Easy Tips: How To Entertain Toddler On Plane & Stay Sane

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Easy Tips: How To Entertain Toddler On Plane & Stay Sane

Can toddlers fly? Yes, toddlers can absolutely fly on planes! And what kind of things keep them busy on a plane? Many simple and fun airplane activities for toddlers can help make the trip smooth. Flying with a toddler tips often start with how to keep them happy and busy. This guide will share easy ways to entertain your little one during the flight, helping everyone stay calm and enjoy the journey.

Getting Ready Before You Go

Flying with a toddler starts long before you reach the airport. Good preparation makes a big difference. Thinking ahead helps you feel more in control.

Packing Smart for the Flight

What you put in your carry-on bag is super important. This is your survival kit for the flight. Think about things that can help right away. Packing for flying with toddler means bringing things you can easily reach.

Here are some must-haves:

• Extra Clothes: Pack a full change of clothes for your toddler. Pack one for yourself too! Spills and accidents happen.
• Diapers and Wipes: Bring more than you think you will need. Airport delays can add time to your trip.
• Changing Pad: A small, portable one is helpful in tight airplane bathrooms.
• Plastic Bags: For dirty diapers, wet clothes, or trash.
• Hand Sanitizer and Wipes: To clean hands and surfaces.
• Small Blanket or Swaddle: Planes can be cool. This can also help with sleep.
• Comfort Item: A favorite small stuffed animal or blanket can offer comfort.
• Medications: Any needed medicine, clearly labeled.
• Empty Sippy Cup: You can fill this after you get through security.

Keep these items in a bag or part of a bag that is easy to get to quickly. You don’t want to dig to the bottom of your bag when you need a wipe!

Thinking About Flight Time

When you fly matters. If possible, try to book a flight that lines up with your toddler’s nap time. A sleeping toddler is usually a quiet toddler. This isn’t always possible, especially on long flight toddler entertainment is needed, but it’s worth trying. If you can’t fly during nap time, think about a time when they are usually happy and not overtired.

Managing Your Own Expectations

It is okay if the flight isn’t perfect. Toddlers are still learning how to handle new things. There might be crying. There might be wiggling. That is normal. Go into the flight ready to be flexible. Your calm helps your toddler stay calm. Remember, the flight is just a short part of your trip.

Fun Things to Do on the Plane

Keeping a toddler busy in a small seat for a long time is hard. Having a mix of airplane activities for toddlers is key. You need things that are quiet and don’t take up much space. Here are some ideas for quiet activities for toddlers on plane.

Quiet Playthings

Bring small toys that don’t make noise or have lots of tiny pieces that can roll away. Best travel toys for toddlers are often simple and self-contained.

• Stacking Cups or Rings: Look for soft or travel versions that fit inside each other. They are light and can be used in different ways.
• Small Cars or Animals: A couple of favorite mini cars or animal figures can be fun for pretend play on the tray table.
• Fidget Toys: Simple pop-it toys or sensory balls can keep little hands busy quietly.
• Wikki Stix: These waxy sticks can be bent and shaped. They stick to surfaces but can be easily removed. Great for making simple shapes.
• Pipe Cleaners: Similar to Wikki Stix, they can be bent and twisted into shapes. (Watch carefully to ensure they don’t pull off pieces).
• Reusable Sticker Scenes: These scenes let toddlers place and move stickers again and again. They are less messy than regular stickers. Sticker books for plane that are reusable are perfect for this.
• Aqua Doodle Mat: A small version where you draw with water. It dries and disappears, ready to be used again. No mess!
• Magnetic Drawing Board: Like an Etch-A-Sketch but simpler. Good for scribbling and drawing shapes.
• Nesting Dolls or Boxes: Simple, quiet, and work on fine motor skills.

Choose just a few toys. Too many can be overwhelming. Rotate them during the flight to keep things fresh. Bring them out one by one as needed.

Picture Books and Stories

Books are a great way to pass the time.

• Board Books: Durable and easy for toddlers to handle.
• Lift-the-Flap Books: Interactive and fun.
• Look-and-Find Books: Can keep them busy for a while pointing out objects.
• Fabric Books: Soft and lightweight.
• Reading Stories Aloud: Your voice can be calming. Even if they don’t look at the pictures, listening helps.

Try some new books they haven’t seen before. New things are more exciting.

Sticker Fun

Sticker books for plane are fantastic.

• Puffy Stickers: Easy for little fingers to peel and stick.
• Reusable Sticker Books: As mentioned, these are great because you can use them over and over.
• Stickers and Paper: Just bring a sheet of paper and some stickers. Peeling and sticking is a simple activity that uses fine motor skills.

Stick them on the paper, on themselves (carefully!), or even on your arm.

Simple Art Time

Crayons and paper can lead to lots of fun.

