A change is as good as a rest? Not if you're the parent with the screaming toddler on your lap as the plane takes off. Luckily our members have some cunning ploys to keep the peace.

In The Air
'If you have any control over when [your toddler] sleeps try to get her to sleep after boarding.'
RK Member beentheredonethat

'I took on board a decorated shoe box with an array of new toys in it. I found it very helpful.'
RK Member LisaF

'Most flights provide children with some form of activity, depending on their age. It may be a colouring book (wax crayons!) or a little toy. Either way when mine were younger, it was the fact that they had been given something by the steward/ess that made it more exciting and they still had it on the flight home...even though they got another! With stricter security as well you will have to limit what you bring on board!'
RK Member sabnab

When flying with your baby/toddler, try to work it so they are due for a bottle or juice when you are taking off or landing - drinking has the same effect on them as when adults and older children suck on a sweet to stop their ears popping!
RK Member Tozer

Babies are not as hard work as other people make out. As long as you have a ready warmed bottle (warmed by an airport cafe BEFORE you get on the plane) and a dummy, take off will be fine. Don't wait until you get on the plane for one of the cabin crew to do it, you can be sure they'll be busy at the same time your baby wants milk.
RK Member Wenders10

On The Road
My youngest is only 4 yrs so on long car journeys instead of playing I Spy with "something beginning with....", we use colours, eg "Something red....". Seems to work and keeps them amused.
RK Member Tammy26

My tip for a happy trip is give the children a backpack each. In it put things like, pens, pencils, colouring or puzzle books, a new book to read or just to look at, small toys and games such as cards, snakes and ladders etc - none of this needs to cost a fortune. Also pop in the back pack some tissues, wipes and a drink or two and some snacks e.g. raisins. Basically a fun pack which the children can use on the journey and when on holiday. My children loved theirs and also helped with coming up with ideas for the packs.
RK Member FairyFeet

By The Beach
If your kids can't swim and you are going on holiday with them anywhere near water (and what a worry that can be) buy them a set of flippers or a full snorkel set. It gives kids a sense of being able to float by themselves in water and the mask and snorkel sorts out those kids who hate getting water splashed in the face.
RK Member hattieholiday

And Finally...
Make the journey part of the holiday, not just a means to an end. We have bought some new travel games and played them so that they are fast becoming new favourites, and will encourage the boys to see the travelling as being part of the experience and the adventure. By having a positive attitude to this often stressful part of a trip we hope to feel as if our holiday really does start as soon as we get to the airport.
RK Member Tammy26

Do you have some great travel tips?
If you've found something that works for your family, let us know!

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