Traveling With Children (on a plane!)

So, I was wasting time on Pinterest today and eventually landed on a post about traveling internationally with your toddler.  Here's some of the tips I found... 

If your child is crying on the plane, stay calm! Your child will read and feel your emotions, becoming upset or nervous will exacerbate their behavior.  

Bring plenty of diapers, wipes, jammies and clothes for your child. Remember the airplanes are always chilly, so pack plenty of warm clothes. 

For long trips, change your child’s clothing at least 3 times, regardless if you feel they are still clean. This will keep them fresh and comfortable.  (3 times?? I don't know...)

Bring toys to distract your child and keep them busy. 

If your child will not calm down, take them into the lavatory and run the water, gently place their hands or feet in the running water. This is a great distraction and almost always calms them down.  (Great idea!)

Hold children close and quietly sing to them. 

Bring snack foods, plenty of bottles, sippy cups and pacifiers. 

If you are traveling with someone, take a break! Let them hold your child while you get up, stretch and walk the aisles. 

Bring a change of clothes for yourself, your child may spit up or have an accident on you! 

For older children – brushing their hair with a brush can have a calming effect.  

Lightly stroking a child – their hair, arms or back has a calming effect. 

For infants, bring a sling to transport them through airports. Slings are easier to handle and carry and you can easily slip your child out of it at security check points.  (Sling vs stroller??)

Sleep when your child is sleeping.  

When arriving home, keep family and friends welcoming you to a minimum. The more people waiting for you, the more stressful this is for a child. Flashing cameras and paparazzi moments will only agitate and scare your child who is already overly tired.         

What do you think? Do you have any more tips for us? I want to hear them!