Traveling with young kids can really be a nightmare that sends any parent into panic with the mere thought of it, but it needn’t be an unmitigated disaster. There are some things that you can do to keep the kids entertained. Though nothing is ever certain with kids these hints and tips might help you to make the flight smooth and painless, or at least make it smoother.
Take Plenty of Activities
On long flights especially it is key that your little ones are well-stocked with activities, toys, and stories to keep them happy and complacent. We suggest around 10 different things as kids can have quite short attention span, and it’s always better to be over-prepared than under. Things like coloring books and stories are always a good way to keep the little ones busy.
Invest in Ride-on Luggage
Firstly you should invest in hand luggage for the little one. Though it may seem like an unnecessary expense it can actually be a great way to get them involved and interested in the travelling experience. Brands like Trunki, Skoot Kids, and Kiddee cases have specialized childrens carry-on cases in which you can stash all the toys, snacks, and activities they may need. When they started complaining they’re too tired you can use the straps that come with it to carry it for them.
Turn Activities into Gifts or Prizes
We all know that children love receiving gifts (who doesn’t), and we reckon that you can use this to your advantage. Why not wrap up a few of the activities you brought for them to dole out at intervals as an incentive for good behaviour?
Take a Tablet or DVD Player
Many parents, especially new parents, dislike the idea of distracting kids with TV shows and video games, but when you’re on a long flight you have to accept that being cooped up for so long will make them a little stir-crazy. When you get into tantrum territory it’s time to think of the others on the plane and let them plug in for a little while. You can have educational cartoons, if you wish, but make sure it’s something that will catch and keep their attention. Just be sure to charge the tablet or DVD player and pack the headphones.
Download Kids’ Games or Apps
You might also download some child friendly apps or games on your smartphone or tablet (just remember to put them on flight mode).
Keep Them Comfortable
If it’s more than a few hours long your kids may very well want to take a nap so why not bring along a pillow and a favourite blanket to make it more comfortable?
Distract with Candy
Take-off in particular can be hard on kids so bring along some sugar free candies to distract them. Lollipops in particular are good because they encourage them to suck or swallow which could alleviate the pain caused by the changes in pressure.
Take Snacks that Last
Take the kind of snacks that last a little longer, and that are healthy, on the plane with you. Think fruit, veg, crackers, and cheese sticks.
Airplane Police
If your kids are unruly on long journeys you could always warn them about the ‘airplane police’ that look for bad behaviour. This is a little white lie for those who don’t mind it, but there’s no need to scare them with over the top implications. Often the suggestion that authority figures might be watching at all is enough to stop seat kicking and screeching.
