5 tips for flying with children for the first time

it's undoubtedly daunting, but travel with your tot doesn't have to be a stress-inducing struggle

For many new (or not so new) parents, the thought of taking a child on a plane for the first time can be extremely daunting, if not downright terrifying. Gone are the days of stress-free flying and packing light, when the only worry you had was what bottle of celebratory holiday booze to pick up in duty free.

A survey of over 600 parents conducted by Julia Minchin, founder of Hippychick, an online retailer of products for babies and toddlers, asked parents to identify their biggest fears about travelling abroad (particularly by air) with young children, and 32% of those questioned said they would never even entertain the thought of air travel with youngsters (gulp!).

Nearly a quarter of those who had travelled on planes with small children claimed it was a stressful experience, while a whopping 96% admitted to being apprehensive at the thought of an onboard temper tantrum by a toddler who refuses to put on their seatbelt.

But there is light at the end of the tunnel (or should we say terminal), because you can travel happily with kids. We spoke to some experts to help get you and your child from gate to gate in the most stress-free way possible:

1. Get your timings rightIt's a smart idea to think ahead and plan your journey around timings that fit in with your child's day-to-day routine. Kristen Harding, Childcare expert at Tinies, says this is key to a smooth journey:

"Think about the natural pattern to your child's day. Are there quiet times and busy times? If so book your flights accordingly. Give them a chance to stretch their legs when you can and try to keep meal times as regular as you can."

Booking a flight to coincide with nap times or bedtimes could mean they'll settle down once in the air, promising a much quieter flight for you.

2. Pack carefullyWe've all been there – the hell that is trying do fit everything into a bag small enough to fit in the over-head locker, and that's a problem even before kids come on the scene! Again, Kristen recommends meticulous planning:

"Think in advance about what you'll need to bring, and keep it simple. Changing nappies and eating meals in random places and the number of germs on planes make baby wipes and hand sanitiser a must – especially when you're travelling."

In fact, 64.3% of parents who took part in the above-mentioned survey agreed that it'd be good if carriers were more flexible and generous with carry-ons. But until the airlines make it easier for families, the best way thing to do it organise like a drill sergeant. It's also worth remembering that you have to leave buggies at the departure gate, so prepare accordingly. Make sure you have enough baggage space to fit in all the things that usually live in pushchair pockets. There's nothing worse than having to sacrifice essential wet wipes, nappies and emergency clean clothes.
 
3. Keep a pain management arsenalEar problems during take-off and landing occurs when air pressure inside the ear being different to the changes in pressure on the plane:

"Adults struggle with the pressure in their ears during take-off and landing, so imagine how the little ones feel. If they are still bottle or breast feeding, this is a good time to feed. If they're a little older, keep their dummy close to hand," says Kirsten.


Dr Margot Sunderland, 
Director of Education and Training at The Centre for Child Mental Health, author of bestselling The Science of Parenting and producer of three How to Have the Best Relationship with your Child DVDs also shared some tips with us.

"Actions such as swallowing, sucking sweats and yawning all help to equalise the ear pressure and make the pain go away."

With this in mind, ensure you pack a good amount of sweets in your hand luggage and maybe try yawning yourself, as yawns are 'infectious' and it will encourage your child to copy you.
 
4. Have smart distraction tacticsAdults hate boredom, but it's far worse for infants. Dr Sunderland offered an insight into the science behind in-flight boredom:

"If they are bored, it triggers high levels of stress hormones in the brain and body making them cry or get angry. The' boredom tantrum' is their attempt to discharge that horrid physiological hyper-arousal."

Kirsten and Dr. Sutherland both advise not to underestimate the power toys and games:

"Consider the amount of time you're traveling for and how much your child needs to be entertained," says Kirsten. "Have a bag of tricks at the ready and include some new items as well as some old favourites. Wrap some of them up as treats and make sure you space them out – attention spans are short so if you dole out the activities slowly they will last a lot longer."

And Dr Sutherland suggests keep a few finger puppets in your handbag to produce at the first sign of irritation or agitation:

"This is called attachment play. It triggers opioids and oxytocin in the brain (the brain's natural anti- anxiety and anti- aggression chemicals). With toddlers, it's a good idea to take things to colour in or squidge, like playdoh or sensory toys. These activities naturally inhibit impulses to climb on seats and jump up."

5. Stay calm
This is easier said than done, but is crucial. It takes babies and children a matter of milliseconds to pick up on the emotional atmosphere of their parents through things such as facial expressions and tone of voice. Because of this, Kirsten highlights the importance of staying serene:

"Children feed off of our emotions, so if you're stressed, they'll be stressed. If you're nervous, they'll be nervous. Take a deep breath, relax, and try to enjoy the journey. If it all gets too much take a trip to the loo and splash a little water in your face and try to reset your emotions. You'll be amazed how things can turn around in a matter of minutes."

It might be difficult to remain cool and collected in the face of a full-blown tantrum at 30,000 feet, but getting flustered will be of no help to anybody. Remember, there's nothing wrong with asking the cabin crew for a bit of help – they're used to having children on the plane everyday, and no doubt have a few tricks of the trade up their sleeves.

With travel, there are always going to be things you can't control – the weather, delays, baggage hiccups – but just remember that it'll all be over in a matter of hours, and there's a holiday waiting for you at the other end. Bon voyage!