Traveling
with Babies and Kids
With Christmas creeping up on us
so quickly, and Chinese New Year literally just around the corner, here are our
top tips to keep you stress free from the moment you step foot at Chep Lap Kok
airport, to the moment you touch down at your destination!
Whether it’s long haul or short
haul, travelling with babies and children can be a bit of a drag. Gone are the
days where you can actually watch a movie, or eat without half of the food
landing in your lap. Remember those days?...well, air travel with kids needn’t
be too different, it’s just a question of preparation, effective management,
and at times, meditation!
First up, PREPARATION. The key
here is to think about your child’s personality traits. What do they like to do
most? Art? Music? Reading? Puzzles? Next, stock up on a few new “presents” that
you think your child will love and make sure they stay out of sight until
required. During the journey, bring them out one by one (pace yourself!). The
thrill of having a new toy or activity will keep your child happy long enough
for you to eat/watch TV/read a magazine etc.
They don’t have to be big expensive purchases, as we all know that kids
go crazy over the plastic rubbish that usually comes home with them after a
birthday party. And this might be the
only time where quantity really is better than quality!
Next, EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT. We
spend our lives trying to stop our kids watching TV and playing on the iPad but
this is the time to forget your principals and allow them to watch as much TV
as they want. It’s about utilising all the tools in your arsenal and let’s face
it, you don’t have that many tools stuck in economy class. Sweets may also
help…A lot of people would advise you not to give them sweets on a plane but we
say go for it! Unless of course your child really does react badly to sugar.
Best to use your own judgement here! Some children have ear problems during
take off and landing. If your child is one of them, a big boiled sweet (think
gobstopper) can help equalise the pressure or a bottle of milk for the baby,
but word of warning, be careful not to bring the milk out too soon!
Finally, MEDITATION. It’s
important to remain totally calm in the face of pending bedlum on a plane. Try
not to shout, shriek or burst into tears. Don’t ever let your child sense that
you are about to lose control mid flight! Not so easy, we know, when you’re
tired and your husband has decided to rewatch the entire God Father series of
movies. Sometimes, all you can do is meditate. Find a way to block out what’s
going on around you and ignore those dirty stares from other passengers.
Good luck with your journey and
we wish you a very happy holiday!
Traveling with Babies and Kids