Here’s our useful guide to flying for the first time with your toddler!
Ah, the excitement of jetting off on a family adventure! Whether it’s a long-awaited holiday or a visit to family, flying with a toddler can be an adventure in itself.
Helen Holding, Growth Marketing Assistant for Team Happity, shares her experience of flying with her toddler on a recent long-haul flight! This was her first flight with her daughter, on a flight from London to Orlando – she shares some tips of what she found helpful!
Planes, Peppa, And Plenty Of Snacks
First things first, pack your bag with an arsenal of distractions. Think books, small toys, and maybe even a child-friendly tablet loaded with your toddler’s favourite episodes of Peppa Pig. I also had lots of new small toys (or toys she had not seen for a while) to keep my toddler engaged. We got a bag of age-appropriate fidget toys too. Colouring and books to read are great too. But nothing with too many loose pieces that can get lost in the seats! Snacks are your secret weapon – the promise of a tasty treat can work wonders when it comes to keeping little ones entertained.
For toddlers, make your child’s trip to the airport extra exciting by giving them their very own suitcase! A Trunki is a good option because they are sturdy enough for your child to sit on them when their little legs get tired, but small enough for them to pull along when they’re feeling adventurous.
Time Those Flights Right
Consider booking flights that fit in with your toddler’s natural sleep schedule. A nap on the plane can be a game-changer, leaving you with a more relaxed and contented travel companion. If you’re facing a long-haul journey, night flights might just be your new best friend. We got our toddler into her PJs in the airport just before the flight, and we were lucky enough to get her to sleep most of the way through one of the plane journeys!
Boarding Brilliance
Take advantage of early boarding. This gives you extra time to settle in, stow away the multitude of bags you’ve inevitably brought, and get your toddler comfortable in their seat. Plus, there’s the added bonus of avoiding the rush and giving your little one some space to explore before the cabin fills up. Some airlines allow families with younger children to board first anyway – our recent flight did and it felt great being one of the first ones on!
Go With The Flow
Prepare to throw the rulebook out of the window (or airplane door, in this case). Toddlers are unpredictable, and sometimes the best-laid plans can go astray. Embrace the chaos, go with the flow, and don’t be too hard on yourself – or your little one – if things don’t go according to plan.
Snuggle Up
Flying can be overwhelming for little ones, so make sure to pack their favourite comfort items. Whether it’s a beloved blanket, a stuffed animal, or even a well-worn copy of ‘The Gruffalo’. Having a familiar item can provide a sense of security in the unfamiliar skies. We had some favourite cuddly toys with us to remind us of home.
High-Flying Wardrobe
Opt for comfortable and layered clothing for both you and your toddler. Airplane temperatures can be unpredictable, and having layers gives you flexibility and will keep you comfy.
Take Turns And Tag Team
If you’re flying with a partner or another family member, take turns being the primary toddler wrangler. This way, each of you gets a bit of a break, and your toddler gets the chance to interact with different people. It’s a win-win. If your little one is under two and still on your lap, you’ll be sharing a seat belt extender. This is very quick to move between seats, so feel free to swap around!
Be Prepared For Ear Popping
The change in air pressure during take-off and landing can be tough on little ears. Have a sippy cup, bottle, or snacks on hand to encourage swallowing, which can help equalise ear pressure.
Lavatory Logistics
Navigating airplane bathrooms with a toddler can be a tight squeeze. Familiarise yourself with the layout before you actually need to use it, and don’t be shy about asking flight attendants for help. They’re often seasoned pros at these mid-air acrobatics. Although I found it a bit tricky changing a toddler in a small plane toilet on the pull down baby changing table, I managed and just got my nappy sacks, wipes etc out ready so I wasn’t fiddling with the whole bag!
Smile And Wave
Lastly, remember that people around you were once toddlers too (probably). Most fellow passengers will be sympathetic to your cause, so don’t be afraid to exchange a smile or a friendly wave. Do not worry too much about noise, as most people will be watching films/have headphones on, and airplane cabins are surprisingly noisy already! This is why I love noise cancelling headphones on planes. I found walking up and down the aisle a great way to pass time. We made friends with some other small children which was nice. A little bit of camaraderie can go a long way.
Bon voyage, fellow families! May your flights be turbulence-free and your toddlers be delightfully entertained. Safe travels!
Want to get out and about, have fun with your baby or toddler, and meet other parents?
Search Happity to find everything that’s happening for the under-5’s in your local area – from music and singing classes, to messy play, arts and crafts, baby massage, gymnastics and more. Simply enter your postcode and child’s age to search, and then book your spot in a few taps. Enjoy dedicated fun time with your little one, watch their skills develop, and make friends at the same time. Mums, dads, grandparents and carers will all find something to love!
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