What Are the Tips for Travelling With Toddlers?

Travelling with young children can be stressful for parents, but it is possible to ease their burden with some planning. Include your child in the preparations for the vacation if they are old enough to understand and benefit from it. When planning your vacation, ensure there are enough kid-friendly events and outings to keep the whole family entertained.

Keeping your travel plans straightforward will help you encounter fewer issues. Remember that kids this age have limited attention spans and tyres easily. Trips that are too long involve too much travel or many visits to places geared for adults, such as museums, which can be taxing on children and frustrating for their parents. We won't sugarcoat it: flying with a kid is rarely a picnic in the park.

It can be terrifying when you haven't given your upcoming flight any consideration or planning. But, if you're lucky, flying with your kid won't be a nightmare, and you might even end up enjoying it.

And if that's the case, you might perform a little dance in the aisle to the control panel and back. So read on if you're a parent who doesn't want to take any chances flying with a young child.

This post will share the most useful advice we accumulated about flying with a young child. The flight attendants are usually quite friendly and encouraging, but travelling with a baby or young children on your own can be stressful. Check out My Baby Nursery for all your baby product needs.

Suggestions for Family Vacations

Luckily, you can do many things to make the flight more pleasant for you and your kid. Advice on how to make travelling with kids simpler in general:

Snacks and drinks

A child's water bottle can now be brought through airport security in Australia, and most customs offices will allow pre-packaged, processed food to be brought into or taken out of the country. So bring a bunch of easily accessible, bite-sized snacks. Again, effectively diverting attention away from a problem is a major benefit.

A hungry child is prone to tantrums. Kids this age are notoriously picky eaters, as every parent knows. So get your toddler some of their favourite snacks on the trip. Avoiding sugar and processed meals will help you make better snacking decisions that won't leave you feeling sluggish later. Ideal, nutritious snacks that most children don't mind eating include tubs of yoghurt (whole fat is better than low fat, less sugar), bananas, apples, a peeled, boiled egg, and cheese cubes.

If your child is old enough to eat almonds without choking, you'll give them a nutritional boost. Preparing some nutritious snacks in advance is a good idea. Pre-pack more snacks you think you'll need, as buying them on the plane will be pricey and unappealing. Don't forget to bring lots of water and to stop for sips often. You may avoid brain fog, tiredness, and dehydration by drinking water.

A lollipop (avoid blue and red ones) is a great way to keep a young child occupied for quite some time.

Bring the Latest Reading Materials and Playthings

Toys from the past are fun, but those from the present are far superior. Of course, if you're in a pinch for time, you can always get one of the many travel activity kits available online before you leave. However, putting together a fun bag of toys for your child is easy. First, bring in some fresh material, including a jigsaw, stickers, a book, a pack of Matchbox cars, a few little plastic dinosaurs and farm animals, and so on.

Do not bring anything that might leak, become trapped, or make a lot of noise. For example, never bring textas on a plane because youngsters will use them to draw on the tray table as soon as you turn your back.

Don't Be Late for the Flight!

It's a surefire way to worry yourself before you even set off on your trip if you aren't well-prepared and don't have much time. It's not uncommon for a tense trip to last for the duration it began under stressful circumstances.

As a toddler parent, you've probably learned the hard way that a stressed-out adult is equivalent to a toddler who knows they can sneak up and have the upper hand. It's the stuff of terrifying dreams. So don't add unnecessary pressure to your life.

Time is of the essence when travelling with a young child on your hip, so factor in extra minutes for things like checking in, eating, and changing diapers. Add an hour to the amount of time you estimate you will require. Or arrange your schedule so that you can eat there before departing. This method never fails me, making fretting about missing the flight completely unnecessary.

Before the Flight, Burn Energy

Your child will need to run off steam after long inactivity on the way to the airport. However, it will be worth it even if we have to walk the length of the airport (or, in our case, ride the travelator one thousand times).

If your toddler has the wiggles, it's best to let them out at the airport rather than on the plane. They'll be ready for peace once they've had their fill of action and excitement.

If you're going overseas, you'll need to allow extra time to clear security, go through customs, and board the plane.

