Tips for a Long Flight with a Child
Tips for a long flight with a child
Vacations should be fun and exciting. Family spending time together and making memories. Planning a vacation can be very stressful; where to go, fly or drive, how much money do we need and what do I need to pack are just a few things we stress over. For me one of the top things to stress over is when flying how do I keep my kids occupied.
Get kids involved in the process
Have the kids get involved in the process of packing. Make it a fun experience. The kid can:
- pack their own bags
- pick out activities to do on the flight
- think of fun things to do on the plane
- have each child get their own luggage
Choose seats wisely
If your able to choose your seats, choose wisely. Some airlines let you pick your own seat before the flight. Being toward the front of the plane is easier with kids. You will be the last ones on and the first ones off.
Check ears
Make sure your child is chewing, drinking or sucking on something during take off and landing. Depending on your childs age the best items are bottle, pacifier, gum or lollipop.
Dress in layers
Be ready for temperature changes when you travel with a child. Dress your child in comfortable layers but avoid buttons (that might take awhile). Have your child wear a jacket; if they are warm they can just take it off.
Slip-on shoes/no laces
To make for a quick trip through airport security wear slip on shoes and not laces. If you have to tie and untie them it can take awhile.
Carry on extra clothes
The best way to carry on extra clothes is using a large ziplock bag. Each person gets their own bag. In each bag is shirt, pants, socks and underwear. If someone spills something or has an accident you can just pull out the bag and put the dirty clothes in the bag.
Pack snacks
Pack as many snacks as you can. I believe you can never pack enough snacks. For my kids I like to pack goldfish, mini muffins, cheez its and pretzels.
Bribe for good behavior
This wont work for babies but it will work for toddlers and older kids. I buy a small toy and tell them I have a surprise for them. But they will only get it if they are good for the flight.
Bring activites
Pickup coloring books, crayons, books and sticker books. You can get a lot of this stuff at dollar tree or walmart. This will help keep them entertained during the flight.
Pack favorite toy or blanket
I usually let my kids pack their favorites toy for the flight. My son has a blanket and stuffed animal that he sleeps with every night. He always packs them for the flight.
Toy/Activity ideas
- airplane
- toddler busy board
- lacing toy
- writing tablet
- Purple cow travel
- busy board
- suction cup spinning toys
- water wow
- connect four
- checkers and tic tac toe
- travel activity book
- travel size trouble
- Mr. Potato Head
Ipad
Bring their ipad to keep them entertained.
- make sure it is fully charged
- download games/movies BEFORE the flight (incase there is no wifi)
- bring headphones
Sticker books
Sticker books are great. This can keep your child entertained for hours.
Travel Puzzles
Fidget Toys
Each child has own luggage
Each child should have their own carry on luggage. The child can put all of their activities, clothes, ipad and stuffed animals in their own luggage.
Sleep Schedules
Have your children well rested so they are not tired and cranky for the flight. If you delay naps or skip naps the child can have a meltdown.
What do you bring when you fly?
My travel bucket list…check it out !
Our family vacation to Hilton Head SC
