Flying with Toddlers

You can only ask relatives and friends to get on a plane to visit you so often. One day you’ll have to return the favor or you will want to take the family on vacation, which means you have to perform an act so frightening, so terrifying, that the mere suggestion of it sends shivers down the spine of all parents: flying with your toddler.

Cramped seats, squirming kids and angry neighbors can turn even the shortest flight into the longest day of your life. But fear not! With some careful planning and a little in-flight ingenuity, your flight can turn into a fun, family adventure. Just keep these tips in mind.

Sleepy Time
The best-case scenario is for your child to sleep during the flight. If possible, schedule your flight during his usual nap time. Before you board the plane, give your child a protein-packed meal with little or no sugar—everyone sleeps better with a full belly. Seat her next to the window, and pull the shade down after take-off. Once airborne, before the aisles are filled with drink carts and wandering passengers, go through your child’s bedtime routine to encourage the nap. Whatever you do, do not give cold medicine to knock him out, a practice condemned by pediatricians.

Pre-Boarding Play Time
Tire him out as much as possible before you board your plane. If an airport has a play area, spend every second you can there. Let her run around empty gates, or simply take long walks up and down the concourse. Let him waddle around while you’re in line (use a tether to make sure he doesn’t get too far away in the crowded airport). The more energy expended outside the plane the better.

A Seat of Their Own
Kids under two may fly for free, but do you really want a heavy, squiggly baby on your lap for three hours? Buy your child his own seat on the plane—it’s the best mental investment you’ll ever make. Bring a child restraint system or booster/car seat or else she may be bouncing all around the seat.

Get Allies Early
Be extra nice to the people around you when you board. Introduce your child and encourage her to play cute baby games like peek-a-boo with nearby passengers so that they’ll be more understanding in the event that your child becomes noisy.

The Rule of Plane Snacking
There’s only one rule on what to give your toddler to snack on during the flight: no sugar. It’s a hard rule to follow considering how sugary snacks are perfectly packaged for travel. Come prepared by bringing grapes, carrots, goldfish crackers, snap peas or raisins.

Keep them Occupied
Pack plenty of activities, like coloring books or travel-sized drawing pads such as an AquaDoodle. Pack new books and toys they have never seen. Bring each item out one at a time, putting the last one away before introducing the next. You may consider wrapping a few toys, which will add to the wonder and take more time to play with.

Just some common sense suggestions:
• Keep the flight short is possible
• Don’t get your toddler excited about where they are going (ie: Disney or visiting grandma) because the more excited they are, the harder it will be to get them to calm down and relax on the plane.
• Try to surround your toddler with family members if possible. If the seating arrangement is 3 seats, have family or friends in all 3 of the seats.
• Board early so that you can get your child settled before the rest of the plane boards.
• Take a sweat shirt or jacket in case it is chilly on board.
• Bring their favorite blanket and naptime toy.


Enjoy your trip with your toddler. They are only young once!