Reduce the stress of flying with children with a bit of careful planning and some useful parenting strategies.
There’s often a sense of dread that appears when booking flights with young children as parents aim for careful flight timing and wonder ‘how do we keep them entertained?’ on a short or long haul flight. While there is no magic wand to wave to prevent inflight tantrums or ensure peaceful sleeping babies, there are definitely some ways to make the whole experience more pleasant for parents, kids and fellow passengers alike. Here Citizen Enfants Editor and mum-of-three Morag Turner shares her top tips and advice for flying with little ones and speaks to other well-travelled mothers about how to manage everything from airport meltdowns and flying solo with toddlers, to what to pack to keep all ages entertained all flight long.
Flying With Kids Can Be Daunting
Even the most well-versed, worldly travellers can find their wanderlust considerably diminished by the prospect of a flight with a small child. While pre-kids hopping on a plane to South Africa at 10 o’ clock at night seemed an inconsequential means to an end, once you become a parent, London to Edinburgh in the middle of the day can prove a bit overwhelming. It’s not that you lack the desire or the will to venture outside the M25, simply that the effort required to transport young children along with the unpredictability of how they will cope with the many elements of the journey can often feel like it’s just not worth the hassle.
But if you are reading this thinking ‘That’s me!’ or ‘Oh no, is that what holidays are like when your offspring arrive?!’, the good news is that it doesn’t have to be. With some careful planning, a few clever strategies up your sleeve (often quite literally) and a bit of steely ‘what-will-be-will-be’ resolve, it’s entirely possible to navigate flights with kids of all ages in tow.
It All Starts At The Airport
The journey starts as soon as you walk through the doors at departures and how you handle this leg of it can make a tremendous difference to the overall experience. In an ideal world, all families would fly at convenient times that fit in with their baby’s naps. No one wants to take off at 8.30pm with a toddler throwing a tantrum because they are over tired. But it’s rare to get the perfect time slot or duration if you want to travel further than within the UK. Nevertheless, bearing this in mind when booking can make a huge difference to your trip. “Watch out for strange flight times, says mum-of-two and Citizen Enfants contributor Jes Salter. “If it’s a full 12 hour flight and you can get it overnight then great, but dragging a child through passport control when they’re meant to be asleep can be torture. Often it’s best to opt for a day flight if you can.”
Regardless of what hour you arrive at the airport, there are ways to make the best use of time waiting to board and prepare for the flight ahead. Lots of airports have family-friendly facilities and soft play areas are a great way to let little ones burn off some energy before they have to sit relatively still on a plane (they are almost always free too). Gatwick has them at both terminals and at Heathrow you’ll find the free Mr Adventure Stay & Play areas that have slides and separate baby and junior zones. There’s also handy distractions like colouring-in and activity sheets. These areas are aimed at kids aged up to nine years-old and are unsupervised so youngsters need to be accompanied by an adult. They are open from 6am to 9pm every day.
Whatever global airport you are flying from, a quick Google search should tell you what play facilities they have, where they are located and what times they are open. You will be extremely glad to find them – especially if your flight is delayed.
A mad dash to the gate is the last thing anyone wants, but don’t be in too much of a rush either suggests Jes. “Don’t be the first to get on the plane. Whilst airlines call families up first, I like to hang back,” she advises. “If you get on first, you have to keep kids contained even longer – and I’m all about eking out every moment out of a small seat.”
Overall, international airports and decent size regional ones will be well set up for kids with changing facilities, easy access for buggies and family-friendly dining options. Gatwick, Heathrow and Edinburgh all have suitable restaurants with kids’ menus and highchairs a plenty. But if you find yourself at a tiny air strip in the likes of the Bahamas, Kenya or the even the Outer Hebridees, don’t expect to find a suitable café – or any café for that matter. Either ask your hotel to pack a small picnic (give clear instructions about what your kids will and won’t eat) or stop off at a shop en route to pick up snacks (more on snacks later) as hangry kids are not good travel companions.
With very little babies, it’s just easiest to travel with a flask of boiled water if you need to make up bottles rather than hunt for a kettle. There are tons of products on the market to help make this process simpler such as the Tommee TippeeGOPrep Portable Formula Feedmaker Kit Hot And Cool Flask and the Nuby RapidCool Portable Baby Bottle Maker. It’s also worth checking the security policies of the country you are flying from to make sure they will let you take either water or pre-prepared bottles through. Failing that, pack ready made cartons of formula that are sealed and will pass through security checks. If your travel destination doesn’t stock the brand your little one likes, then buy plenty in the UK and take them with you so you have enough for the return flight.
Keep Kids Entertained
Your carry on is key. Forget eye masks and airpods: the most sensible parents focus on what will keep their kids entertained and happy during the flight as that’s the key to grown ups getting to relax too.
