Coping with kids on flights

In the close confines of a plane cabin, the constant wails of a crying baby can feel anguish filled and intense.

So cabin crew members at British Airways (ba.com) have offered their advice for flyers who may be unsure about the best course of action – and how to interact with their parents.

Understand why babies cry on flights Babies cry because they’re either in pain or discomfort, or because they are scared or need something.

Also, toddlers are much more sensitive to “popping ears” during take-off and landing than adults. This sensation can be scary and uncomfortable for them.

Knowing what’s going on in their heads will increase your empathy levels and may ease your annoyance levels.

Offer a kind smile Showing compassion to a struggling parent can be hugely important. A kind smile can be enough to demonstrate this.

Most parents fear troubling passengers with their toddler’s wails, so knowing they have your support puts them at ease, which may help the baby relax.

Offer to help or interact with the child In an non-accusational or passive aggressive way, kindly ask if there is anything you can do to help. It can be as little as offering to hold the child while the parents sort something out or fishing out an object for the toddler to play with.

Sympathy can also help calm parents, who are undoubtedly panicking. Equally, don’t be offended if they turn you down.

Invest in noise cancelling headphones There are other noises on planes – engines, other people talking or crew Tannoy messages can be disturbing.

Pop on your noise-cancelling headphones and cut parents some slack.