Traveling with a toddler can feel like a big adventure. When that adventure involves flying, it adds a layer of challenge. You might worry about meltdowns, noise, and keeping a busy little one happy in a small space. But don’t worry! You can keep your toddler happy and busy on a plane. It takes some planning and the right tricks. This post gives you quick and easy ways to entertain your toddler during a flight. These tips help make flying with a toddler easier for everyone.
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Getting Ready for the Trip
Flying starts before you leave home. How you get ready matters a lot. A little bit of planning goes a long way. Think about what your toddler needs and likes. Think about the plane ride itself. Getting ready helps keep things smooth.
Thinking About Your Toddler’s Needs
Every child is different. What makes one child happy might not work for another.
* Does your toddler get bored fast?
* Do they need lots of things to touch?
* Are they scared of loud noises?
* Do they love screens?
* Do they need quiet time?
Knowing your child helps you pick the best airplane activities for toddlers. It helps you know what to pack. It helps you guess what they might need during the flight.
Explaining the Plane Ride
Talk to your toddler about the flight. Use simple words.
* “We are going on a big metal bird!”
* “It goes up high in the sky.”
* “We will sit in seats. We stay in our seats.”
* “We will see clouds!”
* “It will be loud when we go up.”
* “We will play games and look at books.”
This can make the idea of flying less scary. It helps them know what to expect. You can read books about flying. You can watch simple videos about planes. This makes flying seem like a fun thing to do.
What to Bring: Toddler Flight Essentials
Packing the right things is super important. These are your tools for keeping toddler busy on flight. Think about a special bag just for the plane. Your toddler might like having their own small backpack.
The Carry-On Bag of Tricks
This bag holds everything you need during the flight. Keep it where you can reach it easily.
* Snacks: Bring lots! Different kinds are good. Think puffs, fruit slices, crackers. Avoid things that make a big mess. Snacks can pass a lot of time. They are a quick fix for a fussy child.
* Drinks: Bring a sippy cup or spill-proof bottle. You can fill it after security. Drinking helps with ear pressure during takeoff and landing. Water or juice is fine.
* Change of Clothes: Pack a full outfit change for your toddler. Accidents happen. Spills happen. This saves you from a yucky flight. Pack a shirt for you too.
* Diapers and Wipes: Bring more than you think you need. Changing spaces on planes are small. Be ready.
* Comfort Item: A small blanket, a favorite stuffed animal, or a special toy. This helps them feel safe and calm.
* Medicine: Any medicine your toddler might need. Pain relievers, allergy medicine. Ask your doctor if your child might need medicine to help them relax, but this is usually not needed and should be the last choice.
* Plastic Bags: For dirty diapers, wet clothes, or trash.
* Small Pillow: A neck pillow or a small travel pillow can help them nap.
Selecting Travel Toys for Toddlers
Choosing the right toys is key for toddler plane entertainment. You want things that are small, light, and don’t have too many pieces. Quiet activities for toddlers flying are best for the plane.
- Sticker Books: Reusable sticker books are amazing. They can stick and peel over and over. Puffy stickers are fun too.
- Coloring Books and Crayons: Breakable crayons are a mess. Use twistable crayons or chunky ones that won’t roll away. A small notebook or coloring book works well.
- Small Figures: Little animals, people, or cars. They can play on the tray table. Make sure they are too big to swallow.
- Mess-Free Markers/Paint: Special pens that only color on special paper. No marks on the tray table or clothes!
- Magnetic Drawing Board: A simple drawing tool that cleans itself with a swipe. No pens or paper needed.
- Stacking Cups or Rings: Small ones that fit inside each other. They can stack them on the seat or tray table.
- Soft Books or Lift-the-Flap Books: Familiar books are comforting. New books are exciting.
- Sensory Toys: Squishy balls, tangle toys, or pop-it toys. Things they can touch and fiddle with quietly.
- Pipe Cleaners: Older toddlers can bend them into shapes.
- Masking Tape: Kids love pulling off tape and sticking it places (like the tray table edge, not the window!). It can be a surprising activity.
- Wikki Stix: Waxy sticks they can bend into shapes. No mess.
- A Few New Toys: Wrap a few small, new toys like presents. Give one every hour or when they get fussy. The surprise makes them extra fun. These are great for breaking up a long flight.
Remember to pack these items in a way that is easy to access. Use small pouches or bags inside the main carry-on. This keeps things tidy. It lets you grab something quickly when needed.
Keeping Busy During the Flight: Airplane Activities for Toddlers
Okay, you’re on the plane. The door is closed. Now what? This is where your stash of airplane activities for toddlers comes in. You need a mix of things to do. Some quiet, some engaging, some just for distraction.