“Let them pack a backpack for the flight so they can fill it with their favourite toys,” says Kirsty Edwards, mum-of-two and Global Head of PR and Communications at Scott Dunn. “When my boys were younger, I would always pack loads of snacks. Not least as they often didn’t like aeroplane food and I didn’t want them to be hungry. All rules go out the window on a plane journey. As a parent it’s all about survival, especially when they are little. Treats and things they’re not usually allowed always go down well!”
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Ensuring you have plenty of little toys, books and colouring pencils is always a good plan. As soon as kids are old enough get them involved so they can choose the items they are most interested in. From soft toys to LEGO and sticker books, having a bunch of things that your kids really love to play with will no doubt keep them amused. Either pop it all in their own little bag which can add to the fun, or stick it in your own handbag and bring each thing out one at a time, one surpirse after another. Invest in a personalised backpack from Not Another Bill, My 1st Years or LL Bean and let them fill it. Another creative resource is the ready made backpacks from Keep Em Quiet who specialise in creating fun travel activity bundles for kids of all ages.
Nothing beats the excitement of selecting something new so take them to a shop in the airport and let them pick a little treat. Just as parents like a potter in Duty Free, kids always have a slightly disproportionate love of WH Smith in departures. You will undoubtedly be talked into sweets and a London fridge magnet, but it’s worth it to stock up on Uno cards (the Holy Grail of family card games), a mini LEGO set and Paddington Bear annual that will induce at least an hour of in-flight bliss.
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“I’ve kept a toddler well entertained with just a pack of wet wipes before, but those were desperate times,” says Jes. “Stock up on sticker books, LCD drawing pads and if it’s a long flight, consider wrapping up small presents or activities that you ‘release’ every hour or so. In my opinion, screen time is totally fine when you’re travelling, but there’s a limit younger kids naturally have before they get bored of that too, so you need back up plans.”
And don’t forget the important essentials as well as the fun things Kirsty sensibly points out. “Always pack plenty of food and basic changes of clothes in your hand luggage in case of accidents or if for any reason your hold luggage is delayed or doesn’t make it.” From sea bands to help with travel sickness and Calpol to teething gel and extra baby wipes, it’s always a good idea to thrown in items that will help if your child feels unwell on the plane. A children’s travel first aid kit is useful too. One of the most upsetting moments of flying for children can often be take off and landing as the change in pressure can cause terrible pain in their ears. “Feeding them on take off and landing is a good idea to help those little ears,” says Kirsty. A bottle or a dummy is great for very young children or a chewy sweet for older ones as it helps equalise pressure in their ears during ascent and descent by activating muscles that open the Eustachian tube, allowing air to flow into the middle ear and relieve pressure.
What If You’re Outnumbered?
While travelling with one child can be tricky enough, being in charge of multiple little passengers brings a whole new dimension to flying, particularly if they are at different ages and stages. From seating arrangements (there’s never a row with five seats all together!) to on-board activities, it takes a bit more planning the more kids you have.
“Flights with three kids can be tricky,” says Charlotte Kewley, mum-of-three and founder of The Little Stylist. “I’m not always the most organised person but when it comes to travel it’s a necessity. My husband and I tend to go one-on-one with the youngest and the other sits with the older two,” she says of her family set-up on the plane. “Choosing seating carefully in advance online is alway a smart move as you don’t want to end up too far away from each other.”
“I make a ‘flight bag’ for each child that they get as soon as they’re seated with belts on. These are filled with a few snacks, a magazine, sticker book and a few other bits and bobs – like a paper games book, a friendship bracelet making kit from Cotton Twist for the bigger ones (they have a great selection of eco-friendly travel kits), a magnetic drawing pad and a travel toy with zips, buckles etc the youngest – looks hideous, but works a treat. They keep them occupied for a while at least! I do then keep their iPads with a new movie downloaded on backup for when the boredom kicks in.”
Regardless of how many kids you’re flying with, it’s always OK to ask for help. Whether it’s trying to juggle taking your boots off at security while holding a newborn, or needing to nip to the loo mid-flight with a sleeping toddler in the seat next to you, don’t be afraid to call upon the airline and airport staff or fellow passengers for assistance, especially if you are flying solo or outnumbered by your kids. Most people understand will be kind and supportive in tricky situations – willing to hold your little one for a minute or two while you set up your buggy or get your bag from the reclaim belt.
There are also a number of family services available at large airports. For example, at Heathrow you can make use of the Reserve & Collect service that enables you too pick up baby milk or baby food at the airport rather than carrying it through security. Just book in advance and they will have it ready for you at the airport after security. Look for family check ins and security lines too.
