Flying with a toddler is no stroll in the park. You’ve already gone through the madness of check-in, security, and a gozilion other queues. Now, you’re asking your toddler to sit still in a giant piece of metal that will make loud noises and their ears will pop?
I would be lying if I said, there is a way to make it stress-free, but the hacks I’ve gathered from my and others’ experience will definitely make it much easier.
15 hacks for easier travelling with toddler
- Book your flight according to your toddler’s sleep regime
- Prep your toddler for the journey
- Make edible jewellery
- Dress in layers
- At check-in, ask if they have a spare seat for your toddler
- Request a front or back row seat
- Eat before you board
- Have your partner board the plane first
- Have something ready to relieve your toddler from ear ache
- Research aeroplane restraint devices
- Prep activities
- Prep for bedtime
- Offer your toddler lots of water
- Stick to the routine as much as possible
- Indulge them
Let’s dive in.
PREPARATIONS
Prepare for the flight. The longer it’ll be, the more activities and animations you’ll need to pass the time quicker.
You also need to be smart about your seating, whether your toddler will want to walk down the aisle or if they are kept busy with games and drawing, so they can sit by the window and be amazed by all the clouds.
You’ll have to spend the next two to whatever hours with everything that you’ve brought, so make sure you’ve prepared well. And to do so well, here are some hacks and advice from own experience:
1. Book your flight according to your toddler’s sleep regime
If possible, book flights around the time your toddler gets sleepy. I know it sounds trivial but a sleeping toddler is 10 times better than an active one on a cramped plane.
Also, before a morning (or to be honest any) flight, ensure your child gets a good night’s sleep. You don’t want to be stuck with a grumpy toddler.
2. Prep your toddler for the journey
Talk to your toddler and introduce them to the plane and what will happen before they board the unfamiliar transportation.
The sounds, the look, and the whole experience of the plane are new to the toddler and that might make them feel terrified. Prepping them and making it an educational, kid-friendly game will turn the experience into an adventure.
Tip: sit your toddler on your lap in front of the TV, put on a simulation video of take off and show them the G-force and turbulence by moving together as if you’re flying on an aeroplane.
3. Make edible jewellery
You can combine hack No.2 and No.3 by educating your toddler about their next adventure while making edible necklaces.
It’s a fun craft and it gives them some responsibility in the preparation process. Some great options are cheerios, pretzels, fruit loops, and some gummies.
Just remember HEALTHY SNACKS only, avoid sugary treats not to rev them up.
4. Dress in layers
Make sure your toddler is dressed in layers that are easy to put on and take off.
The temperature on the plane drastically changes and I’ve caught a cold myself many times while flying. Eventually, I learned the lesson which I strictly apply to my kids.
5. At check-in, ask if they have a spare seat for your toddler
If your toddler is under 2, they aren’t required to have a seat of their own, however, it won’t hurt to ask if the plane has a spare seat that you could be allocated next to.
Your toddler will have their own seat so it’ll be easier for them to sleep and more space for you. If it’s a long haul flight and you can afford it, I would even recommend purchasing a separate toddler’s seat.
6. Request a front or back row seat
Another thing you could politely ask at check-in desk is if there are free front or back row seats available. The front row seats will usually have extra legroom, while both the back and front rows are close to the exit which leads to easier boarding and getting off the plane.
7. Eat before you board
Whether you’ve packed some sandwiches or have found a restaurant serving free food for kids, I advise you to eat before you board – you’ll have one less thing to worry about onboard.
Reaching food and making sure everyone’s happy with the options might become difficult while stuck on the plane.
Tip: Avoid greasy meals as they contribute to indigestion, however, filling protein-rich foods is a great option if you have a choice.
Contradictory Hack: You could actually eat during the flight instead, as that would kill time and there’s lots of that on the plane. However, that’s only recommended if your toddler is able to stay still while eating. I don’t even want to picture the mess a fussy toddler makes on the plane. The look on your neighbour’s face when they see a carrot landing on their shirt is one you don’t want to witness.
8. Have your partner board the plane first
If you’re not travelling alone, have your travel companion board the plane first and secure the overhead bins while you have your toddlers burn the most energy possible ie making them race around the gate area.
This way you won’t have to force your toddlers to stay still while everyone’s boarding but you’ll have overhead bins ready for you and your drained-to-the-last-bit toddlers.
TAKE OFF/LANDING
Now comes the take off. It can be scary even for adults so it’s important you talk to your toddler about what will happen on the giant plane.
If you’ve found the time to educate them about flying and specifically take off, you’ve got one less thing to worry as your toddler is at least aware of what’s going to happen.
9. Have something ready to relieve your toddler from ear ache
With take off and landing, besides the possible fear and crying along with it, unfamiliar issues occur like ear popping that leads to ache. This often uncomfortable sensation is related to pressure changes. Normally, the Eustachian tube equalises the air pressure but in kids it might not do this as well.
The act of chewing and swallowing can shift the ear enough to help the Eustachian tube do its job. To avoid unnecessary suffering for your toddler, clear up their congestion and have one or more of these ready:
- Lollipops/pacifiers or food pouch
- Breastfeeding
- Plenty of water
It’s important you keep your toddler awake and you can even make them practice yawning in a fun playful way, pretending to be lions.
