5 Tips For Flying with Toddlers
To the parents planning your next vacation with your kids in tow: I see you!
Traveling with your kids in a car is one thing, but traveling by plane can feel like an Olympic-level sport.
As a mom who does A LOT of travel with my daughter, I know it can feel tempting to stay home and save the adventure for when they're older. Trust me I was her, I dreaded any long flight with my little one. Good News I will be doing a series how I plan family trips, my solo domestic flights and how I entertain my toddler the entire time.
While there's definitely a time and place for relaxing at home, there is so much exploration waiting worldwide, and kids can truly benefit from experiencing that at such a young age.
If you're itching to head out on a family adventure, but the idea of flying with a toddler is what's stopping you. I'm here to tell you that it doesn't have to be a daunting experience and even better, I'm here to show you how!
It's not just about surviving the flight; it's about thriving together as a family during the entire journey, creating precious memories, and proving that the sky's the limit for your family's adventures.
So fasten your seatbelts because, in this blog post you'll learn various savvy toddler tips and tricks to help you soar through the skies with confidence and a big smile toddlers and all! ✈️
5 Tips for Flying With Toddlers To Make Your Travels Seamless
Plan Ahead
As parents, planning and preparing is the name of the game with everything, but especially with traveling!
When you are ready to start an adventure, consider your toddler's schedule before booking your flights.
Try to opt for flights that align with their nap time or bedtime so that they have higher chances of sleeping during the flight.
If you can't make the times work with their schedule – don't worry! Kids are very resilient and can adapt quickly.
In addition to thoughtfully choosing your flight times, you want to make sure you plan and prepare for arguably the worst part of the airport: security lines.
Security lines can be hard to navigate even as an adult, so imagine how stressful it can be when you throw in a toddler, travel stroller, baby carrier, car seat, and extra bags.
To help ease some of that stress when it comes to security, I encourage you to:
Check your bags if possible to reduce the amount of luggage you have to manage through security.
Travel with a stroller and car seat so that you can keep your toddler contained.
Sign up for global entry, CLEAR, or TSA pre-check for a smoother security experience.
Lastly, ensure you have all necessary travel documents pre-packed way ahead of time in one place so that you aren't shuffling around on travel day trying to find what you need.
For international travel, you typically will need:
Passport
Visa
Birth certificate
Consent letter (only one parent/ guardian)
Health documentation (only if required)
Travel Insurance
Pack a Toddler-Friendly Carry-On
Parents often think they can pack their young children in their bag and call it a day. And while that's an option, if you want to be majorly prepared, I encourage you to pack a diaper bag or toddler-friendly carry-on full of anticipated needs.
When you think about what your toddler really needs for vacation, think about all of the things they use at home daily. From basic necessities, like extra diapers just in case of flight delays, wipes, and a change of clothes. To all of their snack essentials, like sippy cup and pre-packaged foods, and even their comfort items, such as a blankie or favorite stuffed animal. I like to pack the extra clothes in a plastic bags in case of accident I have a place to put spoiled clothes inside.
When packing for a flight, you want to consider all these items so your toddler feels as comfortable as possible!
Snack Time
Speaking of snacks, flying is the perfect time for some go-to favorites. Make sure you have lots of snacks on hand.
We both know that snack prices at airports can be outrageous, so I encourage you to plan ahead and pack most of your items from home, including a mix of healthy options and a couple of special treats.
Snacking and having a sippy cup helps distract them during the flight and alleviates ear pressure changes during takeoff and landing!
Entertainment Galore
When traveling with a toddler by plane, one of the critical things you'll need to be prepared for is LOTS of different entertainment options.
Flying can be an exciting adventure for kids, but it's a good idea to have various entertainment options to keep boredom at bay, especially during all the waiting times.
A few easy ideas include:
Load a tablet or electronic devices with their favorite shows, movies, or interactive games. Just in case your flight has inflight entertainment make sure you are prepared for headphone jack. PRO TIP: Remember to pack toddler headphones. When flying I don't put a limit on screen time do you as you feel fit for your kids.
Coloring books, stickers (window clings), and their favorite storybooks.
Have them choose a few small toys from home as a part of the packing experience.
New surprise toys they haven't seen before don't have to be expensive. Toddlers love the feeling of "new," so anything you can do to provide them with that will be a great distraction.
My new favorite backup is the Yoto Player!
Visit my Amazon Store for all our favorites items to pack to keep our little one busy on the flight that’s if she doesn’t fall asleep.
Pre-Flight Prep and Exploring the Airport
Lastly, before you board the plane, prepare your toddler for what to expect and help create a sense of excitement for them!
An easy way to do this is to arrive early at the airport so that, one, you can have plenty of time, and you can walk around with them, look at the planes, watch takeoffs through the windows, and really help them get out their pre-flight jitters.
Some airports even have a designated play area for kids that can help them burn off energy before the flight, so that's definitely something to research if you're interested!
As you gear up for your next travel escapade with your adventurous toddler, remember that every moment spent exploring the world together is a gift.
Flying with little ones can come with challenges, but armed with these tips and tricks, you can confidently tackle the skies!
Venturing into the skies with a toddler might seem daunting, but it can be a rewarding experience with the right strategies. Remember to plan, ensure flights align with your child's schedule, and be equipped with a toddler-friendly carry-on.
Snacks are your secret weapon, both for distraction and comfort. Diverse entertainment options can be a game-changer, from favorite shows to new toys.
Lastly, build excitement by exploring the airport together and setting positive expectations. As you embark on this journey, relish the memories you're creating and take solace in the fact that you're becoming a more seasoned, travel-savvy parent with every trip. Safe travels!
Want to ensure the utmost safety for your little one while flying? Check out our latest post on the importance of using an federal aviation administration-approved car seat during air travel. If you are using a car set make most airlines require the little one to have their own seat and must be a window seat.
Learn why it's essential and get recommendations for the best ones on the market. Don't compromise on safety.
