Everyone can use a relaxing vacation to help them rest and recover from their busy schedules. One thing that is almost never relaxing is flying to the destination and all the traveling associated with it. One thing that can make it even worse is a crying child on the flight, that can turn a peaceful flight into an absolute nightmare full of stress and discomfort. What is even worse than that? If it is YOUR child. Now, not only do you have to deal with tantrum, but you also have to deal with other annoyed passengers giving you dirty looks and judging your parenting, even though there is oftentimes seldom you can do about it, or is there? In this article we will give you tips and tricks from Denya Glover, one of Etihad Airways’ on-board nannies, on how to avoid having your child throw a tantrum and the steps to follow to ensure a peaceful flight for your child.
1. Check what the in-flight meals are beforehand and plan ahead with snacks.
Children can be very picky with food and will oftentimes avoid eating all together if the food there isn’t to their liking. This can lead to the child becoming frustrated and becoming on-edge as the flight progresses. One way to avoid this all-together is to plan ahead with snacks you know your child will like. This can also be very helpful when you finally land and want to make it to your hotel after a long flight and your child is complaining about being jet-lagged, hungry, and grumpy.
2. Relieve pain due to ear pressure.
Everyone who has ever flown has experienced the discomfort of changing air pressure, and while it won’t bother adults or seasoned travelers as much, children who have not flown can get very upset, very fast. This is why Denya recommends all parents with children ask the stewardess for a warm cup of water (not hot, not cold, warm) and a tissue. Dip the tissue in the water and then place it against the ear of your child to relieve the pressure.
3. Be ready for messy moments.
Kids are kids, so no matter how well behaved they are, accidents are almost always going to happen in some form or another. That is why you must be prepared at all times. One way you can become prepared is to bring extra bibs and an extra change of clothes. Another great thing that people often forget is wet wipes, which is a far better alternative than regular napkins which can dry out your face and add to the discomfort.
4. Have distraction ready
Watching a movie on the flight can be a great way to distract your child, but on a long 10-hour+ flight, this can get boring very fast. That is why Denya recommends you bringing a diverse array of other activities like toys, tablet games, or even paper for origami. Anything that will help them get distracted and ease their nerves.
5. Let you child sleep, regardless of time zones
We will oftentimes be tempted to force our kids to stay up so that they can adjust to the new time zone quicker, especially if its a vacation and you want to make the most of your time. The truth is, it takes 1 day for every hour of time difference from your home and the place you are visiting to get used to the time change, so your child is unlikely to become adjusted even if they stay awake and try to follow the time of the visiting country. That is why Denya recommends to just let your child sleep to avoid grumpiness and to help diminish jet-lag
