Baby on board: A survival guide for mums flying with young kids 

Screaming kids on a plane is a traveller’s worst nightmare. But what’s worse than being stuck on an airplane with a bunch of fussy babies that can’t be soothed or toddlers throwing one tantrum after another? Being the parent of one of those kids. Apart from the fact that it’s impossible to get a second of peace and quiet as they struggle (and probably fail) to keep everything under control, they also have to face all the angry stares and eye rolls from the rest of the passengers. 

And it’s not just the flight per se that can prove bumpy but the entire airport experience as well. With jammed parking lots, delayed flights, crowds and queues, and anxious people who are in a hurry, flying with young kids is simply not a pleasant experience for any of the parties involved. And if jet-setters or their kids happen to be having a particularly bad day, this slightly unpleasant experience can turn into an ordeal in a fraction of a second. 

So, as an already tired dad or mum who hasn’t slept through the night in ages, what’s to be done? While there is no secret formula that can instantly turn kids into little angels for the duration of the flight, a bit of preparation and planning can go a long way in minimising inconveniences and making the experience as stress-free as possible. 

Without further ado, here are a few tricks to help maintain some sanity for a little while longer. 

Book an early flight 

If delays are frustrating for adults, imagine how upsetting it is for a small kid to sit in a crowded airport for hours on end. To avoid this scenario, flight attendants recommend booking early morning flights, as they are less likely to experience delays and there’s also a better chance of avoiding the crowds. Besides, if one flies early, the kids will probably nap during the flight, which is a true blessing for everyone. 

When possible, it’s worth trying to book direct flights so there’s stress about stopovers, connections and all the hustle and bustle associated with them. Travellers should check the availability of parking areas if they’re going to get to the airport by car. This will help with booking the best Heathrow airport parking and cross one task off the to-do list. Also, it might be a good idea to opt for a kid-friendly airline that provides all kinds of perks for families like airport playgrounds, priority boarding, diaper changing stations on the plane, family rows, etc. 

Reserve seats 

It’s usually not smart to leave things to chance or rely on the kindness of strangers when it comes to airplane seating, especially when travelling with family. It’s best to reserve seats in advance. While aisle seats give more freedom of movement, they can also be a bit dangerous for kids as people or the food and beverage cart passing by represent a hazard. 

On the other hand, window seats are generally safer, but it will be disruptive for fellow travellers every time it’s necessary to get up, which can happen often with a fidgety baby. It’s a bit of a puzzler to decide which option works best. 

Pack light 

Travelling with young kids often feels like travelling with a whole circus, not only because of the impromptu shows that the little ones put on, but also because it’s necessary to bring tons of stuff. However, when flying, it’s worth striving to pack as lightly as possible, both for convenience and budgeting reasons. This is the moment to make a list with all the essential items needed, and triple-check luggage before leaving home to ensure nothing important like diapers or the kids’ travel documents has been forgotten. 

Be there on time 

The flight’s booked and seats reserved, now it’s time to get the show on the road. Nobody wants to spend more time at the airport than necessary, but it’s certainly no fun arriving last-minute either and stressing out the kids. For domestic flights, arriving two hours early should give enough wiggle room to deal with the crowds, go through security checks and handle kids’ necessities. International flights tend to be busier, so it’s best to be there three hours in advance.

When calculating time, one should also factor in the parking situation. This can cause a few headaches, especially in large airports where the demand for parking is growing all the time. So, to avoid wasting precious time and money, using a service like Parkos that allows clients to compare, find the best deals and reserve a parking spot can make life so much easier. 

Bring some help 

When travelling with young kids, parents and carers need all the help they can get to make the journey smoother. And by help, we don’t mean a nanny or a personal assistant, although that’s probably every mum’s dream. Fortunately, comfort items, toys and gadgets can also be of great value. Even the kind of parent who has a strict no-gadgets policy might want to make a compromise when flying. Smartphones and tablets can be a lifesaver when nothing else seems to help calm a little one down. Anything that will keep kids busy and entertain them for a while is welcome. 

Lastly, flying with kids is a matter of hoping for the best and preparing for the worst. One needs to be aware that there’s only so much that can be controlled. Kids might get irritable and angry, scream, cry and throw tantrums, and there’s not much anyone can do about it. As long as parents are doing their best to manage the situation, no one will be reasonably judging them, so neither should they feel terrible about it. 

The editorial unit