How to travel with a toddler on a red-eye flight without a fuss

Your little one and you have just buckled in on your late night flight and as you begin to settle in you notice your child is beginning to get restless in his seat, begins to whine about the circumstances and before you know it he is having a full-blown meltdown.

Now that is every parent’s worst nightmare... but if it is one of those red eye flights where almost every passenger onboard is tired and has a short fuse, then all you can do is either hope other kids on the flight join in so that your kid is not the only one or you and your little one are given a parachute to jump off the aeroplane, metaphorically speaking of course. But that is not the only solution.

Experts say, a little bit of preparation before you board the flight with your toddler, goes a long way in ensuring it is a peaceful one not only for you and your family but for those on the flight with you as well.

Here are some tips:

1. Day routine: If your toddler likes to nap for a few hours late in the afternoon, ensure he naps a couple of earlier than their scheduled time on the day of the flight just so that he feels tired and sleepy by the time he boards the late night flight. Also, once he wakes up from his nap, get him to run around outdoors. Fresh air and physical activity during the day is a fool proof way to get him tired and sleepy in the flight.

2. Entertainment: It is important to keep your kids engaged in an activity that they enjoy and in the process distracted from the discomfort of a flight. Here’s where entertainment comes in handy. So download their favourite cartoons and shows onto their tablets and ensure their tablets are fully charged. Remember to carry some of their favourite toys, puzzles and books in your carry-on luggage. Avoid those puzzles or toys that have too many small pieces as they might get misplaced.

3. Dinner and snacks: Ensure your kids are done with dinner before you leave for the airport. A full stomach equals a happy, sleepy baby. Munchies come in handy when your little one is struck by late night hunger pangs. But ensure the ones you are carrying are not laden with high amount of sugar. You don’t want them in a hyper state.

4. Bath and PJs: Give your kids a warm water bath and let them wear their pyjamas before you leave for the airport. By keeping to this routine, kids understand that its time to sleep and they will once they settle in to their seats. Remember to carry their favourite blanket in your carry-on luggage.

5. Window seat: Book the window seat for your kid and you take the middle one. This will ensure they don’t get disturbed if any adult in your row needs to get up for any reason.

And remember to carry all that your child might need during the flight in a backpack or a small bag that will go under the seat for easy access.

Do you have any similar tips thathave worked for you and your child? Please email us at friday@gulfnews.com