Though crying isn’t pleasant, it also helps prevent aching ears, which is why take off and landing is the time to let your toddler cry it out.
10. Research aeroplane restraint devices
Each airline has different regulations for how the toddler must be harnessed. They might provide some type of restraint depending on the airline like a belly belt – infant lap belt or a child restraint seat.
However, there are some alternatives that you can bring to make it more comfortable for your toddler, though I cannot stress enough that you double checked with the airline what is acceptable and on which seat (because that also matters). The alternatives are:
- FAA approved car seat. If your car seat is approved by the airline it must have a 5-point harness and fit into the seat measurements of the particular aircraft you’re flying. This should be particularly useful if you’re flying with a smaller toddler. The car seat they’re used to will be a comforting element on an unfamiliar mode of transportation.
- CARES harness (approved for toddlers who weigh 10 – 20 kg). If the toddler has their own seat on the plane but doesn’t want to sit in the boring old car seat, this harness can be used if the toddler meets the measurement regulations. Again, I emphasise the need to double-check that the airline you’re flying with accepts this type of harness and the particular seat your toddler will be sitting in.
FLYING
Okay, so you’ve survived take off. The plane is levelled and your toddler starts to slowly familiarise with their surroundings.
They might start to move around and jump to the aisle wishing to explore the plane and everyone in it. Of course, it’s not an ideal way of passing time on a crammed plane and flight attendants walking back and forth.
Time starts to move slower and slower as your toddler begins to be more reluctant to sit down.
It’s time you pull out all the surprises that you’ve prepared and use your imagination for spending this flight bonding with your toddler and giving them attention that they’ve always begged for. It’s not like you’ve got somewhere else to go.
Your toddler will be secretly grateful for all these hacks and surprises that you’ll have prepared.
11. Prep activities
This hack you’re obviously supposed to do before leaving home for the trip. No matter if it’s two, four or six hours, it’ll be a long time on the flight and without all of their toys, your toddler will get bored within the first half hour.
Besides bringing their favourite toys and the iPad, there are other creative things that you can take to make the long flight go faster:
- Multipurpose Backpack or Travel Activity Tray. These two are smart inventions for organising and creating easy access to your toddler’s favourite things to play with. Crayons, notepads, snacks, the iPad, water bottle, and their toys will all be beautifully packed in one backpack or set to play with on the activity tray. Pack these right and your toddler will have everything in reach from their seat.
- Gel clings. You can make this one even more fun by buying themed gel clings according to your holiday. Your toddler can stick snowflakes and snowmans or beach umbrellas and colourful fishes to their window and watch them swim in the sky.
- Buy new toys and wrap them up in foil. This takes some extra effort but it’ll be like second Christmas for your toddler. Buy cheap, tiny toys, wrap them all in foil and leave them in the backpack without telling your toddler. The little one will be so excited to discover your gifts.
12. Prep for bedtime
If it’s time to sleep on the aeroplane, there are alternatives that you can bring on board to improve your toddler’s sleep quality. If they get a seat of their own, you can come prepared with things like:
- Inflatable foot rest. This particular item comes in a pack of two, which means either you and your toddler, or if you’ve got more than one kiddo, they can enjoy a more comfortable position during the flight. The foot rest is easy to inflate and provides the length needed for the toddler to lay on the seat like on a bed. It is compact and lightweight, and can be used on any other transportation. Just bring a small pillow and a blanket to cover the little one.
- Suitcase bed. BedBox by JetKids (20L) suitcase has a mattress incorporated inside. Once you’re on the plane and allowed to do so, unfold the mattress from the ride-on suitcase and your toddler can enjoy a comfy bed of their own. The rest of the space in the suitcase can be used for their little pillow and blankie.
13. Offer your toddler lots of water
Airplane cabins have low humidity, thus your toddler (and you) can easily get dehydrated. Bring along sippy cups and remember that you’re allowed to bring a full bottle of water when travelling with a baby/toddler.
To be fully prepared and save money, after security fill an empty sports bottle that you’ve brought with yourself.
Tip: bring an anti-spill cup. No-brainer but easy to forget. Invest in one that your toddler will like to hold and look at, it will be easier to convince them to drink water out of it.
14. Stick to the routine as much as possible
Try to stick to your toddler’s routine, especially on long-haul flights. They will behave better if they detect something familiar while experiencing this unknown adventure.
If they’re used to hearing a bedtime story before bed then read them one. Even if it’s googled and read from your phone.
15. Indulge them
Lastly, indulge them. Let them do the thing they’re only allowed to do on special occasions. Technically, flying is a special occasion for your toddler. I know how hard you work on disciplining your kiddo but they only get to fly once in a while, if any.
Travelling with a toddler is a big challenge for any parent. Letting them use the iPad during the flight will only give you some time to breathe and regroup. Don’t worry, you won’t lose the “good enough” parent badge for doing so.
This flight too shall pass…
Prepare yourself. The hacks will help ease your trip and reduce the level of stress you’ll have, however, preparing yourself for the inevitable is the smart way to go.
And while your toddler is kicking the seat in front of them, crying from the ear ache or is poking you 20 times non stop, remember the impermanence of this hardship and that this too shall pass.
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You may also like to read our posts about the 7 most important things to pack in your toddler’s backpack for the airplane journey.
