My Top Tips for flights with young kids

I have been traveling with my children since they were infants, and I wanted to share with you some things that work well for us. Traveling with young kids can be stressful but these tips might come in handy for your upcoming trip.

Dress code Comfortable bright clothing for the airport travel days. I always dress my kids in matching bright coloured tops/jumpers so I can easily keep an eye on them at the busy airport, GAA jerseys work well, anything that is easy to spot if you lose track of them at any stage in the airport.

Luggage I check as much luggage in as possible and only have a small backpack for the plane, the less I have to carry on and off the plane the better.

At the airport Allow extra time to check your luggage in and get through security, you will have extra items for security to check so make sure you are allowing as much time as possible for this.

If possible, get them fed before the flight, use the bathroom just before getting onto the plane, let them run around and burn off as much energy as possible before getting on the plane, some airlines allow families with young kids to bboard first or you which can be great for getting little ones settled into their seat.

Travel stroller I invested in a yoyo stroller and 5 years latter it is still being used on each trip, these strollers fold up and fit in the overhead locker, they are lightweight and brilliant to bring on your travels. No need to check in a stroller or wait when you get off the plane, you carry it over your shoulder and on you go.

For the plane Each child has their own little backpack with headphones, snacks and a small "surprise bag" of activities handy

I buy some bits for the plane to help keep them occupied, it doesn’t have to be expensive, new crayons, colouring books, fidget toys, a new book, a tub of playdough, an iPad or tablet with some shows or movies pre downloaded will work well on the flights especially longer flights, make sure you have their favourite shows downloaded and thee battery charged.

I pack a spare change of clothing for each child and myself, it is so easy for a drink to spill or for a little one to get sick, so I always pack a change of clothes in my carry on.

Medicine Antibacterial wipes are essential for me and hand sanitiser.

I always bring a small bottle under 100mls of Calpol and Nurofen, teething sachets when they were babies to help with teething, you never know when you might need some.

I bring sick bags for the plane and transfer journeys; I am never without them while traveling because little ones can take ill or get car sick at any moment they have saved me a few times. I buy them on amazon and have 1-2 in each carry on.

Final thoughts Try to go with the flow and make the travel day as stress free as possible, don’t overthink things, Kids feed off your energy, they are happy once they are with you so if you stay calm and roll with the punches, they’re more likely to go with the flow too.

Have a great time making memories and having adventures together