• Make sure you pack lots of little things to entertain your child during the flight. Pack a carry on (preferably bag on wheels) of activities like small games, colouring books & reading or picture books, small video games or a portable DVD player always comes in handy (don’t forget to charge it the night before!), a pacifier/ dummy (if your child uses one), and don’t forget snacks & beverages. You never know if you might get delayed, so bring more than you think you will need.
• Pack a change of clothes in case of an accident on the flight. Make sure you also pack enough nappies.
• Talk to your child ahead of time about the trip so he has an idea of what to expect. Tell him what it will be like on the plane and how you would like him to behave; you might want to even suggest a reward for good behaviour.
• Give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport & allow for extra time checking in even, so you are not stressed before you even get there.
At the Airport
• Explain some safety rules to your child, what they should do in case you get separated. For extra precaution, write your child’s name, your name & contact details on a business size card and put it into the child’s clothing pocket, in case they stray.
• Strongly suggest your child goes to the loo before you board the flight, because once boarded and the seat belt sign is on, the child might not be able to use the bathroom facility for some time.
On the Plane
• Not all passengers will appreciate your children being on the flight, especially the ones sitting in front of them, so be aware if your child is kicking the chair in front of him or disturbing passengers behind or to the left or right of them. The key is to keep them entertained and distracted.
• Ears can be most troublesome & painful for kids during Take-off and landing, especially as they don’t know what’s going on. Encourage your child to yawn or swallow by offering beverages, gum, or sweets. If your child is a little baby, try giving him or her a dummy/ pacifier.
• Wait until your child starts getting restless before bringing out the toys & activities, then try and only bring one item out at a time, and then put that item away before introducing the next. This will hopefully keep them entertained a little bit longer.