Scores of our nannies are off on holidays with their families in the coming weeks, and many will be flying long-haul with sole charge of the children. For those less experienced at keeping little people settled and entertained in-flight, we’ve got some great advice from the dab hands!
☑ Avoid overpacking your own hand luggage and give children their own backpacks if they’re old enough to carry their own toys, books and snacks. They will enjoy the sensation of being ‘in charge’ of their own things. Sneak in a little surprise while packing their bags to bring a little excitement (or distraction) later on in the flight if boredom or tantrums threaten. Perhaps a small packet of sweets - if allowed - or a small, quiet toy or magazine.
☑ Try to eat a meal at the airport before your flight and choose a restaurant with highchairs and all the facilities you need to get little people fed with minimum fuss. This might eliminate the need for that first in-flight meal, which can get very logistical when balancing babies and those little trays of food, sliding drinks and spillages!
☑ Also make sure you fit in a loo trip and nappy change before boarding, for similar reasons!
☑ Pack snacks that aren’t going to make a mess. So no yoghurt! Raisins are great because they’re small, light, and they take time for toddlers to finish.
☑ Remember bottles and milk for babies – and dummies; sucking is a great antidote to blocked ears. Remember that security will check any milk brought through. If your charge drinks cow’s milk, you’re likely to be able to get some on board or from a shop or café after you have passed through security. Formula is best brought through in premixed, sealed bottles.
☑ Remember that the in-flight entertainment on planes – especially if you’re flying long haul – will have a lot to offer children as young as three in terms of TV programmes, games and films. If in doubt, bring along an iPad loaded with games and things to watch and get hold of an audio splitter if you want two children to share the screen with separate headphones. Don’t rely on the airline to supply headphones as sometimes they don’t and often they’re poor quality.
☑ Aside from on-screen entertainment, think about packing some sticker books, wordsearch and puzzle books and colouring pads as well as one or two books at the most, per child. Try to choose books that encourage interaction – like Where’s Wally or similar – so they’re not finished quickly and can be dipped in and out of over the course of a flight.
☑ Play doh is a great tactile activity for those back of seat trays on planes – and it’s not too messy as long as it stays on the tray and off the upholstery! You can also split play doh amongst children.
☑ Dole out activities and snacks slowly, or you’re at risk of using up your whole arsenal before take off!
Good luck, and happy holidays! Please do share your tried and tested tips for flying with little people, and help your fellow nannies expand on their own experience. Drop us a line through our Facebook page or post straight to the page!