Traveling by airplane with children can be an exhausting ordeal, as I learned on my first solo flight with my eight-month-old son. Here’s how it all went down:
- I handed him a so-called “brain-stimulating” toy. He responded by launching it three aisles away with a precision that left me in disbelief.
- I tried to cuddle him to sleep, completely forgetting our hard-earned sleep training regimen that taught him to fall asleep alone in his crib. Instead, he squirmed and screamed as if I was trying to smother him with his blanket.
- I quickly discovered the source of an awful odor and made my way to the airplane restroom, experiencing what felt like being trapped in a refrigerator with an octopus and a very unhappy baby.
Having survived nearly seven years of airborne adventures with my children, I’ve gathered some survival tips to make your journey a bit easier:
- DO Try This: For those traveling with toddlers, use subtle hints to suggest they’ll feel very sleepy once on the plane. I whispered to my daughter that she would be cozy and warm, and to my amazement, she dozed off as soon as we boarded. This was a delightful change from our previous trip, where she was a whirlwind of energy throughout the flight.
- DO Pack Plenty of Familiar Snacks and Supplies: You never know when you might find yourself stuck in a remote airport. I once had a toddler who flatly refused three different meals I bought, opting instead for the warm cheese I packed hours earlier. Desperate times call for desperate measures!
- DON’T Let Grumpy Passengers Get to You: Some travelers may not understand why your baby is upset. If someone snaps at you to quiet your child, remember that karma has a way of balancing things out.
- DON’T Medicate Your Child with Benadryl: This could backfire spectacularly. I had a friend who tried this with her twins on a long flight, and it only made them more hyper. The last thing you want is a plane full of rambunctious kids.
- DO Bring Hand Sanitizer: It offers peace of mind, even if you can’t use it to stop your child from putting everything in their mouth. I once caught my son trying to eat his seatbelt, which made me question his life choices.
- DON’T Overpack Toys: Children often lose interest in toys when they’re busy causing chaos. Instead, request a couple of plastic cups from the flight attendant; they can provide hours of entertainment without the guilt of losing expensive toys.
- DO Keep Lollipops Handy: When your child is at peak meltdown, a lollipop can work wonders. A kind stranger once handed one to me during a particularly loud episode, and it calmed my toddler down almost instantly.
- DO Allow Older Kids to Use Electronics: Survival mode kicks in, and you likely won’t have the energy to answer endless questions about flying or superheroes. Let them zone out with games or movies.
- DO Accept Help from Others: Even if the offer comes off as condescending. I once struggled with a mountain of luggage and a toddler in tow, and a woman offered assistance that I initially declined out of pride. Accept help when it’s given!
- DON’T Envy the Solo Traveler Across the Aisle: Yes, she’s sipping her cocktail in peace, but remember, one day you’ll travel solo and relish every moment of it. Until then, embrace the chaos.
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In summary, flying with children can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can make the experience more manageable. Remember to be prepared, maintain a sense of humor, and don’t hesitate to lean on fellow travelers for support.