Tips For Traveling With A Child!
You're getting ready to board your flight and you spot a child and think the worst, 'Oh no, this kid will probably be crying/screaming the entire flight. You spot the child's mother and give her a smile because it's about to be one of the longest flights in your life. That is exactly how most people who don't have children feel when they see a child/children on their flight. Guess what? Most mom's also have a fear of the unknown; Will my child be on his or her best behavior? Or will he or she make me pull out my hairs? A parent never knows what to expect when flying with their growing child.
For me, I really enjoy flying with my son. Aaron is always the cool kid on every flight we've been on; at 3 months, 9 months and 13 months. As any other mom, I never, ever know what to expect. Will he be as good as his previous flight or will he want to run up and down the aisles? Well, here are my tips on traveling with a child. Although Aaron is an infant, I honestly think these tips can be applied to children up to the age of around 15/16.
Tip 1: Make sure to have a comfy stroller for walking through the airport. The Bugaboo Bee is my ultimate favorite buggy. Not only is it comfy for le bebe but lightweight yet durable. Oh, and it's so easy to manuver through check-in, security check, immigration and of course, the quick shopping spree in Duty Free.
Tip 2: I over-pack my hand-luggage. I literally pack my carry-on, baby bag and a little back pack for Aaron to hold onto to the max. In these bags are everything he'd possibly want. From an ipad, his favorite stuffed animals, the mini toys I see him playing with often and of course the absolute necessities; change of clothes, a bottle, diapers, wipes, a comb.
Tip 3: Speaking of ipad, I've downloaded the BabyFirst App, Peppa Pig and CeeBeebees.
Tip 4: Speaking of bottles. I always pack an already filled Avent bottle with milk and water but I also have backup in my Swell bottles. It keeps beverages cold for up to 42 hours.
Tip 5: Change of clothes? For those long flights, I always want to make sure Aaron feels relaxed in a onesie and of course, a couple of extra outfits. You know how kids are; one minute they are neat and the next, they have juice or food everywhere.
Tip 6: Snacks on snacks on snacks. From Cheese Puffs to Oreos, i'm not leaving home without them.
Tip 7: Don't constrain your child. Allow them to say hi to other passengers on your flight.
Tip 8: Always be prepared for a nursery rhyme session.
Tip 9: Books!! What is your child's favorite book? Aaron's is the 'Good Night' collection. Make sure to have it packed and ready for flight.
Tip 10: Don't PANIC. You got this.
At the end of every flight, Aaron gets compliments from not only passengers but the flight crew which has me already booking our next holiday!
PHOTO CREDIT: GOOGLE