Flying with kids

Going on long-haul flights with children in tow can be a challenge for some parents
theSun, Tues, 27 Oct 2009



Wasn’t travelling a breeze when you did not have kids? However, with baby around, you will probably think twice before deciding to travel.

When you have your little ones as travel companions, you will have to be prepared not only to meet their physical needs such as sleep, food and diaper changes, but also their endless whining, restlessness, crying, impatience and the frequent: “Are we there yet?”

The whole idea of travelling can be even more daunting if it involves a long-haul flight when stopping at the nearest rest area as and when you wish is not an option. However, with enough ­preparations, a long-haul flight with children can be managed well enough to make travelling less of a hassle and more of an enjoyable family experience.

For seasoned travellers, getting ready to travel with children may be a routine affair, but for some of us, the following few pointers may help us get prepared for that first or rarely taken long-haul flight with our young ones.

Flight schedule
If possible, time the flight according to the child’s feeding, nap and sleeping schedules. If your child can sleep on the plane, the flight will be less stressful for you. Breastfeed or bottle feed your child before take-off and landing to alleviate discomfort in the ears.

If you have to transit, factor in extra time, taking into account the extra ­baggage you will have to carry like stroller, diaper bag and the like.

Don’t even think you can dash from one gate to another just as you did on your honeymoon trip! Also, allow time for customs and passport checks.

It will be helpful if you know the ­facilities available at the airports you are stopping at. Find out if they have ­restaurants, nursery, play areas, ­convenience stores selling children’s necessities and baby-changing rooms.

Use the airport lounge if you can during transit. Here, you can rest more comfortably and be more accessible to amenities such as toilets and shower facilities as the main terminal is usually busy and crowded.

In-flight
For infants, pack diapers, formula, ­bottles, pacifier if required, wipes, snacks, favourite toys, books, blanket or any other items he feels secure with.

It is better to overestimate and bring more than you think you need. Have a change or two of clothes for him and at least a spare top for yourself, in case of spills or vomit.

For toddlers, pack age-appropriate colouring, sticker or activity books, ­crayons, small toys and story books. Include a few new (or even old but ­seldom-used) toys as surprises to ­distract them when they get antsy. Dish them out sparingly, however, only when all else fails, lest they start expecting something new every time they throw a tantrum.

Avoid jigsaw puzzles or toys with small detachable parts as you will not want to be crawling around the cabin floor in search of fallen or missing pieces. Also, avoid noisy toys unless you relish stares and glares from other annoyed passengers when your child makes Polly Parrot squawk continuously throughout the 15-hour flight.

Check if your airline offers in-flight movies for children. It will be better if the TV screen is on the back of the seat, as children usually cannot see the large screen placed in front of the cabin. Or bring your own portable DVD player and your child’s favourite cartoons and educational shows.