Travelling with kids is an unforgettable experience for both parents and children. It is an opportunity to create a trunkful of memories with the little ones that you can cherish for the rest of your lives. Despite this, most parents are not so enthusiastic about the idea of going on a trip with their kids. They describe the mere thought as overwhelming and worrisome.
It might be so because this preposition has many challenges, like unpredictable schedules, long journeys, crowded areas, and prolonged packing lists. But, you shouldn't let these problems stop you from seeing the world with your child at your side.
To help you with this goal, here is a list of travel tips that will come in handy when going on a vacation with kids.
1. Ensure your kid is well-rested
There is a lot to do when you are planning a vacation. In all these preparations, you may forget to tuck your kid into bed at the right time. Or, in the hope that skipping a nap before boarding the flight will make your little one sleepy during the journey, you might even encourage them to stay awake.
But, this is not ideal since children often get too excited during the boarding process and refuse to sleep. When that happens, it is easier to deal with a well-rested kid than one who hasn’t had a proper sleep.
2. Carry their favourite snacks
Another thing you should keep in mind is to make sure your child has a full and happy tummy before and during the journey. It will pay well to stay prepared and have their favourite snacks on the go.
For parents who are travelling with their babies, Delhi Airport has a baby room. The space is constantly sanitized and features a nursing station. Here, mothers can feed their babies in peace.
Tip: Parents are recommended to carry oatmeal and ready-to-eat food while flying. However, if you fail to bring snacks, request the staff for yoghurt and fruits. It will help keep your kid full and content.
3. Plan some fun time
If you are going on a long journey with your kid and won’t be reaching your destination anytime sooner, gear up for some fun! Parents are advised to carry their kid's favourite books during the journey. Reading may keep them busy.
If your child is not interested in books, carry their favourite toy or stuffed animal. Since children have a short attention span and get bored quickly, you may want to take some new ones as well.
If nothing else works, you should consider allowing them some screen time. After all, during the journey, it is all about survival. You can download your kid's favourite shows on your iPad/phone or check the flight's entertainment page. You will indeed find something!
4. Make use of the strollers
Travelling with a toddler when you have more than one handbag can be difficult. It will mean walking around the airport with your kid in your lap and bags in tow.
Thus, to ensure convenience for parents, many runways, like the Delhi Airport, have equipped themselves with complimentary baby strollers. You can collect them from the information desk present at the check-in area and move comfortably around the airport.
5. Bring something from home
Parents travelling with toddlers are advised to bring a little something from home to give their little ones a sense of familiarity and comfort during the long trip. It might be their favourite blanket or a water bottle they like to sip from.
6. Use the children's play area
When flying, it is recommended that you reach the airport a little earlier and wait for the boarding process to begin. But, during this time, your kid may get impatient.
So, parents flying to their destination via Delhi Airport are recommended to take their little ones to the children's play area for this purpose. Located at terminal 3, the kid's zone is colourful and interactive and perfect for keeping the children occupied.
7. Pack gum/hard candy/pacifier
The pressure change in the flight might be discomfiting for your toddler and may result in a strange sensation in the ears. While this is normal and temporary, you should still take preventive measures to avoid ear pain.
For this, in the first and last fifteen minutes of your flight, allow your three years or older kid to chew gum or suck on hard candy. If the toddler is less than three years old, offer a pacifier or breastfeed.
8. Book a separate seat for your baby
While the appeal to not pay for an extra seat when flying with a baby is understandable, doing so is not recommended. If you can afford it, consider booking a separate seat. You can use it to put on a car seat and travel comfortably. Since your baby is familiar with the car seat, they are happier there.
Moreover, travelling with a car seat means you are not trapped in your seat while your baby is asleep on your chest.
Tip: Before you plan to bring along the car seat, check with your airline so there are no surprises at the airport.
9. Seat them away from the aisle
Seating your baby near the aisle can be inconvenient. It can give them too much freedom of movement. Little hands and feet can get in the way as people walk by or might even bum into food and beverage carts passing by. You might want to consider the window seat so you are in between your toddler and any other passenger in the row.
10. Fly at late night or early morning
If you are flying long distances, try to book a late-night or early-morning flight. This way, chances are your kid will sleep through most or at least half of the journey. Otherwise, you might have to entertain a crammed toddler for 10-12 hours.
11. Pack the baby's essentials
When flying with little ones, be extra careful about not leaving anything behind. It is advised to at least triple-check your bag to ensure you have bought all the baby essentials, including wipes, diapers, milk bottle, pacifiers, special blankets, disposable bags, hand sanitiser, extra tissues, anti-bacterial wipes, feeding spoons, and baby food.
12. Choose a kid-friendly airline
When booking your tickets, consider flying with a kid-friendly airline. They want nothing more than happy and comfortable families. Many such airlines offer attractive perks to their littlest flyers, including kids' TV shows, baby snacks, and kid-approved headphones. They may also allow priority boarding for families with young children.
13. Smile and console your kid
If your baby is wailing for the most of your journey, don’t panic and try to shush him. Instead, be calm, smile, and console your toddler. Kids are sensitive, which is why your panic might seep into your little one and make them even more uncomfortable.
Many parents describe the experience of flying with their little ones as challenging. So, in order to ensure a seamless journey and hassle-free experience, follow the tips mentioned above!
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