Child on the plane: 24 tips to make the moment less stressful

Traveling with family is usually a very happy time. However, those who already have children know that the act of traveling by plane requires some attention and planning, so that it does not become stressful for the child or the parents.

Unlike a car trip, where you can stop whenever the need arises, the plane trip requires patience on the part of the child (who, depending on their age, may have difficulty understanding this).

“It all depends on the age and temperament of the child and especially on the parents’ own stress level with the trip. Plane has limited space and the family will be surrounded by strange people. The smaller the child, the less control over their needs will be, as it is not possible to demand a level of understanding from the little ones regarding limitations. From the age of three, it is already possible to establish some rules that can make the trip more fun and less disturbing”, comments Celia Lima, a specialist in psychotherapy at Personare.

Saying “you need to be quiet for the entire trip” is certainly not the answer, even for older children. But there are subtle ways to prepare the child for this “adventure”, as well as to distract them during the flight. A few simple tips can help (a lot) the plane trip to be smoother for parents and children!

1. Show tranquility

If the child hears the parents talking all the time that they are worried about the trip or simply notices a climate of “worry in the air”, the situation can get more complicated. “Children tend to absorb their parents’ state of mind at different times, so it’s desirable for parents to be calm and provide little comforts for their children,” says Celia.

2. Talk about the trip at the right time

It’s no use “hiding” your son’s plane trip for fear of how he might react. “It is better to talk about the trip in advance, but not so much that it triggers anxiety in the children”, highlights the expert.

3. Prepare the child in a fun way for the plane trip

When you feel it’s time to talk about the trip, do it calmly and take the opportunity to include games that involve the subject in the child’s daily life. “You can play airplanes, take on the role of flight attendants, the pilot, simulating what can and cannot be done on the plane”, exemplifies Celia.

4. Talk to the pediatrician

According to Celia, consulting the children’s pediatrician is also essential. “Especially if your child is used to car sickness. If a trick or medication is needed, parents should be prepared for it,” she explains.

5. Offer liquids

Célia explains that one of the reasons why children cry during flights is the discomfort with the pressurization of the aircraft, which can cause pain or “cloggedness” in the ear. “That’s why it’s good to drink fluids, which help regulate the ‘body/cabin’ pressure difference. Chewing for the older ones or using a pacifier for the younger ones can also help,” she says.

6. For short journeys, prefer to travel during the day

“Awakening the child’s curiosity about how the plane can fly and distracting him with the clouds (staying in the little window is a good resource) will keep him busy for a while”, says Celia.

7. Be prepared for long journeys

“For long journeys, when the trips are usually at night, take the little blanket familiar to the child”, guides the specialist.

8. Take the pillow

Regardless of the time of travel, bring a pillow. Smaller children will be able to sit on it so they can see out of the window better; while older ones will be able to sleep more comfortably with a pillow they are used to.

9. Think of space

Another tip, according to Celia, is, when making a reservation, prefer special places like the free benches at the front. “You’ll have more space to deal with the little ones,” she says.

10. Don’t offer millions of alternatives

“Avoid offering thousands of alternatives to distract your child, wait for him to demand something”, guides Celia. Otherwise, he’s very likely to notice that you’re trying to distract him anyway, which can cause more discomfort. Be subtle.

11. Bring interesting toys/games

There is no way to escape, toys will be the best allies when it comes to distracting the child. “Children tend to get bored easily, so it’s good to have a bag with some toys,” says Celia.

But it’s worth remembering: “quality” is more important than “quantity” at this time. The key is to bring interesting toys/games that will entertain the child and not thousands of things that, in the end, won’t even be used. “It is valid to take what can be done sitting down, that has no loose parts (don’t forget the possible turbulence) and that doesn’t make noise. Just be careful that the trip doesn’t turn into a playground. Don’t forget that a good conversation explaining what it’s like to travel by plane can help a lot”, guides the specialist.

12. Pack some longer lasting and healthier foods

Offer the child some foods that occupy him for a longer time, such as grapes, raisins, strawberries, tomatoes… These are healthy and “fun” options for him to eat.

Celia remembers, however, that sweets shouldn’t serve as “bargaining currency”, even because they don’t last long and the distraction ends. “Let your child know you have a chocolate in your bag, buy it from him at the airport. If he remembers and asks, it’s okay to give,” she says.

