One of the most
popular questions I get asked about being a Mum is whether having a
child has prevented me from travelling, especially on a plane. Too
many people, it seems, listen to the horror stories and assume that
travelling with a child is a nightmare experience. Now, I’ll be the
first to admit that flying with a child is a challenge, but in no way
is it impossible or a nightmare. After speaking with other parents, I
have compiled a list of ‘Top Tips’ to help parents fly with their
child.
Don't Rush!
This is one the
biggest mistakes made by new parents. While travelling solo or only
with another adult, it’s easy to rush around the house at the last
minute packing or run through the airport to the gate. However, with
a child this just isn’t possible. When travelling with a baby or a
toddler, the best advice I can give is to plan ahead. Make sure you
have packed the night before, plan for traffic along the way, arrange
your cab to arrive early. Simple planning such as this can save a lot
of drama which can bring down your holiday before you have even taken
off.
Be Comfortable
While there was once
a time when people dressed up to fly, those days are long gone.
Instead of dressing your toddler in a fashionable outfit they don’t
like wearing, look at the Groupon
discount codes page for Mothercare and get some
comfortable and warm clothing. Loose fitting items like track pants
and hoodies are not only comfortable but will keep your little ones
warm on the cold plane.
Prepare Your
Entertainment
A lesson that I
learned quickly was to pack my own entertainment, both for my little
one and me. In-flight entertainment is great...when it works.
Download some cartoons or movies to your phone that your tot enjoys
to keep their mind busy and prevent them becoming agitated. If you
have a tablet, an interactive game can be the difference between a
screaming toddler, and a quiet one. A special note for this idea - if
you are going to download a game or a movie, be sure that it will
work without a data connection.
Too many parents put
off travelling with their family because they feel it is too
difficult. And while it isn’t the easy thing, it’s just a
challenge which you can easily overcome. Along with these tips, speak
with other parents and be sure always to use your common sense and
you will be enjoying a family holiday in no time!