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Conversation, Curiosity, and Growing Independence Reading with preschoolers begins to shift. They can sit a little longer. They ask more questions. They notice patterns in words and start “reading” familiar books from memory. But even at this stage, reading is not about performance or early decoding. It’s about conversation, comprehension, and confidence. Between ages three and five, children are building the foundations that will support formal reading later . Although it might not feel like it, they are absorbing vocabulary, narrative understanding, sound awareness, and a belief that books are for them . Here are a few tips and tricks to think about while reading with your preschooler. Preschoolers Are Ready for Deeper Conversation At this age, children are thinking beyond the page. They are beginning to understand cause and effect, character motivation, and emotional nuance. The goal isn’t correct answers, it’s thinking out loud together and exploring the same world within the story. Pause to ask open-ended questions (“Why do you think that happened?”) Encourage predictions (“What do you think will happen next?”) Talk about feelings and choices characters make (“How do you think they’re feeling? Why do you think that?”) Story Structure Starts to Make Sense Preschoolers begin to notice that stories have beginnings, middles, and endings. Retelling strengthens comprehension and memory even if the details are not exact. Point out when a problem appears and when it is solved Use simple language like “first,” “next,” and “finally.” Let your child retell parts of the story in their own words Repetition Still Matters Even though preschoolers can handle more complex stories, repetition remains powerful. If a book is requested repeatedly, it is likely doing important developmental work. Your child might even get to a point where they are “reading” to you (aka they have memorized this book and want to show you they are now a reader). If that happens, celebrate it! But don’t feel the need to push decoding or turn your reading time into teaching time.  Rereading strengthens vocabulary and comprehension Familiar stories allow children to focus on new details each time Confidence grows when children anticipate language patterns Track print with your finger occasionally to show directionality Let your child turn pages and control the pace Protect the Relationship As preschoolers grow, it can be tempting to turn reading into skill practice. Resist that urge. Reading should remain safe, warm, and pressure-free. Interest continues to matter more than reading level. It’s okay to pause for conversation instead of finishing quickly It’s okay if your child asks more questions than you read text It’s okay to protect the joy of reading over correcting mistakes Three Types of Books That Work Best for Preschoolers Rich picture books with layered stories. Books with strong plots, expressive illustrations, and emotional depth allow for discussion and rereading. Preschoolers can begin to analyze characters and notice subtle details. Repetitive or patterned text that supports early sound awareness. Rhyming books and rhythmic language strengthen phonological awareness — an important pre-reading skill — without formal instruction. High-interest nonfiction with real photographs or clear facts. Many preschoolers become deeply curious about specific topics (space, animals, construction, the human body). Nonfiction supports vocabulary growth and builds knowledge that later strengthens comprehension. Closing Reading with preschoolers is where a love of reading can take root and grow. Their vocabulary expands and story understanding deepens. Their curiosity wakes up and interest takes hold. But most importantly, this is an age where identity as a reader can be formed. Children start to see themselves as capable partners in stories and reading time. When reading continues to feel relational, connective, and comforting rather than evaluative, children carry that sense of belonging with them into their reading lives. In these years, our role is not to accelerate reading skills or force reading to “happen”. Our job as parents is to continue to nurture exploration, confidence, and a love of books and stories. Have you read our posts on Reading with Babies or Reading with Toddlers? Happy reading! P.S. Here’s a link to a list of these titles and more for preschoolers on Amazon.sa !   It’s absolutely not commissioned or affiliated or anything special, just a place where hopefully you can easily add some new titles to your cart without the hassle of looking up books yourself.

