When you’re going on a trip abroad it’s always a bit of a worry how your kids will take to being stuck in an airplane, especially if the flight is long.
We asked blogger Sanna over at Wave To Mummy for her top ten tips, tried and tested on her own 3 year old daughter! Here are her ten ideas for you to pack in your child’s Trunki or PaddlePak to keep them entertained during a flight…
1 | Favourite plush toy – provides a buddy to cuddle if they are a bit scared and brings comfort in strange surroundings.
2 | A tablet full of their favourite programmes or movies is a great way to ensure they stay still, at least for a bit. You could also download some games and other apps to entertain your kids.
3 | A smart phone – Fisher Price do some excellent and free apps for babies and toddlers on iPhone. For slightly older kids, CBeebies and Peppa Pig apps are great.
4 | Kids headphones – you can get headphones especially made for kids, with volume control so they won’t damage their hearing.
5 | A children’s magazine – you can pick one up from the airport and they provide hours of entertainment. You often get stickers and some cheap plastic toys to occupy your child with – bonus!
6 | Crayons – to draw with and colour in the children’s magazines! No need to sharpen and if you get them on your clothing they should come off in a wash.
7 | Finger puppets or a hand puppet – something small and entertaining. Great to break out for a little surprise when everything else fails.
8 | A magnetic board – this is a brilliant addition to an entertainment pack as it is mess-free and easy to use. You can also use it educationally, and draw numbers and letters for your child.
9 | Finger foods – raisins or other small snacks allow babies and toddlers to practice their pincer movement and finger dexterity. For older kids biscuits can be a good choice, and lollipops as well to help with the change in air pressure. As a bonus, the snacks should keep them occupied and content for a while.
10 | A new toy -You could also get a new toy at the airport, as you are guaranteed a few quiet moments with the excitement a new toy brings.
Pack all of this entertainment in one bag so it’s easy to pull out whenever you might need it. A basic drawstring bag works well – it’s light and you can close it so nothing falls out. And – of course – don’t forget your Trunki. Hand luggage sized and ideal for providing entertainment in the airport and for transporting tired little toddlers after their flight!