How to Reduce Stress while Flying with Toddlers
Tips for Pleasurable Aircraft Travel with Small Children
Mar 8, 2009
Travelling with small children or toddlers can be stressful for parents, as children in this age bracket have multiple needs and short attention spans. There are ways to reduce anxiety when travelling with little children, though it takes meticulous planning in advance and flexibility during the trip.
A Toddler Will be More Comfortable in his Own Seat
Many airlines offer discounted prices for infants below the age of two as long as the child remains seated on his parent's lap. Although this may seem as a cost saving for parents, it can be difficult to handle a small baby on a lap, especially if the flight is full. It will be better if he has a space of his own.
Purchasing a seat for a child will allow him to stretch out comfortably. If the child is still a baby, then bringing his car seat or carrier bucket will allow him to sit and sleep comfortably on his own. This allows flexibility for his parents to carry him on their laps as and when the need arises.
Furthermore, tables for the meals usually fold downwards from the seat in front and can only accommodate a single body sitting in the corresponding seat. A baby on his parent's lap will make flight meal time impossible.
Check in at the Airport Ahead of Time
Checking in early will allow parents to secure seats of their choice. They will also be able to check with the airlines to see if they will be provided preferential treatment in boarding and alighting the aircraft.
During check-in, parents can ask questions with regards to the capacity of the flight. If a flight is relatively empty, parents with toddlers may prefer to be seated further away from the crowds where they can make full use of empty seats. Toddlers who prefer to walk around will find it easier to do so if the crowds are sparse.
Some airlines provide baby cots that are usually attached to the walls of the aircraft facing the front row of seats. Depending on the capacity of these cots, availability and personal preference, parents can opt for front row seat and request a cot for their child.
Bring Sufficient Snacks or Meals for Small Children
Generally, airlines have their own meal schedules according to flight times and duration. Toddlers do not always enjoy meals at a strict schedule and can be picky eaters when they find themselves in new environments.
Pack enough snacks, such as finger foods, for toddlers. This keeps tantrums at bay and helps them to feel distracted. Drinking water and juice boxes are equally important here as thirst may settle in when cooped up in an aircraft. Of course, plenty of airline services provide refreshments on an ongoing basis – but having a small inventory of food and drinks will help too.
Travel during Nap Time
It may not always be possible to schedule flight itineraries according to nap times, but a sleeping toddler will be easier to handle than one who is awake and fretful.
Travel with Items of Interest and Necessities
Toddlers are a handful on their own, so bulky hand luggage will be burdensome in this situation. However, there are some items that will help reduce stress while travelling with them. Bring favourite toys, light books, a handful of crayons and games that will keep toddlers interested during their wakeful hours.
Besides that, extra clothes, diapers and wipes are essential items of a light hand luggage bag.
Stay Relaxed and Calm even under Difficult Situations
Keeping calm at all times, even during stressful situations will keep anxiety at bay. Children respond to their parents' emotions so the best way to handle trantrums or sudden outbursts of emotions would be to keep calm and relaxed. Staying positive will allow everyone to enjoy the flight a little better.
Travelling with children can be stressful, especially little ones who are easily bored or agitated when cooped up for a long time. There are plenty of ways to reduce flight anxieties including planning for a timely flight and adequate seating arrangements. A toddler-friendly carry bag will also help and if all else fails, staying true to the calm parent code of conduct will mitigate any tantrums or unwarranted episodes while on the aircraft.
