It such a daunting experience to take young children on a flight for the first time. We wish we could tell you that it’s not as bad as you think it will be, but a lot of times it will turn in to a bit of a nightmare. They’ll scream, they’ll poo, they’ll vomit, they’ll want out of their seats or bassinet, they’ll throw temper tantrums, and they’ll throw food. Depending on their mobility level, you’ll likely have to chase after them in to First Class a few times.
But there are a few things you can do lessen the impact on your kids, yourself, fellow passengers and that flight attendant smiling with gritted teeth as she wipes the baby sick from her skirt. We’ve been flying long haul with our 2 kids for the last 5 years, since they were both babies. Kid X made his first flight to Sweden at just 3 months, and was taking on the 12 hour journey to Hong Kong just a few months later.
Try to schedule flights during their usual bed time, so that they will sleep most of the way and wake up bright and fresh at your destination. If your child is under 2 and no heavier than 13kg then call your airline to pre-book a bassinet located in the first row.
Try to schedule flights during their usual bed time, so that they will sleep most of the way and wake up bright and fresh at your destination. If your child is under 2 and no heavier than 13kg then call your airline to pre-book a bassinet located in the first row.
Believe us when we say we’ve had some tough journeys, but it gets better with experience. We’ve listed our 12 Essentials for traveling with young children below, based on 5 years of flight experience. Some of the items will be most suited to older children like ours (5 & 3 respectively) but they’re all centred on the same principles you would use to keep your children comfortable and content in any situation; keep them warm, dry, fed, watered, occupied and comfortable.
- Travel Pillow | Stop sleepy head rolling on long journeys with the Trunki Yondi
head and neck support.
- Mini Raisin Box | On the go healthy snack that kids are always ready to eat.
- Blankets | Home comforts whiles traveling. aden + anais blankets are lovely and soft to keep them toes warm. Get them to sleep with the blanket for a week before the flight so that they associate its feel and smell with bedtime.
- Wet Wipes | We never leave home without these handy Water Wipes,
with no added nasties.
- Vest | Uniqlo ultra-lightweight and pocketable vests are ideal for keeping them snug whether sleeping or enjoying the inflight cartoons.
- Multipurpose Ointment | Lucas Papaw Ointment has anti-bacterial properties that can be used for a various things from nappy rash to sunburn and chapped lips. Put a little underneath each ear to stop any baby drooling causing soreness.
- Water Bottle | Keep your kids hydrated on long flights with 100% recyclable Sigg water bottles that are BPA and phthalate-free.
- Colouring Pens | Very handy to occupy little minds. These Melissa & Doug triangular shaped crayons
won’t roll off the seat tray.
- Headphones | In-flight headphones don’t fit the kiddies very well, so these JVC kids headphones
are perfect for their little heads.
- Rucksack | Perfect for keeping all your essentials in one place. This stylish Swedish backpack has been everywhere with us. Keep it under the seat in front of you for easy access.
- Plastic bags | Or pee pee bags as we like to call them. They are great for emergencies when there’s a queue for the toilet.
- Play-Doh | This versatile classic will keep the kids entertained for a good 1/2 hour when they become bored during a long flight. Get the mini travel tubs here.
So there’s our tried and tested list of 12 Essentials for traveling with young children on planes. But here’s one more tip, just for the parents.
ALWAYS carry a spare change of clothes for yourself. Take it from someone who once had to sit in baby-vomit soaked trousers and underwear for 13 hours straight!
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