What to do if your child cries loudly during a flight? 9 tips for stressed-out parents

By Rita

It’s wonderful to travel abroad with the whole family, but taking young children along can be a nightmare for many parents, let alone enduring a long-haul flight of over ten hours. The Daily Telegraph compiled “10 stress-free ways to travel with kids,” and due to differences in cultural context, this article selects nine of them. Parents, give them a try on your next trip!

1. Prepare mentally
You might not be able to control your child for the next few hours. Think of it as a challenge game—this mindset might help you stay more relaxed.

2. Let your child play with an iPad or toys
Sitting on a plane for over ten hours can get really boring. Small toys can keep them occupied.

▲Traveling with kids (Photo / Darzhi Images, same below)

3. Watch out for ear pain caused by air pressure changes
During takeoff and landing, feeding milk can ease the discomfort. Sucking on a bottle works too, and older kids can suck on hard candy.

4. Junk food can be a lifesaver
You might not normally give your kids junk food, but on vacation, to prevent meltdowns, it’s okay to bring some along.

5. Align flight times with your child’s sleep schedule
Try to keep your child’s routine consistent. Put them in pajamas, read a story, brush their teeth, etc. Avoid peak-hour flights, as there won’t be extra seats to temporarily place your child.

6. Use a stroller
Don’t check in too early. If the flight is delayed, let your sleeping child snooze a bit longer. A stroller allows your child to sleep soundly even during busy transit times, compared to carrying them.

7. In-flight baby bassinet
Although bassinets are available in the bulkhead seats of the first row, they are only provided for babies under two years old who do not have a separate seat.

8. Be polite to your seat neighbors
Most people understand the challenges of traveling with kids. Some prepare small gifts or notes in advance to inform their neighbors about their child’s situation.

9. Use a pillow and seatbelt
If all else fails and your child is still out of control, use the seatbelt to secure them in their seat, and try using a pillow to muffle the screaming.

You’ve got this, parents!

★The image is a copyrighted photo provided exclusively to ETtoday Ettoday News Cloud by Darzhi Images. No website, newspaper, or TV station may reproduce any part or all of it without permission from Darzhi Images.