Top tips for flying with young children
Sun, Sep 18, 2011You must have been there, on a plane, probably an early flight home from some wondrous holiday so you’re already feeling depressed, when a baby starts to howl. You know there is nothing you can do about it and you know it’s nobody’s fault, but you wish it would be quiet. Fast forward a few years and now it’s you with the howling baby and you do feel responsible for keeping it quiet and happy. Travelling with children, especially babies and toddlers, is not exactly straightforward, but it shouldn’t fill you with dread either. Here are some top tips on how to keep your baby amused on your next flight.
Before the flight
Flights are boring, but airports are not, at least for young children. They can look at planes landing and taking off, they can run around in deserted airport lounges and they can play all manner of games with you and your partner. Use this time to tire your little ones out.
Get your children involved in the travelling process. Let them take their own wheelie bags full of goodies and allow them to have a few treats at the airport.
It’s also a good idea to give them a good feed before you board so they don’t get hungry five minutes after take off.
During the flight
Hopefully all the airport antics should leave you with a tired and sleepy child, that is full enough to prevent them from being grumpy. However, and especially on long flights, you will need plenty of onboard entertainment. Older children will probably get involved with playing games or watching a movie through the plane’s own entertainment device, however, this doesn’t work for younger kids. You will need plenty of games, preferably ones that aren’t noisy, to keep them amused. Pick their favourite games from home and buy a few new ones too.
It’s also a good idea to bring their favourite toy as a comforter and to keep them plied with water, squash and snacks. However, avoid sugary food and beverages.
Take them on regular walks around the plane and draw their attention to what is going on out the window.
Just because you have a baby doesn’t mean you can’t go on holidays you enjoy. New York is a dream destination, particularly for women who love shopping, culture and feeling like a film star. Just make sure you plan ahead. DialAFlight has a range of cheap flights to New York, travelling a various times of the day, so you can pick a flight that works best for you.
