Travel, Leisure and Recreation

Traveling with children can be quite difficult; anyone who has had their 5 year old get lost every five seconds or had their baby spit up on them in-flight for the umpteenth time knows this. But, while there are certain things that you just can’t avoid, there are other things that you can plan for and make easier when you follow a few tips on traveling with kids.

Plan Ahead As Much As Possible

There are always things that you just can’t foresee, but you can make your trip go smoother if you plan ahead so you can be prepared for as much of the trip as possible. For instance, if you are traveling with an infant you should find out if you can reserve the in flight baby basinet beforehand so that you will not need to work this out while you are trying to board the plane.

Dress Properly

Comfort should definitely take precedence over style when traveling with little ones. Avoid anything that has a lot of complicated buttons or anything that could get caught or tangled in anything. You should also think about dressing in layers. If you do this, you will be able to just take off the top layer if it gets food or milk spills on it, or if your child gets sick on you on the plane. If you have a child that is already mobile (toddler or older) try dressing them in distinctive colors so if they escape from you at any point you can easily spot them out.

Pack Properly

It’s very important to check the flight’s baggage allowance and weight limit beforehand, as it can be really frustrating to repack things when you are in the terminal with a fussy infant or energetic older child. You should also be sure that all the items you need for your child are allowed on board. Pack a separate pouch for “potty breaks” or diaper changes. This pack should include wet wipes, a single diaper, and any other small items you need to change your child. Keep this pouch in the pocket in front of you so that you don’t need to scrounge through your purse or overhead storage bin every time you have a bathroom break.

Keep Them Occupied

If you have an aversion to too much “tube” time you should make exceptions for your trip. Let those little ones watch as much as they want (you can usually bring a small DVD player on board) to give you a break for parts of the flight. You can also pack a number of “surprises” and reveal them one by one during the trip when the novelty of the last surprise wears off. You can wrap these to add to the fun. Just make sure to leave one side open so that customs officer can check what’s in there.

Easing Discomforts

Many parents choose to use mild sedatives when they bring their children on airplanes. However, an article on the Viamedic health blog suggests that, while this works well for some children, it can make other children even more hyperactive. Because of this, it is very important to ask your doctor beforehand. Children may also feel pain in their ears when taking off and landing. If you have a small infant, you can ease this discomfort by letting them nurse or suck on a bottle or pacifier. Older children can get relief from a juice pack or sucking on a hard candy if they are old enough.

These things can make traveling with children much easier on you and the children. Make sure to try to have fun on the trip, regardless of all the hassles. While traveling with kids is not always easy, a first airplane ride is something that most children will never forget. Do your best to make the trip memorable and enjoy the experience with your children as much as possible.

Stacey Cavalari is a corporate writer and blogger for Viamedic.com, a safe U.S. medication facilitator that has been facilitating medications for over 12 years. Customers can purchase safe medications online such as Propecia and Zyban in the convenience of their home or office.