Travelling with Kids

Jan 2012

For a fuss-free trip with kids, AIMEE CHAN gets helpful hints from the experts.

Keeping the children happy is the best way to achieve a tantrum-free journey from point A to point B, and there’s only one way to do this – be extremely organised. Days before departure, have everything you need for the kids ready and in places you can easily find them. Jo Frost of television’s Supernanny series and TV presenter and author Antonia Kidman, a mother of five, share their best tips and tricks.

On the Road

Bring age-appropriate entertainment to occupy your children,” says Frost (right). It won’t reduce the amount of times they ask you, "Are we there yet?" but it will reduce their boredom.

• Electronic toys such as portable DVD players and iPads are useful for keeping the kids occupied. “If you are on your own with young children in the car, it can be very distracting,” says Kidman. “Kids need to understand that you can’t be turning around to entertain them.” It’s not safe, so try to find things to entertain the kids instead of you having to do the job.
• Avoid games that come with parts in small pieces, advises Frost. Instead, she suggests doodle pads, drawing toys like Etch A Sketch, finger puppets, sing-along music on CDs and encouraging the kids to tell stories.
• Break up the drive with quick rest stops. “Pre-plan your trip so you know where the service stations are and you can take in some fresh air. When back in the car, change up the seating arrangements if you can – it keeps things fresh for the kids,” suggests Frost.

At the Airport

Don’t use up all your plane entertainment before you board. Make use of the open space in an airport to find other ways to keep your children busy and happy before they enter a confined space.

• “Go window shopping once you have checked in your luggage or take younger children on a walkabout,” advises Frost. Let teenagers call friends before turning off their phones or let them spend some of their holiday money at the airport shops. Watching airplanes take off and land can really impress the younger ones.
• Frost warns about airport safety. “Remember to always keep an eye on your kids – airports are packed with people and moving escalators.” Pay particular attention to toddlers running around in areas where people are wheeling heavy luggage trolleys.

In the Air

Organise your things ahead of time and pack your carry-on luggage wisely. A wet, hungry, bored or cold child is not a happy traveller, so plan for every contingency.

• Pre-pack your children’s food. “It minimises complications in case of food allergies, likes and dislikes when it comes to inflight meals besides keeping meal times consistent,” says Frost. Don’t worry about bringing too much – you can always dump it when you arrive, advises Kidman (right, with her daughter). Do take note though – some airports have limits on the amounts of Liquids, Aerosols and Gels (LAGs) that can be packed in hand luggage, and the definitions may differ from airport to airport. Some common children's foods such as porridge or pureed fruits may be classified as LAGs in one airport but not in another. It’s best that you check with the airport that you will be travelling from on their restrictions.
• “Always pack a change of clothes, a blanket or toy they sleep with and a book,” adds Kidman. Comfortable clothes will keep the kids relaxed, says Frost.

Especially for Young Babies

“Be mindful of your toddler’s and baby's routine,” says Frost. Keeping a lookout for signs of hunger, irritation or boredom will keep meltdowns at bay.

• Once you’ve made your flight booking, call the airline and reserve a bassinet. This gives you a better chance of obtaining one, rather than waiting until you arrive at the airport and potentially missing out, suggests Kidman.
• When travelling with children of any age, it’s necessary to be flexible. This is especially important with young babies. “Don’t be too ambitious,” advises Kidman. “If you are a routine person, be realistic and realise your structure will go out the window.” Remember, the main purpose of a holiday is to relax after all.

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