Takeoff and Landing
These times can be tricky. The noise and feeling of moving fast can be scary.
* Give a Drink or Snack: Swallowing helps ears pop. This can ease discomfort.
* Offer a Comfort Item: Their special blanket or toy.
* Look Out the Window: Point out things you see. “Look at the houses get small!” “Wow, we are in the clouds!”
* Talk About It: “The plane is going ‘whoosh’!” “It’s like a big elevator!”
Activities for the Main Flight Time
Once you are up high, you have time to fill. Here are lots of ideas for keeping toddler busy on flight.
H4 Screen Time Options
Many parents use screens on planes. It can be a lifesaver.
* Tablet or Phone: Load it with their favorite shows or movies.
* Kid-Friendly Apps: Simple games, drawing apps, or learning apps.
* Headphones: Get kid-sized, comfortable headphones. Practice using them before the trip. This is important so you don’t bother other passengers.
Tips for Screen Time:
* Don’t show them the screen right away. Try other things first. Save screens for when you really need them.
* Set limits if you want, but be flexible on a travel day.
* Make sure everything is downloaded before you leave home. You won’t have good internet on the plane.
* Bring a portable charger or power bank!
H4 Screen-Free Plane Activities for Toddlers
It’s good to have lots of things to do besides watching a screen. These activities for toddlers on a plane use their hands and minds. They are also often quiet activities for toddlers flying.
- Sticker Play: Open that sticker book! Let them stick stickers on pages or even on themselves (peel them off before landing!).
- Coloring and Drawing: Let them color pictures. Draw things for them to color. Draw shapes and have them fill them in.
- Small World Play: Use those little figures. They can act out stories on the tray table. The seat can be a house. The blanket can be a road.
- Play-Doh (Travel Size): Bring a small container of Play-Doh. Give them tools like a plastic knife or cookie cutter. Keep it on the tray table to limit mess. (Check if the airline allows it – usually fine).
- Pipe Cleaners and Pom-Poms: If your toddler is old enough not to eat them, these are great. String pom-poms onto pipe cleaners. Bend pipe cleaners into shapes.
- Masking Tape Fun: Let them tear off pieces of tape (you might need to start it) and stick them. They can make lines or shapes on the tray table.
- Simple Puzzles: Small, chunky puzzles with 4-12 pieces.
- Threading Beads: Large, easy-to-hold beads and a blunt needle with string. Great for fine motor skills.
- Books, Books, Books: Read together. Let them look at the pictures. Point and name things. Lift-the-flap books are very popular.
H4 Classic, Simple Fun
Sometimes the simplest things work best.
* Sing Songs Quietly: Sing nursery rhymes.
* Tell Stories: Make up stories together. Use their toys as characters.
* Play “I Spy”: “I spy with my little eye something blue.” Look around the seat area.
* Finger Puppets: Bring a few small finger puppets. Put on a little show.
* Play with In-Flight Items: The safety card, the barf bag (clean one!), the seat belt buckle. Talk about what they are. Let them explore safely. buckling and unbuckling a seat belt can be fun!
* Look at Photos: Look at photos on your phone together. Photos of family or fun times you’ve had.
Surviving Long Flights with Toddlers
Long flights are a bigger test. You need even more tools for surviving long flights with toddlers. You have more hours to fill. Breaks and changes are very important.
Breaking Up the Time
Don’t expect your toddler to do one thing for a long time. Change activities often.
* Rotate Toys: Don’t give them all the toys at once. Bring out a new one every 30-60 minutes. Put old ones away for a bit.
* Schedule Snack Breaks: Snacks are entertainment! Have planned snack times.
* Walks: When the seat belt sign is off, take a walk down the aisle. It lets them move their legs. Say hello to flight attendants (if they aren’t busy). Look out windows if you pass any. Be quick and mindful of others.
* Visit the Lavatory: Even if they don’t need to go, a trip to the tiny plane bathroom is a change of scenery. Wash hands, look in the mirror.
* Quiet Time/Nap Time: Try to time the flight with their nap schedule. Bring their comfort items. Use a blanket. Lower the light if possible. A sleeping toddler is the easiest to entertain!
Managing Energy and Mood
Toddlers have ups and downs. On a plane, these can be bigger.
* Stay Calm: Your mood affects your toddler. If you get stressed, they might too. Try to breathe and be patient.
* Offer Choices: “Do you want stickers or the car?” Giving them a choice helps them feel in control.
* Validate Feelings: If they are frustrated, say, “It’s hard to sit still, isn’t it?” Acknowledging their feelings can help.
* Use Praise: “Wow, you are doing such a good job sitting!” “Thank you for being quiet while others are sleeping.”
