Travelling Tips

When travelling with kids, it is important not only to plan, but to plan with common sense. Start a travel list well in advance of your trip and add to it over the days or weeks leading up to your departure day. Remember, a trip is supposed to be fun: so be prepared, be creative, and above all, have a sense of humour! A positive and flexible attitude will go a long way. Here are some other tips to help reduce the stress of travelling...

Pre-departure

Consider renting essential larger items such as stroller, cribs, high chairs and car seats as they only take up valuable space
When packing your children's bags, try to stick to the list and not pack unnecessary items. You will more than likely come home with extra items anyway, so try to pack lightly
Before you head to the airport, why not check-in from home? Most airlines will allow you to select seats and pre-order kid's meals on line. That way you can simply drop and tag your bags at the airport
If your airline allows, remember to pre-book the baby basinets in the bulk head-seats (some airlines will only allocate these at the airport on a first come, first served basis)
For long drives, plan your stops and keep your kids busy – pack favourite security toys, favourite CDs, books and games.

At the airport

Allow lots of extra time - remember Murphy's law...
Ask your partner or a friend to speak to the check-in desk about queue jumping. Most airlines are child-friendly in this regard.
Always ask if the plane is full – ask if it is possible to hold a spare seat next to you
Accept any assistance that airline staff offer (helping with children, allow families to be first on the plane and last off)
Ask for fast track customs and immigration

New Aviation Regulations

The International Civil Aviation Organization has recently increased restrictions on liquid items in hand luggage. Travellers are no longer able to carry more that 100mls of liquids, gels, pastes, lotions or creams. All items under 100mls must be placed in a clear sealable plastic bag and all items must not exceed 1 litre. Many airlines have also reduced the allowed weight of checked luggage, so contact you airline for specifics.

New Aviations Regulations and Babies

Baby formula is allowed onboard in carry-on luggage, but will be inspected
Airlines will also allow diaper/nappy rash cream, but only in the appropriate quantities – it may be a good idea to transfer an appropriate amount into a small container (100mls or less)

Infant Specific Tips

Rather than lug a stroller through the airport, think about carrying your young child in a sling or front pack
Airline are becoming increasingly stricter about strollers onboard but may still allow small travel strollers – check with your airline for specifics
On the plane, keep your diaper/nappy change bag close-by so that it is easily accessible. And to keep your neighbours on friendly terms by packing perfumed diaper/nappy plastic bags for dirty diapers/nappies and wet clothing
Ask flight attendants where the best place to change your baby is – some stalls have larger change areas than others
Try to feed when taking off and landing so as to avoid ear problems. If the timing doesn't work, carry a pacifier (or two)
Pack your regular baby food in a sealed air-tight jar and have the flight attendant heat it up well in advance of when you need it. Remember: there are no microwaves onboard, so attendants will need to heat it the old fashioned way in hot water.
Pack wet-wipes – they are a God-sent!

Toddlers Specific Tips

Toddlers like to be mobile, so it's a good idea to use a child harness or leash at the airport or car rental desk
Before you leave, consider buying or renting a Gogo Kids Travel Mate – a new product that attaches to most car seats and can be wheeled (baby and all) around the airport.
Kids love surprises - have your child bring a couple of favourite toys and then surprise them with a wrapped gift or two (a wrapped gift adds to the entertainment and excitement of travelling)
Fun, easy-to-carry travel gifts include story books, play doh, colouring books, paper and crayons, small cars, dolls, play figurines, sticker books, cards and travel board games.
Don't unveil all your tricks at once – have a one toy at a time policy.
Portable DVD players are a God-sent (bring their favourite DVDs and allow for more-than-usual viewing time)
Pack a discman/ipod with their favourite songs
Potty training – If you are flying with a child who is in the process of potty training, it's a good idea for them to wear diapers for the journey. You should explain that there are often bathroom line-ups and that the captain may turn on the seat-belt sign at a time that your little one needs to go
Be prepared for ear equalization problems – bring gum or sweets for kids to chew
Have your child feel that they are contributing by carry their own backpack in the airport and to the car
For long haul flights, consider sedatives or relaxants – but check with your doctor first. You will definitely want to experiment with quantities prior to the trip as each child can react differently. (A close friend of mine with a 2 year old experimented with quantities before their trip to Bali, and happy with the result, decided to use the relaxant on the plane. She gave her son a little extra than before – just to make sure – which unfortunately had a reverse effect and caused him to become hyperactive. Even worse, she had already taken a relaxant herself and spent the entire journey trying to stay awake in order to chase her child around).
Seat kicking – number two on the list of top five pet-peeves by travellers. It's not realistic to expect perfectly well behaved children all the time, but you can ease other passengers' discomforts by not allowing you kids to kick the back of aeroplane chairs.

Petite Passengers