Heading off on holiday with a young child who can’t sit still? 

<p>'Preparation is key' before embarking on a flight with young children and toddlers according to mummy blogger and travel publicist Shilpa from '<a href="http://mustbethemummy.com/about-me-2/" target="_blank">Must Be The Mummy</a>'. </p><p>Any parent who has taken young children on a plane will know that it's not a walk in the park, and planning games, activities and creating a comfortable environment can be lifesavers. Shilpa says, 'we tend to find that the kids are so excited about going on a plane that a couple of hours into the flight their enthusiasm turns into exhaustion.'</p><p>With Shilpa's help, we've compiled a list of useful ideas for keeping your kids entertained and comfortable on a plane, so you know that you're super prepared before embarking on your summer holiday.</p><h2>1. Get comfy</h2><p>'A blanket, pillow and cuddles normally helps them get forty winks,' explains Shilpa.</p><p>Dress them in super soft and loose-fitting <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/kids/D25,default,sc.html" target="_blank">clothes</a> or even <a href="http://direct.asda.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-ASDA-Site/default/Search-Show?q=pyjamas&cgid=10&ccgid=10#http://direct.asda.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-ASDA-Site/default/Search-Show?q=pyjamas&cgid=10&ccgid=10" target="_blank">pyjamas</a>, with <a href="http://direct.asda.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-ASDA-Site/default/Search-Show?q=children+shoes&cgid=10&ccgid=10#http://direct.asda.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-ASDA-Site/default/Search-Show?q=children+shoes&cgid=10&ccgid=10" target="_blank">shoes</a> that are easy to slip on and off. If you've got space in your hand luggage, bring a light <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/home-gardens/blankets-throws/D26M01G01C14,default,sc.html#http://direct.asda.com/george/home-gardens/blankets-throws/D26M01G01C14,default,sc.html" target="_blank">blanket</a> for them to snuggle in and sleep under, along with a small <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/home-garden/pillows/D26M04G04C07,default,sc.html#http://direct.asda.com/george/home-garden/pillows/D26M04G04C07,default,sc.html" target="_blank">pillow</a> to encourage them to get really cosy.</p><p><img alt="istock-514319630__hero" class="ci-image ci-hero" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/istock-514319630__hero_GL?scl=1"></p><h2>2. Grab a window seat</h2><p>Try and book a window seat for them so during take off and landing they can gaze at all the buildings below. Shilpa says, 'my kids love looking out the window and using their imaginations to find care bears and animals in the cloud shapes.'</p><p><img alt="child_looking_out_of_plane__hero" class="ci-image ci-hero" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/child_looking_out_of_plane__hero_GL?scl=1"></p><h2>3. Meet the pilot</h2><p>Build excitement by organising to meet the pilot &ndash; according to EasyJet, you should talk to the in-flight staff when you board the plane to ask if this is a possibility. </p><p><img alt="kid_in_a_cockpit__hero" class="ci-image ci-hero" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/kid_in_a_cockpit__hero_GL?scl=1"></p><h2>4. Stickers and colouring books</h2><p>Shilpa says, 'we always make sure we have a couple of colouring books and pencils to keep the kids happy. And when those are exhausted there&rsquo;s always Peppa Pig or Hank Zipzer on the iPad.'</p><p>You'll be surprised just how well stickers can keep a child entertained. Star Wars fans can pick up a <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/kids-book-chart/star-wars-rogue-one-ultimate-sticker-encyclopedia/910002962466" target="_blank">Star Wars Sticker Encyclopedia</a>; a fact-packed sticker book with more than 1,000 stickers to keep them going for hours. Alternatively, colouring books are a great option for children (and adults!) to pass the time. Pick up our Pokémon Creative Colouring book, Harry Potter Magical Creatures Colouring Book and Wonder Woman Colouring by DC Comics for hours of colouring fun. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="colouring-books-and-sticker-books" class="ci-image ci-original" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/colouring-books-and-sticker-books_GL?scl=1"></p><h2>5. Have something to read</h2><p>Books can help build kids' imaginations and a great for taking on journeys. For kids who have just started school, anything by Julia Donaldson with beautiful illustrations will go down a treat - we love <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/kids-book-chart/hardback-what-the-ladybird-heard-on-holiday-by-julia-donaldson/910003190243" target="_blank"><em>What The Ladybird Heard On Holiday</em></a>. For older children, give them a new page-turner to get stuck into, like <em><a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/kids-book-chart/paperback-fantastic-beasts-where-to-find-them-by-j.k.-rowling/910003037009" target="_blank">Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them</a> </em>by J.K.Rowling or <em><a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/kids-book-chart/hardback-the-midnight-gang-by-david-williams/910002653101" target="_blank">The Midnight Gang</a></em> by David Walliams. </p><p><img alt="girl_reading_a_book__hero" class="ci-image ci-hero" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/girl_reading_a_book__hero_GL?scl=1"></p><h2>6. Invest in some snacks</h2><p>'If we are going long haul, we make sure the kids are fed and watered before we get on the plane just in case the food on the flight isn&rsquo;t a hit,' explains Shilpa. 'In addition, we always stock up after we have gone through passport control and buy favourites like raisins, cheese sandwiches and general toddler snacks before we board.'</p><p>Eating or drinking something whilst taking off and landing can also help take the pressure off your little one's ears. Things like <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/kids-fruit-snacking/asda-yogurt-coated-raisins/910001315280" target="_blank">raisins</a>, <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/7099-calories/kelloggs-special-k-red-berries-cereal-bars/910001980621" target="_blank">granola bars</a> or <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/search/crackers" target="_blank">crackers</a> will keep them satisfied and it will also mean they don't bother you for sugary treats off the trolley. </p><p><img alt="kid_eating_on_a_plane__hero" class="ci-image ci-hero" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/kid_eating_on_a_plane__hero_GL?scl=1"></p><h2>7. Card games</h2><p>A pack of cards is the oldest and easiest form of entertainment and is well worth popping in your bag before a flight. Try teaching them simple games like snap and pairs, before venturing into rummy and solitaire. You can also pick up the brand new Despicable Me 3 Trading Cards - there are over 190 cards to collect, including movie story cards, puzzle cards and super special shiny cards in the game. </p><p><img alt="child_holding_cards__hero" class="ci-image ci-hero" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/child_holding_cards__hero_GL?scl=1"></p><h2>8. Back-up plan</h2><p>When all else fails, load up your smartphone or tablet with age-appropriate apps to keep little ones occupied (or get an inexpensive <a href="http://direct.asda.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-ASDA-Site/default/Search-Show?q=tablet&cgid=10&ccgid=10#http://direct.asda.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-ASDA-Site/default/Search-Show?q=tablet&cgid=10&ccgid=10" target="_blank">children's gaming tablet</a>), and give your fellow travellers a moment of peace and quiet. Download their favourite TV show or film to keep them quiet for hours. Don't forget to bring <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/shelf/audio/over-in-ear-headphones/1215246963339" target="_blank">headphones</a>!</p><p><img alt="child_playing_computer_game__hero" class="ci-image ci-hero" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/child_playing_computer_game__hero_GL?scl=1"></p><p><em>For everything you need to create the most peaceful, stress-free family trip possible, head <a href="http://www.asda.com/" target="_blank">online</a> or pop into your <a href="http://storelocator.asda.com/#!/" target="_blank">local Asda store</a></em></p>

8 ways to keep your kids entertained on a plane

By Asda Good Living,2nd July 2017

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