What a time to be alive. As parents, we are in the throes of a battle we never asked to be in: humanity vs. technology, attention vs. ignoring, literacy vs. illiteracy, you get the idea. It’s AI, an attention economy, a fight to be literate. It’s iPad kids, emotional regulation, and boundaries. I don’t have the answers to everything, and I never will. I find freedom in my ability to admit what I don’t know and in my constant search for new information.  But… I do know this:  In our family, we are raising readers. In an unimaginable future on the cusp of fundamental change due in part to AI, our humanity  will matter more than ever. What could be more human than the sharing of stories? The ability to communicate, to connect, to read, to write, to empathize. To think deeply, creatively, critically. These are the skills I want my children to have. These are the skills I will fight for. So where do we start building these skills? In our homes and families, through reading .  A book is just a book until it’s not. The board book you hold for your toddler could just be ink and cardboard, a shelf decoration, or sometimes, a chew toy. But if you look closely and think deeply, you’ll start to see. The board book in your hand is, at its smallest and biggest, the entry point to literacy. It's the starting line for learning about the world around you, the perspectives of “others”, about the physical world, about history, about potential and imaginary worlds, about reality and changes. It’s comfort and connection and thinking, all bound in one neat little package.  This is what I fight for. For parents to see that the little books matter. That from the start, we as parents are our children’s best hope for a literate future, for a better future for our planet.  Are you up for the challenge? Here are a few things you can add to your life to turn your family into a Reading Family.  Make Books Visible and Reachable Children read what they see. When books are an option, they will inevitably reach for them. When books are tucked away in drawers or stacked out of reach, they become occasional objects instead of daily companions. A reading culture starts with access.  Keep books in multiple rooms, not just bedrooms. In the bathroom, try books about potty time. In the kitchen, try cookbooks or books about food. Outside, try books about gardening, exploration, and outdoor art. Store them low enough for children to choose independently. Front facing floor book shelves, baskets, or even just propped up on the floor. Place a few in the car or stroller for waiting moments. Think appointments, long car rides, waiting for dinner to be delivered (or cooked), waiting for friends to come over, etc. When there is empty time, fill it with books. Audio books “count”, too! Rotate books occasionally to refresh interest. Use the Harbor Library, use the TKS Elementary Library (open to the community from Sunday to Thursday, 3-4 pm, able to check out up to ten books on your account. Email lindsay.zielinski@thekaustschool.org  for more info!) Turn Yourself  into a Reader  Children are like sponges and soak up what they see and hear. I learned this the hard way when my daughter was two. She opened the fridge, pulled out a carton of eggs, and promptly dropped them on the floor. By the time I turned around, her hands were empty, mouth opening with a sigh and . . . a curse word she had obviously heard me use before. “S**t. . .” she whispered.  “I dropped the eggs.” I laughed out loud and promptly cleaned up my vocabulary. A hilarious example of the point I’m trying to make here is . . . if you want your child to be a reader, you need to be one, too. What you think isn’t being heard or watched, IS. If in your empty moments you are reaching for your phone to scroll, they will want that too. If you reach for a book, they will want that too. When children see adults reading — novels, cookbooks, magazines, articles — reading becomes an example, a model to follow. Our children idolize us and what we do and want to be like us (for now... when the high school years come, we can revisit this). But for now, in these ages, seeing us read becomes a beacon for them. Reading isn’t something we just do at school; it’s something we do in our everyday lives.  Let your children see you read for pleasure. Anything. Physical books are wonderful, but if you are reading on a screen, tell them explicitly. “I’m reading this book on my phone, isn’t that cool?” or “Look how many books my eReader can hold!” Talk casually about what you’re reading. Don’t give specifics if it’s not appropriate (ACOTAR fans, I’m looking at you), but broad plot points can be fun. Give books as gifts for birthdays and share them with your friends. Show them that you are giving a book to a friend for their birthday or sharing a book with a colleague because you loved it. Tell your child what you are doing! “I’m sharing this with Mabel’s mom because I know she’s a reader too and would love it, then I can talk about it with her!” Visit the library or bookstore as a family routine. Harbor Library, bookstores on vacation, the TKS Elementary Library. Make your routine a family treat, something to look forward to. On Tuesdays, we visit the library, then Baskin-Robbins! Or on Wednesdays, we visit Harbor and have Breakfast for Dinner! Anchor your book experiences to other fun, too. Creating a culture of reading at home is not about perfection or performance. It is about presence and repetition. About modeling and conversation. When books are visible, modeled, and woven into ordinary routines, children begin to see reading not as a task but as a natural part of life. It doesn’t have to be for a long time, either. A few moments connecting and reading together add up. Over time, this quiet consistency shapes identity. They grow up knowing — without ever needing to be told — that in this family, we read. Who knows what our future will hold, but I’m not too worried about it. I know that in my family, we read. And reading is the key to unlocking evergreen skills that will help us find our way in an ever-changing world.  Check out this full list of our posts on reading with kids: Reading with Babies Reading with Toddlers Reading with Preschoolers Ps.  Here’s a list of my favorite books for grown-ups.  No affiliation or anything, just a place you can see some of my favorites recently, from self-development to parenting to fiction fun. Enjoy!

