All baggage has been checked. Fortunately, the passport control was not too bad. We have enough food and drinks in our hand luggage. We are on time (and clean) at the gate and now we can finally board. It already feels like you've had a long journey. The plane takes off and then your child suddenly screams: 'Mommy, mommy, mommy, I want to walk. I want to walk. NOW. Pfff..seriously…
Recognizable? Traveling with young children (especially age 0-4) can be quite intensive. Sometimes your child can suffer from ear pain or your child just feels like walking. You don’t want to disturb other passengers and therefore, it would be a lot easier if your child at least stayed put. But how do you ensure that your child stays neatly seated on the plane? I actually never dare to say it out loud (so maybe not smart to write a blog about it, haha), but my children have - until now - always sat neatly during the flight. The tips below have certainly helped me a lot to keep them happy.
Tip #1 Prepare your child for the flight in advance
You can prepare your children for a flight by telling them well in advance (at least 2 weeks) that you are going on a trip. Repeat what will happen several times. Tell them what you are going to do, for example that you have to get up early, drop off your bags, have your bags checked and that you have to sit still or sleep on the plane. And that not only we have to sit or sleep still, but that ALL children sit or sleep. ONLY flight attendants are allowed to walk because they make sure we eat and drink enough. Also tell them what your child can do on the plane. For example, first watch Sesame Street, then Peppa Pig, then eat and then sleep. This way it is less exciting for your children, and they know exactly what choices they have. In any case, walking is not an option ;).
Tip #2 Download new movies
Is your child old enough to watch movies? Always take a tablet or mobile with you. This ensures that your child is distracted for a while and that you as a parent can also sit quietly for a while. Download your child's favorite films or series in advance so that you can also watch the films offline. New episodes are often even more interesting, so save these episodes for during the flight and not for at home or on vacation. Oh yes, don't forget to charge your tablet or mobile phone or bring a charger for the plane. A power bank is also always handy. And test at home to make sure the movies are downloaded properly.
Tip #3 Bring enough food or snacks
They don't always have good food or snacks on the plane. A hungry child is no fun for anyone. Therefore, always take enough food or snacks with you. Also consider delays or a longer travel time due to the journey from the airport to the accommodation. Offer your child something regularly so that they are distracted. And save the tastiest snacks for the difficult moments. But don't give too much sugar; you don't want them to get too much energy.
Tip #4 Buy 'new' toys
Always bring your child's favorite toys, but also something new. Window stickers, Lego, busy board or a drawing tablet ensure that your child can discover something new. Also buy this together before the holidays start. You can do this at the airport or visit another parent to borrow toys. Of course, you don’t always have to buy new toys. It's about giving your child something new to play with. This is also part of the preparation process. This way your child will remember that playing with new toys is part of a flight.
Tip #5 Let your child play on the floor
Put your coat or blanket on the floor and let your child play on the floor. This is not only exciting, but also ensures that your child discovers a 'new' space. As a parent you also have your hands free for a while.
Tip #6 Build a tent
Building tents is a popular activity with children and this is also possible on the plane. With a blanket or jacket you can build a tent between two chairs. Secure one side of your coat or blanket to the table and hold the other side of your coat or blanket. Your child can sit on your lap or between the chairs on the floor.
Tip #7 Let them take a nap
This might be the best tip I can give you; if they want to take a nap, let them snuggle! They will lose their energy on vacation anyways. Make it as comfortable as possible for them by creating a really nice nest. The Stokke Bedbox is a nice hand luggage trolley that you can fold out into a bed on the plane. Really ideal, but pricey. A cheaper option is the BlueWhisk inflatable airplane bed. For babies I recommend the Deryan Airtraveller. You can put this on your fold-out table, so that you have your hands free every now and then.
Is your baby not sitting down? Don't feel embarrassed towards other passengers. You do not know your fellow passengers and you will probably never meet them again. Don't forget that as a parent you do your very best to make the journey as smooth as possible. And that's quite a job!