Stress-Free Air Travel with Infants and Toddlers

Stress-Free Air Travel with Infants and Toddlers

Flying with young children can be an overwhelming experience, but with a bit of preparation and some helpful tips, you can make air travel enjoyable for both you and your little ones.

Booking Flights to Match Sleep Schedules

When booking your flights, try to choose direct flights during your child's usual nap or bedtime. Chances are, they'll maintain their sleep pattern even at 25,000 feet, making the flight easier for everyone on board. Any sleep your child gets during the flight reduces the time you need to keep them entertained while they're awake.

Using a Car Seat on Board

When your child was an infant, you may have opted to save money by not purchasing a separate seat for them, instead holding them on your lap during the flight. As they grow older, however, you might want to consider bringing a car seat on the plane. This will provide a familiar and secure space for your child, while also freeing up your hands and lap. Although carrying the car seat through the airport can be cumbersome, the in-flight payoff is worth it. Car seat backpack adapters, such as those sold by One Step Ahead, can help you manage the extra load.

Managing the Flight with Time Segments

An effective way to manage your time during a flight with infants or toddlers is to mentally divide the trip into 20-minute segments. For example, during a 2.5-hour flight, you'll have only seven 20-minute segments to plan and occupy your child’s time. This method makes the journey feel more manageable. Here are some parent- and flight-tested ideas to entertain your child during each segment, without having to carry a suitcase full of toys:

• New toy or book: A simple new toy or book could engage your child during the flight.
• Crayola Color Wonder Markers: These mess-free markers only write on special Crayola paper and can provide endless entertainment. The marker caps alone can double as silly finger extensions, potentially keeping your child busy for an entire segment.
• Tape and/or stickers: A short piece of Scotch tape or some stickers can provide simple and fun entertainment for your little one.
• Magna Doodle (Travel Edition): A classic toy that still captivates modern kids. Note that very young children may get frustrated if they can't slide the screen-clearing tab on their own.
• Portable CD player: Load your child's favorite CD or a mix of their favorite songs onto a portable CD player. If they've never used one before, the novelty combined with their favorite tunes could occupy them for even longer. Remember to keep the volume low and use child-friendly headphones.
• Favorite book(s): Bring along a bedtime book if your flight coincides with their nap or bedtime.
• Brochures and guidebooks (for older toddlers/young kids): Let your child help plan a day trip, museum visit, or other activities using information from brochures and guidebooks. This will not only occupy time but also give them a sense of responsibility and excitement for the trip. For younger children, use the materials as conversation starters to get them excited about the upcoming vacation sights.

Dealing with Altitude and Ear Pressure

Remember to pack your child's favorite beverage and snack for the flight. Eating and drinking will help alleviate the discomfort of changing air pressure on their ears during takeoff and landing.

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to a stress-free flight with your infant or toddler. Enjoy your trip!