Best Airlines Providing Childcare

It’s no secret that flying with little ones can be stressful and challenging. It’s important that when you fly with young children, you have everything you need to keep them happy.

How the airline assists you can have a huge impact on your overall experience. Helpful cabin crew and handy extras can make the difference between a nightmare flight and a calm one.

Some airlines tend to be better at catering for families and children during flights, and have policies and procedures in place to make things easier for parents.

If you do your research, you might be surprised by what some airlines offer. Certain child friendly airlines will offer things like a quiet area, extra help and even a nanny service. It’s definitely worth paying a little extra for some of these services or spending some time selecting the right airline for your family.

Although some budget airlines that do cheap flights do also offer a helping hand. We have done some research for you and hand-picked some of the best airlines for those flying with children, some of which actually offer childcare and nannies.

Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways offers a flying nanny, who helps cater to the needs of all the families on board. According to the airline, ‘Every Flying Nanny will be equipped with a goody bag of games and activities to help keep the kids occupied, easing the pressure on you.’

They can be there during the flight to provide an extra pair of hands, and to help you look after your kids during the flight. This service is particularly valuable during long haul flights, which can take a lot of patience.

Any flight over a few hours is going to be challenging, as kids get bored and frustrated. Etihad Airways also provides a kids section with inflight entertainment including animated characters, interactive games, TV and Disney films.

Gulf Air

Gulf Air is another family friendly airline that offers a ‘sky nanny’. The service is available from 1830 until 0200 each day. Their sky nanny arranges dining times, gives your children attention and finds things to keep them occupied during the flight.

‘Working on board all wide-bodied aircraft flying long haul routes, Sky Nannies offer help with boarding and disembarkation, give parents that much needed break during a long flight and generally provide a watchful eye on the little ones.’

Nanny in the clouds

Nanny in the Clouds is a company that helps to provide parents with help in the skies. It matches parents who are flying with their children with other passengers on the same flight who are willing to help for a fee. This gives parents some handy extra help while they enjoy some down time, and it also gives passengers the chance to earn a bit of extra cash. You register on the site and search for babysitters on board specific flights. CFO Matt Melnick explains

‘About two years ago, I took a cross country flight with my two year old son. It was really stressful, I wished I had someone to help me get through security and entertain my son on the plane. At one point on my flight, I looked around the plane and thought, there should be someone on this flight who might want to help me! I could pay them!’

There are also companies that can cater to parents who have to fly and travel a lot, providing bespoke nannies willing to work unusual hours. Flying Tots for example offers a nanny service to airline pilots, cabin crew and career professionals.

Tips for keeping babies calm on flights

First of all, even though it may be difficult, try not to get too stressed out, as this will only make your baby more unsettled. It’s also OK to ask for help or assistance from the airline staff should you need it. Just ignore any looks you get if your baby is crying, the majority of people will sympathise with you.

One of the reasons why babies cry and get distressed on planes is the pressure, which can affect their ears. Sucking on something can help ease this discomfort. Offer your child a bottle, breastfeed or a pacifier, especially during take-off and landing when the pressure is higher.

If at all possible, schedule your flight to coincide with sleep or nap time, and try and keep to some sort of routine. Try and choose seats with a little extra leg room and thinks strategically about where you sit on the flight, and how close you are to the facilities you need.

The most important thing to do is to make sure you are adequately prepared for the flight and have everything you and your baby might need. Don’t forget to bring comfort items for your baby, medications and baby wipes!

Helpful accessories for parents

Here are some helpful accessories you may wish to bring on your flight to help you manage the kids and keep them busy.

- dummies, pacifiers

- blankets

- comfort toys and distraction toys

- cleaning products

- books, interactive games, tablets

- snacks, food and drinks

- a night light to comfort them when the lights go out

- bring a few wrapped presents as a surprise

- zip lock bags

- change of clothes