As a pretty avid traveler with kids, I’ve learned over the years what you need to pack on the plane and what you don’t need (six diapers as opposed to 18 and a couple of activities as opposed to an entire playroom of toys!)
As you make your plans for March Break, or even a getaway for this week’s Family Day weekend – and what mother hasn’t at least looked into a sunny destination, since it’s what we dream off during these cold winter months – it’s important to think how to keep the ride as smooth as possible. Basically how, on the plane, to keep your kids occupied.
If you were planning to bring everything you think your child needs, you’ll just end up counting the number of bags, like you’re counting the number of children you have, to make sure they are near you and not lost.
I thought I had it almost down to a science, with my 19 month old, until he peed on me on the plane (Somehow it went through his diaper and pants onto me.)
An extra pair of clothes for the children is a must! So, it turns out, is an extra outfit for mommy, who had to walk around looking like she peed herself for almost four hours. (The longest four hours of my life!)
At Help! we want to help you make plane ride as easy as possible. On a plane ride, all my strict mothering skills go out the window. Will I bribe? Yes! Will I threaten there are “plane police” that look out for seat kickers and those not listening to mommy? Yes! (This works remarkably well!)
But I will also bring a tablet, with downloaded games, for my older children to keep them busy. I will pack snacks, like sugar-free lollipops for take off and landing. (It’s not just a treat! It’s good for the ears!)
For young ones, book a window seat (yes, shell out that extra $25 to guarantee your seat. It’s worth it and will keep the little ones looking out in wonder. For us, a plane ride is just a way to get from A to B. But for little ones it is wondrous!)
As for bribing, you can make this fun. Every half an hour, or hour – if they behave – give them a small present from The Dollarama. They won’t care what it is. They’ll be eagerly awaiting the next little gift, IF they behave.
One mother even says she buys small sweets for everyone sitting around her, as sort of a pre-apology. (“Yes, my kids are going to be kicking your chair, arguing, and my baby will be screaming. But I hope you enjoy the little box of Fudge I bought you.”)
To keep kids busy, there are also stickers. Yes, I know what you’re thinking. They get BORED of stickers. Well, not if you get a bit creative and ask them to decorate something, like a water bottle.
And let’s be completely honest: Traveling with kids is not fun for passengers or parents. There will always be line-ups and there’s no way around that. Which is why this mother loves the Trunki Luggage For Little People, a.k.a. the Junior Jetsetter. Not only do they feature funky designs, the luggage is ride-on. While waiting in line, instead of having to hold that toddler of yours, and their stuff, they can ride themselves through the line-ups, while you organize every body’s passports and boarding passes. These are available at www.mastermindtoys.com. Check out http://shop.heys.ca/collections/kids-baby for other cool kid’s bags.
And because you never know if they’re going to make you take your shoes off, make sure you buy or bring easy to get off shoes for security. A cute kid’s shoe store is www.kiddiekobbler.ca, where they have many brand name, easy-to-get-on-and-off shoes.
As for actually what to pack, no you don’t have to pack a crib, car seat, and a suitcase full of diapers. In these modern days, there are companies who will deliver all these things to your destination. Check out www.jetsetbabies.com where all you have to do is call and they will arrange to have those bath supplies, crib, high chair, delivered to your destination, making your packing load a lot lighter, and saving your back from the possibility of throwing it out carrying all the necessities. There’s also www.weetravel.com to help you pack light, by enjoying the convenience of renting top of the line baby equipment, in case you don’t want to bring your own.
You may think you need to pack everything, but, well, you just can’t. Accept it.
Finally, check out www.familyeducation.com. They offer free printable word puzzles and games for all ages.
Traveling with kids is not fun. But we’re here to make it as fun…as possible. If you have any other suggestions, we’d love to hear them. We’re open to all ideas and where you found them! Or tell us your worst horror story on a plane. We’d love to hear about that too (Misery does indeed love company!)
Check out Deb’s blog on traveling all the way to Australia with her kids here. And her blog on the hardest part of the trip here.
