By Lauren Wise
Traveling with children can be simple, exhausting, or horrendous--you never know how your child will react on an airplane or airport, especially if they are a first timer. Whether your child is an infant or 10 years old, there are tips and tricks to remember to help make the flight as easy and calm as possible for your children.
Surprise Kids With New Toys
Purchase new toys for your children before the flight, and wrap them up lightly in wrapping paper (leave one end of it unwrapped so you can show security what is in it). Once you get on the plane, present your child with one of the toys and let them open it. A new toy will occupy a child for a long time. Good toys include stuffed animals and action figures, and if the child is over the age of 4, small amounts of Play-doh to mold and play with on the seat tray. Refrain from toys that have lots of little pieces. Once your child gets tired of that toy, try another one.
Babies and Airsickness
Pack a travel-size diaper bag. Keep the minimal supplies in it, such as a small tube of lotion, lightweight change mat, one or two diapers, etc. Remember the government regulations that the carry-on smaller bottles cannot be larger than three ounces of liquid. This way you do not need to haul a huge diaper bag to the small plane bathroom constantly. If you have an older child that gets airsick, bring a nappy/diaper sack for them as well. These keep odors out and neutralize them, so if your child gets sick, it doesn't have to be a huge deal.
Improvising Your Time
If you are traveling with your spouse or a friend, book airplane seats apart. This way, you can alternate who watches the children while the other adult rests in quiet. If you are lucky enough that your baby or child sleeps the entire flight, you'll want to make sure they sleep as long as possible. Bring a small blanket with a couple of safety pins and create a barrier between the child and a bright window. If the window has a shade, you can create a barrier between the child and the rest of the plane to provide a feeling of comfort (pin the blanket between your seat and the back of the seat in front of you).
Video Games and Movies
If your child likes movies or video games, let them bring a portable DVD player or hand-held video game device onto the flight. For younger children, children's movies on a portable DVD player help occupy them for long periods of time. Although most parents like to limit the time their children spend on these types of devices, try to be more lenient with these time restrictions in order to keep your child occupied. (This especially helps if your child gets airsick or very fearful on planes).
About the Author:
Lauren Wise has more than eight years' experience as a writer, editor, copywriter and columnist. She specializes in food, wine, music and pop culture. Her writing has appeared in various magazines, including "Runway," "A2Z," "Scottsdale Luxury Living" and "True West." Wise holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Arizona State University.
