How to Prepare for Air Travel with a Toddler

Planning a trip with a toddler which involves long flights can seem a bit daunting and yes, you may have one or two moments where you will want to pull your hair out! However, with the right amount of planning and patience you can indeed enjoy air travel with the little ones too. Here are some tips to keep in mind that will hold you in good stead when the time comes to head off on your journey.

Bring Travel Toys / Activities

Be it on short or long flights or during transit, toddlers will get bored at some stage or other. At these times, it is always good to have toys or activities prepared which can act as boredom-busters! You do get special travel kits for kids with activities, puzzles, colouring books and even snacks; of course, you could create your own as well.

For those long haul flights, you can also download certain educational and fun apps on your phone or tab that toddlers can occupy themselves with. Having their favourite movie on your tab for them to watch is also worth considering!

Have In-Flight Sleep Aids

When it comes to sleep time on planes, toddlers may find it harder to drift off; apart from having so much going on around them, there's the fact that it's a new environment they have to adjust to. A sleeping aid can make a world of a difference in such situations. This can include simple things like their favourite cuddly toy or a toddler blanket which will also provide them with a sense of familiarity and security.

You do get specific products too which are quite helpfulsuch as Plane Pal; this is a kind of travel pillow that can be put within the space in front of the seat to make a flat surface that toddlers can take a nap in. It is not that big, though do check ahead if the airline allows it to be brought on board.

Pack Their Favourite Snacks

A hungry toddler will lead to a grumpy or annoyed toddler which could spark troubled times for parents especially during long flights! With this in mind, one of the best family travel tips for those journeying with kids is to remember to pack some of their favourite snacks and other food items. While bringing along plenty of snacks will take up more space in your luggage, the benefits are worth it.

Dry food / snacks are the best suited, though in some instances it may be better to bring sandwiches, cut-up fruit or snack bars. Have a bottle of water or drink which they can enjoy as well. It should be noted that flights offer specific meals for toddlers too though you do need to order it beforehand. Check out online resources the likes of The Family Travel Blog to find out more tips that will help you on your travels as well as for finding family-friendly destinations.

Make Sure They Are Kept At Ease

Children will pick up on any stress (or irritability!) you may feel which will only make them feel stressed out too. That is why it is important to help them feel at ease and make travel something fun or enjoyable at the very least. Getting toddlers to stay in place with their seat belts on during take-off and landing can be daunting so do provide them with plenty of distractions to keep them occupied during such times.

During the flight, if they want to walk around a bit along the isles let them, with your guidance of course; it will do them good to stretch their legs and they won't feel cooped up. You can also ask the cabin crew for a kids' pack which airlines usually offer, while if you are travelling with a partner, take turns to watch, entertain or play with the kids.