Movement, Choice, and Letting Go of “Sit Still” by Lindsay Zielinski Reading with toddlers rarely looks like the picture we imagine. They wiggle. They interrupt. They wander away mid-story and return three pages later. This isn’t a sign that reading isn’t working — it’s a sign that toddlers are learning exactly as they are meant to. Between ages one and five, children build language through movement, repetition, conversation, and choice. Reading works best in these years when we stop trying to manage behavior and start paying attention to how toddlers actually learn. Toddlers Learn Through Their Bodies Toddlers are not wired to sit still and listen quietly. Their brains develop through movement, and reading can — and should — reflect that. Standing, rocking, crawling, or pacing while listening still counts as reading. Acting out parts of the story supports comprehension and memory. Gestures, pointing, and sound effects strengthen language connections. Movement doesn’t compete with learning — it supports it. Listening Does Not Always Look Like Listening Toddlers may not appear focused, but they are often absorbing far more than we realize. Flipping pages quickly is still book exploration. Interrupting with comments or questions shows engagement. Repeating favorite parts helps build familiarity and confidence. Full attention is not required as we build a loving relationship with reading at this age.  Three Types of Books That Work Best for Toddlers Not all books support toddler development equally. These three types consistently work because they match how toddlers think, move, and communicate. Predictable, repetitive picture books Books with repeated phrases, patterns, or refrains help toddlers anticipate what comes next. This repetition builds vocabulary, sentence structure, and confidence — and invites children to “read along” in their own way.   Interactive books that invite participation Books that encourage action — lifting flaps, turning wheels, clapping, pointing, making sounds, or acting things out — align with toddlers’ need to move. These books keep engagement high without requiring stillness. Real-life concept books about everyday experiences Books about routines, emotions, family life, or familiar experiences help toddlers make sense of their world. They give language to feelings and situations children are already navigating, supporting both emotional and language development. Interest matters more than difficulty level at this age. Choice as Motivation When toddlers get to choose what is read, they are more invested in the experience. This is not a time for us to choose books that we feel have the most meaning or teach a lesson of some kind. This is a moment to really think about our child’s interests and show them that we see them. Any favorite topic, from bugs to trains or space to dinosaurs, has books that support it.  Let your child choose the book — even if it’s the same one again. Follow their interests rather than worrying about variety. Trust that rereading is part of learning, not something to “move past”. Choice builds ownership and positive associations with reading. Don’t be afraid to include a few favorite characters in your home library, either.  Conversation Matters More Than Finishing the Book Some of the richest learning happens when the story pauses. This is when the connection happens between caregiver and child, where their questions can be answered, where they feel heard and safe. It is okay to go off script! Talk about the pictures instead of reading every word. Name emotions, actions, and objects. Connect the story to your child’s life (“That looks like our park”). You don’t need to finish the book for it to be meaningful. Protect the Relationship Forcing toddlers to sit, listen, or finish a book can turn reading into a power struggle. Our goal as parents is to build a love of reading and a feeling of comfort and joy around reading together, not to fight to finish a book. We want to continually make the connection that reading is fun and we like doing it. For that reason,  It’s okay to stop mid-book. It’s okay if reading lasts two minutes. Reading with toddlers is not about perfect behavior or long attention spans. It’s about presence, responsiveness, and trust. When children are allowed to move, choose, repeat, and participate in their own way, reading becomes something they return to — not something they resist. In these years, reading is less about the book itself and more about the message it sends: books are part of daily life, and they belong to you. Check back next week for tips on how to read with preschoolers and a list of awesome books! Did you read our post on Reading with Babies? Happy reading! Here’s a link to a list of these titles and more for toddlers on Amazon.sa!   It’s absolutely not commissioned or affiliated or anything special, just a place where hopefully you can easily add some new titles to your cart without the hassle of looking up books yourself .

