Jet With Kids

Traveling With Tired Kids: Make It Comfortable

Airplanes are not just a mode of transportation, they are “home” to your family for hours at a time. Basic needs such as eating, sleeping, and pooping must be met- and the uncomfortable environment of an airplane cabin can make it impossible for the needs of young travelers to be met.

I have found personalizing our space/row with familiar photos, a soft blanket and pillow, and providing headphones with soft music or a relaxing show, can make all the difference in helping my son to fall asleep or relax.  When my son is tired, if I make it cozy and soothing, he is calmer and falls asleep easier and faster.

Talking to a child before the day of travel is essential. Talk about sleeping on the plane and allow them to help pack favorite bedtime books or pajamas.

Five ways to make the airplane comfy for a tired child:

1. Bring a pillow and blanket. I have used the PlaneComfort Pillow and Blanket combination and love it.  The blanket is wide enough to cover 2 airplane seats, and the inflatable pillow has a soft pillow case that can be fun to inflate!
2. Make it comfortable to relax even when restrained in the seat. I prefer to use the CARES harness where my son can pull his legs up and move around easier than if he were in a car seat.  (Use only for children between 22-44 lbs.) For infants, a car seat is the safest place on the plane (not held on the lap). Car seats also offers a comfy, familiar place for little one to sleep.

   

3. Dim the noise. Use noise canceling headphones – great for blocking out overstimulating activity and noise that may prevent or disturb sleep.  (also nice to use with a video iPod or DVD player – fellow passengers will appreciate headphone use also as they won’t be subjected to listening to a toddler’s entertainment.)
4. Adapt nap-time/bedtime routine to fit the surrounding. Read bedtime books, quietly hum or sing bedtime songs, eat a bedtime snack, etc. to make the routine as familiar as possible. Children behave best when they know what to expect.
5. Dress for (sleep) success. Change your child into pajamas at the airport or on the plane if flying during bedtime/nap-time (bring along a sweater and blanket as planes can be cold for children).
6. Provide smart options for food and drink. Hunger and thirst will prevent relaxation or sleep. Avoid sugar before and during a flight. Offer nutritious meals and snacks and avoid soda or  juices loaded with sugar (or you may have a hyperactive, overtired child on the plane and upon arrival).

Airplanes are unfamiliar, overstimulating, dirty, and unwelcoming. By taking the time and effort to “personalize” your space on a plane, a child has a much better chance of finding some relaxation and sleep.

For international flights:

Although jet lag experts may advise to set your watch for the destination time and adapt immediately with sleep, some children will need to nap earlier than ideal. Travel is exhausting for all. Monitor your child and when they need to sleep, allow them that rest. An overtired child will become hyper and irritable and sleep will be impossible.