Holidays with kids comes with a memory bank of fun times and bonding for the whole family but the thought can be daunting when you have little one’s needs to consider.
So many questions are often asked so we are here to give you some hot tips in relation to travelling with kids.
Let’s start!
How long is your flight?
When making your booking for a long (or short) flight consider what activity your child is usually doing during that time of day and plan for it. If you can schedule a flight during nap time - even better! Evening flights are usually more expensive but are wonderful for children if you can. This is mainly a concern for international flights though.
How do you travel with your kids
Avoid the tantrums and come prepared! Packing entertainment is a must! Depending on if you're travelling interstate or overseas, you may not get a meal so packing your child a fun lunchbox for your flight will help entertain them for a period of time.
How to entertain a toddler on a plane?
Pack some entertainment! We suggest packing ahead of time and showing your toddler what the activities you have prepared are so they can be super excited. If you give them access to this entertainment before the flight or in the airport lounge, they may show less interest once they board when you really need this “survival kit’. Our favourite pick is this massive pencil/Ipad case by Jordbarn. Its huge and fits a few A4 activity books plus an iPad. It also boasts an inner padded layer for extra protection. The front pocket is big enough for an array of pencils, crayons or textas! This will also come in handy for trips to the local cafe later on.
Flying with a toddler on your lap
Having a toddler on your lap can be hard work while they wiggle around and make funny faces to the person behind you through the little gap between the seats. This can be cute but also oh so tiring! Most flight attendants will provide you with an infant seat belt while you board the aircraft, but they may not if they think your bubs is large looking and they may think they have their own designated seat. Be sure to ask and the attendants will show you how to use the infant seatbelt. If you are unsure of anything, they will be happy to help. At this time, you could also ask what lavatory the change table is located in. Be pre-warned that most flight attendants will tell you that they don’t want dirty nappies put into the bins in the lavatories as they can be, well let’s face it, damn smelly! Double bag with some tight knots and ask them if there is a specific bin to dispose of them.
Traveling with infant and toddler on plane
Sometimes it just must be done and although its not a recipe for a peaceful flight, we need to keep the destination in mind! Try to think of your travel in stages and plan for each part. The drive to the airport; use this time to talk to the children about what they will be seeing- lots of big planes, lots of people rushing around and explain to them that we will be able to do some plane watching but first we need to visit the check in counter where they will give us our tickets, next we need to go through a magic door (also known as security) you get the idea. Trying to make the most of the travel to be part of the excitement. Once you get through to the boarding lounge its usually a good time to visit the toilets to avoid the aircraft ones if you can help it!
Flying alone with infant and toddler
Some additional tips to help you when travelling alone is to ask for help from the attendants. When you reach the boarding lounge, approach the boarding staff and explain you are travelling on your own. Most families are situated at the rear of the aircraft and boarded first via the back of the plane, this often means walking down stairs and back up the stairs at the back. Ask if you can board first using the aerobridge. This can be a huge obstacle to avoid and will save you the feeling of just wanting to collapse as no doubt you will have extra onboard luggage!
Travelling with two toddlers alone
Prams! Often prams will be allowed until boarding and will be provided to you upon landing as soon as you depart the aircraft in your destination port. Usually these go on last and come out first but luggage handlers can become a little complacent day in day out and I wouldn’t recommend you take your Rolls Royce of a pram as I would expect some bumps and bruises to it. Take into account though, if anything is damaged to the point your goods can not be used, there is actually a service to fix this for you (usually and there is a few weeks wait but do keep it in mind if anything was to ever go wrong with your suitcase or pram! Good to know!!)
Travelling with a baby
When you have a baby, consider a baby carrier. Our suggestion is one that can be worn through security so you don’t need to take it of while you wear bubs. Now, there are no guarantees here but the carriers that are made with 100% fabric have been known for being the holy grail of getting through without detaching baby. No promises as these rules are changing constantly but if it works – yeah, you’re welcome!
Travelling with a newborn
Breastfeeding or bottle feeding can bring different challenges and requirements to consider.
Breastfeeding
Super handy especially during take-off and landing to help with the upper ear and is also super practicable. Depending on whether you are travelling immediately next to your partner or flying solo, then a breast feeding top or even shawl should help you feel comfortable especially if you still have latching difficulties. Honestly, we believe and hope that most would be unphased about your feeding and this would be purely for your own comfort
Bottle-feeding
With new laws in place we suggest a little preparation will go a long way. Consider the sachets of powder individually sealed or segmenting the powder into little containers with a spare serve just in case as delays or even a flight diversion can happen that could add significant time to your journey. Most airlines don’t allow you to carry liquids past the security but you can bring a thermos and ask a café to fill it once you are through. Grab a bottle of water too so you can cool it down if needed. Also, once you are on board, you can ask the flight attendants but keep in mind they are busy after take-off.
Travelling with children
While all of this may seem overwhelming, the memories you will make will all be worthwhile! Make sure you take photos too so you can look back in years to come. We highly doubt you will be still thinking about all the challenges, instead, only be left with a smile reminiscing the past