What to Read and What Matters Most by Lindsay Zielinski R eading with babies doesn’t need to be complicated, and it definitely  doesn’t need to look like “storytime.” In the first year of life, reading is about exposure, interaction, and connection. Babies are not listening for plots or morals. They are listening for your voice, noticing pictures, and slowly learning how language works. The goal isn’t to finish books. The goal is to build familiarity, comfort, and curiosity around them. This is the time to help build the connection that reading = warmth, love, and attachment to the adults in their lives.  Newborns (0–3 Months) At this stage, babies are still adjusting to the world outside the womb. Their vision is limited, and they respond most strongly to contrast, repetition, and sound. Keep reading sessions short — even 1–2 minutes counts. Read slowly and clearly, or simply talk about the pictures. Your voice matters more than the words on the page. Best book types: Black-and-white or high-contrast board books Books with large, simple images Books with very little text Examples of some 0-3 month books 3–6 Months Babies begin to show more curiosity and awareness. They reach, grab, mouth, and explore books physically — this is part of literacy, not a distraction from it. Let them play and explore with no limits!  Expect babies to chew, grab, and turn pages randomly. Let books double as toys. Narrate what they’re doing rather than insisting on reading every word. Best book types: Indestructible or chew-safe books Soft fabric books with crinkle sounds Bath books for reading during routines Examples of some 3-6 month books 6–9 Months At this age, babies are becoming more interactive and responsive. They begin to notice textures, recognize familiar images, and anticipate what comes next. Look for books with pieces to feel and different textures. First word books are especially great for this age.  Follow your baby’s lead — linger on favorite pages. Point, name objects, and repeat words often. Don’t worry if the same book is read over and over. Best book types: Touch-and-feel books Board books with textures or mirrors Books with photos of real objects, animals, or faces Examples of some 6-9 month books 9–12 Months Babies are now experimenting with cause and effect and may begin to point, babble, or gesture during reading. Books become a shared activity rather than a one-way experience. Pause and wait for responses. Ask simple questions, even if your baby can’t answer yet. Allow movement — sitting, standing, crawling while listening is okay. Best book types: Lift-the-flap books Push-and-pull or sliding mechanism books Simple books with predictable patterns or repeated phrases Examples of some 9-12 month books A Few Things That Matter More Than Doing It “Right” You don’t need to read every word. You don’t need to finish the book. You don’t need a long attention span. Reading in any  language spoken at home supports literacy. In the first year, reading is not about raising an early reader. It’s about building a relationship with books and building a culture of reading in your family. When babies experience books as something safe, familiar, and shared with someone they love, they begin forming the foundation for everything that comes later. A few minutes a day, scattered throughout daily routines, is enough. What matters most is not what you read, but that reading becomes part of how you connect with your sweet little one.  Happy Reading! Check back next week to find out which types of books are best to read with your TODDLER. P.S. I’ve made a list on Amazon.sa  (Saudi Amazon) that has these books and more for your first year of reading. This list is absolutely not commissioned or affiliated or anything special, just a place where hopefully you can easily add some new titles to your cart without the hassle of looking up books yourself. Even if you don’t use Amazon, this list will be helpful as you look for the best fit books for your baby wherever you purchase your books. Hopefully, this makes it easier for you to build your own home library. If you don’t want to purchase these books, you can always ask your local library if they carry the titles. If they don’t, they might be able to purchase them!

