How to Keep Your Child from Being the Bane of the Entire Plane

With summer quickly approaching , thoughts of a sunny exotic escape enter the mind. Sipping chilled rose , donning a big hat, even bigger sunglasses and high heels poolside . * Enter screeching halt here*.

That was then and this is now . Thoughts of fear , anxiety and question now enter the mind . Is Junior going to be the one that screams the whole flight? Falls asleep and does such a big pee that it flows through the seat onto the legs of the child-less passenger behind? Or maybe , just maybe, they will be the perfect little angel you raised them to be.

As I am coming up to my 100th flight with my daughter Stella in 3 years ( most of which I have done on my own) I have had all of the above and more happen to me many times over. I have survived and so will you. ( A big glass of Sauvignon Blanc at destination , doesn't hurt either)

Here is a collection of tips that continue to stand the test of time.

Airline Selection : Westjet. Westjet. Westjet. They have Treehouse on their live TV .

When to Fly: I prefer to fly mid-morning . Kids have had a good nights rest , as have you (hopefully). They are fed and alert and ready for the adventure. As the day gets later , anything can happen and usually does. Too tired , too fidgetty .

Seat Selection : Chose window and middle, but call the airline to book it. They will make note and more often than not you will end up with a bench (capacity permitting) The airline will never separate a child with parent. (wishful thinking)

Security : Be extra conscious to avoid metal belt buckles , difficult shoes or boots and anything that will beep .

To Stroller or not to Stroller: I personally like to bring a stroller . You can hang your bags on it and move faster to the custom line. Security will involve some juggling but it's worth it.

Carry-Ons: Less is more .

-Bring the favorite animal and blanket.

-3 markers , no more it's pointless and you will be looking for lids in places you'd rather not. Sticker books are great too. In a pinch the barf bag makes a great puppet.

- Headphones, the tv works before take-off . Take advantage of the distraction.

-Snacks: Grapes, Goldfish, an empty sippy cup, cream cheese /cheese whiz tortilla roll up, are all good because they stay together are easy to eat .. Westjet now offers LifeStyle Cranberry Citrus cookies and baked Bits and Bites. Buy water or fill up at the water fountain once you go through security .

Back -Up Clothes: Pants, shirt and socks, keep them basic and easy to slip on in the seat, just like nothing ever happened. Wink wink! Don't forget an empty plastic bag, barf bag can also be used.

In- Flight Toilet: The flush of an airplane is loud and frightening for little ones ,especially when they are standing at ear level of that silver hole to nowhere. Make sure you pick your child up and open the door before you hit the flush button .

Ask For Help : Flight attendants are more than happy to help with extra blankets and snacks. As well if you have to use the washroom and little Sally is snoozing.

Having said that , I am off to pack for flight #99 , Calgary to Toronto at 9 AM on Westjet.

Happy travels.

Kiki Buttignol, Model Mom
		About the author:
		Born and raised in downtown Toronto, Kiki picked up a knack for fashion at a very young age. As the daughter of a television producer father and a model turned university professor, all things fancy, funky and fabulous were all at eye level.
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