How to Fly With a Toddler
You've seen them countless times on a plane -- rambunctious, loud toddlers kicking the seat in front of them and frustrated parents trying to keep them occupied while avoiding angry stares from other passengers. Now you're about to join the club with your own toddler. Traveling with young, curious toddlers in a small, confined airplane cabin is complicated and can be stressful. However, you can make the process as smooth as possible with the right logistical planning before your trip, and ensuring that you have more than enough attention-grabbing activities to keep your child happy, relaxed and in his seat.
Things You'll Need
- Extra clothing (for child and adult)
- Toddler-friendly snacks
- Various small toys
- Portable movie player, optional
- Stroller
- Car seat
Instructions
Planning and Packing
Try to choose flights that will likely be less crowded. Midmorning flights are often the least full, especially those that depart in the middle of the week, giving you a chance to have an empty seat or empty row to take advantage of where you can lay your toddler down. It also means there are less people to get annoyed at your little one. You also want to consider scheduling a flight around nap time in hopes that your toddler will sleep at least part of the time on the plane. Know the rules of your specific airline for flying with a toddler. Some airlines will require you to provide some sort of identification or age verification for your toddler, particularly if you will be holding your child in your lap. Most airlines allow a child under the age of 2 to sit on his parent's lap at no charge. However, whenever possible, purchase your toddler his own seat, giving him space to move his arms and legs without hitting the seat in front of him. You can also recline the seat to get your toddler more comfortable, which could promote sleep. Pack extra clothing for your toddler as well as yourself in your carry-on. Having a backup outfit on hand will keep both you and your child from being stuck in damp, sticky or smelly clothing in case of an accident. If your toddler is still in diapers or training underwear, always have more than you think you will need on hand, as well as wipes, just in case you end up stuck on the tarmac for longer than expected. Pack your toddler's favorite snacks and comfort items. Unless you're flying international, airlines rarely serve meals and these are not usually toddler-friendly when they do. Be prepared with small bags of snacks your toddler enjoys, such as dried cereal, trail mix, yogurt-covered pretzels and fish crackers. For longer flights, nonperishable sandwiches, such as with peanut butter and jelly, will keep your kids full. You also want to pack one or two comfort items, like a beloved blanket he can't sleep without or his favorite teddy bear. Bring enough activities that will keep your toddler busy for the duration of the flight. In case your child refuses to sleep, a portable DVD player or electronic tablet with downloaded movies is your best bet to keep him quiet and in his seat. You should also pack small toys and gadgets, such as small action figures, coloring books and crayons, lift-flap books and simple puzzles. Include a few new items your toddler hasn't played with yet as well. At the Airport
Prepare your child for the security screening. Talk to him about what the security screening will be like in a positive or exciting manner as you wait in line, in case he seems scared. For example, you could explain that his teddy is going through a "magic" tunnel and he gets to see it on the other side. The Transportation Security Administration will allow you to carry small children through the metal detector. If a pat-down of your child is necessary, get down to his level so he sees you and knows he doesn't have to be afraid. Hold onto your child's stroller, to have it checked at your gate. If you check your stroller with your luggage, you will not be able to use it to navigate with your toddler through the airport. Unless your stroller is very oversized, you should be able to gate-check it without incident and have it waiting for you as soon as you get off the plane. Tire your little one out in the terminal as you wait for your flight. Find an area of your terminal, such as a gate that currently has no flight, where your toddler can run around and explore. Some airports have a children's play area, which you should take full advantage of to get some of his energy expended. Chances are your exhausted toddler will fall asleep not long after the plane takes off. On the Plane
Board early or late, depending on your toddler's mood. If your little one looks like he's already half asleep, boarding early during family boarding allows you to get him settled and your belongings away without bumping into a bunch of people. However, if your toddler is fussy and hyperactive, you might want to wait until the last minute to have him confined to a seat or your lap. Don't forget to make a bathroom stop right before your plane is boarding. Give your toddler something to munch on during takeoff and landing to reduce the often painful pressure from the fast altitude change. Try to keep him distracted with a book or other activity that will keep his mind off his ears. Walk up and down the aisle of the plane when the "fasten seat belt" sign is off, if your toddler is having a hard time sitting still. This allows him to explore a bit without annoying the person sitting in front of or behind him, while you get a chance to stretch your legs.
