Airplane Fun With a Toddler

December 3, 2014 , In: Kids Zone, Travel , With: No Comments

Talk about traveling with a toddler on a plane! This is totally no fun when you have a fussy child. Things get loud, busy and uneasy. It’s not only loud, busy and uneasy for the passengers in the area but for the parents and even the child. ‘ Not a good situation and not easy to remedy either, I found out!

Over the holidays, our thirteen month old son got sick before arriving at the home of the in-laws. While the flight there was perfect, he began to come down with a cold and even had high fever, runny nose and a cough within a couple of days. It was the long nights with him crying and clinging that hurt our hearts.

By the time the flight home time had come, he was over the fever and feeling much better but now he was ready to explore and move about. When we boarded the plane, there was no fever but the watery eyes, runny nose and cough still had a presence and he was determined to let everyone know it!

Even with the three of us, Grandma, Dad and Mom, it was not enough to focus his way of thinking and we definitely could have used back up! A scheduled three hour plane ride turned into 4 1/2 due to technical difficulties and with that additional waiting, pulling, pushing, drinking, playing and fussing, it was like, “wow”! Even adults get antsy on a plane so you can you imagine how a 13-month-old who’s just learned to walk may feel. Having a variety of activities is definitely a must and I thought I came pretty well prepared. I knew that if I wanted to keep my sanity and the sanity of others around me, I had to bring a lot of goodies.

Airplane Fun With a Toddler

Here are a couple of suggestions when toddlers get on an airplane:

1. Breakfast/lunch/dinner or snacks

Having something for them to munch on keeps them busy. Try to pack the foods that they like. Pack two as you may want to eat them! Feeding them during takeoff and landing can really help out. While they are swallowing their food or drink, it helps with the change in air pressure and reduces ear pain.

2. Electronics

In this day and age even a six-month-old is intrigued by electronics. Bring your iPad or small handheld device. Prior to your trip, download movies (this will help with cost- you will not need to purchase wifi) set up a game folder where you download several new games.

3. Crafts

I’m all about saving money. When visiting Chick-fil-A or McDonald’s, I save the small toys and craft packets for flight times. Kids may not want that craft at the moment of the “Happy meal” but it will definitely be a bonus when you pull it out on a plane. If you’re going away for a specific holiday, you might print out holiday coloring sheets. This will get the child excited for the event to come. If they were going to visit a specific family member make sure to print off something that might say “my favorite aunt” or “to grandmothers house we go.”

4. Change of clothes

I bring at least two sets of additional clothing on the flight in case of a delay even an overnight stay. This was learned when we flew a year ago and ended up in a hotel with a majority of baby items in the “checked” baby suitcase. Now I know to expect a possible over night stay.

5. Double up on diapers

You know how many diapers you go through in one day but definitely bring double the amount on a flight. You never know when a delay will happen.

6. Large plastic bag

This will definitely come in handy for any soiled clothes you might have throughout your travels.

7. The comforts from home

I try to bring a small blanket and pillow, a favorite stuffed toy (Lovie) and important “comforts” from home. If you do not have a small pillow you can pick one up for just a couple of bucks or ask the airline host or hostess for one. This will come in handy when your child wants to lay on your lap or against the window.

8. Befriend your fellow passengers

Most likely there will be at minimum, 9 travelers either smiling at your child or mean mugging you. Either way the three in front of you, three behind you and three beside you need a goodie bag. This is a “sweet” token of your appreciation for their patients of your child. Pick up those cute little plastic bags, yarn and a little bit of candy to stuff inside. Card stock with the words thank you on it never hurts!

I suggest writing down all airplane activities. This will help you once you get on the plane and things are hectic you will not forget the projects activities and food that you have planned.

Enjoy your trip

Katie Girl