Family trips can be both wonderful and difficult. We have all seen those mothers travelling with their babies, and young children that seem flustered and frazzled. Those onlookers who do not have children of their own, or have never travelled with a child will not be aware of what a child will experience on a flight to Florida, or one to Spain.
So what’s to know? Well, babies and kids might come across as spoiled or cranky in flight, but in reality they are more susceptible to encountering problems than adults are. So, whereas a grown up can focus on hitting the sandy beaches of Orlando or Miami, the thoughts of little ones are elsewhere. It is easy to forget that for all children at some stage flying will be an entirely new experience. They may be confused as to what is going on, and that is frightening.
Also, the eustachian tubes in their ears are narrower. This makes it more difficult for pressure in their noses and ears to equalize. As such, actions to open the tubes when cabin pressure changes is a very good idea. This can be done by giving the baby, or child something to eat or drink.
Even the most organized of parents might not be aware of the fact that all airlines are not equipped with food for babies or small kids. So, while a prepared parent will have snacks, those will only go so far. You can imagine the terror a mommy or a daddy would feel upon learning there was nothing for their child to eat on a long haul trip.
So, the next time you start to mumble under your breath because you are seated near a baby, or toddler, take a minute to think of what they may be experiencing. Perhaps they are not ill behaved after all, but instead uncomfortable and scared. Puts things in a whole new perspective doesn’t it.