The key to stress-free air travel with young kids in tow is to plan ahead, do your homework, and really think through your options before the day of your flight.

Here are my top 4 tips on caring for young children while traveling by plane:

Strength in numbers.

Try traveling with one adult for every two kids (taking three or more kids on your own will make any parent's hair go gray). Book a non-stop flight (boarding and deplaning is very cumbersome), and take just a single backpack as a carry-on.

Tire them out.

Some parents advocate giving your child Benadryl to make them sleepy. My husband, Ron, and I have given our kids Benadryl in the past while traveling, but have debated it each time. When deciding whether or not it's the right choice for your family, it helps to weigh the risks:

• Antihistamines can sometimes have the opposite effect on your child, making them hyper and irritable instead of sleepy. You'll want to do a "test run" a few days before you travel if this is a solution you want to try.
• Depending on the dosage and weight of your child, the antihistamine may take several hours to wear off. Carrying your bags and your groggy child is probably more than your arms were ready for. If you have a short flight or connections, you may want to opt for distracting them with activities instead.
• When traveling to different time zones, keep in mind your child's sleeping schedule in your arrival city.  They may have been sound asleep on the flight giving you peace, but are wide awake at your destination just when you're ready to snooze!

Bring toys and games.

Avoid sedating your child by toting along portable video players or activity books. Pack snacks just in case meals are not served or there are major delays. Check out another post I wrote back in May for more activities for kids.

Home remedies.

Take-off and landing are brutal on kids’ ears, so bring a bottle for infants and chewing gum for kids to help their ears pop!

Have you given your child Benadryl or other antihistamines when traveling? Do you have a favorite strategy or go-to game you use when traveling with your kids? Share your thoughts and experiences with the Care.com community!

Cheers,

Sheila