Travelling with kids? Here's handy hints
Travelling inspires many of us and the very idea of travelling with kids puts many of us in a state of despair.
The sheer thought of managing a cranky or crying child during an entire flight or on the airport during transit puts many families off going on holidays.
I have been discussing with many young parents about their experiences while travelling with small kids and most of them have same concerns and go through the same trials and tribulations.
Most of them remember their earlier experiences for all wrong reasons and are still clueless and nervous, whereas some others tried certain tricks and managed their entire journey relatively trouble free. I would like to share some of these tips with you to help easing your next family holiday trip.
I am afraid my baby will cry for entire flight
A very legitimate fear. Babies cry for many reasons, they might be having ear plugged during take off or landing.
This can be managed by giving them something to drink. If that does not help, go for a walk. It might help. If it doesn’t, at least you show your fellow passengers that you are trying to do something to solve this problem.
May be, before you start your journey, think of buying some ear plugs for your fellow passengers, pass this on to them and they won’t be annoyed and rather a great way to start conversation.
Bring snacks. It’s amazing how much latitude you can get by presenting your child with his or her favorite treat. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Planes are dehydrating and a dehydrated child is often a cranky child.
Bring a small DVD player with a new DVD. Although most planes now have personal screen in the seats, you can’t always find a show that will interest your child. Colouring books, Lego blocks, puzzles and books are also life savers.
Do a stroller and car seat count towards my baggage allowance?
Different airlines have different rules. Check with your travel agent before you leave.
I have a four-five hour stopover, what should I do to keep my child entertained?
Well, I would say, you are in for a pain if you are not prepared for this. Buy a Trunki ride-on suitcase. This comes in green, blue, cow and tiger print. It is made from the same plastic as adult suitcases. It weighs under 2 Kg and is 18" x 7.9" x 12", holds up to 50 Kg of riding weight and can be ridden by two toddlers. It has stabilisers to prevent tipping and comes with carry handle, pull strap and horn grips.
They can pack it with all of their own special things, and they can ride it around the airport while you’re waiting for the plane.
It also makes a great seat and comes with a handy strap so you can pull them too. You can also bring a balloon for entertainment - it will give them a focus for their running. Easy to transport and you can throw it in the garbage just before the flight. There is a good video on this product on You Tube. Search ‘Trunki’
I’m travelling alone. What do I do with my baby when I need to go to the bathroom?
Ask a flight attendant to watch your child.
How can I change a diaper in a tiny airplane bathroom?
Bathrooms in airports are generally big and clean. Use them before you get on to the plane. While on the airplane, try to use the Business Class bathrooms. They are generally bigger and cleaner as they are used by fewer people.
If you plan to travel a lot, you might want to invest in a diaper bag that also functions as a changing station. There are a number of them out on the market, such as the Studio Cherie Diaper Bag especially designed for changing diapers on airplanes) and the Baby Traveler Deluxe Diaper Bag.
* Madhup Srivastava is a frequent traveller and owner of Kilbirnie Travel. He may be contacted on madhup@kilbirnietravel.co.nz
Travelling inspires many of us and the very idea of travelling with kids puts many of us in a state of despair.
The sheer thought of managing a cranky or crying child during an entire flight or on the airport during transit puts many families off going on holidays.
I have been discussing with...
Travelling inspires many of us and the very idea of travelling with kids puts many of us in a state of despair.
The sheer thought of managing a cranky or crying child during an entire flight or on the airport during transit puts many families off going on holidays.
I have been discussing with many young parents about their experiences while travelling with small kids and most of them have same concerns and go through the same trials and tribulations.
Most of them remember their earlier experiences for all wrong reasons and are still clueless and nervous, whereas some others tried certain tricks and managed their entire journey relatively trouble free. I would like to share some of these tips with you to help easing your next family holiday trip.
I am afraid my baby will cry for entire flight
A very legitimate fear. Babies cry for many reasons, they might be having ear plugged during take off or landing.
This can be managed by giving them something to drink. If that does not help, go for a walk. It might help. If it doesn’t, at least you show your fellow passengers that you are trying to do something to solve this problem.
May be, before you start your journey, think of buying some ear plugs for your fellow passengers, pass this on to them and they won’t be annoyed and rather a great way to start conversation.
Bring snacks. It’s amazing how much latitude you can get by presenting your child with his or her favorite treat. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Planes are dehydrating and a dehydrated child is often a cranky child.
Bring a small DVD player with a new DVD. Although most planes now have personal screen in the seats, you can’t always find a show that will interest your child. Colouring books, Lego blocks, puzzles and books are also life savers.
Do a stroller and car seat count towards my baggage allowance?
Different airlines have different rules. Check with your travel agent before you leave.
I have a four-five hour stopover, what should I do to keep my child entertained?
Well, I would say, you are in for a pain if you are not prepared for this. Buy a Trunki ride-on suitcase. This comes in green, blue, cow and tiger print. It is made from the same plastic as adult suitcases. It weighs under 2 Kg and is 18" x 7.9" x 12", holds up to 50 Kg of riding weight and can be ridden by two toddlers. It has stabilisers to prevent tipping and comes with carry handle, pull strap and horn grips.
They can pack it with all of their own special things, and they can ride it around the airport while you’re waiting for the plane.
It also makes a great seat and comes with a handy strap so you can pull them too. You can also bring a balloon for entertainment - it will give them a focus for their running. Easy to transport and you can throw it in the garbage just before the flight. There is a good video on this product on You Tube. Search ‘Trunki’
I’m travelling alone. What do I do with my baby when I need to go to the bathroom?
Ask a flight attendant to watch your child.
How can I change a diaper in a tiny airplane bathroom?
Bathrooms in airports are generally big and clean. Use them before you get on to the plane. While on the airplane, try to use the Business Class bathrooms. They are generally bigger and cleaner as they are used by fewer people.
If you plan to travel a lot, you might want to invest in a diaper bag that also functions as a changing station. There are a number of them out on the market, such as the Studio Cherie Diaper Bag especially designed for changing diapers on airplanes) and the Baby Traveler Deluxe Diaper Bag.
* Madhup Srivastava is a frequent traveller and owner of Kilbirnie Travel. He may be contacted on madhup@kilbirnietravel.co.nz
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