The experience of flying with kids can be both trying and rewarding. As you prepare to fly with your kids, we hope you’ll find the information and advice in this article useful.
As a parent, you probably have a lot on your mind during a long car ride, including how to keep your children occupied, how to keep them cozy, and how to keep them from disturbing the peace of those around them. A memorable family vacation is within your reach if you follow these straightforward tips.
Flight Reservations
Plan your flight times and any layovers you may have accordingly. To ensure that your child has the best chance of sleeping through the flight, schedule your departure and arrival times around their regular bedtime. Although nonstop flights are preferable, if layovers must be used, it is best to choose layover times that allow you and your family to get some fresh air and rest. As a means of passing the time, age-appropriate entertainment such as tablets with preloaded games and videos can be helpful (Upgraded Points).
What to Bring
Get some rest before your flight by bringing along some activities to keep you occupied. Those things could be:
Munchies and libations
- Dressing-up attire (in case of spills or accidents)
- Safe havens, like a soft blanket and a stuffed animal.
- Small-scale amusements like coloring books, puzzles, and games
- Audio headphones for mobile devices
- Keep in mind that the temperature inside the plane can fluctuate greatly, so make sure your kids are wearing layers (Parents).
Expose kids to flying early on
Before taking your kids on a plane trip, it’s a good idea to get them used to the idea. If you want to teach someone about flight, all you need is a toy airplane and a little bit of creativity (Upgraded Points). To help them get used to the sights and sounds of taking off and landing, you can all watch videos of airplane takeoffs and landings beforehand. Moreover, if you go over the entire process with them, from baggage check-in to security screening, you will eliminate any surprises and make them more at ease.
During Flight
It’s not easy to keep the kids occupied on a long flight. Bring a selection of games, toys, and electronics to keep them entertained. Instead of letting your kids stare at a screen the whole time, offer them coloring books, puzzles, or portable board games. Wi-Fi may not always be available in the air, so be sure to load up your devices with entertainment before takeoff.
- Meal and Snack Management
If you want your children to have a more pleasant flight, you should feed them a hearty meal before boarding the plane. If you want to avoid indigestion, eating foods high in protein and energy is a better bet than eating fatty foods. In case the in-flight meal options are unappealing or unavailable, it’s smart to bring your own snacks like granola bars, fruit, and crackers.
- Coping with Earache
Ear discomfort is a common complaint from young passengers due to the pressure changes that occur during takeoff and landing. Encourage your children to yawn, chew gum, or suck on a lollipop to help ease the pain they’re feeling. Earplugs or child-friendly headphones with volume control and ear protection features are another option.
- Helpful Hints for a Good Night’s Sleep
Your flight experience will be more pleasant for everyone if you can get the kids to sleep. Put them in something soft and familiar, like a blanket or pillow from home, and start there. In order to provide more comfort, you should advise them to use a neck pillow and recline their seats. It may help you get some shut-eye if you bring a pair of headphones with noise cancellation or an eye mask. It’s also helpful to keep their usual bedtime routine going as much as possible, even if it’s a shortened version meant to serve the same purpose.
Planning for Stopovers
Layovers can provide much-needed downtime for weary parents taking a family vacation. In order to make the most of your layover, consider the following suggestions.
To keep kids occupied, look for a family-friendly area; most airports have designated play areas or family lounges. Children can burn off some steam and have fun at one of the airport’s playgrounds during a long layover.
Get some food and drink: layovers are a great time to refuel and replenish your fluids. Find places that are kid-friendly, and don’t forget that you can always bring your own food.
Find some peace and quiet, and take a breather with the family. There may be designated areas or rows of seating available in some airports for this purpose. According to Leisure and Me, you should let your kid nap if they need to.
Bring multiple forms of entertainment to help pass the time, such as a portable media player with some games and a movie, or some reusable stickers or coloring books. Keep the kids occupied with these activities during the delay.
If you have some extra time at the airport, stroll through it and look into the shops and attractions that might pique your children’s interest. If you’re feeling the effects of jet lag, this is a great way to get some exercise and break up the monotony of waiting for your next flight.
How to Deal with Time Zone Changes
Because of the time zone difference, your children may experience jet lag when you finally arrive at your destination. It may be helpful to give them access to daylight during the day while keeping the house dark at night while they adjust. As a result, their bodies will be better able to adjust to the new time zone.
The daytime is the perfect time to get your kids outside and moving around. Physical activity will not only aid in the acclimatization process, but will also help wear them out before bed.
The importance of sticking to a set eating schedule cannot be overstated. Having your children eat at the proper local times will help signal to their bodies that it is time to adjust to the new schedule. To prevent indigestion and sleeplessness, steer clear of fatty, fatty foods. Eat protein-rich, healthy foods instead (Upgraded Points).
The time zone change will take some getting used to for your children. With your help and encouragement, they will adjust to their new surroundings in a matter of days.
