Cure Flying Phobia

Traveling alone with children can be difficult unless you are prepared. Make sure you read the TSA guidelines before you get ready to go to the airport.

Those guidelines can be found at http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm

You should always make sure you give yourself extra time to get to the airport, through security and finding your terminal that you will be departing out of.
Before arriving at the airport it is recommended that you explain what will happen at the airport and on the airplane to your child. Children may have to be reminded multiple times what will happen and what to expect as they have a short attention span.

Do not pack anything that you have questions about might pass. Pack only the essentials for your carry on bag. You should use a stroller for you child while in the airport. These should be allowed to be checked at the gate and get them back when you get off the airplane.

Umbrella strollers or smaller strollers are easier to maneuver while in a busy airport.

Also, you may consider buying a child harness from your local store where baby or child supplies are normally found. These allow you to keep better track of your child and also you can tie the hand end of the harness to the stroller to better insure you little one will not escape as easily.
Preparing for the flight is another thing to get ready for. When packing for infants you may include:

• Baby food
•  Baby utensils
• Bibs
• Diapers
• Wet wipes
• Baby toys (i.e. rattles, plastic keys)
• Pacifiers
• Formula or breast milk
• Extra clothes
• Baby bottles

When packing for toddlers many of the above still apply, but you may also include some low sugar snacks and supplies like:

• Raisins
• Cheerios
• Chex mix (without nuts)
• Cups with spill proof lids
• A small toy from home
• A special blanket or stuffed animal
• Coloring books with crayons
• A magnetic drawing board (Magnadoodle makes some that work well)
• Books that are new to your child to keep them interested

For older children find toys that are geared toward their age group. For example:

• LeapFrog makes many different LeapPads (good for large range of ages)
• Portable DVD players
• DVDs that are more for the age group of the child and/or new to the child
• Headphones for the DVD player

Remember that each child is different and will not always use the same things as other children will.
If at all possible you may want to schedule an evening or night flight so that your child has a higher chance of sleeping through the flight.

Related articles: Flying while pregnant.

Related posts:

1. Childrens Phobia’s About Fear of Flying
2. Flying With Infants