Summer is in full swing, and while some travellers are off on trips with friends or on solo retreats, many of us are travelling with far less predictable companions. For parents flying with babies or toddlers, the prospect of air travel can be daunting.
“Pre-travel anxiety is incredibly common, especially before flying with young children for the first time,” says Sreevidhya Srinivas, a clinical psychologist for children and adolescents at Dubai’s Medcare Camali Clinic. “Parents aren’t just handling the logistics of travel, they’re also managing uncertainty, expectations and the emotional weight of worrying that things might go wrong.”
Having taken 17 flights with my now 22-month-old daughter, I get it. Gone are the days when my biggest concern was the in-flight movie. Now, flying means juggling naps, snacks and toddler moods. But what I’ve learnt is that it can go smoothly. And even when it doesn’t, it is short-lived.
Here are 10 tips to make your next flight with little ones as fuss-free as possible.
1. Babies can travel earlier than you might think
My daughter’s first flight was at three months. She had reflux, colic and was entirely unpredictable. But the eight-hour flight from Dubai to Glasgow, although intense and sleepless, was manageable. The upside of flying with such young babies is that they’re immobile, small enough for the bassinet and mostly unaware of the chaos around them. The downside is their constant, unpredictable needs and that parents are navigating the journey on newborn-induced fatigue.
Airlines in the UAE, including Emirates and Etihad, usually allow babies to fly from seven days old, although medical clearance may be needed for those under two weeks or born prematurely.
“Most healthy, full-term infants can safely fly from two weeks,” says Dr Mohammed Harriss, a pulmonology specialist from Medcare Royal Specialty Hospital. “Where possible, I recommend waiting until they are six to eight weeks old. By then, babies have had their first vaccines and are more resilient to germs in crowded spaces.”
2. Master the airport experience
Skip duty-free shopping and instead use airport time to manage nappy changes and let toddlers burn off energy. I recommend arriving about two hours before your flight to check in, pass security and navigate terminals with little ones in tow.
If you’re flying with young children, you can’t use UAE e-gates, but family lanes at both Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports help speed up immigration. At security, laptops or iPads typically need to come out of bags, so have them handy. Flag to staff that you have baby liquids with you as these may need to be swabbed, but there’s no limit to how much you can bring. Whether you have to fold your pram depends on the airport and, in my experience, on the staff on duty. It’s best to be mentally prepared for it. A baby carrier can help here.
Once through formalities, Dubai International has a small play area near the B-Gates with a slide and climbing frame. Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport has a play space for under-sixes just after passport control, and a sensory room, which is great for early or late flights.
“These rooms serve as excellent environments for self-regulation,” says Dr Srinivas. “They reduce auditory and visual input and help facilitate emotional downregulation.” You can prebook a 45-minute slot or just turn up and see if there is space.
Many airlines also offer early family boarding, a small but useful win for getting settled before passengers join.
3. Book a neighbour-free seat
My number one travel hack when flying with little ones is to go with Etihad and take advantage of its Economy Neighbour-Free seats.
I’ve paid between Dh250 and Dh650 for this service, which allows you to block the seat beside you, giving your infant their own space for a fraction of the cost of a child’s fare. It’s not guaranteed, as it depends on flight loads, but it’s saved me hundreds of dirhams compared to buying a second seat.
Emirates and Qatar Airways offer similar options, but these can’t be pre-booked and can only be requested at the airport, subject to availability. If you do get the extra seat, your child still needs to be on your lap for take-off, landing and turbulence, but the added space is a game-changer.
4. Request a bassinet
Bassinet seats are usually in the bulkhead row, meaning more space. Even if your child has outgrown the bassinet itself, which is likely given they are restricted for children who are more than 11kg or 75cm on both Emirates and Etihad, the extra legroom is still valuable. Call your airline to reserve the seats, a service that is free of charge when travelling with a child under two.
My daughter is petite, so she fit in the bassinet until around 15 months. Even after that, I continue to book the seats for the extra room.
5. Anticipate take-off troubles
“Ear discomfort during take-off and landing is common due to changes in cabin pressure, and it can be particularly uncomfortable for infants and toddlers because their Eustachian tubes are still developing,” says Dr Harriss. Babies can drink milk or water during ascent and descent to help swallow and equalise pressure, while older toddlers can suck on a straw or sippy cup. Snacks also help.
