Flying with a Toddler: Buckle Up, It’s Going to be a Wild Ride
Ah, flying with a toddler—the ultimate endurance test for parents. You had dreams of your child gazing out the airplane window, peacefully munching on snacks while you sip your in-flight coffee and watch a movie. Instead, you get a squirmy, snack-demanding tiny human who thinks the tray table is their personal drum set. But don’t worry, you’re not alone!
Let’s dive into the hilarity that is flying with a toddler, and I’ll share my top tips, essential toys, and must-have travel items to help you survive your flight (and maybe even enjoy it… kind of).
Table of Contents
Top 5 Tips for Flying with a Toddler
- Snacks = Survival: If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that snacks are life. Not just for your toddler, but for you too. Bring more snacks than you think is humanly possible. Trust me, snacks are a toddler’s happy place. Go for a mix of healthy (because, balance) and pure bribes—those emergency chocolate chip cookies will come in handy when you hit turbulence and your kid decides that now is a great time to start practicing their new screeching noises.
- Don’t Fear the Screens: Let’s be honest here. On most days, we try to limit screen time, but on an airplane? All bets are off. This is where the tablet loaded with shows and games becomes your best friend. Feel no guilt. This is survival mode. Download everything from Paw Patrol to Bluey, because when your toddler is content, the whole plane is content.
- Embrace the Aisle Walks: Forget about lounging in your seat and catching up on your book. You’re going to become that parent—the one doing laps up and down the aisle with a toddler who refuses to sit still. On the bright side, it’s great cardio! Just be sure to smile apologetically at everyone you pass. Bonus points if your toddler waves at people like they’re on a parade float.
- Board Last: I know, I know, everyone always says to board first with kids. But let me tell you, the last thing you want is to trap your toddler in a tiny airplane seat for even longer than necessary. Let them run free in the gate area until the last possible moment. You’ll thank yourself when you don’t have to wrestle them in their seat while everyone else is still boarding.
- Keep Expectations Low: It’s important to remember that this is not going to be the most relaxing flight of your life. Set your expectations really low, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised when things don’t go completely off the rails. If you land with your toddler having had only two meltdowns, you’re winning.
Top 5 Toys for the Flight
- Stickers, Stickers, Stickers: These are a godsend. Get a pack of peel-and-stick stickers and let your toddler go wild. Stickers on the tray table? Fine. Stickers on you? Whatever. Anything for five minutes of quiet. Bonus – these stickers are puffy and reusable (aka they won’t leave that awful residue!)
- Reusable Water Wow Books: These magical books use water to reveal colors, and the best part? No mess. Your kid can “paint” over and over again, and you don’t have to worry about them using the seatback pocket as a canvas.
- Pop It Fidget Toys: Toddlers are obsessed with these things, and I don’t blame them. They’re oddly satisfying, and silent, which is key. Bonus: they’re also fun for adults when you need a distraction from the chaos.
- Crayola Color Wonder Markers: These markers only color on special paper, so you can relax knowing that your toddler won’t turn the airplane seat into their latest masterpiece. It’s toddler-proof art!
- Busy Board: A lightweight, portable busy board with zippers, buckles, and buttons will keep little hands busy and engaged. They think they’re playing, but really, you’re buying yourself 15 minutes of peace.
Other MUST HAVE Items
- Rolling Sit-On Suitcase (a.k.a. The Ultimate Travel Hack): The hero of the day. The rolling sit-on suitcase is basically a toddler transportation device that saves your sanity. It gives your toddler something to sit on (and sometimes nap on), and you can pull them through the airport like royalty. Plus, it has storage space for all those snacks and toys.
- Collapsible Water Bottle: Toddlers are obsessed with drinking from water bottles, but they also spill 90% of what they drink. A collapsible, spill-proof water bottle keeps your little one hydrated, and when it’s empty, you can fold it up and save space in your bag.
- Noise-Canceling Headphones: Whether it’s for their tablet or to block out the scary sound of the plane engines, noise-canceling headphones are a must. Plus, it’s one more thing to keep them entertained as they fiddle with them. We found these incredible, soft headphones that allow kids to sleep comfortably!
- Toddler Travel Pillow: If you’re lucky enough to have a toddler that actually sleeps on planes (unicorn child alert), a neck pillow designed for toddlers is a must. It keeps them comfortable and keeps their head from doing that droopy, bobbing thing that makes you feel guilty. Bonus if you want to go for the full toddler bed on the plane – check out this one!
- Portable Changing Pad: Because let’s be real—those airplane bathrooms are tiny, and changing a diaper in there is basically a circus act. A portable changing padkeeps things somewhat sanitary and can be folded up to fit anywhere. Plus, you’ll feel like a pro when you whip it out in record time.
Final Thoughts: Welcome to Toddler Travel Mode
Flying with a toddler is an adventure, but if you go in with the right mindset (expect chaos), a bag full of snacks, and a rolling sit-on suitcase, you might just survive—and maybe even enjoy a few moments along the way. So buckle up, get ready for some serious toddler wrangling, and remember: you’ve got this. And if all else fails, there’s always the in-flight wine list. Cheers!
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