Flying long distances with ones children can be exhausting as you try and keep them entertained and settled in a fairly restrictive environment. Here are some tips that may ease the challenge of flying with young kids or toddlers. By planning in advance you can make the trip a lot easier and maybe even enjoyable.

1. Prepare your toddler for the security ritual at airports. Make sure they know in advance what is expected of them. You could make it fun by role-playing the procedure, such as asking them to remove their shoes before walking through a metal detector, tell them about the x-ray machine that sees all the contents of their bag they are taking on board.
2. There are dozens of apps developed for youngsters, so think about putting a few on your phone before you travel, they can be a great source of entertainment for your child wearing child-sized earphones and could keep them amused for hours.
3. Packing a new puzzle, toy or book and giving it to them once in flight will certainly delight them and will be another distraction.
4. Dressing your toddler in unrestrictive clothing or maybe even changing into their pyjamas once on board goes a long way to getting them to settle more easily into a peaceful sleep, as they recognise the routine.
5. Don’t forget the familiar pacifier or special item that keeps them happy and secure. My silk nighty became my daughter’s security blanket and as long as it was in constant reach or wrapped around her she was quite happy and content on a long haul flight.

There is one insightful carrier when it comes to travelling with young children, Etihad Airlines, who has introduced the on board Nanny which is a brilliant concept as it will offer parents a chance to enjoy the flight while their dear little darlings are kept entertained by the highly skilled on board Nanny. So consider flying Etihad next time you fly with your toddler or youngster. http://www.etihad.com/en-za/experience-etihad/family-travel/onboard/

Lindsay Quail