Travelling with Children

Travelling with a child is something that many parents find trying. This is mainly because attending to a child's needs can be really challenging. Having a child with you during travel can be more demanding than having one at home. This is especially true if you are planning a long distance trip. However, you can follow these simple steps to have a fun and enjoyable experience irrespective of your mode of travel.

Tips for travelling with children

• Carry a few of your child's favourite games with you. They can be helpful in keeping your child occupied and he may show lesser signs of restlessness.
• Always carry your child's food with you. Do not overfeed him just before a trip.
• New places can worry your child. Carry your child's favourite toy or possession along to make him feel more at home.
• Whenever possible, travel to a single destination and keep the amount of sight seeing in a day to a minimum. Lengthy travel and too much of sightseeing can be a major source of stress for your child. If you are planning to go to more than one place, consider staying in each place for at least a couple of days. This makes your child more settled.
• Keep talking to your child as much as possible during the travel. Tell him whom he is going to meet or what he can expect to see at the end of the travel.
• Have a lot of healthy snacks ready for your child to munch occasionally. This usually minimises boredom.
• Lookout for signs of stress and frustration in your child.
• If you are spending the nights in a hotel or at a relative's place, try opting for a bed with side rails. If this is not available, do remember to take necessary precautions.
• Always keep a travel kit containing essential first aid accessories ready. Keep some towels and plastic bags ready and easily accessible for use in cases of motion sickness.
• Do not hesitate to ask the airlines or train staff for help, if you really need assistance. They will usually be more than glad to help you.
• Talk to your child's doctor about the travel ahead. Check with your doctor about the precautions to be taken while travelling. Also make a note of the medicines that you should have with you at all times.

Video on Entertaining Children While Travelling

Travelling by Air

• Book your tickets as soon as you confirm your travel plans. This helps you to choose seats at your convenience.
• There may be different flights that take you to the same place. Choose one with the least flying distance for short trips. Your child will be happier travelling as less as he can.
• If you cannot avoid long trips during a daytime travel, take short breaks in between. It would be a good idea to book your tickets in a direct flight. This allows you to keep your baggage on board.
• Travelling during non-peak hours can result in a more comfortable travel and also better service. Your child will also be happier if there are lesser people around.
• It is a good idea to book an aisle seat for your travel. This can make it easier for you to cross passengers if you have to take your child to the restroom.
• If your partner is accompanying you, book an aisle seat and a window seat with an empty seat in between. Sometimes children enjoy having a seat of their own rather than being confined to the parent's lap.
• Make maximum use of the children's play area in the airport, if available. Arriving early and allowing your child to play for sometime before the travel is a good idea. You can also do this when the plane stops for an hour or so in any airport during your travel.
• Do not give your child medicines such as Benadryl for the first time during a flight. These can make the child hyperactive.
• Pack clothes according to the climate of the place you are travelling. You certainly won't need woollens in a desert during summer, will you?
• Consider travelling by business or executive class rather than economy class. This is because the seats are spaced far apart and your child will not be able to kick the seat in front of him. On the flip side, business or executive class is costlier than economy class.
• Try to make your child have a nap even if it is for a short while. If he shows resistance to sleep, be sure to keep activities to prevent him from becoming cranky.
• Change your child's diapers before you board the flight. This lessens chances of having to do so when you are on the move. This may not be applicable for slightly older children.
• Do not board the flight long before the travel. You may consider doing this to avoid further hassles but your child may find his moving space restricted.
• Make your child drink some milk or water during a take off and when the flight is landing. This suckling can release the pressure built up on her ears.
• You may consider tying a tag on your child's wrist that has his name and your contact information. This is particularly helpful if your child gets lost in the airport crowd.

Travelling by Train

• Follow the same rules as when travelling by aeroplane for booking your tickets, non-peak hours and packing your child's clothes. Booking your tickets early can increase chances of your getting a lower berth.
• Choose the most direct route possible. The lesser the better for your child.
• If you are planning to travel by chair car, book a separate seat for your child. This gives him more freedom of movement of his hands and legs than when seated on your lap. Remember to take your child's car seat along.
• Arrive as early as you can. This helps you to load your luggage comfortably and also attend to your child.
• Remember to keep your tickets safe till the end of the journey.
• If the train stops at a station for a very long time, consider getting out with your child and stretching yourself a little. But do remember to have someone in charge of the luggage. You must also reboard on time.
• Avoid buying food for your child from vendors in the train.
• Carry a small blanket to wrap your child when he is sleeping.
• Consider booking your seat towards the beginning of a compartment. This gives your child more moving space in the compartment under your supervision. But it is advisable not to book your seat near the door of the compartment.

Travelling by Car

• Never step out without a car seat. Make sure his head is well supported. Also, never fasten the car seat on to the front seat.
• Take breaks during long distance driving. This can reduce your child's restlessness.
• Observe traffic rules without any deviation to ensure both your and your child's safety. Remember to carry your driving license with you. If you are driving in a foreign country, keep your passport also with you.
• It is a good idea to start your journey when the child is asleep. Try covering at least a few kilometres when he is asleep.
• Playing some light melody can be a source of distraction to your child.
• Make sure the car is well ventilated. Keep the windows slightly lowered so that he gets a breath of fresh air. If you are placing him on your lap, do not lower the window pane fully. It may tempt your child to put his hands and head outside the window.
• Do not answer your mobile phone as you drive the car. Stop the car before picking up the call.
• If it is your child's nap time when you travel, try and establish the same routine that you follow at home.
• When you are travelling alone with your child, fix a child mirror below your own rear-view mirror. This helps you to check on your child occasionally.
• Fasten your seat belts before you start your car's engine.

Video on Installing a Child Car Safety Seat

Although we have mentioned the points for travelling by different modes separately, you may find a few pointers common to all of them. For example, a travel tip that is applicable for a train travel may also be suitable for a travel by car. If you find any such tip, do feel free to make your judgement accordingly. You may also find certain tips that may be useful even if you are travelling without a child!

KidandParent wishes you A Very Safe and Happy Journey!