Travel Tips and Resources for Flying with Kids

Guest blog by Alexis Hall  ​singleparent.info

Heading on an adventure soon? Dreading the thought of getting to your destination safely, with all people, belongings, and your humor intact? Try these tips, tricks, and resources to up your chances of smoother sailing.
 
Label the Kids
 
Especially if you’ve got curious toddlers and young elementary-aged kids, consider writing your contact info on their arms so that if they wander of, it’ll be easier for people to find you and reunite you. You can also attach a GPS device — like a watch — to your child’s wrist and track them with an app on your smartphone.
 
Carriage, Stroller, or Sling?
Lightweight umbrella strollers fold up easily, provide a sport for impromptu naps, and do well on most terrains. They’re easier to maneuver through airports and perfect for hauling packages if the little one can walk a while. Larger carriages take up lots of space — and you have to check them when flying — but they might be welcome if you have multiple young kids who tire easily. If you travel regularly, consider investing in a travel stroller. Slings work great for small babies (and lighter toddlers) if you wear them regularly.
 
Packing
 
When you’re taking a plane, research the rules (and costs) of carry-on luggage. Diaper bags count as carry-ons, so pack judiciously. Depending on your little one’s age, make sure to have a bottle (or suckable candy) ready for take-offs and landings to help relieve ear pressure.
 
Your in-flight entertainment packing list should include:

• Hand sanitizer and/or wipes
• Smartphones/tablets with your kids’ favorite shows — and kid-size headphones with a splitter
• Portable games
• Art supplies
• Water
• Suckable candy (or a bottle) to relieve ear pressure during landings and take-offs

 
First Time Flying?
 
Airports are busy places teeming with activity. Do a practice run if you’re close to an airport. Explore the airport with your kids and watch planes take off and land. Visit a smaller, local airstrip and talk to the pilots. Many are retired airline pilots who love to share their passion with curious visitors.
 
Streamline Check-In
 
Many airlines allow — and encourage — flyers to check in online or early. This method streamlines the amount of time you and your family must spend standing in line. When you get to the airport, you’ll just need to go through security and check your bags. Some airports have play areas; arrive early to let kids enjoy them so they’re less wiggly on the flight.
 
Where to Sit on a Plane
 
If your flight time is flexible, aim for night-time or nap time flights — a sleeping child’s much easier to “entertain.” Choosing seats further back in the plane puts you closer to the bathrooms and galley, where stewards and stewardesses may not mind if your little one works off some steam when it’s safe. The plane’s middle section often has more leg room for playing; some aircraft have baby cradles, but you’ll sacrifice under-seat storage.
 
Keeping Toys (Relatively) Germ-Free When You Travel
 
Most experts say that the general rule of thumb for keeping toys germ-free is to clean them about once a month — more frequently if your kiddo’s been ill or recovering from an illness. You don’t have to take such drastic steps as the boy’s mom in the Velveteen Rabbit, but do wipe down germy toys with disinfectant wipes. When you travel, pack disinfectant wet wipes to give toys a quick scrub.
 

• You can toss most plastic, rubber, and silicone toys in a mesh laundry bag popped onto the top rack of your dishwasher. Use the water-only cycle.

 

• Hand wash plush with warm water and mild dish soap. Check tags to see if they’re safe to toss in your washer’s gentle cycle. Vacuum them between washings.

 

• Wood’s naturally-occurring antibacterial properties makes it easy to clean. Dip a clean cloth in white vinegar and give it a good rub. 

 
Embrace Adventure
 
Adding kids to your family doesn’t have to crimp your sense of adventure! Traveling teaches them so many things, including flexibility! Children’s curiosity and lack of prejudice makes them more open-minded and accepting of other cultures. If you love traveling, introduce your kids to your wanderlust and bring them along for the ride, too!
 
Photo Credit: Pixabay.com
​Written by Alexis Hall ​alexis@singleparent.info Singleparent.info