I've come across a load of tips regarding flying which some of you might like from this website and out of my new book
http://www.ehow.com/ (one of the many from the book people :lol:)
How to Fly With a Toddler You don't have to stay at home just because you have a toddler. It's possible to go anywhere you like'even on long airplane trips'with some careful preparation.
Steps:
1. Schedule a night flight, if possible, so that your little one is likely to sleep for at least part of the time.
2. Pack a change of clothes, or dress your child in layers that can be easily removed in case of spills.
3. Consider the preboarding option for parents of young children. If your child is mellow and sleepy, it's a great idea, but if he's wide awake and excited, it might be better to delay boarding as long as possible.
4. Keep in mind that only certain car seats are airline-approved. Be prepared to check your car seat as baggage if necessary.
5. Bring a selection of healthful, nonperishable snacks and a drink in a spill-proof cup. In-flight food services aren't designed with hungry, impatient toddlers in mind.
6. Prepare a surprise pack of small new toys, picture books and other tiny treats. Bring them out one treat at a time, whenever your child begins to get restless.
7. Remember that antinausea medications are a good idea if your child has a sensitive stomach. They also cause drowsiness.
8. Bring a collapsible stroller or kid-carrier backpack to use in the airport, especially if you have a connecting flight to catch. If it doesn't fit in the overhead bins, an attendant will check it for you. Airports are big and can be very tiring for little feet.
Tips:
Do a diaper change in an airport bathroom before boarding.
Warnings:
Turbulence can be dangerous for people who aren't strapped in, and walking or running in the aisles can also be disruptive
Some more tips :-
1. Please bring gum! eHow Friend
Please bring chewing gum, a lollipop or a pacifier for your child. Give it to them on descent to help alleviate pressure changes because little ears are sensitive too and airlines don't provide these items.
2. TV/videos on the plane eHow Friend
Record your child's favorite program/video onto your camcorder (via your VCR) and bring it with you on the plane for them to watch. Work's best if you have a flip-out screen on the camcorder. Don't forget to make sure your batteries are charged!
3. Avoid diaper disasters! Susan F.
Bring along enough diapers for two or three days, in case your flight is very late or in the air for longer than anticipated - or the worst: your luggage is lost and it's in the middle of the night when you arrive at your destination!
4. How to survive long airplane flights-over 5 hours Angela D.
For long trips, give your toddler Children's Dramamine 30 minutes before you take off (make sure they've eaten). Your toddler may react & cry because they'll suddenly become very drowsy. But it works & they'll sleep through the entire flight.
5. Photo album eHow Friend
My daughter adores photos therefore a month before our overseas flite we take tons of pictures of her with her friends, pets, etc. We then present her with her special album once onboard, creating hours of stories connected to her favorite people.
6. Wrapped gifts Stephen
On those long flights, I not only brought a suprise pack, I wrapped each suprise in birthday paper. It made my daughter happier and made the small gifts seem much more interesting. It also meant much less toddler boredom.
7. Hassle free flying Stephanie D.
Most airline now offer the option to order a child's meal which usually includes mostly finger food (ie. sandwiches, chocolate biscuits, potato chips, etc.) Take advantage of this option if it is offered - it will mean your child can largely feed himself, leaving you free to eat your meal.
Also allow your child to pack his own hand luggage with the things he wants to take. He will be happier to play with toys and games that he has chosen himself. Also pack a lucky dip bag of sweets and other treats into your hand luggage and offer the bag when all else seems to be failing.
One last point - don't forget to take your child's favourite cuddly toy onto the plane, especially if the child usually sleeps with the toy!
8. Relax... Jennifer L.
Use a drop or two of lavender essential oil on your collarbone or wrists to help both the baby/toddler and yourself to relax during the flight. Also, try Badger Sleep Balm (can be bought at health food stores). The essential oils help calm my toddler, and myself on flights...Maybe not enough to sleep, but it does help!!
How to Fly With a Baby Planning ahead can make a world of difference in maintaining your sanity when you're traveling the friendly skies with your adorable little one.
Steps:
1. Book a nonstop flight during off-peak hours, and hope for empty seats.
2. Book in advance, if possible, and select the seats you want. Where there are three-seated rows, you can often request a window seat and an aisle seat and then have one seat for your supplies.