Food and Sleep
These are two basic needs that affect everything.
* Bring Familiar Foods: Plane food might be new and scary. Having their usual snacks helps.
* Offer Food Often: It’s a good distraction and keeps hunger meltdowns away.
* Hydration: Keep offering drinks. Dehydration makes everyone cranky.
* Nap Routine: Try to stick to their normal sleep times if the flight schedule allows. Do your pre-nap routine as much as possible (reading a book, quiet time).
Packing Your Toddler Plane Entertainment Bag: A Quick Checklist
Here’s a simple list of toddler flight essentials to gather. This helps you remember everything you might need for activities for toddlers on a plane.
| Category | Items to Consider | Why It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Snacks & Drinks | Puffs, crackers, fruit slices, granola bars, favorite drink in spill-proof cup | Keeps them busy, happy, helps ears pop, prevents hunger meltdowns. |
| Comfort | Small blanket, stuffed animal, travel pillow, familiar book | Helps them feel safe, aids in sleeping. |
| Clothing | Full change of clothes (toddler), extra shirt (you), extra diapers, wipes | For accidents and spills. |
| Hygiene/Health | Hand sanitizer, small trash bags, pain reliever (child safe), any needed medicine | Keeps things clean, ready for messes, addresses minor discomfort. |
| Quiet Play | Sticker book, coloring book, twistable crayons, mess-free markers, small figures | Low-noise fun, uses fine motor skills, keeps them seated. |
| Engaging Play | Simple puzzle, Play-Doh (small), threading beads, stacking cups, Wikki Stix | More focused activities, builds skills, can take more time. |
| Surprise Items | A few small, new, wrapped toys (travel toys for toddlers) | Excitement breaks up boredom, gives renewed interest. |
| Screen Time | Tablet/phone with downloaded content, kid headphones, portable charger | Easy distraction, familiar entertainment, good for tough moments. |
| Simple Fun | Finger puppets, small book to read aloud, photos on phone, masking tape | Uses imagination, interactive, simple distractions. |
This list covers many options for toddler plane entertainment and quiet activities for toddlers flying. Choose the items that best fit your child and the length of your flight.
More Flying with a Toddler Tips
Beyond entertainment, some other tips can make the journey smoother. These are general flying with a toddler tips that cover the whole travel day.
Timing is Everything
- Book Flights Smartly: If possible, try to book flights during your toddler’s nap time or at night. This can help them sleep through a chunk of the flight. Red-eye flights can work if your child is a good sleeper.
- Arrive Early: Don’t rush. Getting to the airport with plenty of time reduces stress for everyone. You have time for bathroom breaks, getting snacks, and letting your toddler walk around before being confined.
Airport Strategy
- Let Them Move: Let your toddler burn off energy at the airport before boarding. Find a play area if there is one. Walk around. This makes sitting still on the plane easier.
- Gate Check Gear: Gate checking your stroller or car seat means you can use it right up to the plane door. It’s waiting for you as soon as you get off. This is a big help for getting through the airport.
On the Plane
- Boarding: Some families like to board early with families. This gives you time to get settled. Others prefer to board last. This means less time sitting on the plane before takeoff. See what works for you. If you board last, have another adult go ahead with the carry-on bags to put them in the overhead bin.
- Seat Choice: If you can, pick your seats. A window seat offers a view. An aisle seat allows for easier getting up for walks or bathroom trips. Bulkhead seats sometimes have more legroom but you can’t have a bag at your feet during takeoff/landing.
- Engage with Flight Attendants: Flight attendants are often very kind and helpful with families. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
- Be Prepared for Looks/Comments: Some people might not be happy about sitting near a toddler. Focus on your child. You are doing your best. Most people are understanding. Having a well-prepared bag of tricks helps prevent the biggest issues.
Staying Positive
Flying with a toddler is a challenge. There will likely be some crying or fussing. It’s okay.
* Manage Your Expectations: Don’t expect a perfectly quiet, easy flight. Aim for moments of calm and happiness.
* Celebrate Small Wins: Did they play quietly for 10 minutes? Great! Did they eat a snack without throwing it? Hooray!
* Ask for Help: If you are flying with a partner, take turns entertaining the toddler. One can rest while the other is on duty. If you are alone, don’t be afraid to politely ask a flight attendant for help (like holding a bottle for a moment if you need both hands).
These flying with a toddler tips and managing your mindset are key to surviving long flights with toddlers or even short ones.
Bringing it All Together: Your Toddler Plane Entertainment Plan
You have the essentials packed. You have your bag of travel toys for toddlers and quiet activities for toddlers flying. You have ideas for screen time and screen-free plane activities for toddlers. You know some general flying with a toddler tips. How do you put it into action?
