Advice For Parents Flying with Young Children

Having a young child along on a flight already increases the stress level, what with the confined sitting and the crowded terminals. Airport security may be a trying experience for small children. They may fear the sudden and dramatic fluctuations in air pressure and loathe sitting silently for long periods.

Fortunately, with forethought and organization, you may enjoy a stress-free day of travel. Check out these tips for a less stressful flight with your child, whether you're headed to see relatives or the Magic Kingdom. Tips from flight attendants were included.

Depart Early In The Morning

Patrick, the flight attendant, assures you that this is your most excellent defense against being kept waiting during takeoff and landing. He adds that there are often fewer passengers on these flights since "everyone is essentially exhausted and simply wants to snooze,", especially children. Long layovers and overnight connections should be avoided.

Use Mileage Upgrades While Traveling Without Kids

Bringing young children on a first-class flight is often more trouble than it's worth. Mom Joanna shares how she once flew with her active, noisy kid and earned the ire of first-class neighbors for the whole journey. "It's not fair, but you're just going to receive more empathy and assistance with kids in economy," the flight attendant explains.

Brief Your Children

"My experience is kids do so much better when they know what to anticipate," says Shireen, an Australian mother of three who has been to the United States several times with her children. She suggests being acquainted with everything from baggage claim and boarding procedures to onboard etiquette and safety procedures by viewing a Let's Play video on YouTube.

Layer And Avoid Laces

It would help if you prepared for extreme temperature changes with a child in tow. The flight attendant and mother, Wendy, recommends dressing your children in loose, layered clothing without buttons, zippers, or anything else that could come in the way of them using the restroom quickly and easily. Slip-on shoes are preferable to those with laces for the same reason. One of the benefits she mentions is the time saved in airport security lines.

Use A Compact Stroller

If you're a parent who can't imagine making it through the airport without a stroller, consider purchasing an umbrella stroller instead. In addition, please leave your stroller at the gate so the flight attendants may have it ready for you when you deplane.

Wendy advises bringing a kid harness along if you're traveling with more than one little child. "I didn't change my mind about them until I saw a mom with three kids using them at the airport.

It was obvious, she argues, given the proximity of the exits leading outdoors. Believe me, flying is already a difficult experience. The safety of your children and your own sanity are of paramount importance, so do what you must."

Don't Overpack

The flight crew recommends that parents bring good snacks and diapers for their children. Lynn regrets to inform you that "you may anticipate there to be zero food on an airplane that would interest a child." And our comfort amenities are restricted.

On the other hand, parents may find themselves in a bind if they are overly eager and pack too much. Wendy observes that when a single parent takes a trip with a child or children, "they will usually carry too much stuff in an attempt to make the children happy." "They don't realize they have to drag their children and all that luggage off the plane," said one passenger.

Expect Air Pressure

Seek your doctor's advice before bringing your kid on a plane trip if they have recently recovered from a cold or ear infection.

The sudden drop in cabin pressure might bring on the pain. Additionally, after going through security, ensure everyone has enough water to last through any potential delay and still have some left over for the descent when ear pressure pain is at its worst.

Encourage your children to drink some after takeoff and again during the last half hour of the flight. Swallowing provides relief from the pressure and also serves to hydrate the body.

Appreciate

Flight attendants appreciate a special tip for coping with young children. Any form of airport chocolate, Patrick claims, given out at boarding, does wonder. Of course, the occasional rude and unprofessional flight attendant will not be changed by this.

It's not required, but it's a kind gesture, especially over the holidays when flight attendants are likely to work and away from their families. It will be very welcomed, he says. "And know that you are not forgotten, and that you have our continued protection. Plus, you may even get a free drink out of it!"