Carry-on Essentials for Air Traveling with Kids
It’s fair to say that air travel with children isn’t always easy. Even the shortest of flights can sometimes pose problems. However, there are a few things you can do to make your family’s air travel experience a little easier and definitely more enjoyable.
The best way to avoid unexpected problems is to make sure you pack all the necessary carry on essentials. This will, of course, vary according to how many kids you’re traveling with and their ages.
A good thing to do is make a list of everything you may need. Think of unforeseen situations like a child getting sick or a baby teething. If you’re flight is short then you don’t have to worry as much but for long international flights it definitely helps to be prepared.
You not only need to make sure you have all the essentials for during the flight, but also be prepared for any unavoidable delays at departures or arrivals.
Here’s a list of some things to consider when packing your carry on bag:
Food for babies and toddlers - Take your diaper bag as you would normally do but make sure it’s stockpiled with foods such as various crackers, cheerios, or dried fruit and other healthy snacks. Also, you’ll want to make sure your toddler doesn’t have too much sugar on flight, especially a long flight. For baby, take along any baby food or baby formula you normally use. It’s always good to take a little extra but you don’t have to overdo it. For example, if you’re flight is 6 hours then you may want to take enough supplies for 8 or 10 hours (just in case).
If you have kids that need special attention or medications you may want pack these essentials separately, or into one bigger bag so you’re not digging around for it during the flight. You may also want to pack some medicine in case your child develops a fever or headache.
Food for preschoolers & Older Kids – Keep in mind that not all kids enjoy airline meals so take plenty of snacks in case they choose not to eat the in- flight meals. Pack a variety of fun and nutritious snacks such as granola bars, pretzels, cut up fruit, etc. You can also purchase some of these things on flight.
Drinks – You’ll be able to get drinks on most flights but for times like delayed take offs or landings, make sure you have some bottled water or juice on hand.
Change of diapers and clothes – Pack a bag full of diapers adequate for the length of the flight. Don’t forget to include wipes, changing mats, and diaper rash cream. It’s a good idea to pack extra wipes to wipe sticky hands and faces too.
And make sure you pack an extra set of clothes, not only for the kids but for yourself too. It is no fun sitting on a long flight in the same clothes your child has thrown up on. These things do happen and kids sometimes get motion sick on flights. So when packing a spare set of clothes add one for mom and dad too. Also, pack a few empty plastic bags to put soiled clothes in.
Games and Toys – Pack a few bright toys like teethers, stuffed animals, along with a favorite book to keep them happy. Make sure all toys are lightweight and safe. If your child is bringing along a hand held electronic game ask the flight attendants what period of time this can be used on flight. Electronic devices can interfere with aircraft navigational or take off safety system. Explain this to your child beforehand.
Tips for Traveling with Your Children over Christmas
Anyone who has children knows how stressful it can be to travel with children. There are the myriad stops to use the bathroom, the continuous “Mom, are we there yet?” questions, and families with more than one child probably hear them bickering a lot, too. These tips for traveling with your children over Christmas may help make the trip less stressful for everyone involved.
Your mode of transportation can make or break your holiday travel with children. If you’re in a hurry to get to your family’s, you’ll most likely choose to fly. Use these tips to make flying with your child easier:
- When you make your reservations, be sure that each person in the family has their own seat. This may cost more, but it is much safer than flying with a child in your lap.
- Plan activities to keep your child busy while you’re waiting to get your luggage checked. Try not to become too irritated or stressed because your child will pick up on that and your mood may have an ill effect on theirs. Have several items that will occupy your child packed in your carry-on bag.
- Remove your child’s shoes during the flight to keep the impact of their kicking the back of the seat in front of them at a minimum.
If you’re going to be driving to your holiday destination, you’re more in control than if you’re flying. Here are some tips for traveling by car with your children:
- Try to travel at night so the children will be asleep for most of the trip. Of course, this isn’t always an option, but it is one way to avoid some of the hassles of traveling with children.
- Pack a bag of activities for your children. Include cards, books, toys, and hand-held game systems they may have. If you can afford one, a portable DVD player would be a great way to keep children occupied and hopefully happy during the drive.
- Be sure to allow ample time when driving for bathroom breaks and stretching your legs. It might be a good idea to also let children run around a little to burn off some of their pent-up energy.
- Take along snacks and drinks to help stave off having to pull into too many fast food restaurants while you’re on the road. You’ll have more control over what your children are eating and it will cost considerably less than eating all meals out during the trip.
These tips for traveling with your children over Christmas are not exhaustive. You probably already know how well your children travel and what best keeps them occupied so everyone can enjoy the trip. If this is your first extended trip, using these tips may help make the journey less stressful for everyone.
Travel Photo Books will help children preserve their vacation memories. Take pics and create photo books of the road trip
Summer Activity: Newseum in Washington D.C.
It’s summer and the kids need activities to keep them occupied. There’s an exciting new attraction in Washington D.C. The Newseum includes 250,000 square feet of theaters, exhibition galleries and television studios on seven levels.
Its two-level Walter and Leonore Annenberg Theater is equipped for 3-D and a 4-D experience that takes visitors on a time-travel trip spanning more than 150 years. About 200 of its seats are “motion” types that move, vibrate and perform other tricks geared to the on-screen action. There are valves in seat backs that spray puffs of air and water.
Celebrating freedom of speech and the press, the Newseum stands between the White House and the Capital at the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and 6th Street.
If you can, take a trip there with the entire family: you’ll all have fun.