- The Reveal Strategy: Don’t show all the toys at once. Pack them in separate small bags or pouches. Introduce a new one when boredom sets in or when you need a distraction. This keeps the novelty going and provides fresh keeping toddler busy on flight tools.
- The Snack Schedule: Plan out when you will offer snacks or meals. This breaks up the time and gives them something to look forward to.
- The Movement Breaks: Know when it’s okay to get up (when the seat belt sign is off). Plan short walks.
- The Nap Attempt: Create a calm space when it’s nap time. Use blankets, comfort items, quiet activities before trying to sleep.
- Be Flexible: Your plan might go out the window. That’s okay! Be ready to switch activities quickly. Be ready for unexpected fussiness. Have your go-to distractions ready (a favorite snack, a quick song, a beloved toy).
Remember, the goal is to make the flight as smooth and comfortable as possible for your toddler, and by extension, for you and other passengers. A well-entertained toddler is a happier toddler.
What to Do When All Else Fails
Sometimes, nothing works. They are tired, uncomfortable, or just done sitting.
* Deep Pressure: Sometimes a firm hug or holding them snugly can help.
* Walk it Out: If possible, a short walk can sometimes reset their mood.
* Change of Scenery (Brief): A quick trip to the lavatory area might distract them for a minute.
* Acceptance: It’s okay if they cry. You are in a challenging situation. You are doing your best. Try to comfort them and ride it out. It doesn’t last forever.
The flight will end. You will get to your destination. All the effort you put into preparing toddler plane entertainment and using these airplane activities for toddlers will pay off.
Frequently Asked Questions About Flying with Toddlers
Even with tips, parents have common questions about flying with little ones.
H4 What is the best age to fly with a toddler?
There’s no single “best” age. Every age has challenges. Younger toddlers (under 18 months) might be easier to hold and nap, but they are less able to follow directions. Older toddlers (18 months – 3 years) can understand more and engage with activities, but they also have strong opinions and need more space to move. Planning and preparation are key regardless of the exact age.
H4 Can I bring food and drinks for my toddler on the plane?
Yes! You can bring your own food for your toddler. Snacks like crackers, fruit, and prepared meals are fine. For drinks, you can bring milk, formula, or juice in reasonable quantities, even over the 3.4 oz limit for liquids, if it’s for your baby or toddler and you tell security. You can bring an empty sippy cup or bottle through security and fill it with water later.
H4 How do I deal with ear pressure for my toddler?
Swallowing helps ears pop. Offer your toddler something to drink during takeoff and landing. A sippy cup or bottle is great. If they are old enough, chewing a snack or even using a pacifier can also help.
H4 Should I buy a seat for my toddler?
Airlines in the US recommend that children under 2 fly on a parent’s lap, but they also say the safest place for a child under 40 pounds is in a safety seat (like a car seat) secured in their own airplane seat. While buying a seat is more expensive, it gives your toddler more space to move, play, and potentially sleep better in their familiar car seat. It also provides an extra layer of safety. If you can afford it, buying a seat and bringing an approved car seat is a good option.
H4 What if my toddler screams the whole flight?
This is a fear for many parents. First, try to figure out why they are screaming. Are they in pain (ears?), hungry, tired, bored, overwhelmed? Address the likely cause (offer drink, snack, comfort item, try a quiet activity, see if they will nap). If nothing works, comfort them as best you can. Walk if possible. You are doing your best. Most people understand that babies and toddlers can cry. Focus on your child, not on the reactions of others. Having a well-stocked bag of toddler plane entertainment tools reduces the chance of a full-flight meltdown significantly.
H4 Are screen-free plane activities for toddlers really enough?
They can be! It depends on your child and the flight length. A mix is usually best. For shorter flights, screen-free activities might be plenty. For long flights, using screens for a part of the journey can give you both a break and provide easy entertainment. Having a good variety of both screen-free options and downloaded shows gives you flexibility.
H4 What are the best travel toys for toddlers on a plane?
The best ones are small, quiet, and don’t have tiny pieces that roll away. Stickers, coloring books with twistable crayons, mess-free markers, small figures, simple puzzles, Wikki Stix, and sensory toys (like pop-its) are often great choices for quiet activities for toddlers flying. New toys have extra appeal.
Traveling with a toddler requires preparation, patience, and a carry-on bag full of tricks. By planning your toddler plane entertainment, packing smart with toddler flight essentials, and having strategies for airplane activities for toddlers (both screen and screen-free plane activities for toddlers), you can greatly improve your chances of keeping toddler busy on flight. Remember these flying with a toddler tips, especially when surviving long flights with toddlers, and you’ll be well-equipped for your journey. Good luck, and have a good flight!