Traveling with toddlers can be an adventure – a rewarding one, but an adventure nonetheless. Car rides are one thing, but airplane journeys with a little one? That’s a whole different game, as I discovered on our first flight to Manila.
My son, Cyd, was barely two, his vocabulary limited to adorable babbles, and his dad could not join us on this trip because of his work commitment. We found a cozy Airbnb in Quezon City, a steal at P1000 per night, thanks to a connection with the host. That first flight was a whirlwind.
Over time, we’ve found ways to make flying with a toddler much smoother. For us, that means tiring out our little one before the flight, explaining the ‘rules of the air,’ and letting him explore safe items like the safety instruction card.
To help fellow parents, here are the must-have items I always pack.
- A Few Beloved Toys: Pack a few of your child’s most cherished small toys to provide comfort and spark imaginative play during the flight. Think miniature cars, well-loved stuffed animals, or dolls. I remember to pack a couple of Cyd’s Hot Wheels cars. While he loves Lego pieces, they’re not ideal for flights due to the risk of losing those tiny pieces. Consider your child’s specific interests when selecting toys. Small figurines, action figures, or playsets that are easy to pack and won’t create a mess can also be great options for keeping little hands busy.
- Creative Coloring Kit: Artistic Adventures in the Air: A coloring book with simple designs and chunky crayons is a timeless way to keep little hands busy and creative juices flowing. Washable crayons prevent messy mishaps, and a coloring book with themes your child enjoys will hold their attention longer. I often pick up slim coloring books aligned with Cyd’s interests – dinosaurs, vehicles, or his favorite characters in Paw Patrol, etc.
- Reusable Sticker Fun: Reusable sticker books or sticker pads are fantastic for on-the-go entertainment. Look for ones with colorful scenes or characters that your child can decorate and redecorate throughout the flight.
- Well-loved Children’s Books: Bring a few well-loved children’s books with sturdy pages or consider cloth books for younger toddlers. Reading together can be a calming activity and a great way to bond during the journey.
- Quiet Activities: Pack a few calming activities to provide a change of pace and help your little one unwind. Finger puppets offer a fun way to tell stories together. Lacing cards are a great option for quiet play and developing fine motor skills, and magnetic drawing boards provide mess-free creativity. Busy books with zippers, buckles, and other engaging features can also keep little hands occupied during quiet moments.
Add snacks and patience to this list, and you’ve got toddler plane travel covered! Preparing for a trip with young children may be difficult, but the rewards are worth it.
If you’re a mom, then you know that traveling with young children can be pretty tricky. But did you know that going on a holiday with a toddler can actually have some major benefits?
Check out these eight reasons why it might be worth taking a trip with your little one this year.
P.S. Some toddlers might be sensitive to sounds, so bringing ear muffs or headphones might help.