3. Check with the airline about what you can bring on the plane. If the flight is not full, you can often bring an airline-approved car seat onboard even if you didn't buy an extra ticket. Also, most airlines will allow you to check a fold-up stroller at the gate.
4. Inquire about services and amenities when you book the flight. Does the airline provide a bassinet? Does it provide special food for babies?
5. Consider taking a red-eye if it's a long flight. Although you may not get a good night's sleep, it may be easier for your baby to travel at night and avoid dramatic changes in routine.
6. Try to fly with another adult, who can offer an extra pair of hands and provide additional ideas for entertaining the baby.
7. Bring food, bottles and new toys as well as old favorites. Also bring an extra pair of baby clothes and plenty of diapers. Being stranded in a plane with a baby in wet clothes or diapers does not bode well for anyone on the plane.
8. Travel equipped with medical records and your pediatrician's phone number if your baby takes medication.
9. Preboard. If you're choosing seats, try to sit near other families. In addition to the distraction other children can provide, another family may tolerate your child's temper tantrum better than most other travelers.
10. Offer your baby a bottle, cup or breast on the ascent and descent. Swallowing helps eliminate any discomfort from changing air pressure.
Tips:
Do a diaper change in an airport bathroom before boarding.
Children under 2 fly for free but sit on your lap. Consider buying a ticket for your baby. It's safer to bring a child's car seat on board.
Warnings:
If your child has a cold or any upper-respiratory symptoms prior to the flight, check with a healthcare provider about whether to fly at all.
How to Prevent Jet Lag Jet lag doesn't have to ruin the first few days of your trip abroad. A few simple tips will help keep it in check.
Steps:
1. Start shifting your sleep-wake cycle to match that of your destination several days before departure, changing at the rate of one hour per day.
2. Begin adjusting to the time zone of your destination by resetting your watch at the beginning of your flight.
3. Sleep on the plane when it is nighttime at your destination. Earplugs, headphones and eye masks can help diminish noise and light.
4. Stay awake on the plane when it is daytime at your destination. Read a thriller with the light on and the window shade open, or cruise the aisles.
5. Drink plenty of water. The air on planes is extremely dry, and dehydration can worsen the effects of jet lag.
6. Avoid alcohol and caffeine while flying. They increase dehydration.
7. Exercise as much as you can on the flight during waking hours: stretch, walk down the aisles and do leg lifts.
Some more tips:-
1. Avoiding jet lag Hazel W.
When flying, stay awake whatever it takes when it is daylight outside. When it's dark out, sleep - this may mean refusing meals. After arrival at your destination, stay awake until bedtime.
2. Traveling overseas Jacquilyne
If you arrive at your destination in the evening, you can go to sleep immediately. If you arrive in the morning or afternoon, take a 4 to 5 hour nap. After waking, stay up until at least 9 p.m. Your body will be on overseas time in the morning.
3. Do not sleep Eszter L.
Under no circumstances should you take a nap if you arrive at your destination in the morning. I fly all over the world from Australia. I stay awake until local bedtime - which is really difficult after a 30-hour flight. Also, take melatonin.
How to Recover From Jet Lag Maybe you pictured taking the Louvre by storm the minute you stepped off that plane in Paris, but though your mind's willing, your body's not. When you travel to a new time zone, your internal clock needs time to adjust. Insomnia, fatigue, lack of appetite at meals and a ravenous appetite at the wrong times are all signs of jet lag.
Steps:
1. Drink plenty of water as you travel to your destination and after you arrive. If you are dehydrated, it will take you longer to adapt to the new time zone.
2. Sleep on the plane to be alert and awake if you will be arriving in the morning or early afternoon. Stay awake on the plane to be sleepy upon arrival if you'll reach your destination in the evening or at night.
3. If you arrive at your final destination in the morning, try to stay awake all day. Drink small amounts of coffee, tea or caffeinated soda to wake you up (too much caffeine will further disrupt your sleep cycle). Keep napping to a minimum.
4. If you arrive in the evening, go to sleep at your normal bedtime according to the new time zone. That is, if your bedtime at home is 11 p.m., go to bed at that time in your new location. You may want to ask your doctor to recommend an over-the-counter sleeping aid.
