Saturday 16 July 2016

Hot Topic: Travelling With Children- Getting Organised (Written from Personal Experience)

Packing - what to take

Extra Necessities
  • suncream
  • teething toys -if you need them
  • bum cream
  • teething gel
  • any other medications
Carry-On
Food: milk, solids and snacks can usually be bought after going through customs - any pre-made formula will have to be tested to make sure there is no threat of a liquid bomb (I know!) as you pass through security. Make sure all the bottles/food are consumed on the flight as you aren't allowed to take fruit/veg into another country without declaring it.

Clothes: take a spare set for your little one as well as for yourself and anyone else who may be looking after them whilst on the flight as then you can change in the event of spillages/throw up/ nappy mishaps!

Toys: it's a good idea to take a few for the flight - especially long-haul ones as boredom is sure to strike after about an hour (if you are lucky your child may sleep through some of the flight).


In The Suitcase
Take weather- appropriate clothes - sunhats are important just as jackets are in cold weather. Even if you are traveling to a hot country, take a few changes of cool clothes as well as warm clothes to prepare for unexpected weather changes.

Coping With The New Experience
Pressure changes can be startling for young children and you should prepare for crying and wailing, possibly even screaming in severe cases. We were quite lucky - our daughter didn't notice this at all as she was sound asleep for take-off as well as landing - but not everyone has that much luck. I have heard incessant creaming from babies, toddlers, and very loud, very annoying winging from slightly older children. None of these are fun to listen to, but if a passenger does complain you can ask a flight attendant to see to it that they politely back off.

De-stressing: gum can help with the nerves as well as helping to prevent your ears from popping with cabin pressure changes. Watch movies on the in-flight entertainment, listen to music, write, read or draw and my personal favourite - do cross stitch! You are allowed blades up to 6cm and a needle is usually acceptable on the plain. I don't know if knitting needles are permitted, but it definitely killed a lot of time for me on my 10 hour flight. Walk up and down the cabins to give yourself and your Mimi-Me a change of scenery and some light exercise. They will love looking out of the windows at the back too - these are usually larger than the standard seat windows, and you don't have to hover over anyone to have a look!

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