Tips for flying with children.
Tips for flying with children.
The Summer holiday from school is a great opportunity for a getaway abroad. Most schools close for longer so a long-haul destination may be part of your itinerary which usually involves a flight.
Travelling on a plane with children can be both exciting – it’s their first trip abroad – and challenging. As a parent, you want to ensure a smooth journey while keeping your little ones comfortable and entertained.
Don’t rely on having your nanny with you to help! Not many nannies put themselves forward to travel with their families. If you want your nanny to travel with you, either nationally or internationally, it’s helpful if I know at the outset, when we’re working to find you a nanny. Even if you’re not 100% sure whether you’ll want your nanny to travel with you or not, it’s worth mentioning. This blog post about the implications of holidaying with your nanny when it comes to their annual leave is worth a read.
However, if your day-to-day nanny doesn’t want to travel with you, I can help you find temp nannies for holidays who will be another pair of hands. It’s important to make it clear to them what their role is during the journey and holiday – are they in sole charge, are you sharing the work, can they enjoy the flight without the children and then they start work when you all land? As always, communication is key!
My top tip would be to expect to work when flying with children. You’ll be entertaining, soothing, pacing the plane aisles, feeding and all in a confined space so forget those flights pre-children when you could just watch a film and fall asleep. But don’t worry, they can also be fun as your child marvels at the idea of flying and enjoys seeing clouds and land underneath them.
Here are some of my top tips for flying with children.
Air travel with small children
Book an early morning departure – Early morning flights tend to be less crowded, and everyone – including kids – may be more inclined to nap during the journey.
Don’t get on the plane first – Families with children are often allowed to board the plane first and most families choose to do this. I read a great tip which works if there are two adults travelling with children: one adult boards with the carry-on bags leaving the other adult with the children, and appropriate passports and boarding passes. Adult 1 can load the bags and sit down, perhaps preparing entertainment, blankets and toys. Adult 2 and children still waiting, board the plane in the last group or as late as possible. The benefit of this is that the children are sat in those confined spaces for less time before take-off if all goes to plan!
Manage expectations – If your child is old enough, talk to them about what to expect when flying. Children feel better when they know what’s coming. There are resources available on e.g. YouTube which are age appropriate and explain the whole flying process, from the airport to boarding the plane and taking off. Then, when you’re at the airport, you can talk about the video which reassures your little one that everything is going to plan.
What to wear – Think about your clothing and that of your child: for you, I’d recommend dressing in layers to help with changing temperatures, especially if you have a hot child on you for a lot of the journey! Also, try to avoid shoes with laces for security at the airport. For your child, think comfort and ease especially for nappy changing in tight spaces like plane toilets. Consider layers for little ones too – a cardigan and extra socks (socks really do just disappear don’t they?!) are useful to have with you.
Plane food – Do not rely on plane food. Your children may not fit to the feeding schedule on the plane and a hungry child is not a happy child! Take plenty of snacks and buy fluids once you’re through security. Check with your airline and its security policies regarding baby formula or milk to take on board as well as liquid medicines such as Calpol.
Entertainment – Be prepared for your carry-on to contain nothing for you! Alongside snacks you should have books, toys, devices (but do have a strategy for removing said device if you need to!) and headphones. Consider packing surprises – new toys or books can help ease the boredom of a long flight and could keep a child entertained for a good while. If you wrap them up it adds to the excitement and gives them something else to do too!
Sleep – Depending on the length of your flight, sleep may be a necessity for all of you. Plan ahead. Can you adapt your routine at home for the flight to signal to your child that it’s bedtime – a song, or a lotion that you use, familiar toys? Be prepared that your child may need a little extra help to get to sleep and that the routine may take longer.
Tantrums – Children have tantrums on flights. Try to block out everyone else and focus on your child and his or her needs. Are they hungry, thirsty, too hot/cold, need changing? Are they in pain due to the air pressure? This is a great time to surprise your child with a new toy or book or their favourite snack from home. Walk them around perhaps and try to soothe them best you can.
Stop-overs – If you have a stopover somewhere, make sure your child can toddle about and basically, stretch their legs just as an adult would like. This is a good opportunity for a change of nappy, change of clothes for child (bring several changes in case your child is sick on the flight or has an accident) and maybe for you, a bite to eat and a drink.
Fly economy – If you are lucky enough to be considering flying business or first class, maybe think again. It can add to stress (I’ve been told!) and you might receive more sympathy for a crying baby (or even a well-behaved baby) from your fellow economy passengers.
If you’d like to discuss taking your nanny on holiday in more detail, don’t hesitate to give me a call. On the flight be prepared to relax your routine and go with the flow.
Once you land, enjoy the break and make great memories!
Hazel x