Tips on Kids Airplanes

Kids & Airplanes
Dress your kids in bright colors so you can easily spot them. Also, try tying or pinning a whistle to their clothing so they can signal if lost (though this may become a "test" item to see if Mom or Dad always react).

Airplanes get very dry. Consider bringing some chapstick or something to keep their little lips moist!

If your child is traveling with a favorite item (stuffed animal, doll, etc.) tie an elastic "leash" around the neck so there is a loop that can be put around the child's wrist. This will help prevent the loss of a favorite item when all hands are full of luggage, children, and more.

All airlines carry bassinets on their long distance flights, though they are good only for very young children. Make sure to indicate the desire for one so you can be assigned proper seats.

Your children will probably need less entertainment than you expect on plane rides - pack less than you think you need and add a few, inexpensive "surprises" that you can present when the child's attention span is starting to wander, be it a coloring book & crayons, a little car, a new book, etc. Remember, the less toys you pack, the fewer times you will be leaning towards the floor picking them up!

Always pack a bottle of water and nutritious snacks for the kids. This lets you choose what and when they eat and how messy they get. Don't forget the baggy of wet wipes for those sticky hands!

Most of the time you can bring your stroller to the gate and it can be checked by the flight attendants, who will pull it out for you upon exiting the plane. Ask about this when checking in.

Did you know that you can pre-order kids meals on most flights with a 48 hour notice ? They usually offer hamburger, chicken fingers or spaghetti, some even offering Happy Meals.

Have you thought about the exploding diaper syndrome on the plane? Well, maybe bring a few ziploc baggies, one for the diaper itself and one for the child' clothes until they can be washed.