Be the Last to Board

If you insist on rushing through security with your kid, you're a glutton for punishment. They hate waiting in lines, and you have to wait for the rest of the passengers to get on the bus before you can.

Flight attendants will do cabin checks, and there will be additional procedures to go through; this is too much to expect of a child whose attention span is about as long as a sardine's. There's nothing he can do about that; that's how his brain is built now.

Use a stroller or a baby walker.

You should bring your regular stroller if it can be folded into a manageable size. If you don't have a car, bring a stroller. If you're flying with a baby, you might want to bring the necessary gear (travel cribs, strollers, etc.). However, this depends on the specific airline you're flying with. Keeping your young child in a stroller or pram for as long as possible helps reduce the time you spend chasing them through busy public spaces like airports and train stations. Baby Prams are one of the most important baby products to get right. Check out our range here.

If your stroller has a basket or storage bin behind the seat, you can use it as a makeshift luggage cart.

Be prepared with an activity bag.

In a word, these are a blessing. Make sure you have a small rucksack packed with entertainment options before leaving. If you want to keep your toddler entertained for as long as possible, you should provide them with some new and interesting things to play with.

In addition to colouring books and other creative materials, sticker books (with lots of stickers) are great. Don't go crazy buying expensive gadgets, as the simplest solutions are often the most effective.

Do Not Forget the PlayDough

Because playdough is a great way to entertain young children, this ingenious device has given us the freedom to waste a few hours. Not only is squishing and squashing amazing sensory enjoyment, but it's also a parent's best friend on a long flight. Never board a plane without first obtaining some playdough.

Take Plenty of Wet Naps for the Toddlers

Messes and spills are inevitable when a toddler is present. Regurgitation and sticky messes are annoying enough without having to cope with a lack of cleaning supplies.

Packing a little pack of baby wipes in your carry-on is asking for trouble, so be sure to bring along a generous supply. You can never have enough wipes again for your toddler's inevitable accidents.

One of the dirtiest things on an aeroplane has lately been identified as the tray table; therefore, having an extra pack of wipes is a must. The stool is disgusting.

In case of mishaps or delays, bring along a few extra diapers (and scented nappy bags).

Don't Stop Breastfeeding If Your Baby Needs Food

Air pressure changes during takeoff and landing, which can be painful for young ears. Breastfeeding is a good option.

And if you're taking an overnight flight, nursing can also help your little one get some rest. It's the kind of familiarity that helps when you're in a strange place. Consider your toddler's ears if you aren't breastfeeding, and bring along a healthy item they can suck on during takeoff and landing.

Put your toddler in the spare chair.

Every child over the age of two needs their very own seat. It could initially seem annoying to have to pay for a full seat. However, at the age of two, you require extra room.

For your toddler who has decided she wants to sit on her own or when she decides to climb all on you and make you claustrophobic on the plane, a portable stroller is an absolute must.

The added expense is justified. Even more so if it means you get an entire row to yourself and can avoid clambering over someone whenever your toddler needs to use the restroom for the millionth time.

Help Each Other

When caring for a young child, it's helpful to work together. In addition, the monotony of flight can be alleviated if you bring along an interesting travel companion, such as a partner or older child.

They provide a welcome diversion from the monotony of being on your own and a welcome respite from the constant pressure to socialise. To avoid going crazy, be sure to work in teams. Don't freak out if you're the only passenger on the plane. It would be best if you took advantage of any assistance.

If you're travelling alone with young children, you might be surprised that a few passengers are more than happy to play with them. In addition, the back of the plane is where families with young children tend to sit, so there's always an opportunity for kids to meet and play with each other.

Select Your Seating Carefully

Those travelling with a youngster who can walk around the aisle without disturbing others may wish to select that option.

If possible, it would be great if you had at least three seats on the plane (a window, an aisle, and a middle seat) so that your young child could enjoy the view outside, run around the aisle, and play in the middle seat. In contrast, aisle seats could be more convenient for those travelling with young children.

To avoid interrupting the flight attendants' service, taking the kids for regular walks once they've been served the meal is best.

A bonus advice: be pleasant and helpful to the flight attendants at all times. They typically want to be of assistance and may make a significant difference between a terrible flight and a great one, giving you and your family a great head start on your vacation.

