I kid you not, flying alone with a toddler isn't exactly for the
faint hearted. Given a choice, i would always fly with the Daddy so that
there's always someone to turn to for a quick toilet break or a mini
me-time. If first class isn't an option, consider a flight with full
economy services and more leg space for the little one to explore. The
major airlines usually reserve the first row seats for passengers with
infants (classified to be under 2 years). This allows for the bassinet
to be in place and much leg space to wander (for both toddler and
parent). Full economy flights also provide meals and toys for the little
ones, so that thankfully, does distract them for quite abit of time.
We
have been really blessed to be able to travel to Hong Kong quite a bit
this year. Most flights were taken with the Daddy but after paying
exorbitant prices for a short 4-hour flight, I decided to heck it and go
for the budget option which was slightly more than half price. Brave, i
know.
So here's what worked for me when flying with my little one.
1) Choose a flight where your child will spend the most time asleep.
The
flight there was a breeze. The front row seats for Jetstar Asia were
reserved for passengers who paid more, but they reserved the second row
for passengers traveling with infants. Good enough for me! Because we
chose a super early flight (6.30am), Shanah slept through most of the
flight, waking only to nurse. Success!
2) Bring along a few of your child's favourite snacks
The
flight back was a challenge - it was right smack in the afternoon and
Shanah managed a 1.5 hour nap. When she woke and fussed, i took out
some grapes (her favorite then), which kept her occupied for quite a bit.
When she grew restless from sitting on my lap, I placed her on the
minute space between my seat and the seat in front while she picked on more
grapes. When the grapes lost their attraction, i began rummaging for
crackers, which quickly lost their powers due to the law of diminishing
marginal returns.
3) Prepare a flight bag of activities (books, toys, etc)
Shanah
gets a new book each time we fly because a new book always appeal to
her for the longest time. Sometimes I buy them ahead and keep them for
the flight while other times i simply bring along an old favourite that
she hasn't read for awhile.
We also downloaded some
kids app on the iPad as a last resort. I like the idea of the iPad as a
special treat so that we can use it to bribe and cajole a screaming
baby. Unfortunately when this baby wants to scream, she simply screams.
4) Always have the ultimate bribe prepared
The
ultimate plane survival was... Ben & Jerry's ice cream! Thank you
Jetstar for carrying that!! I don't know any toddler who can resist
ice-cream, especially when allowed to feed themselves with spoon, hands,
fingers and toes. :) I didn't hadve the hands or energy to capture good
photos, so here's one with a really happy girl and her ice cream.
5) When all fails, grit your teeth and give the little one loads of cuddles and kisses
It's tough being little and kept in a confined space :)
Well, there are actually a bunch of other
practical stuff that i always carry along - like my usual baby bag,
TONNES of wet & dry tissue, water, gummies (in case the ears get
blocked due to air pressure) and a toy or two. I heard of some people
who feed their babies cough medication to get them to sleep - though i
have my reservations about this.
If you are looking for more advice, hop over
here - not the best, but pretty sound!
P.s.
If you are flying for the first time, one of the main concern would be
your baby handling the change in air pressure during ascend and descent.
Allowing them to suckle or drink fluids will help them handle it
better.