13. Bet on stickers

Carrying small stickers can be very valid. They are small, practical and can keep children entertained for a while: hand your child a bottle of water, for example, and invite him to “decorate” it as he sees fit.

14. Count on the help of technology (smartphone, tablet)

This kind of distraction is just another alternative, according to Celia. “If the child already has a smartphone or tablet, they can be used. But buying something in the genre specifically for this occasion is overkill, not least because most aircraft are equipped with movies and games. For short trips it is totally expendable”, she explains.

15. Surprise the child with toys they don’t even remember anymore

Find at home a toy that was “forgotten” there and take it with you on the trip, it will surely distract the child for a while, as if it were something new/a gift given to him at that moment.

“It can be done, but not on a ‘reward’ basis. Every time she fidgets or gets impatient, you’re going to have to find a way to calm her down and these ‘gifts’ can be a resource. But keeping it on record that the child can gain something if he behaves well will only make him believe that good behavior is not necessary, just a way to be presented. She will feel authorized not to behave well if she doesn’t get a gift,” warns Celia.

16. Don’t forget to bring essential items for the child

Celia comments that parents are already used to the needs of babies. “For these, it is good to remember to consult the airline, as many offer facilities, including food. For the older child, there should be no lack of water, one or two changes of clothes, a coat, sanitary towels, a blanket (her reference at bedtime) and some little books that she likes,” she says.

17. Encourage the child to bring their own bag

Depending on the age of the child, it may be interesting to make them carry their own handbag, with some useful items inside: tissues, sweater, for example. This saves space in your bag and makes the child feel “big”, “responsible”, which can entertain them for a few more minutes.

However, it is worth noting: the child should not be required to take responsibility for important things.

18. Bring some extra clothes for you

It is valid for parents to bring a change of clothes. After all, incidents can happen: the child may spill some juice on your clothes or even vomit. It’s not something to be expected, but unfortunately, it can happen. It’s better to be safe.

19. Read to the child

Parents can also read a book that entertains the child, it’s just not worth exaggerating the amount or bringing huge books.

20. Bet on the “plane police” game

A valid idea is to tell the child about the presence of a police officer on the plane who keeps an eye on all the children and how they are behaving. From this, one can invent several stories. Of course, this doesn’t mean “scare” the child, but rather stimulate their imagination, keeping them entertained for a while longer.

21. Encourage children to walk a little before the flight

While waiting for the plane, a good tip is to encourage the child to walk a little with you around the airport. After all, on the flight you will already be sitting for hours, which can bother the child. But that doesn’t mean “tiring her”, common sense is essential.

22. Dress the child in comfortable clothes

“It is essential to always choose comfortable clothes, easy to wear, remembering that the temperature inside the plane is around 20°C. For the feet, tennis. You have to walk a lot inside the airport, so it is essential that the shoes are equally comfortable. One can think of socks suitable for the floor, rubberized on the sole. It is important to walk a little in the aisle of the plane to activate circulation and this is also useful for adults”, comments Celia.

23. Plan the trip

Celia recalls that, in this sense, it is good to avoid heavy meals and exhausting activities for the child before the trip. “The whole movement will require extra energy and attention. The child should not be required to take responsibility for important things, such as pushing a suitcase that can be forgotten and creating unnecessary setbacks. Not leaving at the last minute is essential. Better to get to the airport in advance than having to rush the kids, who have their own pace to walk,” she says.

24. Be patient

Celia explains that in no way should children sleep through medication. “Is she used to a glass of warm milk or a bottle before bed? Or a tea? It is what should be used. Above all, you have to be patient, as this is an event that is totally outside the routine of the little ones”, she says.

With planning, safety and patience, the plane trip with the child has everything to work out. At least that’s how it is with Daniela Aparecida M. Cillo, 32, a biologist, who has traveled by plane more than 3 times with her 4-year-old daughter Maria Eduarda. “The first time I was a little worried, but today she doesn’t give me any trouble. I don’t have a ‘trick’, but I notice that she has a lot of fun with colored pencils (I take several colors!) and some paper to paint. When she gets tired of it, she likes to play some games on my phone or just look at the pictures on it,” she comments.

Fernanda Machado Junqueira, 36, self-employed, traveled with her daughter…