• Triangle Crayons: They don’t roll away easily!
• Small Notebook or Pad: Easy to hold and draw on.
• Color Wonder Markers: These markers only show color on special paper, so they don’t mark clothes or the plane seat. A bit more expensive but worth it for mess-free coloring.

Keep supplies in a small pouch so they don’t spill everywhere.

Screen Time Helpers

Yes, screens can be a lifesaver on a plane! Especially on long flight toddler entertainment is a must.

• Tablet or Phone: Load it up with downloaded shows, movies, and educational apps before you leave home. You might not have internet on the plane.
• Toddler-Friendly Apps: Simple games, drawing apps, or interactive storybooks.

Make sure your device is fully charged. Bring a portable power bank just in case.

Listening with Helpers

If you plan to use a tablet or phone, toddler headphones for plane are important. This way, the sound doesn’t bother other passengers.

• Kid-Safe Volume: Look for headphones that limit how loud the sound can get. This protects their hearing.
• Comfortable Fit: Padded headphones are better. Some have soft headbands. Try them on your toddler before the trip to make sure they fit well and are comfortable.
• Wired vs. Wireless: Wired headphones are simpler, you don’t need to worry about charging them. Wireless gives more freedom but needs charging. Choose what works best for you.

Let your toddler practice wearing them at home before the trip.

Playing Simple Games

You can play simple travel games for 2 year olds using things you have or just talking.

• I Spy: Point to things you see in the seat pocket, on the ceiling, or out the window (if you have a window seat). “I spy something blue!”
• Matching Game: If you have small toy pairs or picture cards, lay them out and find matches.
• Sing Songs: Quietly sing nursery rhymes or other simple songs.
• Finger Puppets: Bring a few small finger puppets for a quick show.
• Peek-a-Boo: Always a classic that gets giggles.
• Make Faces: Make silly faces at each other.
• High Fives: A simple way to connect.
• Name Game: Point to body parts and name them. “Where is your nose? Where are my eyes?”

These games use no items and take up no space. They are great when your child is tired of toys.

Having Fun with Airplane Items

Sometimes the simplest things on the plane are the most interesting.

• Safety Card: Toddlers love looking at the pictures on the safety card. Talk about the pictures.
• Seat Belt: Show them how it works. Let them buckle and unbuckle (with help).
• Window Shade: Opening and closing the window shade can be fascinating. (Check with the flight attendant if they need it open or closed at certain times).
• Tray Table: Drawing on it (with a wipe-off marker on paper) or playing small toys on it.
• Air Vent: Feeling the air come out.
• Call Button: Explain what it is, but tell them not to push it unless you need help.

Supervise play with these items, but don’t be afraid to let them explore safely.

Yummy Snacks for the Flight

Happy tummies help keep toddlers happy. Toddler plane snacks are very important. Bring plenty! Bring more than you think you’ll need.

Here are some good choices:

• Fruit: Slices of apple, grapes (cut in half for safety), berries, banana.
• Vegetables: Cucumber sticks, carrot sticks (if soft enough).
• Crackers: Goldfish, simple biscuits, rice cakes.
• Dry Cereal: Cheerios are a classic easy-to-eat snack.
• Pouches: Fruit or veggie pouches are quick and easy.
• Cheese Sticks or Cubes: Good source of protein.
• Yogurt Melts: Not messy and dissolve easily.
• Small Muffins or Bread Sticks:
• Snack Cups: Bring empty snack cups with lids to put smaller snacks in. This helps prevent spills.

Tips for Snacks:

• Pack Variety: Offer different things to keep them interested.
• Easy to Eat: Choose snacks that are not too messy and don’t need utensils.
• Hydration: Bring an empty sippy cup to fill with water or milk after security. Drinking is also good for their ears during take-off and landing. Avoid sugary drinks.
• Pack in Layers: Put some snacks in the easy-to-reach part of your bag.
• Bring for Take-off/Landing: Sucking or chewing helps with ear pressure. Offer a snack or drink during these times.

Check airport security rules about liquids and food before you go. Some places have rules about bringing fruit across borders.

Keeping Comfy and Rested

Making sure your toddler is comfortable helps prevent meltdowns. A little comfort goes a long way on a crowded plane.

Dealing with Ear Pressure

Changes in air pressure during take-off and landing can hurt little ears. Swallowing helps pop their ears.

• Offer a Drink: Give them their sippy cup with water or milk.
• Offer a Snack: Chewing helps them swallow.
• Breastfeeding or Bottle-Feeding: This is a great way to help during these times.
• Pacifier: If they use one, offer it during take-off and landing.

Try to time feeding or giving a snack for when the plane is going up or coming down.

Helping Them Sleep

If your flight is during nap time or is a long flight toddler entertainment includes trying to get them to sleep.

