Traveling with young children

Pre children, holidays to me, involved a lot less preparation then it does now. Getting to the airport and flying was a relaxing experience which normally involved a glass of prosecco.

Traveling with children can feel overwhelming, but once you get to the destination it’s completely worth it.

I have 2 children, age 6 and almost 2 and although I’m yet to fly with my youngest (thanks Covid) my eldest has been away several times and we have some fantastic memories.

Travelling with children, especially toddlers and babies does take some preparation and I have put together some top tips for you to make it that little bit easier.

Planning your trip

Plan flight times. When choosing flight times, take into consideration your child’s bedtime and nap times as you may prefer a day time flight for this reason and booking ahead can help get the flights you want within your budget.

If you have a very early flight and you’re a bit of a drive from the airport, consider an overnight stay at one of the airport hotels.

While we are talking about booking preparation, if you have children under school age, take advantage of the lower prices outside of school holidays if you can. May and September are perfect times for travelling with very young children, the weather is a little cooler and generally quieter then the other summer months. You may also find that you can book a great deal if you’re flexible with dates. For example, if you have 2 children, say a baby and a 3/4 year old you could be getting a free child place for the pre-schooler and only paying an infant charge for the baby on your lap.

Speak to a trusted travel agent who can do all the legwork for you.

Be a Savvy Packer

I have always been meticulous when it comes to packing, but since having children I have stepped up my game. I’m a massive fan of using packing cubes and for the kids at least, I take 2 outfits a day. Some hotels do offer a laundry service, so do your research as it means you may be able pack less.

When packing baby essentials like nappies and wipes, I try to take as many as I can, but they can take up essential space in your case. Don’t forget that you can purchase these items from a supermarket whilst on holiday.

Try to take as little hand luggage as possible, even if it means paying extra for your cases, as the more free hands you have the better. Organise your hand luggage to make sure flight essentials and anything to entertain the children are to hand. Pack food and as many snacks as you can. If you are bottle feeding your baby, you can order a click and collect for the ready-made formula at the airport Boots.

At the airport

I like to arrive with plenty of time as there is nothing worse than having to rush with a kid or two in tow. It’s a guarantee that someone will need the toilet or baby will need changing. I like to get through security as soon as possible and then we can take our time grabbing any last-minute bits.

Check in as much as you can. Check your luggage allowance before hand and ask your travel agent what baby equipment the airline will allow you to check in. For example, Easy jet will allow you to take 2 pieces of baby equipment including a pushchair, travel cot or car seat.

I would not recommend checking in your pushchair in at this point, as this comes in very handy whilst moving around the airport and provides somewhere for the baby to sleep. Keep hold of this until you arrive at the gate where the airline staff will take if off you and put into the luggage hold. Another recommendation if you baby or child doesn’t like walking is to take a lightweight carrier or even a pushchair that can be classed as hand luggage as it can often be a long walk from the gate to the plane.

In the air

Flights are boring for little kids, but my daughter has always travelled so well. My top tips for keeping little ones entertained in the air is pack a different activity or snack for every 30 minutes of the flight, make sure devices are fully charged and your child’s favourite games and programmes are downloaded and saved as there is only wi-fi on certain flights. Sticker books, colouring books and small toys also come in handy. I pull one thing out at a time in order to not exhaust all the options early on.

A cuddly toy and a blanket/pillow can help little ones get comfy or if they need a nap. For babies, I would take a travel feeding pillow.

To help little ones ears on take off and landing give them something to drink or offer them a feed on take off and landing.

I hope this guide helps and I look forward to helping you with your plans or any queries you may have. Lisa