Tips to help flights with children

If you are planning on jetting off with the family for a winter break, make sure you are prepared to entertain your babies and toddlers on the way.

UK independent travel agent, www.sunshine.co.uk, was founded by parents who know all about the trials and tribulations of travelling with children. They are offering parents who are new to the concept of travelling with a young family some tips.

“I have two kids under the age of five, so speaking from experience these tips are priceless for anyone who has young children and travels often,” says Chris Clarkson co-founder of sunshine.co.uk .

“A hectic flight trying to keep the kids happy really isn’t the best way to kick-start a holiday and DVDs and toys are definitely the best way to keep youngsters entertained on flights.

“An unhappy child during a flight not only causes a problem for the parents, but also the rest of the passengers and the cabin crew, so these tips really should be applied to any long journey to avoid drama.”

1.    Pack a carry-on bag containing some of your children’s favourite toys and something new, such as a story, colouring or sticker book to keep them distracted and happy for the duration of the flight. Avoid noisy toys that may disgruntle other passengers and those with small parts (or you’ll be re-enacting awkward yoga moves between seats).

2.    A portable DVD player is a brilliant way to pass time on plane, so pack plenty of DVDs of your child’s favourite TV programme. Don’t forget to fully charge all electrical items you may want to use on the plane before you go and make sure you pack headphones, as other passengers may not appreciate listening to Iggle Piggle and other kid’s favourites.

3.    Pack non-sugary snacks and drinks to keep the kids happy before the flight attendant comes round with the trolley and take a plastic food container to keep the food fresh.

4.    If your flight includes an in-flight meal and you’re travelling with more than one adult, ask the cabin crew if you can have one meal at a time, allowing you to eat while your partner looks after the kids and vice-versa!

5.    If needed pack twice as many nappies, wipes and powdered formula that you think you’ll need, as you never know when delays may occur.  If taking readymade formula through security be prepared to open and taste it due to the liquid restrictions. Take spare clothes for you all, in case of accidents and maybe a plastic bag to put wet clothes in if any accidents do occur.

6.    For children not long out of nappies, it’s worth considering putting them back into one for the flight in case they fall asleep and have an accident. Cabin pressure can do funny things!

7.    To help with popping ears during takeoff and landing its worth having a bottle or pacifier ready for babies and toddlers, and for older children boiled sweets are ideal.

8.    Taking your child’s favourite bedtime toy, teddy or blanket will help settle them on a long flight.

9.    Room: If your flight isn’t full, why not ask the flight crew if you can move to an empty row of seats? Other passengers may not mind moving if it helps with a sleeping/quieter child.

10. Always hold something back from the treats/toys you have packed and only bring it out when absolutely needed.