Night Flights Don’t Need To Be A Nightmare
“Flying with little ones can feel daunting but there are plenty of ways to make the journey smoother,” explains Rosey Davidson, an award-winning child sleep consultant who runs Just Chill Baby Sleep . “Babies and toddlers thrive on routine, so try to mimic elements of their usual sleep cues. This might mean bringing their familiar sleep sack, comforter, or a favourite bedtime book,” says mum-of-three Rosey who has helped plenty of parents create a positive sleep routine for their children. “If you’re flying across bedtime, try to recreate your little one’s usual bedtime routine on the plane. Get them into their pyjamas, read a short story, and even consider a quick teeth brush and toilet trip before settling them down to sleep. Top tip: Use the bathroom yourself before settling your baby or toddler – otherwise, you might find yourself nap-trapped and unable to move for a while!” she wisely points out.
“If your airline allows it, you can also pack a toddler travel bed that extends the seat so they can lay down more comfortably. For babies, if you’re flying long haul, you should be able to request a bassinet, which can make naps and sleep much easier. You can also consider travelling with your car seat if your child is used to sleeping in it – many airlines allow this, and it can provide a familiar and comfortable sleep space. A portable white noise machine can also be really helpful to block out the background noise of the plane and help little ones settle more easily.”
As a general rule, airlines want to help parents as much as they possibly can and if your child is young enough, make use of onboard cots to help them sleep. Most airlines offer these on night flights or those over a certain number of hours. For example, on their long-haul flights British Airways provide carrycots and seats free of charge for babies up to two years old, weighing under 12.5 kg (27.5lbs) that can be used in flight when the seat belt signs are off. You can also bring your own CoziGo carrycot cover to lessen distractions from light and movement once the plane has taken off.
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But while that’s all well and good in theory, it can be really difficult to settle very young children in an unfamiliar and often noisy environment. If they would rather sleep on you, then remember to pack a baby carrier like the Tula Lite Lightweight Travel Baby Carrier or the ever-stylish Artipoppe to give your arms a rest. This will also allow you to walk up and down the aisle with them easily which might help them drop off to sleep. Over the age of two kids must have their own seat, but BA will let you bring your own single-piece car seat to attach to their aircraft seat, providing it meets the airline safety requirements – check the website for exactly what this includes. Once the seat belt signs are off, take full advantage of the space you have if your little one would rather play than sleep, says Kirsty who has been a family travel expert for over 20 years. “Make a little den on the floor – a sarong/beach towel is good to put down if you don’t want them directly on the floor – that way you can get a rest from having them on their lap and they can sit and play safely down there.”
Invest In Kit To Make It Easier
There are so many helpful and innovative products on the market to make flying with little ones so much easier. Be that parent who glides smoothly on to the flight with a clever pushchair that folds up and fits neatly in the overhead locker. Check out the Bugaboo Butterfly or the Joolz Aer for cabin approved buggies that do just that. The Bugaboo Turtle Air by Nuna, and Maxi-Cosi Pebble 360 Pro are both compatible with plane seats making them a good option for taking into the cabin though it’s still a good idea to check with your airline first to find out exactly what they will accept. Combine this with a practical changing bag that has all the compartments and features your need when packing for a flight with a baby. Storksak are great and TIBA + Marl have backpack designs for a much easier travelling journey.
What To Consider With Older Kids And Teens
There is no doubt about it, flying – and travel in general – gets easier as your kids grow up. But there are still some planning considerations with older children and teens to prevent boredom, arguments and a chorus of ‘are we there yet’ from the minute the seat belt signs go off.
While the same snacks, books and card games rules apply, screen time is more of a consideration as kids get older. It’s quite possible that’s all they will be interested in for the duration of the journey. Charge up all devices the night before, download shows and movies, and remember to pack earphones, chargers and the correct plugs for your destination too. While lots of planes now have a USB point, it’s a good idea to take a portable power bank as a backup if you are going on a very long journey.
While little ones can curl up on a seat or your lap, larger kids struggle to get comfortable and sleep. Make life in economy a little bit easier with a good travel pillow like the super-soft Trtl Pillow Junior that features the same design as the adult version only smaller. The support holds your child’s neck in a comfortable, ergonomic position and it’s amazingly lighter than an iPhone and about the size of a book, making it super easy to throw in a bag.
Stay Calm And Remember It’s Only A Flight
Above all remember that no matter how the flight goes, it will all be over in a matter of hours. Even the best laid plans can go awry: sometimes babies just won’t settle, toddlers have irrational meltdowns and kids suddenly get travel sickness. Sometimes its ok to accept that that while air travel with kids can be challenging, embarrassing and sometimes downright gruelling, it’s almost always worth the journey to get the the destination on the other side.
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