Children are very excitable and sensitive. They may experience ear pain, noise, or even high altitude discomfort during air travel. Therefore, it's important for parents to be prepared.

Traveling with children is often an adventure for parents, especially when it comes to air travel. Children can easily become upset, cry, or restless from sitting in a confined environment for hours. This can make the journey exhausting not only for parents but also for the passengers sitting nearby. Recently, a similar incident went viral on social media when a woman shared that a small child was constantly making noise on a flight from Delhi to Kolkata, and his mother was unable to calm him down. The woman shared her story on Reddit, sparking a debate online. Some understood the parents' plight, while others said they should keep their children under control. 

Children are very excitable and sensitive. Air travel can cause ear pain, noise, or even high-altitude discomfort. Therefore, it's important for parents to be prepared and adopt some smart tips to ensure a comfortable journey for everyone. So, let's explore some common mistakes to avoid when traveling with children in this Smart Parents' Guide, which will help you travel with your children more easily. 

Smart Parents' Guide to Traveling with Kids

1. Feed at the right times:  Young children can experience ear pain from cabin pressure during flights. To ease this pain, offer your child milk or water during boarding and landing. If your child is older, offer them something to eat so that swallowing can help relieve the pressure. 

2. Bring distractions:  Distracting children on flights is crucial. Bring their favorite toys, coloring books, or soft toys. If your child enjoys cartoons or audiobooks, download them to your mobile or tablet in advance. Small surprise toys can also keep children happy and occupied. 

3. Take care of ear protection:  Plane noise can be very loud for children. So, bring along kid-friendly earmuffs or earplugs. This will help them muffle the noise and help them sleep. Also, bring their favorite blanket or neck pillow so they can sleep comfortably. 

4. Choose your seat wisely:  If you have the option, choose an aisle seat so you can easily take your child to the bathroom. Choose a bulkhead seat for long journeys. If your child moves a lot, an aisle seat is best. 

5. Tire your child out before boarding:  Let your child play, run, and jump before boarding. This will tire them out and increase their chances of falling asleep on the plane. Many airports have play areas for children; be sure to use them. 

6. Get noise-canceling headphones:  Noise-canceling headphones are available for children these days. These allow them to watch videos or listen to music without disturbing anyone, and they also protect their delicate ears. 

7. Pack their favorite snacks:  Children tend to get hungry quickly during travel. Pack their favorite crunchy snacks, healthy biscuits, or chocolates. Give them something to drink upon landing to help ease ear pressure. Be careful not to offer new or unfamiliar snacks during the trip, as they may become more irritable if they don't like them. 

8. Take occasional walks:  If the seat belt signal is off, take your child for a short walk or take them to the bathroom. Sometimes children fuss due to boredom or restlessness. A little movement can help them change their mood. Additionally, air hostesses and flight attendants receive training on how to assist passengers with children. If needed, request assistance or a seat change.