Traveling with young children
As Spring Break approaches, I thought I would share some tips on traveling with children. It can be daunting, so I've learned a few simple ways to prepare that have helped take some of the stress out of the getaway. My husband books a seat on one side of the aisle, and I normally sit between our kids (as a nervous flier, I need have my children close), so the pressure is on me to keep everyone quiet, content and occupied. I put together a "travel kit" full of a few lightweight items so there is something new for the kids to play witih during the flight (and I never show them until we're on the plane). It's normally a mixture of things that are all easy to find and inexpensive - little games, figurines, notecards, coloring books, and triangular crayons that won't roll off the tray. I get the same, or very similar, items for each child so there is no competitiion or complaining, and I always give each child their own bag. I pack a bag full of healthy snacks (enough for a family of 10 in case of delays), comfort toys, some soft blankets for snuggling and napping, a small stack of light books, an iPad as a last resort, and these headphones (with a volume limit, so they are safe for kids). It sounds like a lot, but it all fits nicely inside a large boat bag that slides under the seat in front of me. I also keep a pack of potty mitts in my bag for the kids bathroom breaks. They don't take up any space, and they keep little hands clean. It's impossible to feel like you have clean hands after washing them in an airplane sink, so these give an extra layer of protection.
Here are some things that kept our crew (3 and 6 years) happy and relaxed on our last flight....
coloring books, notecards, triangular crayons that won't roll off the tray, stickers, puzzles and small toys.
One well-labeled bag for each child. Every item was inexpensive and simple, but it did the trick!
CATEGORIES: Kids and family
