Flying with children is often times a dreaded task. There is just something about being cramped in a small space that allows for little movement with small children that strikes fear in the hearts of the best parents. But, as most pro-flyers know that have kids there are some great tips out there that will insure that you and your children have a much smoother flight with less “turbulence”. So, here is a short list of some of the best flight tips when it comes to flying with kids.

1. Give yourself plenty of time at airport check-in. A lot of airports have faster check-in lanes for families that are traveling with small children, so look for these and take advantage of them.

2. Ask the flight attendant at check-in if your particular flight is a full flight. Some airlines will block out the seats next to you on a less full flight to help you get in and out of your seats better during the flight. If they can make this happen, it will make bathroom visits go a lot easier.

3. Get on the plane first and be the last ones off, because this will increase your chances of getting some help from the flight crew.

4. Trade your large diaper bag for a smaller diaper bag that only containers the necessities such as a few diapers, wipes, scented, odor neutralizing diaper sacks, a change of clothes, a few bottles, non-liquid, easily visible snacks, and a changing mat. Remember a lot of liquids are not allowed on flights unless they are purchased inside the terminal, so consider packing your formula in powder form and in one of those pre-measured formula holders. Juice and regular milk can often be purchased on the flight, so don’t bother bringing it. You shouldn’t overdo it on the snacks either for the same reason.

5. Give toys one at a time. This will maximize playing time, and put the “old” toy away as you get out the “new” one. Be sure to bring several with you, but make sure they aren’t too noisy. None of the other guests will want to listen to your child’s annoying toys the whole flight, so take them into consideration when packing toys.

6. Consider bringing a portable DVD player/laptop with head phones and movies you know your child enjoys. This will give your child an hour or so of entertainment, especially when they become board with toys. The headphones will help you respect the other guests, and your child may think its pretty cool that they get to use them.

7. Consider investing in a baby backpack. These are helpful, especially when you are trying to get through the airport with a lot of luggage.

8. Have your baby drink a bottle during the plane’s take off and landing. This will help your child’s ears “pop” as the altitude changes and will help to alleviate and eliminate ear pain due to the sudden altitude change.

9. Consider packing a baby sleeping bag or the baby’s own sheets/blankets to swaddle them in, that way you don’t have to use airline blankets. Also, allow older children to bring their own pillow as long as it’s not a huge one. It’s important to take any necessary steps to ensure that your child is comfortable aboard a flight and can rest easily if the need too.

10. Talk to your child’s doctor before giving them sedatives. Some children fly well with sedatives, other children get “hyped up” by certain sedatives. By talking with your doctor you are helping your child have a safe and comfortable flight, as well as those around them.

11. Consider a bag of candy for older children to be used as an awards system. Give your child a piece of candy in timed increments as a reward for behaving or helping you do something. This will give your child an incentive to play quietly, kindly, and be helpful throughout the course of the flight.

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Category: Family Concerns
Keywords: flying with kids, tips for flying with kids, airplane tips when traveling with children