Sunday, April 21, 2013

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! 

                              
                            
                                                                                          

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