How reading with our children now impacts their lives forever by Lindsay Zielinski Storytime at the Harbor Library at KAUST I t’s been over a decade since I began my career as an early childhood educator. In that time, I’ve transitioned to the library, back to the classroom, and back to the library again. I’ve offered community story times in Thailand, the US, and right here at KAUST. I do it because I love it, but also because in my time in public and private schools, I have seen the impact that reading has on a child’s ability to navigate the classroom and the wider world. This much I know: what parents do at home matters more than anything any one teacher or librarian can do in a school setting.  Reading doesn’t begin when a child starts sounding out letters or bringing home leveled books. It begins much earlier, before we realize it counts. From birth, babies are already listening closely, taking in the rhythms of language, the rise and fall of a familiar voice, the pause before a page turns. Reading aloud in these early years isn’t about getting through a book or finishing a story. It’s about offering language, presence, and connection during a time when children’s brains are growing faster than they ever will again. The first five years of life are a period of amazing brain development. Millions of neural connections are forming every second, shaped by what children hear, see, and most importantly, experience . Research consistently shows that children who are read to regularly in early childhood are exposed to significantly more words by age three than other children— a difference that matters. Those early language experiences strengthen the brain systems responsible for vocabulary, attention, memory, and later comprehension. This isn’t about pushing academic skills early. It’s about feeding the brain what it needs at the exact moment it needs it. What makes reading especially powerful is not the book itself, but the adult on the other side of it. When parents read aloud, point to pictures, name what they see, pause, and respond to a child’s sounds or movements, they are building early communication skills long before formal conversation begins. These moments also deepen attachment . Reading becomes a shared space — predictable, calming, and relational — where children learn that language is something we use together. Reading becomes a time of one-on-one connection, a feeling of comfort and love. Even short, imperfect reading moments matter more than long, idealized ones. The impact of early reading stretches far beyond babyhood. Children who grow up in homes where reading is part of everyday life tend to develop stronger language skills, better focus, and greater confidence as learners. Books help children make sense of routines, emotions, and relationships, giving them language for experiences they are still learning to name. Over time, these early encounters shape how children approach learning itself — whether they see it as something stressful and external, or familiar and inviting. Maybe the most lasting gift of reading early is not a skill, but a feeling. When books are woven into daily life — read in any language, in short moments, without pressure — children begin to associate reading with closeness, curiosity, and connection. They grow up knowing that in this family, we read.  Not because we are trying to get ahead, but because reading is how we slow down, connect, and make meaning together. In the long game of parenting, there are few routines that offer as much benefit for such a small moment of time.  Over the next few weeks, I’ll be diving deeper into reading at home. We’ll look at specific books for your baby’s age as well as how to create a reading culture for your family. If you'd like to receive our weekly blog posts straight to your inbox, click here to sign up. Until then, happy reading! Did you know KAUST community members offer weekly story time for babies and toddlers at the Harbor Library ?

Let’s face it, having a baby and being pregnant is already mentally draining enough, but figuring out what items you’ll need for taking care of your baby in a new place can seem impossible. We have felt the same way. As moms at KAUST, here is a list of some of our favorite natural baby and toddler care products. (As always, we are not doctors so the comments below are not medical advice). You may ask, why natural? It’s important to think about the ingredients we’re putting on and around our babies. If a lotion, for example, is filled with artificial fragrances and even artificial dyes it can often irritate a baby's skin and even have longer-lasting negative effects on their overall health. When buying a product for your baby, it’s important to do your research to make sure what you’re buying is the best and safest product on the market for you and your family. Sometimes the items marketed at grocery stores (even Tamimi) are more harmful than helpful.  (We’ve linked the cheapest place we’ve found here in Saudi to buy each product, but you can find most products online at Amazon  or iHerb  interchangeably, some you can also find on MumzWorld )   Baby Wash You want to avoid fragrances, sulfates, phthalates and parabens (Petroleum based ingredients) which can all irritate baby’s skin and cause rashes or even eczema for some babies. We use Pipette  which can be hard to find in KSA (Here on Amazon  for 107 SAR for 12fl oz), one bottle lasts years as a little drop goes a long way.  Baby Lotion   Coconut oil and olive oil are wonderful for newborn skin and easily available here Sunscreen It is hot and sunny here, even if you’re going on a short walk around the block it’s important to put sunscreen on you and your baby for protection from the sun's harmful UV rays. We usually incorporate sunscreen in our "getting dressed" routine and put it on daily in the morning.  Thinkbaby 50SPF, 112.34 SAR for 6 oz Babo Botanicals  50 SPF, 92.21 SAR for 3 oz Mama Earth  (only 20 SPF, not as strong protection) 43.50 SAR for 1.69 oz We also use Pipette for sunscreen, but we’ve found it expensive and hard to find in KSA.  