Flying high

WE’VE all seen stressed parents at the security checkpoint, unloading babies from buggies, folding buggies the size of small excavators, with a baby in one arm and a screaming toddler at their feet. Next they are asked to open all of the pre-made baby’s bottles, then to remove their shoes and belts while still holding the children who are both screaming at this stage. Not a pretty sight but that’s the price of security these days.

Long airport delays are frustrating for any traveller, but for those with children they are a nightmare. Waiting facilities in airports are not exciting places for small children so come prepared. As a mum of two young children, it’s a lesson I’ve learnt from hard-won experience.

First and foremost, book in online — if there is one queue you can avoid these days it’s check-in. Check and double check before you leave the house that you have everybody’s passport and everyone’s check-in details to avoid a drama at baggage check-in.

Arrive on time and get your baggage off your hands as soon as possible. Make sure the kids haven’t packed anything illegal in their own little bags — this could avoid a crisis with security. Remember drinks other than baby’s bottles are not permitted until you have passed security, so leave any promised food or drink treats until you are inside departures.

Some airports have children’s rides and little play areas and these will keep them occupied for a short while. After that, it is advisable to bring a selection of new colouring books, crayons, sticker pads, reading books, puzzles, etc.

To keep things moving, bring the buggy with you until you get to the door of the plane and it will be stowed from there. (There is no charge for buggies with most airlines.)

On the plane have a few healthy snacks to hand. Take-off can take a while and little ones are not equipped with a waiting gene. Some fruit and juice, crackers and cheese, small sandwiches or rice crackers are good options. It is best to avoid sweets and chocolate bars at this early stage of the flight as you do not want a hyper-active child on your hands. Keep these treats for emergencies.

When take-off arrives, make sure that children have something to suck which will help with ear-popping or discomfort. Also, have children’s medication to hand.

In-flight entertainment, while a wonderful switch-off for adults, is generally not suitable for small children, so bring your own. Nintendo DS, smart phones with pre-loaded children’s games and other permitted electronic devices are a good idea. For those on long-haul flights, remember not to produce every distraction at once — save them for doling out throughout the flight.

If your child is upset or crying on the flight try not to stress about how others are feeling. Passengers generally are sympathetic to your plight and have often been there and done that. To ease your tension, try and book a bulk-head seat in advance. Long-haul flights offer mini cots for babies, but these need to be booked in advance.

Walk the aisles with toddlers if needs be — share the task with a partner if possible as this can be exhausting but it sometimes tires out little ones to the point of sleep.

Anne O’Connor, child clinical psychologist and founder of parenting website Rollercoaster.ie, offers sound advice for parents flying with small children:

“It’s advisable to wait until the final boarding call as this gives children less time in the confined space of the aircraft. Change baby’s nappy just before boarding as it might be a while before you get the opportunity to do it again. And make sure your child drinks plenty of liquids while on board — dehydration makes for a cranky child.

“The chances are that the flight will not be the nightmare you are dreading. Often, even children who do not sleep very well will sleep throughout a flight — this is probably because of the constant drone of the engines. The airplane itself is a great distraction — there are lots of different activities and people,” she says.

Remember, airline staff and airport staff are also generally very understanding and helpful to parents of small children. Take any help you can get during these occasions.