5. If your trip is shorter than 48 hours, schedule meetings according to your home time zone. If the new time zone is 3 hours ahead of your normal time, schedule late morning or afternoon meetings when you will be awake and alert. For example, a 1 p.m. meeting is at 10 a.m. according to your internal clock.
6. Expose yourself to bright light and exercise in the morning in the new time zone. This helps reset your internal clock.
7. Eat small meals throughout the day while you adjust to the new mealtimes. Keep a snack by your bed if your regular dinnertime occurs in the middle of the night in the new time zone.
8. Give your body time to make the switch. If you feel very drowsy during the day, take a nap for up to one hour, but make sure it's before evening. Avoid pushing yourself too hard during the first few days.
Overall Tips:
To minimize the effects of jet lag, start adjusting your internal clock before you depart. Go to sleep an hour earlier or later on the days leading up to your departure.
Generally, it is more difficult to adjust to a time zone when you are traveling east, because you must wake up and go to sleep earlier than you're used to.
How to Treat Jet Lag Flying across numerous time zones can affect travelers for days. Try the following tips to speed up the adjustment process.
Daytime Arrival
Steps:
1. Reset your watch to local time if you haven't done so already.
2. Eat a protein-packed breakfast, such as an omelet, which will help you stay awake.
3. Soak up natural sunlight to cue your body that it is time to be awake. Or spend your first day in well-lighted places.
4. Get some exercise, but don't overdo it; a good option is a gentle walk outside during the day to get fresh air and keep your body moving.
5. Take a short nap if you are really weary, but do so before 2 p.m. and sleep for no longer than an hour.
6. Go to bed at a reasonable time. Even if you feel like dropping off at 5 p.m., try to hold out until at least 8 or 9 p.m. so that you won't wake up too early the next morning.
Nighttime Arrival
Steps:
1. Eat a high-carbohydrate meal, such as pasta, to help make you drowsy.
2. Plan to go to bed at the local bedtime, even if you aren't sleepy.
3. Think about other ways to induce sleep: a hot bath with lavender oil, a cup of chamomile tea or a massage. Keep lights dim.
4. Avoid sleeping late, even if you did not sleep well.
Tips:
Make sure your hotel room is not too hot. You'll get the best night's sleep in a cool (but not cold) room.
Warnings:
Avoid drinking alcohol to help you sleep. It will interfere with your body's natural sleep patterns. Also avoid drinking a lot of caffeinated beverages to keep yourself awake during the day. These will dehydrate you and make you more tired when they wear off.
Avoid driving, especially in an unfamiliar place, if you are overtired. If you must drive while fatigued, be very careful. Keep the window open and make frequent stops to keep sleepiness at bay.
How to Exercise on a Plane Combat poor circulation, swelling, sore joints and lethargy on cramped flights by doing a short exercise routine. At the very least, you'll entertain your fellow passengers.
Steps:
1. Squeeze a tennis ball, a racquetball or even a pair of socks with your hands until they're tired.
2. Keep the balls of your feet planted and raise your legs using your calf muscles. If this is too easy, place your carry-on bag on your knees. Continue until tired.
3. Plant your heels firmly and raise your toes as high as possible. Hold for five seconds, and relax. Repeat until tired.
4. Place your hands on your armrests and raise your knees slowly (together is harder than one at a time) toward your chin. Lower them slowly. Repeat until tired.
5. Cross your legs. Rotate the dangling foot in as wide a circle as possible. Continue until tired.
6. Stretch your neck by keeping your chin close to your throat and tilting your head forward. Roll your head from one shoulder to the other, but avoid rotating it backward.
7. Flex your trapezius muscles by doing shoulder hunches. Lower your shoulders, and then raise them up toward your ears into a shrug. Hold for five seconds. Continue until tired.
8. Arch your torso gently backward and forward like a cat.
9. Flex your gluteus muscles and hold for as long as possible. Squeezing your rear like this may occasion strange glances, but these muscles are the biggest in the human body and need to be exercised, too.
Tips:
When aisles are relatively empty and the seatbelt sign is off, walk around, stretch and do lunges. To lunge, take a big step (about half your height) and gently lower yourself as far as you can while keeping the torso upright and back leg straight. Return to a standing position by stepping either forward with the rear foot or backward with the front foot. Repeat. Once you become skilled, you'll be able to work up a sweat (and an audience) lunging to the toilet and back.
Hope that gives you all some help ;)
Sasha :)