Why Do Children Cry During Air Travel?

Are you planning your first trip with your little one? Oh, we know this feeling where you experience happiness, excitement, and a lot of worry at the same time. The excitement of visiting new places with your child seems thrilling, but it also comes with a constant fear of causing them trouble. A little discomfort can make them cranky, anxious, and in bouts of cries. 

You don't want that, right? Worry not! This article talks about the most common problems of air travel with kids that most parents face. We have also shared some effective strategies to help soothe your little one to ensure you enjoy your air travel stress-free. Let's start: 

Common reasons for kids crying on planes

Besides their cranky mood, there are several reasons behind the crying fits of children during a flight. Some of the most common reasons why babies cry during flight are as follows:

Ear pain

One of the most obvious reasons for discomfort in children while traveling is ear pain caused by changes in cabin pressure. This happens because their Eustachian tubes are not completely developed compared to adults. The little ones find it hard to equalize the pressure, leading to pain and crying. 

Fear and anxiety

Let's agree nobody likes the noisy fellow passengers on the flight. Their non-stop chit-chat and loud munching noises are enough to spoil your peaceful journey. Imagine the overwhelmingness your little one experiences because of the noisy, painful noises, crowd, and unfamiliar surroundings. Everything makes them feel anxious and scared. 

Boredom  

No matter which class you are traveling - economy or premium - air travel will likely cause discomfort to your child. Sitting for long hours in a seat with limited movement can bore your little one and make them fussy. They might feel overwhelmed and likely to cry. 

Restless and Tired

Your little one is likely to develop a routine of their own and get accustomed to it. Shifting from that routine can disrupt their sleep cycle, leaving them tired and cranky. They get easily irritated and start crying now and then. This restlessness is one of the most common problems of air travel with kids. 

Hunger and Thirst

You must have seen your little one throwing tantrums or crying when hungry or thirsty. Their mood swings become more intense during the flight, where insufficient sleep and restricted space add to their problems. 

Motion sickness

Motion sickness is another common reason kids cry when traveling on a flight. Some kids might experience dizziness, vomiting, or nauseousness at the time of landing or take off. Thus making the little ones cry during the trip. 

How to stop a baby from crying on the plane?

Every problem has a solution. You can thoroughly ensure your little one enjoys their air journey with the right preparations and strategies. Here are some effective ways to help ease your child’s crying on planes. 

Feed during takeoff and landing

Landing and takeoff are difficult for adults to let go of babies. It is advised to breast feed your little one or give them a pacifier or bottle. Doing so helps relieve ear pressure, offering relief for a comfortable in-flight experience. 

Carry their favorite toys

Like you, babies also feel safe and comfortable around their favorite people, things, and surroundings. Ensure to pack their toys, stuffed plushies, blankets, or story books when on the flight. They are likely to feel calmer and relaxed seeing their familiar belongings close. 

Don't forget their snacks

Traveling with a child means you need to be extra prepared for everything. Besides their toys, snacks are the other essentials you must pack for your little one. Choose light snacks like fruits, crackers, chips, granola bars, etc. You can also choose healthy treats like Ayurveda-inspired gummies for your little ones to munch on during their flight. These gummies are made using natural ingredients and have no refined sugar. 

Keep them hydrated

When traveling, it is essential to keep the child well-hydrated. It not only comforts the ear uneasiness during takeoff and landing but also prevents dryness in the throat. You can offer water or milk to ensure they are well-hydrated throughout the journey. Always remember to keep a water bottle handy during air travel with kids. 

Choose comfortable clothing

It is normal for kids to experience frequent temperature changes during the flight. To suit these temperature changes, it is best to dress your little ones in layers so you can easily remove or add a clothing item. Try to choose clothes that do not have buttons, zippers, or anything that makes it difficult to wear or remove them. 

Be patient 

The unfamiliar surroundings of the airport and flight can easily make your baby overwhelmed and anxious. Try to soothe them with a lot of patience, gentle voice, and positive affirmations. You can gently rock or bounce them in your arms or walk up and down the aisle safely.  

Make them familiar 

Airplane journeys can be scary for your little one, especially if it is their first trip. It is best to talk to them about the airplane before the trip. You can tell them about the seats, the crowd they will see inside or the limited space they will get to play. However, don't miss telling them about the good things like beautiful clouds. 

Choose child-friendly amenities

Most airlines have an exclusive range of amenities for children. This includes children-specific meals, special seating like bassinets, or priority boarding. It is best to explore these options in the airline's services beforehand. 

Wrapping up

Children are sensitive to changes in their surroundings. This is why it is natural for them to cry on a plane journey, putting them in a completely new environment. We hope the various causes of why babies cry during flight and the solutions to bring them comfort explained in this article will greatly help your next trip. With your love, reassurance, and innovative strategies, you can make the flight travel more comfortable and pleasant for your child and the passengers accompanying you. Happy trips!