Just remember elevation changes typically last longer than you think, so don’t go too fast with drinks, or have a second one ready.
6. In-flight entertainment
Unpredictably, some of my daughter’s favourite in-flight toys have been a roll of painter’s tape and an in-flight safety card.
I now pack a few cheap surprises such as stickers, figurines and water colouring books, and wrap them in foil to hand out throughout the flight. Unwrapping is part of the fun, and foil makes security checks easier if you need to reveal what’s inside. If your toddler will watch a show, pre-download it and check it’s still valid while you have Wi-Fi. Some Netflix downloads expire in 48 hours.
Finally, don’t underestimate the joy of a friendly neighbour sat behind you. Games of peekaboo have been some of my daughter’s most fun in-flight moments.
7. Feeding time tips
For bottle-fed babies, the easiest option is ready-to-feed formula. Decant into sterilised bottles and ask the crew to heat them. If you have an impatient baby, it’s worth investing in a Nuby RapidCool. This insulated container chills milk back to drinking temperature in two minutes and is a lifesaver when crew hand you back an almost boiling bottle.
If you’re breastfeeding, it’s even easier, simply throw a scarf in your bag if you want some privacy. For older babies and toddlers, freeze food pouches before the flight. They’ll thaw gradually and be ready to eat mid-journey.
8. Pack a travel health kit
As well as travel essentials such as nappies and wipes, pack a health kit when you fly. “Essentials include a digital thermometer, pain relievers, saline spray and a bulb syringe or nasal aspirator for congestion,” says Dr Udhayesan Cherayil Nanu, a specialist paediatrician at Aster Clinic in Sharjah.
Admittedly, I only started doing this after flying from Japan with my daughter when she developed a fever mid-flight. The Etihad crew were fantastic and brought me a thermometer, but when they offered to call a doctor on the ground, my panic levels rose. If I’d had my own thermometer and medicine, I could’ve monitored and treated her calmly, without the drama.
9. Reconsider the red-eye
Red-eye flights can be great if your child nods off easily, but I’ve accepted they’re not for us as my daughter refuses to sleep more than half an hour when travelling and I end up stressed trying to keep her quiet while others rest.
“Red-eye flights can work well if your child has a predictable bedtime routine and is comfortable sleeping in different environments,” says Dr Yasir Shafi, a homoeopathic practitioner at Wellth Clinic. But, as he adds: “There’s pressure to keep the child quiet, which isn’t always realistic.”
If you do go red-eye, try to recreate bedtime. “Familiar routines are powerful sleep cues, even in-flight,” says Dr Harriss. “Bring a sleep sack, familiar pyjamas, white noise and a bedtime book.”
10. Stay calm
Meltdowns mid-air feel more intense, but they’re rarely as bad as you think. “Flying with young children can be unpredictable and, while preparation is important, flexibility is just as vital,” says Dr Nanu.
If a meltdown occurs, stay calm. “Your toddler feeds off your energy,” says Dr Srinivas. “If you panic or get flustered, they escalate too.” Acknowledging their emotions, offering comfort, and gently shifting their focus with a toy, snack or book can help.
I can personally attest that things don’t always go to plan when flying with toddlers, but for those hours you’re on the plane, focusing on your family's comfort is the best you can do. “Staying calm, compassionate and responsive is more important for children than perfect travel plans,” says Dr Shafi.
Profile of RentSher
Started: October 2015 in India, November 2016 in UAE
Founders: Harsh Dhand; Vaibhav and Purvashi Doshi
Based: Bangalore, India and Dubai, UAE
Sector: Online rental marketplace
Size: 40 employees
Investment: $2 million
CONCRETE COWBOY
Directed by: Ricky Staub
Starring: Idris Elba, Caleb McLaughlin, Jharrel Jerome
3.5/5 stars
The Beach Bum
Director: Harmony Korine
Stars: Matthew McConaughey, Isla Fisher, Snoop Dogg
Two stars
Sholto Byrnes on Myanmar politics
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Dubai World Cup nominations
UAE: Thunder Snow/Saeed bin Suroor (trainer), North America/Satish Seemar, Drafted/Doug Watson, New Trails/Ahmad bin Harmash, Capezzano, Gronkowski, Axelrod, all trained by Salem bin Ghadayer
USA: Seeking The Soul/Dallas Stewart, Imperial Hunt/Luis Carvajal Jr, Audible/Todd Pletcher, Roy H/Peter Miller, Yoshida/William Mott, Promises Fulfilled/Dale Romans, Gunnevera/Antonio Sano, XY Jet/Jorge Navarro, Pavel/Doug O’Neill, Switzerland/Steve Asmussen.
