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Help Your Child Cope with Long Haul Flights

TRAVEL – HELP YOUR CHILD TO COPE WITH A LONG FLIGHT

Travelling with children is never particularly easily and more so on long flights! They need lots of your attention and constant entertainment because they often get quite anxious when they are in unfamiliar surroundings and situations.

So how can you make sure that your child doesn’t get too overwrought when you are embarking upon a journey? Here are a few tips to help you to cope before and during the flight.

  • Make sure that you are calm – children always pick-up on our emotions so remaining relaxed and in control is essential.
    • Check that you have all the relevant passports and tickets and place them into a travel wallet the day before.
    • Leave for the airport in good time – avoiding last minute anxiety about traffic jams!
  • Research the departure airport in advance so that you know where the children’s play area is.
    • If your little ones are kept occupied they are less likely to worry about the strange environment.
    • If there is no play area, try to have a wide range of games and activities in mind to keep them happy just in case there are delays and queues.
  • Take snacks and drinks with you for both the airport and the flight.
    • Hungry kids get grouchy so healthy snacks like cereal bars, bananas, small packs of dried fruits, etc. are great choices to have with you. Avoid sugary sweets which could make them a bit too lively.
    • Dehydration can soon make small children feel unwell so plenty of liquids is a must.
    • Don’t forget tissues and wipes for emergency spills.
  • Have a change of clothes is probably wise just in case of accidents.
    • Pyjamas are helpful if your flight is overnight – wearing something snuggly which is associated with bedtime can be both reassuring and help your child to get some rest.
    • If you little one usually uses a dummy make sure you have a spare too in case one gets lost.
    • A comforter or favourite soft toy can help to keep things calm and relaxed.
  • Take an extra supply of any usual medications in hand luggage just in case you have delays or any suitcases go missing between airports.
    • A supply of Calpol, or similar, is useful for bringing down high temperatures. Children may become feverish if they are excessively excited or scared.
    • Mineral replacement sachets are also a useful item to carry in hand luggage. If you child should get ill they will need to replace vital salts and minerals.
    • Having something for your child to suck on during landing is a good idea. Ears can pop with loss of pressure causing discomfort and pain.
  • Have plenty of games and activities planned for during the flight. The secret is in having plenty of variety:
    • A tablet loaded up with favourite films, stories and games is essential travel kit.
    • Some calming music or stories can also help if your little one gets upset or scared.
    • Travel related stickers and colouring books are a great way to divert your child’s attention.
    • Most major airlines provide travel kits just for this purpose and often having this little extra surprise present can distract your child and appease any anxiety they may have about flying.

Always remember that airline staff are used to dealing with fraught and over emotional children so there is no need to get upset or embarrassed if your tot has a momentary outburst. As long as you remain calm and relaxed they will soon get back to normal.

The secret to any form of travel with children is to be prepared and organised in advance, with plenty of tricks up your sleeve to keep them occupied and happy!

December 22, 2017

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