During the journey 

The day for the journey has come! Some things to think about include:

♦Make sure that you leave enough time to travel through security and to the boarding gate calmly, avoiding stress.

♦Make sure that potty trained toddlers are repeatedly taken to the toilet before and during the flight, to avoid accidents.

♦If you are breastfeeding a baby, then it can be helpful to do this during the take-off and landing stages, to keep the baby calm and to help equalise pressure in their ears. Similarly, maybe using a bottle of formula or beaker of water can help. For older children, boiled sweets can help.

♦Bring out snacks and activities steadily though out the journey - don’t give your child everything at the start, as they will soon be bored and hungry. Keep the excitement and interest steady throughout the flight.

♦Usually the flight attendants will go out of their way to assist a family with small children, so if you need assistance with anything, then do ask.

♦Your baby may cry during the flight - it is normal! It may be a strange experience for them, they may be tired or hungry, or they may be uncomfortable. Do your best to comfort them - if you are able to take a walk with them to the galley or up the aisle, then do so - distraction can often help. Most fellow travellers will be sympathetic, so try not to get too stressed - easier said than done!