Japan: Matera Sky/Hideyuki Mori, KT Brace/Haruki Sugiyama. Bahrain: Nine Below Zero/Fawzi Nass. Ireland: Tato Key/David Marnane. Hong Kong: Fight Hero/Me Tsui. South Korea: Dolkong/Simon Foster.
Results:
First Test: New Zealand 30 British & Irish Lions 15
Second Test: New Zealand 21 British & Irish Lions 24
Third Test: New Zealand 15 British & Irish Lions 15
Dubai works towards better air quality by 2021
Dubai is on a mission to record good air quality for 90 per cent of the year – up from 86 per cent annually today – by 2021.
The municipality plans to have seven mobile air-monitoring stations by 2020 to capture more accurate data in hourly and daily trends of pollution.
These will be on the Palm Jumeirah, Al Qusais, Muhaisnah, Rashidiyah, Al Wasl, Al Quoz and Dubai Investment Park.
“It will allow real-time responding for emergency cases,” said Khaldoon Al Daraji, first environment safety officer at the municipality.
“We’re in a good position except for the cases that are out of our hands, such as sandstorms.
“Sandstorms are our main concern because the UAE is just a receiver.
“The hotspots are Iran, Saudi Arabia and southern Iraq, but we’re working hard with the region to reduce the cycle of sandstorm generation.”
Mr Al Daraji said monitoring as it stood covered 47 per cent of Dubai.
There are 12 fixed stations in the emirate, but Dubai also receives information from monitors belonging to other entities.
“There are 25 stations in total,” Mr Al Daraji said.
“We added new technology and equipment used for the first time for the detection of heavy metals.
“A hundred parameters can be detected but we want to expand it to make sure that the data captured can allow a baseline study in some areas to ensure they are well positioned.”
Profile of Foodics
Founders: Ahmad AlZaini and Mosab AlOthmani
Based: Riyadh
Sector: Software
Employees: 150
Amount raised: $8m through seed and Series A - Series B raise ongoing
Funders: Raed Advanced Investment Co, Al-Riyadh Al Walid Investment Co, 500 Falcons, SWM Investment, AlShoaibah SPV, Faith Capital, Technology Investments Co, Savour Holding, Future Resources, Derayah Custody Co.
BULKWHIZ PROFILE
Date started: February 2017
Founders: Amira Rashad (CEO), Yusuf Saber (CTO), Mahmoud Sayedahmed (adviser), Reda Bouraoui (adviser)
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: E-commerce
Size: 50 employees
Funding: approximately $6m
Investors: Beco Capital, Enabling Future and Wain in the UAE; China's MSA Capital; 500 Startups; Faith Capital and Savour Ventures in Kuwait
Fixtures
Opening day Premier League fixtures for August 9-11
August 9
Liverpool v Norwich 11pm
August 10
West Ham v Man City 3.30pm
Bournemouth v Sheffield Utd 6pm
Burnley v Southampton 6pm
C Palace v Everton 6pm
Leicester v Wolves 6pm
Watford v Brighton 6pm
Tottenham v Aston Villa 8.30pm
August 11
Newcastle v Arsenal 5pm
Man United v Chelsea 7.30pm
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
Juvenile arthritis
Along with doctors, families and teachers can help pick up cases of arthritis in children.
Most types of childhood arthritis are known as juvenile idiopathic arthritis. JIA causes pain and inflammation in one or more joints for at least six weeks.
Dr Betina Rogalski said "The younger the child the more difficult it into pick up the symptoms. If the child is small, it may just be a bit grumpy or pull its leg a way or not feel like walking,” she said.
According to The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases in US, the most common symptoms of juvenile arthritis are joint swelling, pain, and stiffness that doesn’t go away. Usually it affects the knees, hands, and feet, and it’s worse in the morning or after a nap.
Limping in the morning because of a stiff knee, excessive clumsiness, having a high fever and skin rash are other symptoms. Children may also have swelling in lymph nodes in the neck and other parts of the body.
Arthritis in children can cause eye inflammation and growth problems and can cause bones and joints to grow unevenly.
In the UK, about 15,000 children and young people are affected by arthritis.