Don't forget to bring an extra outfit for your toddler and yourself.

It's always preferable to have a spare set of clothing on hand in case you end up with a mess.

Having a toddler increases the likelihood of a foot in your drink or an elbow in your supper (I speak from experience).

Bring only the bare necessities and clothes you can easily change into and out of. Ignore trying to look your best and instead focus on how good you'll feel in some cosy clothes.

Don't be bothered by stares.

Younger children are increasingly accompanying their parents on aeroplane vacations.

Air travel has become more accessible and affordable in recent years, making family vacations a realistic option. Unfortunately, therefore, there is a chance that you will occasionally encounter discontented passengers.

Travelling with a toddler can be challenging, and strangers may express disapproval of your child's distress. But you're stuck; it's hopeless. A speedy and efficient journey from point A to point B is required.

Little ones are little people, wherever they may be. They all grow and act in similar ways.

Keep your mind on your little one, and try not to worry too much if other people in your immediate vicinity are experiencing negative emotions. Nothing will alter because of this. Keep in mind that your young child isn't intentionally annoying people. It's not easy for her right now.

Before you know it, you'll be stepping foot off the plane. You won't regret being a soothing presence for your toddler, but you could regret being a harried, worried mess to keep your child quiet for the benefit of others. So, naturally, your child will have a better time with one.

As a Last Resort, Ipads and Other Devices

While we do our best to limit screen time, the iPad is available if necessary. You'll want various options in your toolbox, which is especially true for long journeys.

We have some of their favourite movies, activities, puzzles, counting, and alphabet apps.

After all, we can't expect to be entertained by staring at the person in front of us for ten hours straight as grownups.

To that end, feel free to resort to technological aids like iPads if necessary. However, don't rely solely on screen time, especially not an hour or so before bedtime. The constant mental activity caused by the screen interrupts their natural sleep cycles.

A toddler who is calm and secure in a parent's arms may fall asleep more easily. Bring a book to read to your tired kid if you remember in time.

Find some new and fascinating educational apps to share with your child before you leave for your trip, and pack your toddler's favourite shows or movies to watch on the plane.

Do you assume that every aeroplane will have entertainment options for passengers to use while they fly? If you think that, rethink it. Some planes lack this life-saving innovation, forcing you to strain your neck into the aisle to see a shaky movie while your restless toddler climbs all over you. Whatever limits you put on screen time don't matter to me. What goes on in the air goes in the air.

Use as many Peppa Pig, PAW Patrol, or In the Night Garden episodes as possible to get through the night.

Things to Remember

• Before you leave, contact your travel agency, airline, and hotel to find out what options suit children.
• Young people are characterised by rapid attention deficit and fatigue.
• Have a sufficient number of kid-friendly events and outings planned before leaving.
• Gather an emergency medical kit with infant aspirin, a thermometer, anti-itch cream, an oral rehydration solution, and bandages.
• Bring lots of games and your kids' favourite foods.
• If your child gets an earache when flying, try to get them to eat or drink during takeoff and landing.

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Conclusion

Travelling with young children can be stressful for parents, but it is possible to ease their burden with some planning. When planning your vacation, ensure there are enough kid-friendly events and outings to keep the whole family entertained. Snacks and drinks can be brought through airport security in Australia, and most customs offices will allow pre-packaged, processed food to be brought into or taken out of the country. Bring a bunch of easily accessible, bite-sized snacks to divert attention away from a problem. Check out My Baby Nursery for all your baby product needs.

When taking a trip with a toddler, it is important to prepare nutritious snacks, bring the latest reading materials and playthings, and not bring anything that might leak, become trapped, or make a lot of noise. Snacks that most children don't mind eating include tubs of yoghurt, bananas, apples, a peeled, boiled egg, and cheese cubes. Don't forget to bring lots of water and to stop for sips often. Don't be late for the flight, as a stressed-out adult is equivalent to a toddler who knows they can sneak up and have the upper hand. It's not uncommon for a tense trip to last for the duration it began under stressful circumstances.

