Traveling with Babies and Kids

Traveling with Babies and Kids

With Christmas creeping up on us so quickly, and Chinese New Year literally just around the corner, here are our top tips to keep you stress free from the moment you step foot at Chep Lap Kok airport, to the moment you touch down at your destination!

Whether it’s long haul or short haul, travelling with babies and children can be a bit of a drag. Gone are the days where you can actually watch a movie, or eat without half of the food landing in your lap. Remember those days?...well, air travel with kids needn’t be too different, it’s just a question of preparation, effective management, and at times, meditation!

First up, PREPARATION. The key here is to think about your child’s personality traits. What do they like to do most? Art? Music? Reading? Puzzles? Next, stock up on a few new “presents” that you think your child will love and make sure they stay out of sight until required. During the journey, bring them out one by one (pace yourself!). The thrill of having a new toy or activity will keep your child happy long enough for you to eat/watch TV/read a magazine etc.  They don’t have to be big expensive purchases, as we all know that kids go crazy over the plastic rubbish that usually comes home with them after a birthday party.  And this might be the only time where quantity really is better than quality!

Next, EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT. We spend our lives trying to stop our kids watching TV and playing on the iPad but this is the time to forget your principals and allow them to watch as much TV as they want. It’s about utilising all the tools in your arsenal and let’s face it, you don’t have that many tools stuck in economy class. Sweets may also help…A lot of people would advise you not to give them sweets on a plane but we say go for it! Unless of course your child really does react badly to sugar. Best to use your own judgement here! Some children have ear problems during take off and landing. If your child is one of them, a big boiled sweet (think gobstopper) can help equalise the pressure or a bottle of milk for the baby, but word of warning, be careful not to bring the milk out too soon!

Finally, MEDITATION. It’s important to remain totally calm in the face of pending bedlum on a plane. Try not to shout, shriek or burst into tears. Don’t ever let your child sense that you are about to lose control mid flight! Not so easy, we know, when you’re tired and your husband has decided to rewatch the entire God Father series of movies. Sometimes, all you can do is meditate. Find a way to block out what’s going on around you and ignore those dirty stares from other passengers.

Good luck with your journey and we wish you a very happy holiday!