BUNDESLIGA FIXTURES
Friday (all kick-offs UAE time)
Hertha Berlin v Union Berlin (10.30pm)
Saturday
Freiburg v Werder Bremen (5.30pm)
Paderborn v Hoffenheim (5.30pm)
Wolfsburg v Borussia Dortmund (5.30pm)
Borussia Monchengladbach v Bayer Leverkusen (5.30pm)
Bayern Munich v Eintracht Frankfurt (5.30pm)
Sunday
Schalke v Augsburg (3.30pm)
Mainz v RB Leipzig (5.30pm)
Cologne v Fortuna Dusseldorf (8pm)
NBA Finals so far
(Toronto lead 3-1 in best-of-seven series_
Game 1 Raptors 118 Warriors 109
Game 2 Raptors 104 Warriors 109
Game 3 Warriors 109 Raptors 123
Game 4 Warriors 92 Raptors 105
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, second leg result:
Ajax 2-3 Tottenham
Tottenham advance on away goals rule after tie ends 3-3 on aggregate
Final: June 1, Madrid
The%20Iron%20Claw
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Sean%20Durkin%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Zac%20Efron%2C%20Jeremy%20Allen%20White%2C%20Harris%20Dickinson%2C%20Maura%20Tierney%2C%20Holt%20McCallany%2C%20Lily%20James%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Silent Hill f
Publisher: Konami
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Rating: 4.5/5
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Countries recognising Palestine
France, UK, Canada, Australia, Portugal, Belgium, Malta, Luxembourg, San Marino and Andorra
Results:
6.30pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-2 (PA) | Group 1 US$75,000 (Dirt) | 2,200 metres
Winner: Goshawke, Fernando Jara (jockey), Ali Rashid Al Raihe (trainer)
7.05pm: UAE 1000 Guineas (TB) | Listed $250,000 (D) | 1,600m
Winner: Silva, Oisin Murphy, Pia Brendt
7.40pm: Meydan Classic Trial (TB) | Conditions $100,000 (Turf) | 1,400m
Winner: Golden Jaguar, Connor Beasley, Ahmad bin Harmash
8.15pm: Al Shindagha Sprint (TB) | Group 3 $200,000 (D) | 1,200m
Winner: Drafted, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson
8.50pm: Handicap (TB) | $175,000 (D) | 1,600m
Winner: Capezzano, Mickael Barzalona, Sandeep Jadhav
9.25pm: Handicap (TB) | $175,000 (T) | 2,000m
Winner: Oasis Charm, William Buick, Charlie Appleby
10pm: Handicap (TB) | $135,000 (T) | 1,600m
Winner: Escalator, Christopher Hayes, Charlie Fellowes
The President's Cake
Director: Hasan Hadi
Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem
Rating: 4/5
The five pillars of Islam
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
Tuesday's fixtures
Kyrgyzstan v Qatar, 5.45pm
WWE Super ShowDown results
Seth Rollins beat Baron Corbin to retain his WWE Universal title
Finn Balor defeated Andrade to stay WWE Intercontinental Championship
Shane McMahon defeated Roman Reigns
Lars Sullivan won by disqualification against Lucha House Party
Randy Orton beats Triple H
Braun Strowman beats Bobby Lashley
Kofi Kingston wins against Dolph Zigggler to retain the WWE World Heavyweight Championship
Mansoor Al Shehail won the 50-man Battle Royal
The Undertaker beat Goldberg
SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20SAMSUNG%20GALAXY%20S23%20ULTRA
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Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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United States
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China
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UAE
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Japan
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5
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Norway
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Canada
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Singapore
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Australia
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Saudi Arabia
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South Korea
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
War 2
Director: Ayan Mukerji
Stars: Hrithik Roshan, NTR, Kiara Advani, Ashutosh Rana
Rating: 2/5
The five new places of worship
Church of South Indian Parish
St Andrew's Church Mussaffah branch
St Andrew's Church Al Ain branch
St John's Baptist Church, Ruwais
Church of the Virgin Mary and St Paul the Apostle, Ruwais
No.6 Collaborations Project
Ed Sheeran (Atlantic)
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
MATCH INFO
Quarter-finals
Saturday (all times UAE)
England v Australia, 11.15am
New Zealand v Ireland, 2.15pm
Sunday
Wales v France, 11.15am
Japan v South Africa, 2.15pm