• Bring a Blanket: Familiar smells and comfort help.
• Bring a Small Pillow: A neck pillow or a small travel pillow can make the seat more cozy.
• Wear Pajamas: If it’s an overnight flight, change them into PJs.
• Use a Carrier: Some toddlers find it easier to fall asleep if they are in a carrier on you before or during the flight.
• Lower Lights/Close Shade: If possible, create a darker sleep space.
• White Noise: Some apps have white noise sounds that can help block out plane noise. Toddler headphones for plane can help with this too, even if just playing quiet music or white noise.
• Stay Still: Try not to move around too much if they are close to falling asleep on you.

Don’t force sleep, but create the right conditions for it if they are tired.

How Parents Can Stay Calm

Your mood affects your toddler’s mood. Staying as calm as possible is one of the best flying with a toddler tips.

• Take Deep Breaths: When things get tough, take a moment for yourself.
• Ask for Help: Don’t be afraid to ask your partner, a flight attendant, or even a kind passenger for a little help if you need a moment (like going to the bathroom).
• Walk the Aisles: If the seatbelt sign is off, a short walk up and down the aisle can help both of you. This burns a little energy and provides a change of scenery.
• Don’t Worry About Others: You are doing your best. Most people understand that flying with young children is hard. Focus on your child, not on everyone else’s reaction.
• Celebrate Small Wins: Did they play quietly for 10 minutes? Great! Did they eat a snack happily? Yay! Focus on the good moments.
• Connect with Your Child: Sometimes, all they need is your attention. Hold them close, talk to them, sing quietly. Your presence is calming.

Remember why you are taking the trip. Focus on the fun you will have when you arrive.

Making Your Plan Work

Bringing all these ideas together helps you prepare for the flight. Think of it as having a toolbox of ideas.

• Pack the Activity Bag: Put all the airplane activities for toddlers and best travel toys for toddlers in one bag that goes under the seat in front of you.
• Pack the Snack Bag: Keep toddler plane snacks handy, separate from toys if that helps.
• Dress for Comfort: Dress your toddler in layers they can move freely in. Easy-off shoes help with security.
• Arrive Early: Rushing adds stress. Give yourself extra time at the airport.
• Let Them Burn Energy: If you have time before boarding, let your toddler play in a safe area in the airport (like a kids’ play zone if available) to get some wiggles out.
• Boarding: Some families like to board early to get settled. Others prefer to wait until the last minute so their child spends less time sitting on the plane before it moves. Choose what feels best for you.
• Be Flexible: Have your plan, but be ready to change it. If one activity isn’t working, try another.

Having a mix of quiet activities for toddlers on plane and ways to keep them comfortable and fed is the best approach. This works for short trips and long flight toddler entertainment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Flying with Toddlers

Here are some common questions parents ask about flying with little ones.

What if my toddler cries the whole flight?

First, try to figure out why they are crying. Are they hungry? Thirsty? Tired? Do their ears hurt? Are they uncomfortable? Are they bored? Are they just overstimulated? Address the need if you can. Offer a snack, a drink, a change of position, or try a new toy. Sometimes, they just need comfort. Hold them close, speak softly, and try to soothe them. It is okay. Many parents have been there. Deep breaths for you!

Should I bring a car seat on the plane?

If you bought a seat for your toddler, using their car seat (if it’s FAA-approved for flying) can be a great idea. It’s familiar to them, safe, and helps keep them contained. However, they take up space and can be bulky to carry through the airport. If you didn’t buy a seat, you can’t use the car seat during the flight unless there is an empty seat available that the airline lets you use (which is not guaranteed). Check airline rules beforehand.

How much luggage can I bring for my toddler?

Most airlines have rules about infant/toddler luggage, even if they are flying on your lap. You can usually bring a carry-on bag with their items (which is your survival bag!), and sometimes a checked bag for them. Strollers and car seats can often be checked for free at the gate or check-in counter. Always check your specific airline’s rules before packing. Packing for flying with toddler needs airline rule checks.

What about security? Do I need to take my toddler out of the stroller or carrier?

Yes, usually you will need to take your toddler out of their stroller or carrier to walk through the metal detector with you. Strollers and carriers go through the X-ray machine. Be prepared for this step.

Can I bring milk or juice for my toddler through security?

Yes, the rules for liquids are different when traveling with children. You can bring formula, breast milk, juice, and baby food in amounts larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) in your carry-on bag. You must tell the security officers you have these items. They may need to be checked separately. Pack them where they are easy to remove from your bag.

What age is hardest to fly with?

Many parents find the toddler stage (ages 1-3) challenging because children are mobile, have strong opinions, and limited patience. Babies can be easier because they sleep more and are happy being held, but their needs (like frequent feeding/diaper changes) are constant. Older children can entertain themselves more but might still get bored or restless. Every child is different!

Flying with a toddler can feel big and scary. But with some planning, a good bag of tricks filled with airplane activities for toddlers and toddler plane snacks, and a calm mindset, you can do it. Focus on making the journey as comfortable and engaging as possible for your little one. Good luck!