Traveling solo with kids can be a daunting experience, as I discovered on my first flight with my eight-month-old son. Here’s how it went down:
- I presented him with a “brain-boosting” toy, but he launched it three aisles away with a precision that I have yet to witness again.
- After snuggling him in hopes of naptime, I promptly forgot our sleep training efforts, resulting in a dramatic display of flailing limbs and wails that could wake the dead.
- The source of a foul odor became clear, leading me to believe I could change his diaper while he sat on my lap. Spoiler: I was sorely mistaken.
After enduring years of airplane travel with my kids, I’ve compiled some survival tips for fellow parents. Here’s what I’ve learned:
- DO use subliminal messaging: If you’re flying with a toddler, try subtly convincing them they’ll feel tired once on the plane. I once whispered to my daughter all morning that she would feel cozy and sleepy. Amazingly, she fell asleep immediately upon boarding, instead of turning into a tiny tornado like she did on our last flight.
- DO pack plenty of familiar snacks, milk, and diapers: You never know when you might find yourself stranded in an obscure airport. I once had a toddler refuse all the airport food I purchased, opting instead for a questionable cheese snack I packed hours earlier. Desperate times call for desperate measures.
- DON’T let grumpy passengers bother you: Some may not understand why your baby is upset during takeoff, and they might even admonish you for it. Remember, karma has a way of catching up to those who complain too loudly.
- DON’T resort to giving your kids Benadryl to induce drowsiness: A friend tried this with her three-year-old twins on a long flight, only to find the opposite effect—her kids were more hyper than usual. The thought of being stuck on a plane with even more energetic children is a nightmare scenario.
- DO bring hand sanitizer: It’s a comforting must-have. Just don’t get too hopeful about using it on your kids; once I caught my son trying to lick his seatbelt. A vivid mental image of germs helped curb that habit.
- DON’T overpack toys: Kids often ignore toys when they’re busy causing chaos. The best in-flight entertainment? A few plastic cups and straws from the flight attendant.
- DO have dum dum suckers on hand: When the inevitable meltdown occurs, a lollipop might just save the day. A kind stranger once gave my daughter a sucker during a frantic moment, and it worked wonders.
- DO let your older child use electronics: Survival is key here. While you’re managing a mini whirlwind, it’s okay to let them watch their favorite shows or play games on a device.
- DO accept help, even if it seems condescending: Once, I struggled through the airport with a mountain of luggage and kids. A lady offered assistance, but I stubbornly refused. After a long trek, I regretted not accepting her help. Don’t let pride get in the way of your sanity.
- DON’T envy the calm passengers: You’ll have your day of stress-free travel soon enough. For now, embrace the chaos and look forward to the days when you can fly without kids—and maybe even enjoy a cocktail while you’re at it.
Traveling with kids can be a wild ride, but with the right strategies, you can survive and even thrive during your flights! And if you’re looking to expand your family, consider checking out this home insemination kit for your journey. For those interested in boosting fertility, this fertility booster for men may also provide valuable insights. Lastly, if you want to learn more about the IVF process, this resource is fantastic.
In summary, flying with children can be challenging, but with preparation and a sense of humor, you can navigate the skies successfully.
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