The best tips for flying with kids

flying with kids on Singapore Airlines

There are so many decisions to make when booking flights – where are you going, how old are the kids, how long you’ll be flying, what’s the cost. Here are some tips and recommendations to make it all easy.

If you make the flying as comfortable and easy as possible, your stress will be minimised and you won’t have any regrets.

FLYING WHILE PREGNANT

Whatever your holiday plans, when you’re pregnant, there are a few extra things to consider when you’re on a plane.

  • Stay active to promote circulation.
  • Rotate and flex ankles to promote leg vein circulation.
  • Elevate your feet to assist circulation.
  • Avoid high-salt foods that can cause constipation, which puts pressure on the venous system.
  • Wear compression stockings, for venous circulation.
  • Take vitamin C and E (talk to your LMC first) to promote better circulation.
  • Stay hydrated to help prevent blood clots.
  • Avoid caffeine as it is a dehydrating substance.
  • How far along are you? Check with your insurance and airline policies. On Singapore Airlines you must be 28 weeks or less to fly; up to 36 weeks (32 for a multiple pregnancy) you will need a medical certificate.
  • Does your LMC think it’s okay for you to travel? Ensure there are no concerns

FLYING WITH BABIES

Babies can be hard to manage, because you’re dealing with baby food, nappies and, sometimes, enthusiastic new little walkers. You are often sharing your seat with baby, so there’s a bit more manoeuvering involved. Here are a few tips:

  • Breastfeed (or bottle feed) on takeoff and landing to stop infants shrieking out with sudden ear pain.
  • Settle babies into the bassinet as soon as you can (provided on Singapore Airlines), so you get to relax in your seat. Book ahead to make sure secure one of the bassinets (requested in “select seats” section online).
  • You can’t take “every potential requirement” on the plane (it just gets too much to carry), so write a list of what is essential to your and your baby’s peace and comfort, and prioritise.

FLYING WITH OVER 5’S

  • Arm them with their own backpack with earphones, extra layers, cards, dark glasses, and special cuddlies.
  • Treat your kids to a neck rest, and tie it to their backpack. So good for sleeping on the plane, on beaches, in airports and while travelling in cars.
  • Check out some new and exciting apps for the kids

AIRPORT TIPS

  • Check out what facilities are available at the airport. At Changi in Singapore, you can go to the movies, and the kids can ride on a giant slide down several stories, visit the butterfly park, or go swimming. You’ll almost wish for a delay.
  • Check in on your computer or mobile phone two days to two hours before your flight. You can even download your boarding pass to your phone from some cities. Download the Singapore Airlines app.
  • If you’re at Changi Airport, it’s well worth heading into the Ambassador Transit Lounge (pay direct or book through a Singapore Stopover Holiday Package). It is such a luxury to relax and get out of the hustle and bustle of the Airport. Lounges are actually perfect for families – younger kids have space and are safe, there are bathroom and shower facilities, you can eat to your heart’s desire, have a great coffee, and older kids can charge devices and use wifi. If it’s in the budget, it’s worth every penny.

More family travel tips from Tots to Teens:

How To Spend 48 Hours In New Plymouth With Kids

What to Pack When Going Camping With Kids

The Best Family Beaches On The Coromandel Peninsula

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