Tips for Flying with a Toddler

My son's first airplane trip was when he was 6 weeks old. I was well prepared with everything I could possibly need for my 90 minute trip, including about 5 extra diapers, "just in case". He ended up sleeping the entire way. I got comments from all those sitting around me about what a good little boy he was. (Like he was making a conscious decision not to scream and cry).

We made another trip when he was 3 months old with the same results. I thought I must have the perfect little traveler. Then he got older. We flew again when he was 9 months old and I quickly learned that detailed planning was necessary for a successful trip. You can't just get up and walk around whenever you want on an airplane. If my son was screaming during take off and trying to wriggle out of my arms, there was not much I could do for him. I had to be ready with serious diversions.

The Bag

I limit my carry-on luggage to ONE bag. This bag will not contain the hairdryer I couldn't fit in my suitcase, or extra socks or even the latest proud parent video I can't wait to show Grammy and Poppy. Only essential entertainment and diversion items are in this bag. I learned this the hard way as I struggled to dig past the layers of my stuff to get to a great new toy I'd bought my son especially for our trip while he was screaming during one flight. By the time I got it, he was so worked up, he wasn't even interested.

Also in this bag, preferably in a separate compartment, I keep my wallet, flight itinerary, and any other completely necessary information. That is all. The bag should be stored under the seat in front of you, not in the overhead compartment. You will not be able to jump up and grab your bag the moment you need it, so you want to have it close at hand.

If you are the only adult flying with a child, you definitely do not want to overload yourself with bags and car seats and other things you have to remember and lug off the plane all by yourself so you want to choose the contents of your carry-on bag carefully.

Toys
I usually try and purchase several inexpensive toys to give my son mid-flight. Several older toys that have been stored away for a while may also do the trick. The idea is to get your child's attention and keep it for as long as possible. Your local Dollar Store is a great resource for inexpensive toys and other items to distract your child.

For older kids, try interactive toys like wooden beads to string, coloring books, or pop up books.

Food
I try to include portions of my son's favorite snacks. Don't bring the whole box of Teddy Grahams, just pack a serving size in a plastic bag. I also bring a couple of "really special treats" my son rarely gets to snack on. These can include miniature marshmallows, Pez, or even Cheetos. The idea is to keep my son entertained, happy, and quiet during the flight.

Don't forget to bring something to drink in a spill proof cup. No matter how good your child is with a drink box, I'd save those for another time. You don't want to have to end up apologizing to and helping those around you remove grape juice stains from silk ties and wool coats.

Consider giving your child something to drink or suck on during take off and landing. The changing air pressure in the cabin can do a number on anyone's ears, let alone a baby's. If you can time it right, having your child swallow a drink may alleviate some of this discomfort.

Books
I haven't had luck with getting my son to enjoy picture books on airplanes. Even his favorite book from home can't hold his attention with all that is going on around him. Sometimes books that are a little more interactive like "lift-the-flap" and "scratch and sniff" will work for a minute or two.

However, coloring books are wonderful. I bring down the tray table for him to rest his coloring book on, and after he finishes playing with the tray table, locking and unlocking for about 3 minutes, he will actually concentrate on coloring for a while.

You may also want to consider sticker books if your child is interested in those.

Diapers and Wipes
Bring a realistic amount of diapers for the length of flight you will be on. Again, you want to keep the bag free of unnecessary items so you can grab exactly what you need at a moments notice. If you don't have a travel case for your wet wipes, take a chunk and put them in a zip lock bag. Don't skimp on the wipes though. These come in handy when you are wiping the orange Cheeto "dust" off your child's hands and face.

Secret Weapon
When all else fails in my carry-on bag of tricks, I pull out my secret weapon: A Walkman with a favorite children's tape inside. I actually test the volume when I'm packing the bag to make sure it's not too loud and make sure the tape is set to a favorite song. If your child is starting to lose his temper, you don't have time to make adjustments to the tape player. You need to act fast. I just press play and put the headphones on my son's head. I think this surprises him a little bit and he usually relaxes and listens to the tape. Sometimes, he will even fall asleep.

The drawback for the Walkman, however, is that you can not use it during take off and landing.

I hope some of these tips have helped. Customize your carry-on bag to your child. If all else fails, pray for understanding fellow passengers. Nothing is worse than trying to comfort a crying child when you are getting glares from people around you. Good Luck!