Flying with Toddler: Tips and Lifehacks for Parents

Holidays, work trips, family vacations: airports have become our usual places of appearance, and airlines are improving their service, trying to make the flight seamless. The birth of a child can change your views on comfort in resorts and recreation. How can you make flying with toddler comfortable?

Each of us probably heard about the dissatisfaction of passengers of public transport, airplanes, hotels, and cafés. “Crying children interfere with rest and cause stress. Why can’t we create family-unfriendly locations?” Such language can be unpleasant and traumatic for parents. Children cannot fully understand where they are and whether this place is safe. How to ensure maximum comfort for your child during a flight?

Why Traveling with Toddlers Can Be Challenging

If you are flying with toddlers for the first time, you may encounter unpredictable difficulties. It is impossible to prepare perfectly for a flight the first time. Most often, parents face the following issues:

• Unpredictable behavior. The “three-year crisis,” exploring one's own and other people's personal boundaries, is a complicated process for a child, and one cannot do without “glitches.” You are prepared for this at home, but at the airport or onboard, it can take you by surprise.
• The kid needs attention. The kid believes you always have time for “Mom, look how I can.” Whether you are surrounded by worries, your luggage is being checked, or you are just relaxing, it doesn’t matter. A child needs to receive your attention in any situation.
• Climate and time zone changes. Sleep disturbances, stress, and low energy due to jet lag are companions to any long trip. Imagine how a child who does not understand the nature of these phenomena feels. They are stressed and scared.
• The need for a large number of things. Diapers, snacks, toys, and gadgets will become your main attributes of the flight. When it comes to flying with a 3-year-old, you should know children's attention is fickle, and they switch quickly.

If these things scare you (and that's normal), don't rush to return your tickets. You need to know this: don’t refuse, but prepare yourself and your child for the flight. Proper planning will solve most of your problems and make your flight more comfortable.

Why Tips for Traveling with Toddlers Are Useful

Don't underestimate the proper allocation of time and resources and mental preparation before the flight. Of course, you won’t be able to 100% avoid random hysteria or “Mom, I’m hungry” at the most inopportune moment. But if you use all the life hacks, you will enjoy the process more:

• Save time. Correct calculations will help you arrive at the airport on time, go through check-in and passport control, and find your gate.
• Comfort of parents and children. Are all things and tools at hand? This means there is less cause for concern.
• Reducing costs. Large airports have bright signs for shops and cafés to attract children's attention. This may waste a lot of time and even money, so it is better to avoid shopping in favor of more active entertainment.

Make sure to prepare: consult other parents, make a list, and study the necessary materials. Our article will tell you all the essential conditions for a successful trip.

Preparation and Planning

Do you think that the flight begins when you board the plane? Or when are you going to the airport? If you are flying with a 4-year-old, your journey begins when you select tickets and make a decision. We have highlighted several points that are important to think about in advance.

• Book Early Morning Flights. Listen to this advice even if you don't have children, because such flights have many advantages. Firstly, morning flights have fewer delays. Secondly, air conditions are much better in the morning due to low air temperatures. This will reduce the risk of turbulence. In addition, early flights will maintain the child's sleep schedule, and there will be fewer people at the airport and on the plane.
• Talk to Your Kids About the Process. This is a radically new experience for a young child, and it can easily become traumatic. They know nothing about noisy and large airports, queues, and flights. Explain simply what will happen and assure them that you will always be there to make them comfortable.
• Pack Light but Smart. We've all had situations when we brought a suitcase full of nothing. Traveling with a child is when you need to work smart, not hard. Ask the flight attendant if it is possible to bring an extra suitcase on board. Traveling with toddlers airplane staff may help you. Divide all suitcases into zones: use transparent bags and organizers so that the necessary things are within minutes' reach.

Travel Accessories and Essentials

The modern smart assistants and tools market offers a wide selection of inexpensive and convenient options for your toddler flying with you. This is not a mandatory item, but it will significantly increase comfort.

• Use a Travel Stroller. Lines, crowds, and busy seating areas will tire your child out quickly. A travel stroller will help them fall asleep or just relax in a comfortable place. A big plus for parents is that strollers usually have additional pockets for storing things, which will take some of the burden off you.
• Invest in a Lightweight Car Seat. Convenient for the airport and for every day: take your child directly from the car to the gate. All you need to do is unbuckle the seat in the car and fasten it in the airplane cabin. The anatomical seat back will ensure the toddler's comfort during the flight.
• Bring a Toddler Airplane Bed. This affordable and simple solution will significantly simplify your flight. First, it does not disturb your fellow travelers. Second, it provides additional comfort for the child: you can create a separate area for them to relax, sleep, and play.

Entertainment and Activities for Kids on a Plane

What do you usually do on a plane? People prefer to listen to music, watch movies, sleep, or relax. A child needs attention and entertainment: the more changing pictures and bright images around, the better. This is not a reason to give them an iPad for the entire flight. Let's look at the alternatives.

