The journey of a thousand miles (or more)…..with little ones in tow isn’t as picturesque as most Instagram feeds may make it seem.
Here are a 10 things that can help when travelling long-distance with little ones
1. Carry toys and entertainment – Pack something to keep them busy. Small colouring books, worksheets, sticker books, notepads, crayons, colour pencils, single piece toys like a small car or doll are all good ideas. If they are new all the better. If you don’t want to spend on something new then hide a favourite toy a couple weeks in advance and bring it out during the journey. Novelty pays off. On our return journey we added a pack of two transformers that we had bought on our trip but hadn’t shown the boys, to our hand baggage. Worked like a charm to keep them engrossed. Airlines sometimes provide small toys or books to kids but don’t always bank on it.
2. Dress them in layers – “I’m feeling cold!”, “It’s soooo hot!”… You get the drift.
3. Carry a change of clothes – Actually make that three changes. Spills are almost a given on flights with narrow spaces, turbulence and wobbly food trays. Plus a change into fresh clothes during a stopover or on landing always helps. Don’t forget to carry a change for grown-ups as well.
4. Carry snacks – Don’t always rely on food served on board flights or the stuff that’s on sale at airports. Even otherwise non-fussy eaters may sing another tune while travelling. I always pack a few healthy options like nuts, berries, non-messy fruit and a couple of emergency treats all in easy access packets for extreme situations.
5. Carry medications – Nose drops, ear drops, fever meds, band aids and anything specific that your child needs to take.
6. Carry stuff to clean up – Hand sanitizer, Baby wipes, Disinfectant wipes, toilet paper, tissues, a small hand towel, soap strips. Also don’t forget to pack toothpaste, brushes and face wash to freshen up during transit.
7. Do your research – Find out policies regarding strollers or car seats if you’re carrying them. Ask for a bassinet if you’re baby is small. Pick your seats ahead of time – it’s best to have an aisle seat when a little one is in tow. Book a children’s meal if there’s an option. If you can get access to an airport lounge, use the facility to feed and freshen up your children before you board.
8. Board early – Most airlines will have priority boarding for families with younger children. Boarding early will help you stow away your hand carry bags and settle everyone in before the rush
9. Limit your hand carry luggage – In other words try to carry only what’s mentioned above and any other essentials you will need during the course of travel. Everything else should go in your checked luggage. Divide up everything in to easy to access pouches, packets or sections. A backpack is the most easiest hand carry to travel with when you’re with little kids as it can free up your hands for holding onto or picking up a child. A separate small sling bag or waist pouch to store small valuables and important things like wallets, keys, passports and boarding passes also makes a lot of sense.
10. And most importantly – Set realistic expectations and lower your standards – When kids are out of their comfort zone, jet lagged, sleepy and hungry they are bound to behave like little terrors. Don’t take it personally. And if someone tries to make you feel bad about it, smile and ignore. We had a gentleman who was sitting two rows ahead on the NJ-Phoenix flight come by to reprimand us because he felt our boys were talking loudly and he couldn’t nap. Needless to say we heard him out and then ignored him. Also, choose your battles. You may not normally give in to endless screen time but in-flight entertainment can be a Godsend when you’re with kids. Nirbhay and Adhyant must have watched over a dozen animated movies just on the flights we took this summer and for once we were happy about it.
Happy travelling!