travel tips

flying with children

Don't forget your MELOBABY all-in-one diaper wallet + changing pad! It's perfect on those tiny aeroplane bathroom change tables. For a long haul flight pack some extra spare diapers and wipes in your carry on suitcase. Wrap some wipes in plastic wrap that way you can always have refills at your final destination.

Instead of your child carrying their own suitcase (because invariably you will find yourself carrying it) pack them a "surprise bag" in your carry on case and give it to them on the plane.

In the "surprise bag" pack lots of activities for playing on board. These could include: colour pencils, magic pens and colouring in book, glue and already cut out pieces of paper or felt for making things, a little kit of Play-Doh, even some watercolour paints and a note pad with thick paper.

Take a small stroller with an umbrella fold. Ask at check-in if they will let you to take it to the gate (on international flights they may, on domestic flights they won't).

At the gate ask the Cabin Services Director/Manager if they can store your stroller on board (if the flight's not too busy you may be lucky) or if they can bring it up to you at your destination.

Either be first or last to get on the plane (but definitely don't be in the middle). Be last to get off, that way you may get assistance from flight attendants.

Some people take their car seat on board for their child to sleep in!

Take another pair of headsets on board that fit your child. Otherwise tie a sock over the headset as it will sit better on smaller heads.

For sore ears at take off and landing (if they are old enough for lollies) try Chupa Chups as they last a long time and encourage your child to swallow, which can relieve some pressure in their ears.