollers and simply carrying your child or investing in a front carrier.
Car Seat: Many parents consider this an added inconvenience, but the thought of a toddler or child unrestrained in turbulence is enough for parents to consider bringing along a car seat. If you wish to eliminate the inconvenience of bringing a car seat in a large airport, consider a harness for the seat. This type of harness has an “H” shape that fits toddlers to children that are four years old.
If that isn’t enough, here are some more ideas:
- Formula: Bring powdered formula and purchase a large bottle of water after you?ve passed through the security screening. This will allow you to save space in carry-on bags and provide several formula feedings, as well as give you the ability to hydrate.
- Baby Food: Include baby food in your bag, and verify the amount allowed on board. Bring small snacks, several small toys, and juice boxes for toddlers.
- Diaper bag: Include diapers, plenty of wipes for changes and accidental spills, as well as disposable bibs. Include items in your bag like a sucker or pacifier to prevent painful ear pressure upon descent.
- Toys and Books: Consider bringing one new toy or book for each flight segment. This will keep children distracted and prevent the boredom and fidgeting that comes from not being able to move around.
This simple list of items will take the hassle out of traveling with children and eliminate some of the stress, adding quality to this experience. Remember that it’s always better to be over-prepared than underprepared. And, it helps to expect precarious situations while traveling and try to roll with the punches and keep a good sense of humor about the situation.
Parenting • July 11th, 2010 •