First and foremost, congrats momma on booking that flight! Sometimes it can feel overwhelming with kids, toddlers and/or babies, but it is 100% worth it! So give yourself a pat on the back for taking that leap! We have done lots of road trips, vacations, cruises, and now flying with both kids now, but have ever since our first was a baby.
I just want to share some tips and helpful advice for what worked for us. There are so many great blogs and pages with travel advice, sometimes it can get overwhelming, so I will try to keep it short and sweet 🙂 Hopefully these help you as you prepare for your family trip.
Eleven Tips on Flying With Toddlers
“The Dos and Don’ts”
- Bring lots of snacks. Snack cups seemed to work best. Bento boxes are great too, but they take up a lot more space in the carry on bag, so personally I wouldn’t bother. I just put snacks into zip lock baggies to save space and then dumped some into a snack cup for Nolan once on the plane. Don’t stress about keeping things healthy, kids probably wont eat carrot sticks if you know what I mean, and such when traveling. I’m not saying load them up on sugar, but don’t stress if they eat more Goldfish, Cheez-its, pretzels or “carb” foods than normal. If you’re looking for healthy options, pretzels, fruit pouches like apple sauce (yes they are allowed on planes) are some good options.
2. Tablets & Phones. Screen time is OK. I feel like this is looked down on parents these days, but honestly, a little screen time never killed anyone. Too honest? That’s fine, you don’t have to agree 🙂 I have very busy kiddos and they are both at ages where books, coloring, and little toys only last about 10 minutes tops and when you have a 3 hour + flight, it’s just not realistic! We absolutely brought coloring supplies, but only Brooke was old enough to focus for a little while.
3. Remember Your Kids Age. I can’t stress this enough. Bring toys or things you know they love and can actually do. A three year old isn’t going to do the same things a five year old might do, verses an 18 month old isn’t going to just sit in your lap like a 8 month old might. Don’t compare, do what’s best for you. So again, screen time is OK. There are lots of great educational shows and games! Don’t forget to pre-download your top 5 🙂
4. Gate Check Your Stroller. This is gold. I almost brought our double stroller, but didn’t and Brooke was fine, but if you have a kiddo under age 3 I highly recommend bringing a small stroller you can easily fold up. Makes going through the airport way easier! Then you can just check it right before getting on the plane so you have it right as you step off the plane, too 🙂
5. Don’t Spend a lot on Toys. We stocked up on a several coloring (the mess free marker ones) from the Target Bullseye Section and the Dollar Store! They have lots of coloring book options. Simple is best, and you don’t need to spend a lot!
6. Patience & Grace. Toddlers throw fits, and everyone understands if your little babe cries. Give yourself extra grace and close your eyes as you try to console your little one. Nolan screamed on one flight ’cause he was just SO tired. It helped me to close my eyes in order to remain calm and not let myself look at anyone else’s reactions. He finally fell asleep, but it can be stressful. You’ve got this momma!
7. Carseat or Lap? This is a question that I get a lot. If your little one is under the age of 2 and likes their carseat, I would suggest purchasing a seat and bring their carseat on the plane with you (make sure your carseat is airplane approved). Nolan does not like his carseat, never has, so I decided to have him with me on my lap and it went just fine! Brooke is three, so she had her own seat, but when we traveled with her as a baby, I would wear her in my carrier and that worked great. Nolan loved being in a carrier, so when we flew with him at about 12 months old, I just wore him and he did great! I would say, whatever your kid likes at home (being held, baby carrier, or carseat) do that for the plane.
Also, if your toddler is older and just too big to sit in your lap, but hates their carseat, purchasing an extra seat just so you have space isn’t a bad idea either. You will have to hold them for take off and landing, but once your flying it would give you more space for them to nap next to you.
8. Pack Your Own Water Bottles. Don’t forget to bring your own sippy cups & water bottles. Saves you from buying water or juice in the airports. You can fill up your bottles at the fountains. They don’t have juice boxes or toddler friendly cups on the plane!
9. Don’t Forget A Pillow & Blanket. If you’re going to be traveling with a toddler in lap, I love packing our Boppy pillow. I pack it right over the stroller or in a carry-on bag and take it out before sitting. Helps give support & comfort to both you and your little one when they are sleeping. Don’t forget their favorite blanket, lovey, or stuffed animal, too! 🙂
10. Book A Nap Or Bed Time Flight. If you are able to find a flight around nap or bedtime, that makes it soooo much easier. We try to do this so we know part of the flight they will nap, but I understand it isn’t always possible.
11. Don’t Set Any Expectations. I think this is the biggest piece of advice. Flying & traveling with kids is exhausting. No matter how good your kids are, or how organized you are, it’s still a lot of work! Just try to have fun, give extra grace, and take alllll the pictures. Those memories are priceless & make it all worth it in the end <3
Much love,
Kiersten
