Tips for travelling with children
Let’s face it, traveling with small children can be a bit of a nightmare! From tantrums to spills, the unpredictability is enough to make even the most seasoned traveller feel a little stressed. But fear not – it doesn’t have to be a total disaster! Here are some tried-and-true tips to make your journey with little ones go a bit more smoothly. Remember: Don't stress too much – what will be, will be. Kids aren’t perfect, and that’s okay!
1. Be Prepared One of the best ways to avoid stress is to get organized. Pack your hand luggage with all the essentials you’ll need during the trip. Start with the basics: spare clothes! If you have young children, you’re likely to deal with at least one spill or, if you're anything like me, a bout of unexpected sickness. Be sure to toss in a change of clothes for yourself, too – trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.
2. Pack Essentials for the Kids Wipes, nappies, snacks, and drinks are non-negotiable! Keep it simple – avoid sugary drinks (because let’s face it, you don’t need any more hyperactive kids running around) and go for water or milk instead. If you’re traveling with a baby, you’re allowed to bring milk through security, so don’t worry about having to ditch the bottles at the security.
If you have an older child who still loves their milk, an easy hack is to bring an empty cup through security and then buy a pint of milk once you’re through. It’ll save you some hassle while keeping your little one happy and hydrated.
3. Stay Calm and Enjoy the Journey Finally, remember that things may not always go as planned – and that’s okay! Kids can be unpredictable, but staying calm and relaxed will make a huge difference in your stress levels. Focus on the fun aspects of your trip and embrace the chaos that comes with traveling with little ones.
4. Snacks, Snacks, and More Snacks! When it comes to snacks, moderation is key. Avoid packing too many sugary treats, as they can lead to a sugar rush (and possibly a meltdown later). Instead, opt for a variety of healthier snacks to keep them satisfied. There are some great snack boxes with dividers that allow you to pack a little bit of everything – fruit, crackers, cheese, and more. The variety will keep them occupied for longer!
5. Screen Time – It’s Okay! Let’s be real: sometimes, screen time is a lifesaver. If it keeps your child entertained and calm, don’t stress about limiting it. A little Peppa Pig or their favourite cartoons can go a long way. But here's a key tip – take headphones! The entire airplane doesn’t need to hear the sounds of Peppa’s adventures. Trust me, you’ll be doing everyone a favour!
6. The Magic of a Plane Bag One of my kids’ favourite things to look forward to is their “plane bag.” I make a surprise bag that they’re only allowed to open once we’re onboard. This helps build excitement for the trip. To make it last longer, I’ll pull out a few things at a time. Simple, quiet toys like colouring books, cars, or other non-messy toys are perfect. The goal is to keep them entertained without causing a mess. As a former cabin crew member, I can’t stress this enough – nobody wants to deal with a chaotic mess in the cabin!
7. Pre-Boarding Energy Burn If your little one still takes naps, try to let them run around a bit before boarding. Giving them a chance to burn off some energy can help them relax and hopefully fall asleep once the plane takes off. A well-timed nap can make all the difference in keeping them calm and happy during the flight.
While traveling with small children may not always be easy, the right preparation can make all the difference. A little planning, some fun surprises, and a few tricks to keep them entertained will help make your journey smoother. So, take a deep breath, stay flexible, and enjoy the adventure. Happy travels!
