Air Travel with tots in tow
by Samantha
(Escondido, CA, USA)
I have taken several trips with my small children, both under the age of two, and have learned a trick or two in the process.
For all airplane travel, I have several recommendations. First and foremost, despite the fact that it is cheaper to have a child sit on your lap, it will make the journey much more enjoyable if you purchase the child their own seat. This will give you a place to put them down, ensure that you have two seats to place items underneath, plus allows you more carry on luggage. In this carry on luggage make sure you pack more than enough basic supplies such as diapers, wipes, food (always pack snacks or buy them prior to getting onto the airplane), extra change of clothing (you never know what they might do), and any formula that you may need.
Beyond these basic essentials you will also want to pack new toys that your child has never played with before. This will help keep your little ones busy during the flight. When you arrive at the airport, make sure that you have left yourself plenty of time to get to your plane, planning for extra bathroom breaks. I also recommend getting on the plane early to allow plenty of extra time to set everything up. Please remember to have your child drink something during the assent to ensure that their ears don't get plugged up and bringing tylenol just in case they are in pain.
During the flight bring out their new toys, allow them to walk when possible, and bring on those snacks. These tips should allow for a relatively calm air ride, but remember kids sometimes cry and no matter how long the ride, it will be over shortly.
