We all know traveling can be a hassle. Packing, long airport lines and now having to take extra items such as masks and for disinfecting the airplane. Traveling with a baby or a toddler brings even more challenges. There are many things to consider when throwing a child or two in the mix of traveling.
Here are some easy tips to follow for traveling with small children and how to make it less difficult.
Pick the Right Flight Times
Managing a toddler on plane rides is not easy and can be hectic if not prepared. For long flights, purchase a flight that travels through the night to avoid fussiness and grumpiness. Traveling for long hours can be tiresome and displeasing for adults and extremely difficult for kids to stay still and well mannered. Night flights work great for small kids because they can sleep through the night which means you will be able to watch a movie, catch up with some work and even sleep yourself for a few hours.
In addition to long flights, pick a plane ride with layovers so that your kids have a few hours to stretch and play around the waiting area.
For shorter flights, choose a flight that travels in the afternoon, perhaps around your child’s nap time, so they can sleep a portion of the flight. Make sure they have a good source of entertainment on the flight. (Tablet, coloring books, toys, etc.)
Keep the essentials where you can easily access them
Important documents – like passports, printed itineraries, confirmations, and tickets should be somewhere you can get to them quickly and frequently is needed. Bring your child’s original birth certificate. Other important items could include your wallet, chargers, cell phone, tablet, headphones & prescription medication.
Comfortable plane ride
Make sure to bring neck pillows and blankets for comfort and warmth during the flight. Pack something from home that they’re familiar with. Perhaps a favorite stuffed animal or toy.
If you can afford a separate seat, purchase it and bring a lightweight car seat for the trip.
Bring a carry-on bag big enough to carry the following essentials:
- Diapers
- Wipes
- Blankets
- Bibs
- Plastic bags to store soiled clothes, or to dispose of used diapers if needed
- Toiletries, toothbrushes, toothpaste & tissues
- Bring an extra change of clothes for you and the kids
- Toys and books
- Sippy cups, water bottles, juice box & formula if needed
- Baby food or toddler snacks
- Headphones, if the child is old enough, are the best to keep them entertained and to cancel out noise from the plane’s engines
For toddlers we suggest having a small backpack just for their toys to make it easier to organize your bag.
Most importantly wear comfortable clothes. Try to wear clothes that are as comfy as wearing pajamas. Loose-fitting shirts, pants, sneakers and hoodies are the best options to be able to sleep and be cozy on the flight.
Chewing gummy snacks and drinking water or juice, helps keep the ears clear and will help relieve pressure during takeoff and landing.
