How can I keep my baby entertained during flying?

By Kathryn Crawford

Travelling away on holiday with your baby can often be a lesson in strategic planning.

If your baby is happy at the start of the flight, he is much less likely to need entertaining and the whole flying experience will be much less stressful for you too. An unhappy baby at the start of the flight almost certainly means a crotchety baby throughout, so the planning should start well before.

Very often a phone call to the airline in advance to remind them that you are travelling with an infant will increase your chances of being allocated a suitable seat. Many airlines offer the seats at the front of a section so that there's a little more room for you to move about in.

"If your baby is happy at the start of the flight, he is much less likely to need entertaining and the whole flying experience will be much less stressful for you too."

Keep calm yourself. There's nothing more upsetting for a baby than an upset or stressed mum and dad. If everything is planned and no unpleasant surprises arise, your baby will automatically feel more comfortable. Make sure you arrive early, check in and clear through security in plenty of time so that your stress levels are kept low.

How can I keep my baby entertained during flying?

By Kathryn Crawford

There's nothing worse for you and baby than battling with crowds at the very last minute and having to do a dash for the gate before it closes. Make sure he's in a clean nappy just before boarding and ensure that any feeds, toys or drinks are immediately to hand if and when you need them.

Think of the ears. All babies suffer discomfort in their ears when flying. Make sure that your baby is fed during both the ascent and descent. The frequent swallowing will help keep him more comfortable. Additionally, having something to suck, such as a finger or dummy, will also help. If he is kept distracted by food, toys and your smiling, relaxed face, he is much less likely to dwell on his own discomfort and will be much happier overall.

"Take plenty of your baby's favourite toys. However the trick is not to have them scattered all over the place, but bring them out one at a time."

Take plenty of your baby's favourite toys. However the trick is not to have them scattered all over the place, but bring them out one at a time and make sure one is hidden away before the next one is brought out. Babies have short attention spans, so 'little and often' is the key.

Kathryn Crawford is the editor of leading pregnancy, baby and parenting website, thebabywebsite.com.

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