If you’re planning on taking your young one on their first vacation this summer, you’re going to want to be in the know about the top tips for flying with toddlers.
Nobody wants to be the parent constantly apologizing to the other passengers on account of their screaming child.
To be fair to your toddler, taking a flight isn’t exactly a fun-filled day at the playground. Plane seats are cramped, flights can take forever, plus, your toddler is unlikely to fully grasp what is going on.
But with these tips for flying with toddlers, you can make the experience a whole lot easier for them!
Prepare your toddler beforehand
Even for adults who have flown many times before, the concept of flying can be pretty bizarre when you stop and think about it.
You’re literally hurtling through the air at 42,000-feet in an aluminum tube and landing on a totally different side of the world – so just imagine how crazy an idea it can be for your toddler.
Of course, they’ve probably seen airplanes in the sky before or maybe seen one on TV, but still, the idea of imagining themselves in one is most likely incomparable to anything they’ll have experienced up to this point.
One of the best tips for flying with toddlers is to prepare them mentally for what they’re about to do.
A couple of days in advance, be sure to sit down with your toddler and go over the basics of what will happen once they take off from the airport – using your best toddler terms, of course.
There are several fun and informative Youtube videos that you can also watch with them that will go over the airport and flying process, to help them visualise what it is exactly that they need to do pre-flight and while in-flight.
This will at least alleviate some of the stress that this new experience may bring.
Pick a flight time that suits your toddler’s routine.
Toddlers like to nap, but don’t think that means that they’ll fancy a nap as soon as they’re airborne.
You should aim to fly at a time you know your toddler will definitely be sleepy, that way, you’ll be able to guarantee that they’ll nap for at least a portion of the flight.
The time you choose will depend on the length of the flight. If long haul of 8 hours or more, a flight at dinner time may be perfect. Just enough time to board and get settled, eat some food and doze off for the rest of the flight (we can only hope!).
When picking a flight, you should also aim to pick the shortest flight possible, with no layovers if at all possible. Or if a layover is inevitable think about the timing of that portion of the flight too. If you have time on your side, there could be an argument for a longer stay, perhaps even an overnight stay, in the layover location to ensure the least tired toddler possible at your final destination.
Dress them Appropriately
First off, dress your toddler in footwear that they find both comfortable and easy to remove.
Security checks are a hassle as it is, let alone with the added challenge of getting your toddler to sit still as you untie their shoes before and after you go through security!
We’d recommend avoiding laces altogether and opting for comfortable gym shoes with Velcro. This way, they’ll also be able to burn off steam at the airport’s soft play area before boarding and will also be comfortable while in flight.
Secondly, for some reason, it can get very cold in the cabin once you’re airborne. Ensure your toddler has enough layers of clothing to accommodate that temperature.
If you stick with the concept of layers you will be able to deal with whatever the cabin temperature gods throw at you. The same goes for yourself, by the way!
Pre-board
Although this means that your child is spending more time on the plane, and therefore has more time to get bored or agitated, pre-boarding is essential for first-time flying toddlers.
Boarding first, when families with young children are called by the flight attendants, gives you and your child plenty of time to get comfortable in these new surroundings and settle in, without holding up the much bigger queue of regular passengers that board later.
And finally…
The golden advice for a successful flight with a toddler involves what you bring on board with you – snacks and entertainment! The best top tip for flying with toddlers is to simply keep them entertained – just as you would do in any other situation that they’re unfamiliar with. Pack appropriate toys to keep them occupied and, even if you try to avoid screens during normal life – this might be one time to reconsider that stance for yours and everyone else’s sanity. Tablets will be your lifesaver in this situation!
Also, be sure to pack a few healthy snacks – especially when there’s no guarantee they’ll like the selection on the in-flight menu.
Finally, the last of our top tips for flying with toddlers is to allow them to suck on something in-flight to stop their ears from popping. Whether it’s a pacifier or a lollipop., this will help keep them comfortable during take off and landing.