Teenagers? No worries. Tweens? No problem. Toddlers? No way. Taking a baby or toddler on an airplane can strike fear into any parent. Even the most experienced travelers will be left wondering what to do when naptime strikes, hunger causes a tear-filled melt-down, or the cabin crew bring the ‘wrong’ kind of juice. Here’s our tips for the best airplane essentials for toddlers, so you can have an (almost) stress-free airplane journey with young children.
1. Sleep Aids
If you’re traveling through a naptime, try a flight bed for toddlers who are small enough to sleep in your lap, or a 360 baby carrier, which means they can take a snooze with you in your lap or as you walk around the aisle. Older kids will love having their own sleep eye mask too. Remember to check if your airline allows certain sleep aids before you travel.
2. Vacation ‘Gifts’
Before you travel, choose a few small toys or some candy from your nearest store, and wrap them up like a birthday gift. Not only will your toddler be super excited to receive a gift, it’ll take them a while to unwrap it and they’ll have something to entertain them for an hour or so. When they get bored of the toy, open up your next gift. Sticker books and craft toys are perfect for this.
3. Screens
If they’re old enough to enjoy watching TV or movies, you’re in luck. Kids love having their own wireless headphones and they’ll help block out the plane noise so they can watch their favorite shows. Most apps like Netflix or Disney Life allow you to download shows to watch offline, so they don’t need to stream anything live. You could also try children’s art and drawing apps on a phone or tablet, so they can get creative and scribble away during your flight. This is the one time that parents don’t need to feel guilty about screen time – you’re not ruining any potential family bonding time here.
4. Jet Set Style
Kids love to role play as grown-ups. Give them their own travel kit, so they’ll have plenty of accessories to dress the part of jet set travelers. The Disney suitcases allow kids to take their own luggage through the airport with ease. Complete the set with their own passport holder and reusable coffee cup for their morning hot chocolate, for a full set of airplane essentials for toddlers.
5. Airline Extras
Don’t get stressed out about asking your airline crew for help. The cabin crew want the flight to be as peaceful and relaxed as possible for all their passengers. They’re used to dealing with kids of all ages and they’ll usually be happy to help frazzled parents. Ask them if they have anything else that might entertain your little one – drinks, snacks, or spare flight packs can help. Keep them busy stacking up the plastic drinking cups or coloring in an eye mask to turn it into a superhero costume. If you’re lucky, they might even let you wander down to the cockpit to catch a glimpse of the pilots in action.
Read more of our toddler travel tips and the best advice from travel pros on long haul flights, or check out our family-friendly vacation destinations to get inspired for your next trip!