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Top Tips for Flying with Toddlers
I am constantly peppered with questions on how to travel with a toddler. Our son has been on over 30 flights in his first 2.5 years, so he is already a seasoned traveler but it didn’t come without some trials along the way. Here are our top tips for flying with toddlers whether it is short domestic flight or across the world.
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Get a Window Seat
Choosing a seat is very important when traveling with a toddler. A window seat gives kids a little extra room and of course a view to what is happening in the outside world. Our son can keep himself occupied well after takeoff and a good portion of time prior to landing with looking out of the window.
If your child is still eligible for a free flight without a seat, remember to ask at the check-in counter if it’s possible to keep the middle seat free and once on the plane ask the flight attendants if its possible to move the person in the middle seat if another seat is available. My motto is you don’t know what is possible unless you ask!
Toys
Having a toys and things to occupy your toddler during your flight is important, but don’t overload yourself! Let your toddler pick a couple of their all time favorite small toys to bring on the plane with you. Also pack some new toys (Dollar store type toys are good for this) to pull out when boredom strikes.
We always include a toy airplane and one or two airplane/airport books. Reusable stickers and washi tape are great for long plane rides – they can be played with on the window, tray table and the sticker book. Coloring books, small art projects (glue-sticks with pre-cut paper or old magazines to destroy) and little toy animals, cars, dolls.
Come up with some new activities, such as travel bingo if your child is old enough or a travel map with items that they need to find on the flight or at the airport. I-spy type games and card games are also fun. For more specific ideas on what to pack for your toddler, read our post on electronic free travel activities for kids of all ages.
Electronic Entertainment
Give in to the screen while traveling. This will keep you sane and give you a break. So go ahead, break out the iPad, iPhone, tablet or other entertainment devices for long flights. For many years my son was that engaged in screens so I had to find many other ways to entertain him, but for most kids watching a few TV shows or playing games will be amazing!
Remember to load the device with new games, movies or TV shows as a surprise. Don’t forget the headphones (we love these as first headphones)!
Pack LOTS of Food
These days you cannot count on meals while flying even on long distance flights. This is especially true for children since they often are hungry when it’s not the predetermined meal time!
Pack enough meals and snacks for the duration of the flight and extras for unexpected delays. Also remember to include water and milk as you may not be able to find it at the airport.
We usually pack things that can easily be eaten cold such as pasta, couscous and cereal. Other favorites on our trips include: seaweed snacks, carrot sticks, crackers, gold fish, pretzels, fruit, dry cheerios (make into a necklace or better yet, let them make it themselves!), cheese and trail mix.
Make Use of the Aisles
Before your flight, let your toddler walk and run around the airport as much as they want. They have lots of energy that needs to be used up somewhere. If you happen to be abroad, many international airports have small play areas for children.
While on the plane, spend time letting your child walk up and down the aisles. They need to keep their little bodies moving and so do you. Even though it’s crowded we always go to the bathroom together just for an adventure and we take walks around to see what the flight attendants are doing.
Pick the Best Flights
Picking the best flights for your family is important, especially when flying with toddlers. Should you take a direct flight or make a stop over? Will a red eye or a day time flight be better? You know your child best and what type of sleeper s/he is and whether you should go during nap or in between nap times.
From our experiences, I suggest direct flights for 6 hrs or less. But for flights of 10 hours or more, it often makes sense to break the journey up, unless it is a red-eye flight.
Red-eye flights are useful to save time, but if you or your child do not sleep well on a plane, you might take day time flights instead. If you do take a red-eye, make sure to plan lots of fun activities for your child before the flight and if possible do not put them to bed until the flight. It’s also helpful to know you will have a helping hand at the other end when you are both exhausted from lack of sleep on a red-eye flight!
Naps/Sleeping
It is tough for toddlers who are used to sleeping on their own and in their own beds to get comfortable in airplane seats. Try to stick to your normal schedule, but don’t wear yourself out trying to make something happen that isn’t working. Our son rarely takes his nap on flights, but will always sleep on red-eye flights.
Our top tip is to bring a light blanket that can be draped over the seat in front of your child and your own seat to provide a personal tent!
Using a blanket for a tent helps block out light and give a private space for your child to sleep. Also grab a few extra blankets and pillows to cushion the seat belts and gaps in the seats to provide a little bed for your toddler.
Remember to bring all of your child’s regular sleeping cues (lovies, blanket, sleep sheet, pacifier, etc). Conduct your regular sleeping routine just as if you were at home. This helps them realize it is time to sleep.
Pack A “Flight” Bag
Pack a “flight” bag for easy access while flying with toddlers is a must. This bag will include many of the things listed above (sleep aids, food, toys), but will also include a change of clothes for your toddler, an extra shirt for yourself, a long sleeve/hoodie in case it is cold on the flight, diapers (if needed), wipes and old muslin burp cloths for messes. You will also want to include your headphones, a long-sleeve and any other travel essentials for yourself.
Toddler Luggage
Our son loves having his own little backpack or suitcase to be in charge of. We use the amazing Skip Hop rolling bag for his necessities and toys. (Update: This bag is still going strong now that he’s 7!) It gives him a sense of ownership over his things and helps keep him focused when moving through the airport. He also enjoys packing it up before landing, which always helps whittle away a little more time! See our tips on what to include in your toddler’s carry-on bag.
Patience
The most important thing to bring with you when flying with toddlers is patience. It is exhausting entertaining a toddler in a small space for a long amount of time. Be patient and don’t plan on getting time to read magazine, books or watch a movie. When you try to do your own thing is when you find yourself easily frustrated at their constant interruptions!
Good Luck & Safe Travels!
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