And it's already August! In the middle of the holidays for some, at the beginning for others.

If you are thinking, and “panic”, about that plane trip that you now regret having booked because you have no idea how you are going to manage the children, don’t stress (too much😂)... we are here to help!

We all know that traveling with children can be a challenge, but with some preparation and foresight it is possible to make the experience a pleasant memory.

Here are some tips from parents who are veterans in these endeavors:

⛱ When booking your flight, if possible, book your trips 1 to 2 hours after the time your children normally take their nap.

⛱ Before the trip

• Comfortable clothes that can get dirty;
• You dress them in layers;
• If possible, take two backpacks, one for hygiene items: diapers, wet wipes and extra clothes and another with toys, books and games;
• Avoid carrying loose items, reserve space in your carry-on bag to put your coats, hats and other things that children may have on hand before boarding;
• FOOD! Healthy, simple snacks that don't leave your hands and everything else sticky!

⛱ At the airport

• There are airports that prioritize pregnant women and children, others don't, but even if there isn't a specific line, ask, there are lots of nice people in this world who can help you;
• Avoid having to open your carry-on bags at security:
• Carry tablets, notebooks and other electronic instruments in the same bag (they are prohibited in checked luggage, even when switched off);
• Place all liquids in a separate clear bag;
• You have the right to bring bottles of water, baby bottles and other food products, even if they exceed 100ml;
• You can take the stroller to the boarding gate, don't forget to ask for the tag (at check-in or at the boarding gate) that indicates that it must be left at the exit of the plane and not on the conveyor belt that is the furthest away. possible exit;
• There are suitcases with wheels for older children to sit on and walk around. If you also have a baby, you can attach the handle to the stroller and pull your older one along while you push the stroller, it's a great alternative to the gym!
• Use and abuse the children's entertainment area;

⛱ Boarding:

• Pregnant women and children have priority boarding on most airlines;
• Baby carriers, slings and similar items are wonderful allies;
• When boarding the plane, if you are traveling alone with one or two children, ask the crew if the plane is full and if it is possible to change seats, if the person next to you agrees (sometimes the crew are more receptive if (for you talking to the passenger next to you);
  – Ask the person next to you if they mind changing seats, tell them that you have already spoken to the crew member and, if there is that option, it is possible. Most people understand that traveling in a tiny space with a baby is challenging and would probably prefer to trade up as well;

⛱ In the airplane

• During takeoff and landing, breastfeed (if you are the mother) or give your baby a bottle. In the case of children, give them something to drink/eat. Swallowing helps them deal with the pressure in their ears;
• If it is nap time, and the baby is still in an acceptable state, you give lunch/snack first, it can help the baby sleep a little longer;
• Eating has the advantage of taking up a good part of the flight:
  – good options include bananas, apples, blueberries, grapes, cold pasta, if you want to be adventurous with spaghetti you will have something to do during the whole flight 🤣🤣, raw carrots or cooked, cucumber or cherry tomato cut in half to avoid splashing, etc…
• Oferece primeiro os brinquedos não eletrónicos, (ajuda se fizeres uma seleção prévia de brinquedos que as crianças já não veem em casa há algum tempo);
  – lápis de cera e de carvão são uma boa escolha, não têm tampas que rolam nas descolagens e aterragens e que nunca mais vês;
• Don't rush to offer them your tablet or cell phone, let them exhaust all other alternatives; children tend to be more tired and irritable after looking at screens and it is more difficult to make them want to draw or play other things again;

⛱ Relax and have a good vacation!

Do you have any other tips that have saved your vacation? Share them with us in the comments!