Pack a carry-on bag for use during the trip and as a backup for lost luggage. Include extra clothes, food, diapers and toys - anything that you may need during the flight and for the first 12-24 hours after you arrive.
Carry-On Bag: In addition to toys, books and other fun stuff, be sure to include:
- Moistened towelettes or wipes for quick clean-ups;
- Extra food--select individually wrapped items you know your child will eat;
- A bottle,
- Sugar free gum, or candy to chew for take-off and landing (pack bottles and other food for warming in containers that can be heated by flight attendants);
- Change of clothes (at a minimum, extra underpants or diapers);
- Ziplock bags for soiled clothing or diapers;
- A changing mat for diapered children.
Other equipment you may want to take include:
- If travelling for more than a few days, you can save yourself a lot of hassle at your destination by buying a carton of diapers before leaving and just checking them with your luggage.
- If your stroller will fit in the overhead storage compartment (a few will), keep it with you for use in the airport and during layovers.
- Bringing your car seat with you, even if you can't use it on the trip, will mean extra protection for your child when you arrive at your destination.
- A portable playpen may provide a place for your child to sleep and play when you arrive. Be sure that you do not have a recalled playpen.
Travel Activities
We have found that one secret to safe and happy family flying is keeping children busy, busy, busy! Here are some suggestions to make your flight a smooth one:
- Toys: Avoid toys that have small parts that can be pulled apart. Instead, a favourite small car, doll, stuffed animal, puppet, or action figure are all great choices. Older children enjoy hand-held electronic games. Children of all ages enjoy a toy they've never used before--so save a new one to unwrap on the plane.
- In-flight Art: Colouring books, crayons, markers, Etch-A-Sketch, magic slates, blank paper, activity books (connect dots; crosswords), lacing cards, and tracing paper are all great activities. Suggest that your children prepare art work for grandparents or whomever is at your destination. Colour with your child (they'll stay at it longer) or make up projects together; 3-5 year olds like to play school and be given assignments like draw a triangle, a house, a person--this will kill at least 10 minutes, if not more!
- Books: Pack several and include one or two favourites and some new books your child has never heard before. Help older children who can read select a new paperback or two for the trip.
- Music: If carefully supervised, children ages two, three and older can use a Walkman with a song or story tape (with accompanying book) and stay amused for a good while. But be sure to use headsets so as not to bother other travellers!
- Blanket or other beloved object: For the very young traveller, it helps to have that special something, be it a "blankie" or whatever, to cuddle (and maybe even nap) with.
- Thinking Games: With children 3 years and up you can play simple thinking games where you take turns asking each other questions. With your youngest players start off with questions like "name a fruit that is red" or "who is Ernie's friend on Sesame Street ?" This is a long-time favourite game and it's a fun way to stretch their minds and shorten their travel time. Older children enjoy the old favourite "20 Questions," taking particular delight in stumping Mom or Dad with their own questions.
- Plan in time segments: When planning activities for the flight, think of the total travel time in 10 minute segments and plan more activities than needed to account for delays and ground time. Chances are a 3-year old will not colour for all of a two-hour flight. Also, don't count on the meal taking up too much time either.
- Back Packing: If your child is big enough to carry her own backpack have her pack and carry her own flight amusements.
- Flight walking: On a smooth flight, take your child to the restroom or for a walk down the aisle. Wait till the beverage and meal service is over and beware of hot surfaces in the kitchen.
NOTE: We do not intend this section to be a substitute for expert advice. However, as more and more parents become concerned about personal health and helping their children avoid many of their bad habits, we have tried to touch on those areas that you might want to explore further with your doctor or medical provider.
