GOING BY PLANE

So many moms ( and dads) are too scared to travel by airplane because they’re terrified of how their little ones are going to behave on board. And it’s not that they mind – they spend the majority of their lives with their kids – it’s the fellow passengers that they’re afraid of. Barring a few, most adults will understand if your baby or toddler reacts to air pressure changes (that can wreak havoc on little ears) and will understand if your child gets niggly because he simply doesn’t like being cooped up on a plane. If your fellow travellers don’t understand, then try not to get too worked up – your child is only human and you’re doing the best you can – even if they look at you like you should be on a separate plane just for moms and tots!

The good news is that not all children’s ears are affected on a plane and ear trouble is more common if your child already has a cold or stuffy nose. In the same way that chewing gum or yawning might help relieve ear pressure for you, doctors and moms suggest a chewy sweet for an older toddler or the breast or dummy for a baby to ease discomfort during the times when the pressure changes in the cabin are likely to be greatest – during takeoff and initial descent (not landing, by then it’s too late). Also try to time your flight so that it coincides with your child’s sleep time, and then keep your child awake until it’s time to depart. We know that that’s not how it always works out, which is why you also need to make sure that you have a separate bag packed full of goodies, treats (but not too much sugar, you don’t want Junior bouncing off the windows) and surprises to keep your child entertained for the duration of your flight. Some “new” presents like a colouring book or a few pictures that you’ve printed off the internet to colour in serve as a great distraction too.