Traveling with Children, Tips for Nigerian Families

Travelling abroad with children is one of the great joys of family life, but it takes preparation. With a little planning, a long trip with little ones can be smooth and even fun. Here are practical tips for Nigerian families travelling with children.

Sort the children’s documents early

Every child needs their own passport and, where required, their own visa, including babies. Sort these well ahead. If a child is travelling with only one parent or without both parents, carry a letter of consent and proof of your relationship, as officers often ask. Our guide on travel documents helps.

Choose your flights wisely

When booking, think about timing. Flights that align with the children’s sleep can mean they rest through much of the journey. Consider seats together, and for long trips, a direct flight spares everyone a stressful connection with tired children. A little thought at booking pays off.

At the airport with children

Airports with children take extra time, so arrive early and stay calm. Many airports offer family lanes and priority boarding, so ask. Keep the children close through security and immigration, have their documents ready, and let them stretch their legs before boarding a long flight.

Packing for children

Pack a well stocked bag for the children in your hand luggage, with snacks, drinks, a change of clothes, nappies if needed, wipes, and comfort items like a favourite toy. Having what they need to hand prevents most in flight meltdowns.

Keeping children entertained

Boredom is the enemy on a long flight. Bring plenty of entertainment, downloaded films, games, books and small activities, to keep them occupied. New little toys or activities they have not seen before work especially well. Screens have their place on a long journey.

Book family flights with Book with Hadey →

Managing ears and comfort

Children’s ears can hurt during take off and landing. For babies, feeding or a dummy helps, and older children can chew or sip a drink. Dress them in comfortable layers, as planes can be cold or warm, and bring a blanket for sleep.

Feeding and snacks

Bring food and snacks the children will actually eat, as airline meals may not appeal. For babies, carry enough formula, milk or food for the journey plus extra for delays. Keeping hunger at bay keeps everyone happier.

Helping children sleep

If the flight covers their bedtime, help them sleep with a familiar routine, a comfort item, and a calm environment. A well rested child copes far better with the journey and with jet lag. Our guide on surviving jet lag applies to children too, gently.

Safety and staying together

Keep the children close in busy airports and unfamiliar places. Agree a plan for what they do if separated, teach older ones your phone number, and keep a recent photo. A little caution keeps everyone safe in the crowds.

Where to stay with children

Where you stay matters with a family. Space to spread out, a kitchen for the children’s meals, and separate rooms make a huge difference. For stays in Nigeria, a short let apartment often suits families far better than a hotel room.

Patience above all

Finally, travel with patience. Things will not go perfectly, and that is fine. Build in extra time, keep calm when the children are tired, and remember that the journey is part of the adventure. A relaxed parent makes for calmer children.

Frequently asked questions

Do children need their own passport? Yes, every child needs their own passport and, where required, their own visa, including babies.

How do I keep children happy on a long flight? Snacks, entertainment, comfort items and a little patience. New small activities work especially well.

What if I am travelling with one parent only? Carry a letter of consent from the other parent and proof of your relationship to the child.

Book seats together

When travelling with children, try to book your seats together, so you can sit with them, help them, and keep them settled. Booking early gives you the best chance of seats side by side, which matters a great deal on a long flight with little ones. It is worth checking this when you book.

Prepare them for the trip

Children cope better when they know what to expect. Talk to them about the flight, the airport and the journey beforehand, in a fun, positive way. For a first flight especially, a little preparation turns nerves into excitement, and makes the whole experience smoother for them and for you.

Managing tiredness and tantrums

Tired children can be difficult, and that is normal. Build in rest, keep snacks handy for low moments, and stay calm when things get tricky. Other parents understand, and a patient, reassuring approach settles most upsets far faster than frustration ever could.

Enjoy the adventure together

Amid the planning, remember to enjoy it. Travelling opens your children’s eyes to the world, and the memories you make together are worth every bit of the effort. Take photos, savour the moments, and enjoy the adventure as a family.

Travelling with children takes preparation, but with the right planning it becomes a wonderful family adventure. Pack well, choose your flights wisely, and travel with patience. When you are ready, book your family flights with Book with Hadey.