If you’ve got a long flight ahead and toddlers in tow, preparation isn’t just helpful, it’s crucial for a peaceful journey. I’m going to highlight the importance of choosing the right distractions that will keep your little ones occupied without turning the cabin into a playground.
Lets take a quick look at choosing toys. Go for items that are compact, quiet, and can lead to hours of absorbing play. Think soft books, sticker albums, or small, magnetic drawing boards. These can do wonders without annoying fellow passengers. We also like to rotate the toys during the flight, mix play time with a bit of screen time and snack/food breaks before you know it you will be touching down in your new destination.
Another great idea is activity packs. Why are they a lifesaver? Picture this: neatly packed bags with a curated mix of toys, snacks, and surprises that you’ll dole out at strategic times during the flight. They’re perfect for keeping excitement levels up and boredom at bay.
Now, involving your kids in the packing process isn’t just a distraction; it’s a strategy. When children help choose what they take, they’re more invested in playing with those items mid-flight. This engagement can alleviate some of the ‘are we there yet’ syndrome.
Finally, when prepping, it doesn’t hurt to remember that less can be more. You don’t want to lug around a heavy bag, so choose versatile toys that can offer multiple forms of play, and avoid over-packing. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later when you seamlessly transition from takeoff to in-flight entertainment without having to dig through a toy store’s worth of supplies.
In-Flight Entertainment: Strategies to Keep Young Minds Busy
I’m going to let you in on some real game-changers when it comes to in-flight entertainment for kids. First up, technology is your friend here. Think apps and games that are not only fun but also have an educational slant. Load up a tablet with content BEFORE you board. This way, you avoid Wi-Fi costs and connectivity issues.
But you’re going to find out that it’s not all about screens. Old-school games like colouring books, puzzles, and card games are incredibly handy. They don’t run out of battery, and they’re fantastic for sparking creativity.
Now, another great thing is to see wat the airline offers. Many have dedicated channels/movies or packs for kids, so make sure to check what’s available. In our experience the flight attendants are usually great with kids and often come by with extra snacks and drinks. Flight magazines can also be surprisingly entertaining, especially those with crosswords or puzzles.
You can’t overlook snack time, either. It’s an event in itself! Choose snacks that take a while to eat, like string cheese or small fruits/raisins. Not only do they keep kids occupied, but they’re also less likely to cause sugar-induced hyperactivity. Also buying something small at the airport for her to eat on the plane always made the fairy excited!
Finally, adapt to the dynamic environment of a flight. The take off and landing can be educational moments—explain what’s happening outside the window. It’s a unique opportunity to learn about aviation and the world from a whole new perspective. However, if you are like me and have a totally irrational fear of take off, leave this one out and hold onto your seat!
Comfort and Routine: The Underestimated Heroes of Child Contentment
Now, there’s one more thing I want to talk to you about. Comfort and routine can make or break a child’s onboard experience. It’s not just about keeping them busy; it’s about keeping them comfortable and secure.
It’s amazing how a little slice of home can ease your child into a serene state, even thousands of feet above the ground. Stick to the bedtime stories, the favourite blanket, or even a familiar snack schedule. You’ll be thanking yourself when you see the calming effect this has on your little traveller.
And talk about comfort items! A cherished teddy bear or a soft hoodie can work wonders during a long haul. When to use them? Well, introduce them when you sense the first signs of restlessness, and watch the magic happen. Alternately, let them carry their favourite toy/blanket onto the plane with them, the fairy always like to put her rabbit in the seat with her and buckle the seat belt round them both to make sure they were safe. This being said, it does cause an extra stress to make sure they don’t leave their favourite possession in the airport!
On a plane, the right clothing goes a long way. Trust me, stretchy bottoms and layers are your friends. Think soft, think cozy, and think breathable. The happier your child is in their outfit, the less you’ll have to worry about discomfort leading to a mid-air concert nobody signed up for. We also like to take a change of clothes if we are travelling to a hot destination. Start to get them changed into the cooler clothes about 20 minutes before landing, this is another good distraction technique and also they will be dressed for the new warmer climate.
If things get a bit hairy, it’s all about how you handle the situation. Meltdowns? They happen. Don’t panic. Whisper a story, sing a soft song, or guide them through a mini mindfulness exercise. The other passengers will be none the wiser, and you’ll nip that tantrum in the bud expertly.
So that’s the tip and tricks I use to keep the fairy entertained, just remember, keep it comfortable, keep it familiar, and always have a backup plan for peace and quiet. It’s never foolproof, but don’t worry too much about perfection; just aim for a happier journey for your child, which, by default, becomes one for you as well.