Flying with a toddler, just like riding a bike?
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When my husband and I met, our love of travel was evident within the first ten minutes of conversation. While having a baby was not a part of the conversation early on, we always knew we would travel together.
But what do you know, we had a baby during a global pandemic, so travel was put on hold until he was vaccinated and we felt comfortable with it. Before Ale turned 3, he had been on 26 individual flights, and about a dozen roadtrips. Making up for lost time!
From that first short flight from Huntington, West Virginia to Clearwater, Florida until now, we have learned a lot, and of course, are still learning. But here’s my key do’s and don’ts of flying with a toddler.
1. Do: Bring on the snacks (and turn it into a game!)
We absolutely love this memory game snack tray and filling it with goldfish, PB&J bites, nuts, etc. It honestly makes it really fun for them to snack and takes about an hour or more off your hands!
2. Do: Bring a portable potty
For us potty training parents, this one matters! We use this one, and it’s great for a quick trip to the potty to keep encouraging those skills on the trip. We of course still put a pull up on him but this is a quick and convenient way for kids who are ready!
3. Do: Have them carry a few toys in a little backpack
We have used this backpack for a couple trips now and it’s perfect for an extra outfit, a few little toys, and his snacks (I put a pull up in there too). Toddlers love feeling helpful and I mean they just look adorable with it on.
4. Do: Buy them a seat (even if they are under 2 – especially on flights longer than 5 hours)
For his first flight, he was still under 2, but we bought him a seat. If possible, I recommend you do too. It will make it more comfy for everyone (especially if you end up holding them to sleep and need a little room to spread out)
5. Do: Bring mess-free markers and coloring pages
Ok but these guys just do not miss! I adore these, and I’m sure my mom would have too (sorry I got markers everywhere, mom). Ale loves the Bluey coloring pages, and also pro tip: only put out 2-3 markers at a time to avoid meltdowns if they rolls of the tray table.
6. Do: Bring a sucker for landing
When I was nursing him, this step was taken care of. But for our weaned bubs, a little sucker or anything they can suck on will help their little ears pop (usually the culprit for those pained screams as the plane lands)
1. Don’t: Worry about screen time
I’m not here to tell you what to do! But screen time on one flight is not going to cause any lasting impact. If you’re worried about stimulation, I recommend shows like Mrs. Rachel, Little Bear, and Franklin. YouTube Premium is the best for this, download episodes ahead of time.
2. Don’t: Stick to a sleep schedule
Again, no judgment at all on any sleep schedule or sleeping arrangement on this blog! But for a peace of mind and everyone’s sakes, just prepare yourself for changes in your little one’s sleep, especially on a flight. Lean in, this is a big deal for your little one! Pause the wake windows and sleep tracking.
3. Don’t: Mind dirty looks if they start crying
If you are a self-proclaimed people pleaser, you probably freak the f out if your babe cries and people around you are looking…listen, if they wanted to be on a flight without a child they could have taken a private jet (I said what I said). Remind yourself that any amount of discomfort from rude strangers will not match the special memories you’re about to make.
Happy travels!
