Top tips for flying with kids

Travelling anywhere with little ones isn’t great but to go half-way round the world to live in a new country is downright daft – or so it may seem if you don’t get a plan of action in place prior to take-off.

At the top of your survival list should be the words Children’s Entertainment – especially on a long-haul flight. Hundreds of parents will agree, the portable DVD player with favourite movie installed is a life-saver and works with all ages from pre-school to teen. Remember to take headphones though so you don’t annoy the other passengers. And if it’s a gameboy, ipod or similar, make sure it’s fully-charged prior to leaving otherwise there will be tears of frustration and the inevitable strop.

A small selection of new toys and colouring books are good too but don’t expect these to take up too much time.  Attention spans can be short especially when on a plane where there’s a lot going on.  A good tip is to produce a new toy every hour.

If your toddler is young enough, a car seat can be great as this will be familiar to them and, more importantly, you’ll be able to strap them in! It’ll also prevent them annoying others by kicking the backs of their seats and will help at the other end if you’re picking up a hire car.   Check with your airline as policies on car seats differ.

When it comes to toiletries for the kids, take enough wipes, nibbles and nappies to last a couple of days but no more otherwise you’ll just feel overloaded. Keep these essential items in a pocket in your onflight bag which you’ll have easy access to, let’s face it, you’re going to be dipping into there a lot! When it comes to used nappies, put them in a plastic bag and secure with elastic bands.

A change of clothes (for you and them!) is a good idea – as sure as night follows day there will be a spill at some point.

Most children will be excited about flying although some may be frightened. If they’re very young start pointing out aeroplanes and explain what they are weeks in advance.

Landing, of course, can always be problematic for children due to the pressure hurting small ears. This is where the boiled sweet comes into its own as sucking on this really will help. Babies can be relieved with a bottle or pacifier.

Once you’ve touched down you’ll want to bolt for the exit but it’s better to wait until the plane is fairly empty.  This way you can get a flight attendant to help with your luggage, offspring and the paraphernalia that seems to surround children. You will also have time to check under seats for lost belongings, ipod docks, headphones etc.

And finally, keep children away from the conveyor belt at the luggage collection point. Little dresses could get trapped and fingers caught in machinery. Or they could just get knocked in the face by the suitcase of an eager traveller in front.