Diaper Balm Baby diaper rashes are no fun, having a small tub of diaper cream on hand is an easy fix. Motherlove Diaper Balm 1oz, 52.98 SAR Earth Mama Diaper Balm  2oz, 67.89 SAR  Wipes For baby wipes you want to look for the main ingredient to be water and minimal ingredients.  Water Wipes: We love water wipes and have used them exclusively with our kids. Tamimi often carries them and you can also order them on Saudi Amazon  or Mumz World  in various amounts. Diapers   Honest Diapers  - These are fragrance free and OEKO-TEX® certified (which means they are free of many harmful chemicals), you can find these on Amazon or iHerb for similar prices and in all sizes (I’ve yet to see these at Tamimi). Some other clean brands you can find here which moms here have tried with mixed reviews: Naty , Bloomies, Kit and Kin , Terra, Nipple Cream  Breastfeeding is an adventure all on its own. If you're planning on breastfeeding, having nipple cream on hand is helpful especially in the first newborn days when baby is learning how to latch and your milk is coming in.   Motherlove nipple cream, 1oz, 52.99 SAR Earth Mama Nipple Balm  2oz, 66.99 SAR Teething Gel: There’s nothing worse than knowing your baby is in pain and not knowing how to help, especially when new teeth are peeking through. We’ve found these three products helpful: Mommy’s Bliss Teething Gel (15g tubes, 2 pack, Day and Night , 67.61 SAR) Orajel Teething Gel (5g tubes, 2 pack, Day and Night, 34.62 SAR) Boiron Camilia Teething Drops , 60.40 SAR Jack N’ Jill Teething Gel , 69 SAR for 15g  Fruit Teether : We love putting frozen fruit or even frozen breastmilk in this teether to help soothe baby’s gums when teething. Gripe Water  Newborns are just that, new, new to the world and new to eating and digesting milk. Some babies need some help processing gas and gripe water helps soothe those tummy aches.  Mommy Bliss Gripe Water,  4floz, 62.42 SAR MaryRuth’s Gripe Water , 4floz, 59.94 SAR ChildLife Essentials Gripe Water , 2floz, 55.27 SAR Woodwords Gripe Water  (can often be found at KAUST pharmacy) 130ml, 60SAR Pacifiers Not all babies take pacifiers, and that’s ok. Our first didn’t take one until he was 10 months. If you want to use one - look for food grade silicone or latex.  FRIGG: 0-6 month  2 pack, 6-18 month , 2 pack Mini koikoi , 19 SAR for 1 Food grade silicone  72 SAR for 4  Brands we love:  Earth Mama  (Wonderful teas for mama, lotions and balms for baby made with clean ingredients) Mommy’s Bliss  (Prenatals, gripe water, teething gel, cough syrup and more) Boiron  (homeopathy) Dr. Brown’s  (plastic-free bottles, pacifiers, teethers and fluoride-free toothpaste) What are some of your favorite baby care products and brands?

You can never 100% prepare yourself for moving to a new place, especially somewhere so unique as KAUST.  I’ll never forget my first few months at KAUST, although now they feel like distant memories. We moved in at the beginning of August and I remember many sweaty and lonely days going to playgrounds with my son while pregnant. Everyone we met on campus told us: “KAUST is the best place to raise kids!” I didn’t understand at first what they meant as I was still adjusting to the new home and just starting to make other mum friends. But now, looking back just a year later our social calendar is overflowing and KAUST now feels like home.  Here are some pieces of advice from other mums here at KAUST on managing those first few weeks and months: Be patient with yourself, you just moved! There may be suitcases and boxes everywhere - it is normal to feel overwhelmed.  Focus on the essentials: eating healthy, getting good rest, drinking lots of water, getting outside once a day, exercising or walking even just 10-20 minutes each day (make use of the wonderful indoor gyms and temperature-controlled pools) - these basic routines will help you make it through the first few weeks and set up great habits for future months.  “Get involved with as many groups and mums meet ups as possible,” Fern, from England (3 years at KAUST) shared. Even before moving to KAUST you can join our playgroup Whatsapp chat or KAUST-Pregnant and New Parents  Facebook page. Ask questions, message members. Don’t be shy, we’ve all been where you are! Once you feel ready: “Go out, make friends, join the mom community and take advantage of all the free activities at KAUST,” Ayesha, from India shared (3 years at KAUST). Check out our activities page for a complete list of all KAUST has to offer for young kids.  Attending weekly kid activities is a great way to start making mum friends. “Get to know the activities provided for kids. These will help help you to get to know other mums,” shared a Mum from England, (6 years at KAUST). Don’t feel defeated by the hot weather. It will get cool soon. But do “try to avoid coming at the beginning of summer, especially if you come from a cold climate,” shared Polina from Russia (1 year at KAUST). Knowing that each month in the fall  is getting you closer to cooler weather helped me a lot in my first year at KAUST. And even when it is hot, you can go out early in the morning or after sunset - “The weather can feel intimidating in the hot months but it is absolutely possible to navigate,” said Sanne Pfefferkorn, from Austria (2 years at KAUST). Think ahead about finding a way to get around: “Get a car and baby car seat. I love walking but is impossible (in the summer) to walk before 5pm or go out with kids,” Fendy from Mexico shared (2 years at KAUST). Even though KAUST is a small(ish) campus - having a golf cart, bike and bike trailer or car is helpful when transporting kids, strollers, diaper bags, groceries… Don't hesitate to ask for help - KAUST offers wonderful nanny, housecleaning and babysitting services. “Get a nanny or house help,” Anastasia, from Russia shared (5 years at KAUST).  Lastly, take a breath and settle into your new home. Whether you are planning on being at KAUST two years or indefinitely it truly is a wonderful place to raise children and our community is so happy to have you. Send us an email using the form below with any questions you may have!