Time is of the essence when travelling with a young child on your hip, so factor in extra minutes for things like checking in, eating, and changing diapers. Before the flight, burn energy by walking the length of the airport or riding the travelator. If your toddler has the wiggles, it's best to let them out at the airport rather than on the plane. If you're going overseas, allow extra time to clear security, go through customs, and board the plane. Bring a stroller or a baby walker if it can be folded into a manageable size, and bring the necessary gear (travel cribs, strollers, etc.).

If your stroller has a basket or storage bin behind the seat, you can use it as a makeshift luggage cart. Be prepared with an activity bag.

When travelling with a toddler, it is important to have a small rucksack packed with entertainment options before leaving. This includes colouring books, sticker books, playdough, wet naps, baby wipes, extra diapers, and breastfeeding if the baby needs food. Playdough is a great way to entertain young children, and it is also a parent's best friend on a long flight. Bring an extra pack of wipes and extra diapers in case of mishaps or delays. Breastfeeding is a good option, and nursing can also help your little one get some rest. Put your toddler in the spare chair if they want to sit on their own or when they decide to climb all over you and make you claustrophobic on the plane.

When caring for a young child, it is important to work together and bring along an interesting travel companion. To avoid going crazy, be sure to work in teams and take advantage of any assistance. It is also important to select your seat carefully and bring an extra outfit for your toddler and yourself. To avoid interrupting the flight attendants' service, taking the kids for regular walks once they've been served the meal is best. Finally, be pleasant and helpful to the flight attendants at all times.

Air travel has become more accessible and affordable in recent years, making family vacations a realistic option. However, there is a chance that you will encounter discontented passengers and strangers may express disapproval of your child's distress. To avoid this, bring only the bare necessities and clothes you can easily change into and out of, and focus on how good you'll feel in some cosy clothes. Don't be bothered by stares, and keep your mind on your little one. As a last resort, Ipads and other devices can be used if necessary.

When travelling with children, it is important to have a variety of options in your toolbox. This includes movies, activities, puzzles, counting, and alphabet apps. It is also important to check with your travel agency, airline, and hotel to find out what options suit children, have a sufficient number of kid-friendly events and outings planned, and bring an emergency medical kit with infant aspirin, a thermometer, anti-itch cream, an oral rehydration solution, and bandages. Additionally, bring lots of games and your kids' favourite foods, try to get them to eat or drink during takeoff and landing, and look for baby nursery toys.