• Pack New or Forgotten Toys. You can also bring a few of their favorite toys to keep your baby comfortable. If you find several lost or forgotten toys, take a couple – this will be an activity for the first hour. Getting to know new toys is more fun than casually playing with old ones.
• Utilize Airport Play Areas. If you have a long wait or transfer, ask the airport staff about a play area for children, or look for one yourself. There, the kid will play with other children, get active, and finally get tired. Monitor the game's progress to catch the moment when it's time to pause.
• Save the Best Distraction for Last. Keep your leading ace in the hole: a tired and overstimulated child will not react and concentrate on the usual entertainment after a flight. If you feel that childhood tantrums are close, try to distract them with sweets, their favorite cartoons, or gadgets.

Food and Snacks

Before making a shopping list, find a document about the rules for bringing liquids and food into the cabin: some airlines have special restrictions. If the flight is long, take non-perishable sweets and snacks.

• Bring a Variety of Snacks. The greater the variety of shapes and textures of food, the more it will affect the child. Snacks can distract from stress, calm them down, or make your toddler feel comfortable. Ask your kid what snacks they would like to take with them, and use them as inspiration for your list. Just don’t include huge Chupa Chups or family-sized chips.
• Use Candy to Help with Ear Pressure. Choose hard candies or gummies instead of chocolates. Jaw movements reduce pressure on the ears and distract the child from unpleasant sensations. Try to choose sugar-free candies and gummies instead of chewing gum.

Safety and Comfort When Flying with Toddlers

This is one of the most critical stages of our list. You must be sure of the safety of yourself and your child, so pay attention to their clothes, the people around them, and the place where they sit. Let's take a closer look.

• Dress in Layers. Several layers of clothing regulate body temperature and adapt to the air at the airport. Moreover, you will save space in your luggage and permanently remove unnecessary clothing layers if your child gets hot. Choose natural materials that allow air to pass through and remove moisture. 
• Plan for Potty Breaks and Use Pull-Ups. Remind your child to use the restroom before getting on the airplane with kids and out of the house. Also, just in case, take potty breaks every 2–3 hours. During sleep or long rest, use diapers for additional protection. In airports, flights, and a new and stressful situation, it would be better to be safe.

Managing Expectations and Mindset

Pop psychology may be lying, but we can say one thing for sure: stay positive! Tune in to pleasant and new experiences, and stay calm and focused. The first flight with a child causes a lot of worries, but there are people around who will not leave you in trouble. By the way, you are already well prepared!

• Have a Positive Mindset. Contrary to horror films and stories, modern flights are comfortable and safe. If you plan your course of action in advance and pack your suitcase wisely, you will do everything that depends on you. Most children sleep the entire flight, so try to relax and unwind.
• Be Open to Accepting Help with Kids on a Plane. Wanting to help a mother and child is a normal human desire. Feel free to accept and give help. If someone is willing to aid carry a heavy bag or hold the door, just let the person do it. You are surrounded by good people. 
• Keep Your Composure. If anxiety and jitters are challenging to cope with, try planning your stay at the airport and on board. Study the specifics of the flight and the airline, and distract yourself from negative thoughts. Take a book with you or download a series to your gadget. Your anxious state will only make things worse for you and your toddler: you may be inattentive or distracted.

Interaction with Flight Attendants and Passengers

You've probably seen people's comments about children in public places online. Many say that it is stressful and inappropriate. The reality is different – most people are willing to help you, and the flight attendant will always make sure you are comfortable. Don't close yourself off; talk about your problems or questions if necessary.

• Show Appreciation to Flight Attendants. This person will help you out more than once during the entire flight. We know how tiring traveling with children can be, but airline staff are not the best target for your negative emotions. Remain pleasant and friendly, and the flight attendant will help you when you need it.
• Seat Kids Away from the Aisle. If possible, keep children away from the aisle. This will protect them from falling or injury, as someone could accidentally hit the child. Secondly, they will be less distracted from their games and will not quickly become overstimulated by those around them.

This is also the most comfortable option in the cabin, as there is more window space and room for games and relaxation. These seats sell out the fastest, so try to book yours in advance or contact the airline directly.

Be Prepared for Any Event with the Keiki App

Flight is one of the stages of parenting that awaits you. How to prepare a child for new stages of their life? Our exercise system and educational materials help you study at home and prepare for school:

• Mini-games for children from 1 to 6 years old and up with the necessary information: use cards with letters and numbers, spelling, and more.
• Workspaces for parents: learn with your child at home and prepare for school with information materials and parenting tips.
• Track your progress: monitor your child's progress using individual indicators.
• Lots of practice: focus on counting, speaking, and behavioral exercises for toddlers.

Find out more tips and life hacks for a greater connection with your child, avoiding behavior problems, and helping your kid gain new knowledge. Keiki cares about children's progress, developing useful worksheets and packages.

Conclusion

The first flight with a toddler is an exciting and stressful event at the same time. The child will be distracted and capricious, and crave your attention and affection. This is entirely normal: kids are new to this world, and everything is new for them. Look at this process as an opportunity to learn more techniques and improve your parenting skills.

Use lifehacks for fly little kids scenarios: if possible, take a small suitcase in the cabin and buy a bag with many compartments. Bring snacks, toys, and favorite forms of entertainment. Keeping yourself and your baby comfortable and calming your thoughts will guarantee a peaceful and enjoyable flight for everyone.