by Barbara Krattinger Traveling with kids doesn’t have to feel like a survival mission. As a mom of three and a flight attendant, I’ve learned a few tricks that make flying with little ones smoother, calmer, and — dare I say — enjoyable! Here are my tried-and-tested tips to make your next family trip in the air as stress-free as possible. What to Bring (for Everyone, Not Just the Kids) Bring a change of clothes for yourself too — not just a shirt. You probably already have spare clothes for your baby or toddler packed. But between drink spills, baby food, or unexpected motion sickness, it’s surprisingly easy to end up wearing something… unpleasant. Make sure to pack: a spare T-shirt or top a pair of pants or leggings underwear and even socks Because let’s be honest — liquid (and smelly) messes don’t always stay on the shirt. Keep your spare outfit in your hand luggage where it’s easy to reach — you’ll thank yourself later. Also, pack enough nappies. Flights can be delayed or even cancelled, and most airlines only carry one or two emergency nappies (usually size 3). Don’t rely on those, but it’s good to know they exist. Bring New Toys — the Secret Weapon Kids get bored fast, especially when strapped in for hours. My secret? Pack small toys or activities they’ve never seen before. Think: Coloring books with a water pen. (You can find them on amazon.sa) Sticker books Fidget toys Unfamiliar toys keep their attention longer because they feel like a surprise. What about you? What’s your go-to entertainment for flights? Share your favorite travel toy ideas in the comments! Boarding with Babies and Young Kids Here’s a perk: Families with small children usually get to pre-board. Take advantage of this extra time to get settled without the crowd behind you. Use it to: Stow your bags Get out essential items (snacks, wipes, favorite toy) Settle your child comfortably before everyone else boards Strollers and the Gate: What You Should Know You can bring your stroller right up to the aircraft door — a lifesaver for tired little legs and heavy diaper bags. A few key things to remember: One-piece strollers are easier to handle than two-piece ones. Some compact strollers (like the Babyzen Yoyo) are cabin-approved, meaning you can bring them onboard as carry-on. (add photo) If your baby doesn’t have their own seat, they often don’t have a carry-on allowance — so the stroller might count as your carry-on item. Check your airline’s policy before flying. Some require strollers to be packed in a bag (the Yoyo comes with one), and not all brands of the same size are accepted in the cabin. If your stroller doesn’t fit in the cabin, it will be checked into the cargo hold. When you’re in transit, ask the cabin crew where and when you’ll get your stroller back. Sometimes it’s brought to the aircraft door or end of the jet bridge — but this can take time. Don’t walk off without it! If you leave before it’s returned, it might end up on another flight. In some airports, strollers can’t be brought up at all — in that case, you’ll need to collect it from the baggage belt, usually where oversized luggage is delivered. Car Seats and Baby Bassinets You can bring a car seat to fix onto the aircraft seat and place your baby inside. The seat is only allowed if it doesn’t hinder the passenger in front of you from reclining. You can also request baby bassinets for free. They’re usually hooked to the wall in front of certain seats. Keep in mind: There’s a weight limit — don’t overload it with heavier babies or extra items, as the hooks could break and cause injuries. Only one person per booking can be guaranteed a bassinet seat. Your family might have to sit in separate rows, though often two adults can sit nearby if not all bassinet seats are booked. Important: If you are traveling with more than one infant without their own seat, you might not be able to sit in the same row. Often there is only one additional oxygen mask per row for infants. And yes, there are 2 oxygen masks in the lavatory, which you can use if needed. And an important safety note: Babies and children are not allowed to sleep on the floor. In the event of a cabin decompression, the oxygen mask tubes are not long enough to reach the floor — and you might lose consciousness in as little as 15 seconds at 40,000 feet without oxygen before you are able to help or pick up your baby. Safety During Take-Off and Landing During take-off and landing, babies must be