Content Summary

• Parents' travel stress can be reduced with proper preparation for their young children.
• If your kid is at an appropriate age and understanding level, have them help you get ready for the trip.
• Make sure there are enough family-friendly activities and attractions planned for your trip.
• Maintaining a basic itinerary will help you avoid a lot of unnecessary hassles while travelling.
• Keep in mind that children at this age tend to have short attention spans and get bored quickly.
• Long trips can be exhausting for kids and annoying for their parents because they include too much travel or too many visits to facilities designed for adults, like museums.
• Traveling with a child is rarely a relaxing experience, and we won't pretend otherwise.
• Lack of preparation for an approaching flight can induce severe anxiety.
• Traveling a plane with a child might be stressful, but if you're lucky, it won't be too bad.
• In that situation, you might do a small dance in the corridor between the control panel and the exit.
• If you don't want to take any chances while flying with a young child, then read on.
• The best tips we learned when travelling with a toddler are collected here.
• Even while the flight attendants are usually quite supportive, flying solo with a baby or young children can be difficult.
• Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to make the flight more enjoyable for both you and your child.
• In general, here are some tips for making family vacations easier:
• Beverages and snacks
• Most Australian customs offices now allow pre-packaged, processed food in and out of the country as well as water bottles for children.
• So, bring a large quantity of small, easily consumed snacks.
• Again, one of the most important benefits is the method in which it distracts from the main issue at hand.
• Children who are hungry are more likely to throw fits.
• All parents can attest to the fact that children aged 3 to 5 are notoriously finicky eaters.
• In this case, it is recommended that you bring your toddler's prefered snacks along on the vacation.
• If you can cut back on sugar and processed foods in your diet, you'll be in a better position to make snacking options that won't leave you dragging later.
• To the extent that your youngster is old enough to eat almonds without choking, you should do so.
• It is wise to plan ahead and prepare some healthy munchies.
• It's best to bring more snacks than you think you'll need, as buying them on the plane will be expensive and unpleasant.
• Bring plenty of water with you and drink often.
• A glass of water may help clear your head, give you energy, and prevent you from feeling fatigued and dehydrated.
• Keeping a young child entertained for extended periods of time is as simple as giving them a lollipop (albeit you should steer clear of blue and red ones).
• Classic toys are entertaining, but today's toys are light-years ahead.
• Still, if you're short on time, you can always order one of the many premade travel activity kits that can be found on the web.
• However, it's not hard to put together a toy bag your kid will like.
• It's best to start with some new stuff like a jigsaw puzzle, stickers, a book, some Matchbox cars, some small plastic dinosaurs and farm animals, and so on.
• If you're flying with kids, for instance, you shouldn't pack textas since the moment you turn your back, they'll start drawing on the tray table.
• Not being well-prepared and having little time to spare is a guaranteed way to cause undue stress before you even leave on your trip.
• It's not unusual for a tense journey to continue for the same amount of time as the source of the tension.
• Planning additional time for things like checking in, eating, and changing diapers is essential when travelling with a young child on your hip.
• Time needed, plus an extra hour.
• Or plan ahead to have lunch there before you go.
• Using this strategy has never failed me down or cause me to miss a flight.
• After sitting still for a long time in the car, your kid will need some time to burn off some energy before the flight.
• Though a long trek through the airport, it will be well worth it (or, in our case, ride the travelator one thousand times).
• If your child needs to get some energy out, you should do it before boarding the plane rather than during flight.
• Once they have had enough adventure, they will be ready for calm.
• Please remember to leave extra time to get through airport security, customs, and boarding the airline if you are travelling internationally.
• Anyone who takes their child through airport security in record time is a glutton for punishment.
• People despise waiting, and getting on the bus requires you to wait for the rest of the passengers to board.
• It would be unreasonable to expect a child with the attention span of a sardine to sit still during the flight attendants' cabin checks and other procedures.
• Make use of a stroller or a baby walker.
• The absence of a vehicle necessitates the use of a stroller.
• It's a good idea to pack all the essentials if you're taking a baby on a plane (travel cribs, strollers, etc.).
• On the other hand, this can vary depending on the airline you're flying with.
• Reduce the amount of time you spend chasing after your small child in crowded public places like airports and train stations by keeping them in a stroller or pram for as long as feasible.
• One of the most crucial baby items is the baby pram.
• These, in a word, are a boon.
• Pack a little knapsack with of fun things to do before you leave.
• As a parent, if you want your toddler to be entertained for as long as possible, you should get them some fun new toys.
• Sticker books (with plenty of stickers) are fantastic, as are colouring books and other creative materials.
• Don't go crazy on the expensive equipment; often the simplest answers are the best.
• Play dough must not be forgotten.
• We were able to waste a few hours at will thanks to this brilliant invention, all because playdough is a fantastic method to keep kids of all ages entertained.
• Bring playdough on every flight.
• When a toddler is in the house, there will be messes and spills.
• It's already frustrating enough to deal with regurgitation and sticky messes without having to deal with a shortage of cleaning tools.
• Carrying only a little package of baby wipes in your carry-on is asking for trouble, so be sure to bring along plenty.
