Kids

Flying with kids

• Let the booking agent know you have small kids, so try and get seats next to each other and preferably right in front for minimal disruption. Do an online check in if possible.

• Preferably night or off peak flights.

• Remember most airports have priority check-in’s for families with small kids and some airlines have sky cots (similar to car seats).

• Kids should wear slip on shoes- easy off and on (crocs etc).

• Kids should take a bathroom trip as close to boarding time as possible, especially if flight is delayed.

• Gum for take-off and landing. Kids should pop their ears continuously as well. For infants use a dummy, bottle etc for take-off and landing to help with blocking of ears.

• If your kid has very bad issues with ears on take-off and landing, ask the flight attendant to soak a couple of paper napkins in very, very hot water. Wring the napkins out and stick them in the bottom of plastic drink cups. Put the cups over your kids’ ears. It creates a vacuum, and reduces the pressure fast, works like a charm

• Books, Games, toys, PSP, iPads etc help a lot. Check with your airline if they have kiddie’s packs.

• Use good airlines who provide better inflight entertainment (games etc) Emirates, Cathay pacific etc

• If possible get a good headphone set for the entertainment, not the type that goes right into your ears which can irritate kids. Most airlines have good headphones nowadays.

• Take Medicines just in case: Ponado, Valoid , Rescue drops etc, Antihistamines and other mild sedatives can help but have many side effects – so be careful and rather discuss with your Pead.   Also remember to check the rules with regards to liquids in hand luggage.

• Take sufficient reduced sugar food and drinks to munch on 

• Take a few Ziploc or other bags for any mishaps. Remember an extra set of clothes easily accesible for kiddies being potty trained or with diahrrea etc. Extra nappies, wipes etc in case of flight delays

• If your kid throws an unreasonable tantrum, exercise lots of patience but at the same time let fellow passengers know that you are trying to deal with the situation. This way you will have less upset passengers 

• If your kids suffer from motion sickness, take medication from SA. Difficult to get Valoid in Saudi

Kids in Haram

• Get Tyvek wrist bands (kidzid.co.za) and write you saudi cell number and place on kids incase they get lost

• Get a comfortable leash or similar for smaller kids - helps during crouds

• Don’t rush in performing Umrah with kids, especially if its late at night.  If they fall asleep in the Haram its extremely difficult to move with them

• There are golf carts on the second and third floor to perform Saee(at a charge) incase its difficult with the kids

• Reward your kids for great behaviour- Baskin Robbins is perfect :)

• Generally, kids are not allowed on the top floor of the Haram