I'm a mum & my 50p hack is a game-changer for keeping babies entertained during flights – people say it's ‘genius'

The Sun

20 hours ago

TRAVELLING with a baby can sound like an overwhelming experience but a simple hack can help.
Instead of packing endless amounts of toys to keep your little one entertained on a flight, a 50p buy does the trick.
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Whether your baby is a first-time flyer or has already earned their wings, this trick can help ensure they are entertained while onboard.
A mum known as Lala her TikTok followers, shared the DIY travel hack she swears by with her 6.1 million followers.
She revealed that she looked in her fridge to find the perfect item to keep her seven month old baby occupied during a three hour flight.
Lala was taking her young daughter on a flight from Germany to Spain with her partner when she filmed the handy hack.
"If you don't pack a head of lettuce for your next flight with your baby, what are you even doing?" she asked her audience.
Handy hack
The mum showed herself packing a head of sweet gem lettuce into a Ziploc bag before heading to the airport.
While Lala's baby slept throughout take-off, she eventually woke up as they were in the air.
This gave the TikToker the perfect opportunity to show her followers the successful hack.
She explained that she and her husband always give their daughter a piece of lettuce when they want to "eat in peace".
Lala revealed that the trick "always keeps her occupied for so long" while they dine.
She then realised that if the hack works at home, it would likely also prove effective on a plane.
Lala explained that her daughter enjoys tearing the leaves off the lettuce head.
She went on to say that the tot enjoys tearing anything including bread, paper, and tissue.
However, she pointed out that bread is "way too messy" while they would have to be careful to make sure their daughter doesn't eat paper or tissue.
The mum pointed out that lettuce brings a "fun and unique texture" for the baby to explore while ripping the leaf.
More parenting hacks
IF you want to make your life easier as a first-time mum, here's nine hacks you won't want to miss.
1. Routine Charts
Create visual charts for daily routines. Use pictures and stickers to make them engaging for younger children.
2. Meal Planning
Plan meals a week in advance to save time and reduce stress. Involve your children in meal prep to teach them cooking skills.
3. Toy Rotation
Keep a portion of toys stored away and rotate them periodically. This keeps playtime fresh and exciting without the need for constant new purchases.
4. DIY Cleaning Solutions
Make child-safe cleaning solutions using vinegar and baking soda. It's effective and keeps harsh chemicals away from little hands.
5. Time-Out Jar
Create a time-out jar filled with calming activities written on slips of paper. When emotions run high, children can pick an activity to help them settle down.
6. Educational Apps
Utilise educational apps and websites to make screen time productive. Look for ones that offer interactive learning in subjects your child is interested in.
7. Command Centre
Set up a family command centre with a calendar, key hooks, and a bulletin board. It helps keep everyone organised and aware of daily schedules.
8. Emergency Kit
Keep a small emergency kit in the car with essentials like snacks, water, first aid supplies, and a change of clothes. It's a lifesaver for unexpected situations.
9. Label Everything
Use labels for clothes, school supplies, and lunch boxes. It makes it easier to keep track of belongings, especially in shared spaces like schools.
And of course, it also makes for a healthy and hydrating snack if the tot chooses to bring it to her mouth.
"This kept her occupied almost the entire flight, she had so much fun, and the best part when it's time to clean up, you can just eat it," Lala said.
Parent reactions
TikToks users shared their thoughts on the creative hack in the comments section.
"That's effing genius! I'm trying this on the next flight!" said one impressed person.
"I have a 14 hour flight with my baby next month. I'll just bring a whole field," joked another parent.
"Plus points cause it helps her develop her fine motor skills," added a third follower.
"You Lala, have just unlocked a whole new toy for all of us mums out there, thank you," commented a third viewer.
More parenting hacks
Another mum shared a DIY hack that helps to keep sand out of your home this summer.
And a dad revealed the hands-off way he gets his kids to burn off energy.
Stacey Soloman revealed the technique she uses to get her kids to eat all their food.
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