• For the interminable stream of toddler messes, there can never be too many wipes.
• Recent research has found that aeroplane tray tables are consistently one of the dirtiest places on the plane.
• To put it bluntly, the faeces stinks.
• Take along some spare diapers just in case there are any delays or incidents (and scented nappy bags).
• If your baby is hungry, continue breastfeeding.
• Ear ache is a common complaint among young passengers due to the pressure changes that occur during takeoff and landing.
• Choosing to breastfeed is a healthy choice.
• Plus, if you're flying an overnight flight, nursing can help your baby sleep through the night.
• It's comforting to have something familiar to hold onto when travelling to an unfamiliar location.
• If you aren't breastfeeding, you might want to prepare something for your child to suck on throughout takeoff and landing to protect his or her ears.
• To accommodate your young child, please use the extra chair.
• Separate seats are required for any children older than two.
• The supplementary cost is reasonable.
• Even more so if it means you can claim an entire row to yourself and not have to worry about squeezing past other passengers every time your young child has to use the potty.
• Share the load
• Cooperation is key while caring for a young child.
• Having a lively companion, like a partner or older child, can also help break up the monotony of flying.
• They relieve the stress of always having to be around other people and break up the monotony of spending time alone.
• Always collaborate with others to keep from going insane.
• You shouldn't freak out if you're the only person on the plane.
• It's recommended that you make use of any help that's offered to you.
• Some strangers on the plane may gladly engage your young children in play if you're travelling solo with them.
• Also, families with young children often seat together in the plane's rear, where they can interact and possibly play.
• Those with a little child who can quietly cross the aisle may want to select this seating arrangement.
• If you and your small child could score at least three seats on the plane (a window, an aisle, and a middle seat), everyone would benefit. Your kid could look out the window, explore the aisle, and play with toys in the middle seat.
• People travelling with infants or toddlers might find aisle seats more suitable.
• After the flight attendants have delivered the lunch, it's preferable to take the children on a regular stroll so as not to interrupt their service.
• Also, remember to always be kind and helpful to the flight attendants.
• In most cases, they will gladly lend a hand because they want to, which might make the difference between a dreadful trip and a fantastic one, kicking off your holiday on a high note for you and your loved ones.
• Don't leave home without packing an additional set of clothes for you and your toddler.
• In case of a spill or other mishap, having an extra set of clothes on hand is always a good idea.
• Your chances of getting a foot in your drink or an elbow in your dinner grow dramatically if you have a toddler (I speak from experience).
• You should just take what you really need and what you can quickly change into and out of.
• Instead of worrying about how you appear, think about how great it will feel to relax in some comfy clothes.
• You shouldn't let people staring at you annoy you.
• More and more families are taking their young children on aeroplane trips.
• Vacations as a family are now more feasible due to the decrease in price and increase in availability of air travel.
• As a result, you might have to deal with some unhappy customers from time to time.
• If you're travelling with a young child, you can hear disapproving comments from others about your child's suffering.
• But now it's too late; you're trapped.
• This trip needs to get you from A to B as quickly and efficiently as possible.
• Children are children everywhere they live.
• They develop and behave in the same manner.
• Focus on caring for your child and letting go of whatever anxiety you may have about the unpleasant feelings of those around you.
• Despite this, nothing will change.
• Know that your kid isn't trying to be obnoxious on purpose.
• Right now, she's having a tough time.
• You'll soon be stepping off the plane.
• While being a calming presence for your toddler is something you won't come to regret, being harried and stressed in order to keep your child quiet for the sake of others is something you might come to regret.
• It stands to reason that your kid will have a more enjoyable experience with one.
• We try to restrict screen time, but the iPad is there if we really need it.
• Particularly for extended travel, having a variety of options at your disposal is essential.
• We've included some of their favourite movies, games, puzzles, educational apps, and educational games.
• After all, as grownups, we can't hope to be entertained by starring at the person in front of us for 10 continuous hours.
• You can use iPads or other technological devices to help you with this if you feel it's essential.
• Avoid using screens right before night in particular.
• Their natural sleep cycles are disrupted by the constant mental activity generated by the screen.
• Young children often find it easier to drift off to sleep when they are held by an adult.
• In case you recall in time, bring a book to read to your exhausted child.
• Before you take off on your trip, be sure to download some exciting new educational applications to share with your child, and bring along their favourite toddler-friendly shows or movies to keep them entertained.
• I don't care if you have strict rules on how much time a child can spend in front of a device.
• When something happens in the air, it stays in the air.
• Get through the night by watching as many Peppa Pig, PAW Patrol, or In the Night Garden episodes as possible.
• The short attention span and constant weariness typical of young individuals are defining characteristics.
• Plan enough kid-friendly activities and excursions before you leave.
• Have on hand a first aid kit with items like baby aspirin, a thermometer, anti-itch lotion, oral rehydration solution, and bandages.
• Pack up a tonne of their favourite snacks and games.
• Try giving your kid something to drink or eat during takeoff and landing to prevent them from getting an earache.