By Jennifer Rannazzisi with If You Can Dream It Travel
Airplane Hacks for Traveling with Toddlers and Young Children
Flying with toddlers and young children can be a daunting task, but with the right preparation and a few smart tricks, you can make the experience much smoother for both you and your little one. Whether it's a short domestic flight or a long international journey, these airplane hacks can help reduce stress, keep your child entertained, and make your trip more enjoyable.
1. Arrive Early to Get Settled In
Arriving at the airport early gives you extra time to check-in, navigate security, and get your child settled before boarding. This is especially important if you need to deal with strollers, car seats, or other equipment. Being early also allows you to avoid feeling rushed, which can help you stay calm in case your child gets restless or overwhelmed. Make sure you know how to close your stroller and open it again if needed, and the compartment underneath is empty.
2. Book the Right Seats
When flying with toddlers, consider booking your seats carefully to maximize comfort and convenience. Window seats are often great for kids, as they offer something to look at during the flight and give them a bit more space. If you're flying with an infant or a very young child, many airlines allow you to request a bassinet seat, which can make sleeping much easier.
Also, if possible, try to book seats in the front of the plane. These tend to be quieter, more spacious, and you’ll have the added benefit of disembarking first once you land.
3. Pack a ‘Survival’ Bag
Packing the right essentials can make a huge difference when it comes to keeping your child comfortable and entertained. Some must-haves include:
- Snacks: Bring a variety of your child's favorite snacks that are easy to eat without making a mess. Healthy options like fruit, crackers, and granola bars are great, but a treat like cookies or gummies can provide some extra motivation if your child gets cranky. I’ve used “Ring Pops” or a treat with no stick attached. This can also help to “suck” if they are having issues with their ears. I also pack our own small garbage bag to keep the wrappers from our snacks nice and tidy.
-Drinks: Make sure to have water or juice boxes on hand to keep your child hydrated. For younger children, bringing a sippy cup can help avoid spills.
- Toys & Activities: Pack small toys, coloring books, or sticker sets to keep them entertained. We usually take a trip to the dollar store to load up on new coloring books, crayons, card games, and stickers. Electronic devices loaded with favorite shows, games, or apps can be a lifesaver, but make sure to bring headphones that are comfortable for their little ears.
4. Bring Extra Clothes and Wipes
Accidents happen—especially with toddlers and young children. Bring an extra change of clothes in your carry-on bag, just in case of spills or messes. Baby wipes, plastic baggies, hand sanitizers, and tissues are also essential for quick clean-ups. They can be lifesavers not just for messes but for wiping hands, faces, and sticky surfaces during the flight. And don’t forget about an extra shirt for you! Spit up happens!
5. Download Entertainment Before You Board
If your child enjoys watching cartoons or playing games on a tablet, make sure to download everything ahead of time. Wi-Fi on planes is often slow, unreliable, or not available at all. Preloading movies, TV shows, or apps will ensure there are no buffering issues or connectivity challenges during the flight. Consider downloading content that’s age-appropriate and keeps your child engaged for longer periods.
6. Use a Stroller Until You Board
Most airlines allow you to check in your stroller at the gate, so use it as long as possible to help carry your child through the airport. Strollers can also be a great spot for your toddler to nap before you board the plane. Once you reach the gate, you can fold it up and hand it off to the airline staff before heading onto the plane.
7. Time Flights Around Nap or Bedtime
If possible, book flights that coincide with your child’s nap time or bedtime. A well-timed flight increases the chances that your child will sleep during the journey, allowing you to relax a bit. If you can, try to book flights during quieter hours of the day, such as early mornings or late evenings, when the airport and flight may be less crowded.
8. Prepare for Ear Pressure Changes
Takeoff and landing can cause discomfort in little ones' ears due to the changing cabin pressure. To help alleviate the pressure:
- Feed your child: Nursing or bottle-feeding during takeoff and landing can help equalize the pressure in their ears. Sucking on a pacifier or giving them a drink can also help.
- Chewing gum: If your child is old enough, offer gum to chew during these times to help with ear pressure.
- Yawning: Encourage your child to yawn or make playful noises to help with the ear discomfort.
9. Create a Familiar ‘Comfort Zone’
Airplanes can be a strange and sometimes frightening environment for little ones. Bring along a favorite stuffed animal, blanket, or familiar toy to help comfort your child during the flight. The familiar scent or feel of their favorite item can offer a sense of security and calm.
10. Move Around the Cabin (When Possible)
Long flights can make anyone restless, but especially young children. If your child is old enough to walk, take them on short strolls down the aisle (when it's safe to do so). Moving around can help them burn off excess energy and prevent them from becoming fussy. Sometimes my little ones will stand at their seats, or we switch seats half way through the flight. Make sure to check with the flight attendants first about when it’s safe to leave your seat.
11. Keep Your Expectations Realistic
Airplane travel with young children isn’t always going to be smooth sailing. There might be tantrums, crying, or moments of frustration. Know that this is perfectly normal and try to stay calm. If you’re calm, they will be calm. Having realistic expectations will help you be more patient with your child—and yourself. Other passengers are likely to be understanding, as they know what it’s like to travel with little ones.
12. Don’t Forget a First-Aid Kit
While the chances of needing medical help on a plane are low, it's always best to be prepared. Pack a small first-aid kit with essentials such as band-aids, baby pain relievers, fever reducers, and any medications your child may need during the flight. Also, make sure you have any necessary prescriptions or medical documentation for your child’s health needs.
13. Take Advantage of Family Boarding
Many airlines offer family boarding privileges, which allow families with young children to board before other passengers. This can give you extra time to settle in and get your child comfortable in their seat without the stress of crowded aisles. Check with your airline to see if this option is available.
14. Bring Distractions for the Whole Flight
For longer flights, keep in mind that your child’s attention span may be short. Pack a variety of activities to keep them engaged: books, puzzles, small toys, and even a new item they haven't seen before. New toys can capture their interest for longer and help break up the monotony of the flight. On one flight we played "vending machine" where we used the in flight menus and pretended to eat and drink what came off the menu when we touched it.
Flying with toddlers and young children doesn’t have to be a nightmare. By following these airplane hacks, you can keep your child entertained, comfortable, and calm, making the journey much more pleasant for everyone. With a bit of preparation and a relaxed mindset, your family can make the most of your flying experience and look forward to the adventures that await at your destination.
For more great tips like this and help planning your next magical vacation, please email me at Jenniferwanders18@gmail.com.
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