How To: Fly with a Toddler

Tip #3: Lots of snacks, a few quiet toys, and soft books.

Tip 4: We did a lot of flying when our kids were little. Window seat for them (or me with them in lap) was helpful so they could look out. Then snacks, books, and small toys are all your friend! If they like movies (really depends on the child at that age), another possibility.

Tip #5: Tablet (with headphones) to watch a DOWNLOADED favorite movie or show, coloring books with crayons in a bag (or cup so they don’t roll onto the floor), books to read, and a toy or two!

Tip #6: Each time we have flown with our children, especially when they were toddlers, I would create a cute little ‘care package or goodie bag’ for him. This little package of goodies would be in his personal carry on bag, usually a very small backpack that he would carry all on his own, and he could open it when he got onto the plane. This little goodie bag consists of very inexpensive little things I would purchase from the Dollar Store or Dollar Spot section at Target and usually include: sticker books, coloring books, NEW coloring crayons, stencils, match box cars and snacks. Loads and loads of snacks. But, not just regular snacks…this is when you pull out the good ones you don’t normally have around the house. Make traveling on the plane something really special–you’ll be amazed!

Tip #7: I have to admit I’m not a fan of flying, however find it more fun with the kids involved. Two things I make sure to always do are get on last so I let them run their legs well and pack some surprise new items. I will have a budget of $10 for each child and go to the Dollar Tree and save a few for the flight home, a few while we are on our vacation and then of course the beginning flight! Don’t use them though if you don’t need to!!

Tip #8: I have never let the fear of taking a toddler on a place stop me from traveling! Both of my children were on planes as toddlers and they loved it – just prepare a few fun activities for them and have some yummy snacks – something they usually don’t get like animal crackers, trail mix with all your own mix-ins, sweet dry cereal, freeze-dried fruit, etc- and that will help with your flight! A few of our favorite airplane games with toddlers – all cheap dollar store finds – include: 

• A pack of sticky notes – kids love to play with them and stick them everywhere and you can even use them to make designs on the back of the plane seats.
• A whiteboard for drawing, reusable stickers, dry erase crayons and more! Most stores have mini boards. 
• $1 store molding clay! Help your kids make animals and vehicles and create anything (don’t forget hand wipes)
• A small stack of Dixie cups – to count with, transfer snacks on the tray, play hide the quarter under the cup game, serve snacks and more!

• Technology is your friend. Our daughter wouldn’t have done half so well if my husband hadn’t had movies/games downloaded to his phone or tablet to entertain her during the flight and in the airport. We don’t use technology at home as much, so this was a special treat for her. If technology won’t work, have some new games or toys stashed in your personal carry on to bring out when your toddler gets bored or fussy.
• Have some way of transporting your child through the airport, either by wearing the toddler or in a stroller that you can check at the gate.
• I witnessed a toddler unwilling to sit in her seat before a flight could push back. Don’t be afraid to ask the flight attendant for help in a situation like this. The flight attendant was firm but kind, and the mom just needed another voice of authority to get her daughter to buckle up. Also, talk to your children about the expectation beforehand: we sit in the seat, we use inside voices, we keep our seatbelt buckled on the airplane. Another thing that might help in this situation was if she had an aviation-approved child seat to use since it would be familiar to her from riding in cars, and that there is the same expectation on an airplane as in the car.
• Pack your own snacks for your child. Check the TSA website since the 3-1-1 rule may not apply to food/drinks for children.
• Have something for the child to suck or chew on during takeoff and landing to help compensate for the changes in air pressure in their ears. I always have gum to chew, but obviously toddlers can’t use gum, so a sucker, pacifier, breastfeeding, or bottle can alleviate the pressure on the inner ear.

About 365 Magical Days of Travel: Debra Baca is a mom of two kids, aged 9 & 11, who loves to travel and save money, too. She hopes to inspire you to achieve your travel goals, whether it be consecutive annual passes to Disneyland and Disney World (like her), a two-week trip to Europe, or a road trip across the United States. She’ll show you how she manages to travel so much without breaking the bank, plus give you tips to make the traveling easier.

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Well, I hope you love that advice as much as I do! One thing I wish we did with Parker was have books and toys for him. We assumed he would like watching the in-flight movies, but he didn’t like wearing the headphones. Next time I will look at this list again before we go to make sure we have everything we need for him.

And I hope you get the chance to check out the other bloggers too! They are full of travel wisdom on their blogs and social media platforms so be sure to follow them!

Comment below and tell me how you fly with your children!