Air Travel With Toddlers

Toddlers can be a challenge, especially in public places like grocery stores and restaurants. Because toddlers can become upset when bored, frightened or simply not allowed to do what they want, placing them in a restrictive environment can trigger a tantrum. One of the most trying activities for parents of toddlers is travel, and air travel in particular can be very difficult with a small child.

Long waits in noisy terminals, crowds of strangers, missed bedtimes and the confinement of an airplane seat can all contribute to prolonged outbursts from a young child. However, there are a few tips and techniques that can help you manage air travel with toddlers to make the trip less stressful for all.

Packing For Air Travel With Toddlers

The first step to planning air travel with toddlers is, of course, deciding what to pack. The packing process will ensure that you have what you need at your destination and also what you need during the trip. Make sure to separate the items that you’ll need on the flight from the items that you’ll need when you arrive at your destination. Only items that you’ll need during the flight should be packed as carry-on luggage. The rest should be packed in bags that will be checked to minimize the amount of baggage that you’ll be carrying.

When you have a toddler in tow, even a few bags can become unmanageable quickly. So in addition to making your carry-on luggage as light as possible, make sure that you know exactly where the things you’ve packed are located. A diaper bag with many snapping or zipping pockets is wonderful for organizing your supplies, since the last thing anyone wants to be doing during air travel with toddlers is pulling everything out of a bag to get the extra tissues buried at the bottom.

Must-Have Supplies For Air Travel With Toddlers

The supplies you’ll need for air travel with toddlers will vary depending on the length of the trip. For example, you’ll need to bring along more diversions, like toys or games, for hours-long air travel with toddlers than for a half-hour hop. Nonetheless, there are some necessities that you can count on.

The obvious supplies, such as diapers and baby wipes, should be accompanied by plastic bags in case you don’t have access to a waste basket. Snacks or drinks are a good idea, but you don’t have to go overboard when deciding how much food to bring with you. While you absolutely must bring any medication or special food items that your child may require, remember that there will be snacks and drinks available for purchase at the nearest grocery store when you reach your destination and probably even in the airport.

Some of the difficulties of air travel with toddlers can be prevented by bringing along a stuffed animal or other toy. However, you should keep in mind how easily small items can get lost in the shuffle of boarding or leaving an airplane. Unless you’re absolutely sure that you can keep an eye on the item, bringing along a well-liked but not quite favorite toy is a good idea when planning for air travel with toddlers.