Traveling Tips: Flying With Kids

Always Bring One Extra Outfit…because you just never know.
Use gum or chewy candy (ex: gummy worms/bears) for older children and mints for younger children to chew during take off and landing for the pressure in their ears
Recommend not bringing your child’s favorite toys on plane just in case they get lost.
SURPRISE: Fill up a bag of goodies from the $ store. Don’t let the children see or play with them until you are on the plane.
- It will keep their interest because it’s new and different.
- You could even wrap the toys to “buy” you a little more time.
- If you forget any of these on the plane, don’t worry it was only a $1.
What to Buy:
- Stickers, crayons, coloring books, play-doh, party favors, bubbles, silly putty, etc…(things to keep hands busy).
- But don’t buy toys that make noise…your seatmates will hate you!

While taking off and landing give the baby a pacifier, bottle or nurse them and this should elevate any ear pressure problems that may occur.
With very young infants do take the time to get on the plane early and get settled.
Ask for the bulk head. You will want/need the extra leg room. Some airlines do have bassinets that can be secured to the wall (international).
Mothers tend to over pack, but unless your baby spits up a lot or makes messes in their diaper often, don’t pack more than necessary! It will take up too much space and you will be the one who needs to carry it around.
An Extra outfit and onesies in your diaper bag should do the trick along with what you normally pack.
Babybjorn/slings will be your best friend…they will keep your baby close and your hands free!

Give your girls manicures
Have a laptop and bring some DVD’s and ear phones!
Airlines often allow people traveling with children to board early…but Unless you are traveling with an infant, I would not recommend it…You will spend a lot of time and energy keeping your kids happy and then quit before your plane even gets off the ground you will be tired of keeping them busy already.
In general, when having to fly with or without connections, you should pack an over night bag with any special sleep aids (blankies, stuffed animals, pacifier). You don’t want to end up at your destination to find your luggage didn’t make it.
If a stroller is needed get a light weight umbrella stroller (bulky heavy strollers are no fun on airplanes or in airports). You can always get a cheap one…if it breaks no big deal…your SUB stroller is back home when your trip is over.
Bringing empty water bottles or cups to fill up with water, after you go through airport security is a good idea, since some airlines are now charging for water and…
Dehydration is also a big risk on long trips, so you want to fill up on water…and avoid sugary or carbonated drinks as well.

(Special thanks to all the Luggage Blog Mom’s who contributed to this article!)

Photo by Ma1974

Scotto // Sep 12, 2008 at 2:52 pm

While I think most of the ideas here are great. I think bubbles should be excluded from the list. First there’s the liquids policy, why waste valuable space in your permissable liquid carry on with bubbles. Second, after you get them on the plane they’d probably be taken away after a bubble accidently floated into someone elses face. When kids are having fun they’re not going to be paying attention to where the bubbles are going to land.

I’d also be weary of giving manicures. Bringing nail polish that produces an odar could be bothersome to other passengers. Also, several manicure tools are still not permitted on planes, even ones that are, only make it through check points at security’s discretion.

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