By LIA SPENCER
A MONTH ago I decided to do the unthinkable in an effort to surprise my younger sister who has just become a new mum. I packed my bags, clenched my teeth and braved a 24- hour trip to Canada with a very busy two year old – alone. (*cringe*)
I couldn’t sleep for days leading up to the trip, thinking about what a nightmare it would be if Isla ended up teething or sick while on the plane, or if she decided to throw a tantrum in customs or if she felt like bursting into her very loud rendition of ‘Let it Go’ while others slept (which is actually super cute when we are at home or among friends). But thankfully Isla is an experienced flyer and handled the trip like a pro!
After we waved her daddy goodbye at the airport, I held Isla tight as we went through customs. She was too busy checking out all the Dora and Elsa bags other kids had to worry about the long line ahead. Once through, we got sucked into one of many airport gift shops and bought a keychain stuffed monkey to play with until we got on the plane.
She slept for the first flight, which meant she had tons of energy when we got to New Zealand. There, my fitbit got a huge workout as we travelled up and down the escalators about a billion times until we boarded our second flight- where our luck would have it- we got upgraded to a skycouch a row of three seats in economy which turn into a bed). Isla was then able to sleep for about nine hours out of the 13-hour flight, allowing me to get a little bit of shut eye as well.
My patience was put to the test in Vancouver,when customs and long lines seemed to take a toll on both of us, but the entire trip was worth it when we were reunited with my family in Calgary a short time later.
The two weeks we had in Canada were worth every penny and every second of airport mayhem. Isla had some great quality time with my parents, her aunts and her cousins and we were both pretty sad to leave. The trip back was bittersweet- having to leave one side of her family, but being able to return to the other.
I definitely have a new-found appreciation for parents who travel with more than one child, and though I don’t pretend in any capacity to be an expert in flying with a toddler- I do have a few tips I found helpful with my travels.
1. If possible, book an overnight flight so your child can get some rest. Change them into their pyjamas before the flight and put up the armrest so they can sleep on your lap. If you have a baby under two years you may be able to book the bassinet seat, which gives them something to sleep in and gives you a lot more leg room.
2. Pack lightly! I packed one book bag with my id, credit cards, passports and medication in the front pockets and packed toys, snacks, nappies and a change of clothes in the main section. I packed my handbag and wallet and other bulky items in my suitcase.
3. Toys and snacks, toys and snacks, toys and snacks! I packed the iPad full of her favourite Peppa Pig and Dora episodes- though she liked watching the cartoons provided on the in-flight entertainment instead. I also packed a few small toys which would take up little space and a lot of time (stickers, colouring book, flash cards and a new Elsa Barbie doll). I also packed lollipops to help relieve the pressure on her ears on take-off and landing, teddy bear biscuit packs, fruit strings, sultanas and some of her other favourite snacks.
4. Make sure to book a children’s meal. Most airlines will give you an adult meal unless you indicate otherwise. The children’s meal also comes before yours, allowing you more time to help them eat, clean-up and get organised before it’s your time to eat.
5. Plan your toilet breaks! I didn’t want to ask the crew or the woman sitting next to us to watch Isla while I used the toilets- but I am sure they would have helped if I had asked. Instead, if I knew Isla was getting sleepy, we would go to the toilet before she slept, and once again when she got up. We also went before we got on the plane and after we landed.
6. Be patient! This one is easier said than done, but the more I tried to relax, the more relaxed I found Isla was. We walked the length of the airports many times, did several flights of stairs and escalators, read books, sang songs, played games and made a few pit-stops for airport potty breaks and cafe treats.
7. Try to have fun! Every time the airplane took off, me and Isla said ‘3, 2,1 Blastoff!’ and watched the world below from her window. Every time it landed, we would hold hands and laugh in anticipation. She would squeal with excitement when the tyres reached the runway and I would take a huge deep breath in relief that it was over.
