Babies_planesLong haul little ones on Aeroplanes
If you have already experienced either first hand or sat next to a young family with a small baby on an aeroplane, you probably have been there and got the T-Shirt on this one.
Babies don't conform to the restrictions, rules and processes on an aeroplane well. Fasten your seat belt and all times, have to sit still and not allowed to walk with mum or dad when the aeroplane is taking off, eat when its time and being quiet when its night time…..some babies adhere to these rules…errr, others don't !
Changing nappies was one of my least favourite memories on a plane, apart form the cramp conditions, the smell seemed to waft along the full length of the plane which was not pleasant. Not only that, having managed to get to the loo having queued with a crying baby, when we eventually managed to get in, I had forgotten the vital piece of equipment…THE NAPPY !
Having made numerous flights both long haul and short hops over to Europe with baby in tow, I thought I should share some of my aeroplane tips.
Avoid the cheap no frill airlines
Regardless of how 'child friendly or family focussed' they say they are, unless you get allocated seating its worthless. You also need customer service in case things go wrong and you need to call someone to sort things out.
Check in the night before
Some airlines allow you to check in the night before, and this allows for less stress overall, and you know even if you are in a queue you are not going to miss the plane. Additionally, allowing you to drop your luggage off means no more lugging around bags the next day which will stressful enough.
Don't take too many bags and avoid buggies
A simple one really, try and cut down what you take. Some items are going to be a necessity, but think twice about what you REALLY need. Can you buy some of the items while you are there maybe or even rent them ?
Boarding
While the temptation is to get on the plane as soon as possible and get it over sooner….regardless of the loudspeaker saying people with children first etc….hold back and wait till the last minute to get onto the plane. As you have allocated seating (you do have allocated seating don't you !) your seat will still be there when you board and you don't want to be on the plane for any longer than you need.
Seats
If there are four of you, split up one adult, one child. That way you have a 50 / 50 chance of being stuck with the one who wants to go for a walk during take off. Fasten seat belts at the last minute, being restricted straight away is a recipe for wanting to get out sooner.
Walk around
Once you have taken off, it's a good idea to go for a walk as babies love being carried and explore up and down the aisle. Not exactly a walk in the park but better than sitting still…..
Portable devices
Portable DVD players are a God send, put a children's film on and this will distract them for some of the journey.
Finally….
Whatever you do, don't forget to pack nappies, baby wipes, nappy sacks etc in your hand luggage. Finding out its in the hold it not good, believe me !
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