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Planning ahead is essential for any trip by air and even more so when children are involved. Make sure you keep handy any supplies you will need to take care of any normal or special needs for the child.
Prepare for the worst: every seat will be allocated, the toilets will not have changing tables, the airline will not have any suitable food, you will be delayed for several hours, and any checked luggage will be lost. Carrying all the child's essentials is important, especially if your child is on a special diet or on medication.
Responsibilities
The crew are not responsible for supervising your child - YOU ARE. You should be aware that when walking about the aircraft with your child, hot drinks and food, silverware and other hazards are within their reach. No matter how tired you may get, your child is still your responsibility.
Pre-Boarding
Take advantage of the opportunity to pre-board the aircraft. This will give the crew the opportunity to provide you with an individual safety briefing to address your special needs.
Entertainment
Try to avoid bringing along toys that are sharp, heavy or that break easily. If the child has an electronic game, only allow them to use it during the cruise portion of flight. Electronic games may interfere with the aircraft's navigation and communication systems during other phases of flight.
Seating
All parents are encouraged to use an approved child restraint system (car seat) when travelling by air with their infants or children. The use of an approved car seat provides the greatest protection for the child in the event that the aircraft encounters turbulence. Your child is also more likely to be comfortable and behave if travelling in a familiar seat and it will be available for use at your destination.
Once on board the aircraft, the car seat must be installed in a window seat. Follow the manufacturers installation instructions for the seat as closely as possible and make certain to tighten the aircraft seat lap belt through the correct path on the car seat. Tether straps are not permitted to be used on board the aircraft, as there are no anchorage points available.
Information provided from Transport Canada Passanger T.I.P.S. http://www.tc.gc.ca/civilaviation/commerce/cabinsafety/tips/tips5.htm
Fun Aviation Links for Children
AvKids - http://www.avkids.com
NASA's Kid's Club - http://kidscorner.larc.nasa.gov/kids_corner.html
Junior Flyer - http://www.juniorflyer.com/
Airtie the Airplane - http://www.artietheairplane.com/funzonestart.html
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