| An airplane trip is very exciting for kids, especially if | | | | disembarking. |
| they don't often get to fly. If it's been a while since | | | | If you have an infant, be sure to bring a change of |
| you've traveled with your children, these tips should | | | | clothes, diapers (bring plenty!), wipes, favorite toys, |
| help you have a smooth flight. | | | | and maybe a book or two to read to them or, if |
| If you are bringing a stroller along, you'll have to | | | | they are old enough, for them to look through. |
| remove the child and fold it up (the stroller, not the | | | | For the problem of ear popping, give the kids a piece |
| child!) to go through x-ray. Everyone's shoes will need | | | | of gum to chew to help relieve the pressure. Some |
| to come off as well. If you are trying to manage | | | | children are not bothered by it at all. |
| several kids at once, enlist the help of the oldest and | | | | If you plan to use a car seat on the plane, make |
| let them know in advance what is expected of them. | | | | sure yours is airline approved (check for a label on |
| Airport employees are usually happy to help if it gets | | | | the seat). |
| too much to handle, and often the people in line with | | | | Be sure to check in early at the airport. It is said that |
| you will offer to help. | | | | there is never a "too early" at the airport, only a "too |
| If you have a baby on formula, take a dry powder | | | | late." |
| form if possible, and add water later. You can buy | | | | Consider a bribe. Dubious but yes it works! Buy each |
| some water after you go through security. | | | | child a new toy and let them know they can't play |
| If you have a very small child that can sit on your lap | | | | with it until they are on board the plane. This will |
| you won't need to buy an extra seat. However, it | | | | occupy them for quite some time! |
| might be worth the extra money just to have your | | | | Let your kids know that while flying they must |
| hands free. If it's a long flight, holding a small child on | | | | remain seated with their seatbelt on at all times |
| your lap will get fatiguing. | | | | unless they need to use the restroom. If they |
| If your kids are bringing carry-ons with games and | | | | already expect this rule, it won't be so hard to |
| such to occupy them, let them know that you | | | | enforce once you are on the plane. |
| expect them to be responsible and keep up with | | | | Keep your sense of humor! Relax and enjoy the |
| their stuff. It's real easy to set it down in the waiting | | | | flight and the excitement of your kids. |
| area and forget it, or leave it on the plane when | | | | |