Tips to Make Flying with Children Stress Free

Tips to Make Flying with Children Stress Free

How to Make Flying Enjoyable for You and Your Jet-Setting Tots

Traveling is more fun when you’re with family. When you explore new places and experience diverse cultures with the ones you love, you get to strengthen the bonds that hold your family close and create memories that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

As a mum, one of the most precious things about this experience is seeing your kids enjoy the journey as they see and try new things. However, amid all the excitement of exploring a new destination, there’s no denying that traveling with a toddler or young children in tow can turn your fun family adventure into a nightmare.

Since toddlers enjoy and feel safe in the predictability of their daily routine, traveling to an unfamiliar place can stress them out. Suddenly exposing them to new environments, like the airport or inside an airplane, can make them feel uncomfortable, causing them to have meltdowns. Some toddlers, on the other hand, become more excitable in new surroundings. Pair your child’s innate curiosity with their boundless energy and you can find yourself chasing after them all over the place.

You want your entire family to enjoy your trip as much as possible, but just thinking about the chaos your toddler can cause during your flight can make everyone dread the experience even before it starts.

Fortunately, you can implement various travel strategies so you can be ready for anything your toddler may try.

Pack Thoughtfully

It can be challenging to pack light when you’re traveling with a toddler However, you can make the task less stressful if you pack thoughtfully. A well-organized carry-on bag can be a lifesaver because you can immediately grab your toddler’s essentials, like nappies or change of clothes, without having to rummage through the entire bag.

Having your toddler’s necessities within arm’s reach can also help you manage any surprises that might arise during the flight. Aside from the essentials, you should also pack a variety of their favourite snacks. Your child might not enjoy the taste of airplane food, so having their go-to snacks at the ready can avoid “hangry” episodes.

Prioritize Wearing Comfortable Clothes

Dressing both yourself and your toddler in comfortable clothing can significantly impact the overall flying experience. Opt for loose and breathable garments, like leggings and a cotton shirt, so you can move around effortlessly.

For your toddler, choose clothes that are non-restrictive and easy to change so that you can quickly remove them in the event your little one accidentally wets or stains their clothes.

Pack Enough Distractions

Plane rides can be quite boring and you may encounter delays. When toddlers or young children gets bored, they become restless. When your little one doesn’t have the means to properly release their frustrations, they can act out, and trying to calm them while they’re screaming at the top of their lungs isn’t fun.

Prevent this from happening by bringing items that can keep your toddler distracted. Whether you take with you a book, a toy, or a smartphone with pre-downloaded learning videos for toddlers, keeping your child engaged and entertained during the flight will prevent boredom from setting in. If your toddler gets tired of these distractions, you can engage in simple games like “I Spy” or “Peekaboo.” These age-appropriate games won’t only keep your little one stimulated, but it also gives you a chance to bond with your child.

Bring Familiar Comforts

The unfamiliar sights and sounds of an aircraft can make your little one feel uneasy, and their anxiety can make the entire trip uncomfortable for them. That’s why it’s a good idea to bring along items that provide comfort and familiarity, giving them a sense of security and ease.

Make sure that the items you’re bringing can be easily stashed in your carry-on luggage such as your toddler’s favourite stuffed toy, comforter, blanket, or a well loved storybook are excellent ideas.

Create a Comfortable Sleep Environment

If your flight coincides with your toddler’s nap or bedtime, you can convert their seat into a comfortable sleep environment where they can nap in peace. Try using your little one’s familiar blanket and lay it over the seat so that your child has a soft surface to lie on. If available, request a pillow from a flight attendant to make your toddler’s sleeping area comfier. Dress your them in comfortable sleepwear and consider dimming the lights around their seating area to signal sleep time. A well-rested toddler means a happier and more enjoyable flight for both of you.

Capture the Journey in Pictures and Videos

Documenting your journey with photos and videos, including creating video, can turn the flight into an even more memorable experience. Capturing special moments, like your toddler’s expression during take-off and landing, will provide you with entertainment for years to come.

These moments can also serve as small victories throughout the journey, giving you the motivation to stay calm and collected while traveling with your toddler.

Stress Free Flying With Children 

While flying with children can be a complex balancing act, bringing your little ones along makes the experience more enjoyable. Yes, it can be difficult to calm your toddler if they have a meltdown, but with the help of the above strategies, you can hopefully find ways to reassure your child that traveling to new destinations is a thrilling experience they’ll eventually fall in love with.

This is a collaborative post.  Images are my own or from Canva Pro.