If you’re starting to feel panicked about boarding a long-haul flight with kids, read on to discover what these Christchurch mums recommend as their travel must-haves.
Whether it’s a ‘quick’ one to Fiji or a mammoth trip to Europe, flying with kids of any age can be tough. Odds are you won’t be the only couple on the flight with little ones (strength in numbers!), but if you’re feeling nervous about your kids being, well, “those kids”, on long-haul flights, we’ve chatted to Christchurch mums to see what they recommend that you bring with you. These could be a lifesaver, you never know.
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What to bring on long-haul flights with kids:
Headphones
If screen time is your saviour, a decent pair of headphones will go a long way in helping to keep toddlers locked into a movie or concentrating on a game. Headphones provided by airlines often won’t fit well on little ears and aren’t the most comfortable when you wear them for long periods. Pack your child’s favourite pair, or buy a new set for the occasion. We’d recommend those that plug in over rechargeable headphones, in case you can’t find a free charging port.
These headphones from Smiggle come in cute colours and designs, as well as a tangle-free cord and adjustable headband.
Shop here.
Tablet
Obviously.
When it comes to surviving a long-haul flight with kids, screentime rules tend to go out the window (at least they do for us!). Top of the list for most Christchurch mums that we asked, you don’t need to spend thousands on a tablet that will most likely be banged and dropped before you even get through security. Affordable options such as Lenovo and Everis will do the job.
Shop these brands from The Warehouse and JB Hi-Fi.
Snacks. All the snacks.
Is there anything worse than a ‘hangry’ toddler?
Pack snacks. All of the snacks. A top tip from our #nookmumhive was to grab a compartment storage box, such as this $8 one from Kmart. Fill it with different snacks to keep mouths fed and little hands busy, it fits neatly into a carry-on and prevents any spillage. Heck, by several!
In-flight Phone Mount
Don’t want to fork out on a new tablet? Use your phone and this in-flight phone mount to keep kids happy. Good ol’ Kmart comes to the rescue with this $15 gadget that tucks into the tray table in front of you. Great if your child gets tired of holding your phone, or is having a meal. Christchurch mums are bringing out the big guns with this one. Genius.
Shop here.
Fly Legs Up Travel Hammock
We’ve seen the inflatable pillows that sandwich between seats on planes, however not all airlines will allow these. Fly Legs Up is an adaptable hammock that turns into a flat platform for little ones to sleep and play on. For older kids, it provides leg support at variable heights. To be safe, you may want to check with your airline that they are happy for this to be used, and Sleepy Tot has also listed which airlines approve the product here. Bring your favourite pillow to wedge in the bottom of the hammock for extra comfort and support.
Shop here.
Kmart Toy Lucky Dip
Kmart pulls through with affordable toys and things to tinker with. They stock pre-made travel activity packs, but mums have suggested making your own ‘lucky dip’ to while away the hours. Grab a bunch of small toys and fidgets and have your children pull one thing out of the bag each hour. Your top tip was to wrap them up in tissue paper like little presents to draw the experience out. We know all of these things aren’t the most eco-friendly with all the plastic and packaging, but perhaps you could pass them on to the next mama who has a long-haul flight with kiddos coming up.
Mess-Free Colouring and Activity Books
Colouring books, drawing pads, pens and crayons are must-haves for long-haul travel, but if you’d rather avoid sitting next to a child who has decided to cover themself (or the tray table) in brightly covered felt tips, opt for mess-free. Crayola has plenty of colouring books, as do Melissa & Doug, with their “Water Wow” water reveal pads that can be reused. Kmart’s “Write and Draw Water Mat” is a great option too for those who prefer to draw, over colouring in.
CoziGo (Fly Babee) Travel Sleep Cover
Those with babes who can still fit in a bassinet will love the CoziGo. This pop-up sleep cover is multi-purpose and can fit the bassinet on a plane, and over a pram, which is great for naps while navigating the airport. It’s 100 per cent breathable and blocks 97 per cent of light from peeking through, which is a lifesaver if you’re hoping to stick to a routine while travelling – those bright lights on planes don’t play ball when it comes to your little one’s bedtime.
Shop here.
Other ‘must-haves’ for long-haul flights with kids that made your lists:
- Several spare changes of clothes for both yourself and the kids.
- Nappies and spare underwear.
- A travel thermos for making bottles (and spare bottles!)
- Portable sterilising bag – such as this one.
- Formula sachets or formula dispensers. A stackable one such as this one from NUK can save on space.
- Baby carrier to help jiggle tiny tots to sleep.
- Lollipops to suck during take-off and landing.
- Hand sanitiser and wet wipes.
- Pamol and other first aid bits.
- Window suction toys and fidget spinners.
- Busy books.
Featured image courtesy of Pexlels, image #1 credited to Smiggle NZ, image #2 courtesy of Pexels, image #3 credited to Lauren’s Latest via Pinterest, image #4 credited to Kmart, image #5 Sleepy Tot, image #6 credited to Kmart, image #7 credited to The Sleep Store