held on your lap, facing forward. Most airlines offer infant seat belts — ask for one if it’s not provided. Never buckle the seat belt around both you and your baby together. In case of an aborted take-off or turbulence, the force of your body weight could cause serious or even fatal internal injuries to your baby. For the same reason, when taking a taxi, don’t use one seat belt for both of you. KAUST’s Taxi company provides free child car seats upon request — though they aren’t pre-installed, so allow extra time to fix them properly. For very small babies, the safest option is to fasten your own belt first, then hold your baby in a baby carrier, so the belt goes between you and your baby — not over both. If you want the safest option for your child, you can buy a FAA certified in-flight child harness designed specifically for airplane use. Baby Changing on Board Many aircraft lavatories have fold-down changing tables, but not all are the same size. It ’s worth asking the crew which one is the largest — a little extra space makes all the difference! Solo traveling tip: If you are traveling alone, don’t hesitate to ask a cabin crew member to hold your baby while you need to go to the restroom. That’s what we are here for too. Dealing with Ear Pressure Babies and small kids often struggle to equalize air pressure, especially during descent. They can start crying as early as 40 minutes before landing because they feel the change earlier than adults do. To help: Offer a bottle, breastfeed, or give a pacifier. For older children, chewing gum works wonders. If your child has a cold, use nasal drops before descent — they reduce swelling and help open the Eustachian tubes (ear drops only ease pain; they don’t fix the pressure issue). You’ll often notice all babies start crying around the same time — and stop once you’re on the ground. You’re not imagining it! Meals and Baby Food on Board Did you know you can order kids’ meals in advance — usually for free? They’re child-friendly (if not always the healthiest), less spicy, and served before the adults’ meals — giving you time to help your child eat first. Tip: Kids’ meals should be ordered no later than 72 hours before the flight. If you bid for or receive a last-minute upgrade, let the cabin crew know you had ordered it and are happy to take it, even if it comes on an economy tray. You can order them: On the airline’s website Or through your travel agent Remember to select the kids’ meal for all flight segments, including the return flight. For babies without a seat, you can also request baby food — usually a puree in a pouch or jar, provided for free. Cabin crew are always happy to refill your kids’ bottles or cups — just ask. As a mom, I always bring a small PET bottle to pour drinks into, to avoid spills. Heating Food and Safety with Hot Water For safety reasons, there are no microwaves on airplanes. We heat baby food or milk by placing bottles in hot water, which takes about 15–20 minutes — so plan ahead. Some parents use one-way aluminum containers for baby meals, which we can heat in the ovens. And yes, we do have boiling hot water (95°C) on board — but it’s not safe for passengers to handle due to the risk of burns. That’s why only crew can provide it. Stay Hydrated — Especially When Breastfeeding The air in airplanes is extremely dry. On an 8-hour flight, you lose about 1 liter of water through your skin alone. If you’re breastfeeding, both you and your baby need extra fluids. Flight attendants follow a rule of thumb: 200 ml of water per flight hour. So, bring enough water or ask the crew for a large bottle — we’re always happy to provide one if possible. Moving Around on Board It’s perfectly fine to walk around the cabin with your little one. Most flight attendants understand it helps calm babies. Just avoid the aisles during meal service — the heavy trolleys can be dangerous, especially for small kids at knee level. Final Thoughts Flying with kids can feel overwhelming, but with the right preparation and mindset, it can be a truly enjoyable experience — even an adventure. Remember: every child is different, every flight is different — and that’s okay. The key is flexibility, patience, and a bit of humor. If you have any questions or want to share your own tips, please leave them in the comments — I’d love to hear what works for your family. Safe travels and happy flying! ✈️ A mom of three — and a flight attendant who’s seen it all.