While some people may think that flying with children is one of the hardest things in the world, it’s actually not that much of a hassle. Airports have become more family-friendly than ever before, with nursing rooms, restaurants offering kid-friendly menus, family bathrooms, and even play areas for little ones. Although these amenities make your life easier, there are still some important steps to follow when preparing your child for their first flight.
One of the best ways to prepare your child for their first flight is to teach them as much as possible about the experience beforehand. Doing this well in advance of the trip will make things easier to handle once the aeroplane takes off. With that in mind, here are some tips to help you prepare your toddler for their first aeroplane journey!
Use Packing Cubes
Instead of packing everything into one large suitcase, consider using a few packing cubes for your child’s belongings. Packing cubes are especially useful when travelling with a toddler, as they are smaller in size—perfect for organizing toys and other essentials. If you have three cubes, you can dedicate one to toys, another to clothes, and the third to miscellaneous items.
Choose the Right Seat
Many parents wonder whether the aisle or window seat is better for travelling with a child. Window seats have certain advantages. For instance, a window seat may help prevent your child’s ears from popping due to changes in altitude during take-off and landing. It may also help them fall asleep faster by allowing them to use up energy while looking out the window.
Bring Pull-Ups or Diapers
While bringing your child’s potty is an option, it might take up extra space that could be used for toys or baby food—and you certainly don’t want to overpack. Bringing pull-ups or diapers not only saves valuable space in your bag but also makes the trip easier for your toddler. This tip is especially useful if your child is easily scared by loud sounds, like the flushing of a toilet.
Don’t Forget to Bring Extra Clothes
Since small children often get dirty from smearing food or paint on their clothes, packing extra outfits is essential. This can be a lifesaver, particularly if you’ve opted for pull-ups, which don’t hold as much as diapers. If you need to change your child’s clothes unexpectedly, you’ll be glad to have those extra items on hand.