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5 Tips to Survive a Toddler’s First Flight

2016-03-08 by Lindsay Nieminen

5 Tips to Survive a Toddler’s First Flight

AIrplane Snacks for Toddlers and Preschoolers
Pack Lots of Snacks on your Toddler’s First Flight
 
1. Pack lots of snacks and bring a water bottle or sippy cup. No one wants to get soaked when a drink spills, I always bring a water bottle or sippy cup to avoid messes with kids! Even if your kids are great with a cup, you never know when the tray table might get bumped and juice will go flying!
 
Some of our favorite airplane snacks can be found here.
 
Check out this post if you are looking for information about Airplane Travel with Car Seats
 
Yes we pack the iPods for some quiet time on the flight!
Yes we pack the iPods for some quiet time on the flight!
 
Depending on your destination you may want to bring something to help your child sleep. Check out the best toddler travel bed here.
 
 

2. Bring an assortment of activities to kill time.

We love wikki stix and new coloring books. For more activities check out my post on What to pack: Airplane Activities for Toddlers

Killing Time before we Board
Killing Time before we Board
 
3. With the above post in mind, do not pack TOO MUCH! You will end up lugging too many bags, as well as children and will likely get frustrated while trying to squish everything under your seat or in the overhead bin!
 
Check out this post on the top rated backpack diaper bag!
 
Take Advantage of the InFlight Magazine on your Toddler's First Flight
Take Advantage of the InFlight Magazine on your Toddler’s First Flight
 
4. Take advantage of the inflght magazine, let the kids read it, use it as a “look and find” book as you ask them to identify things on the pages or letters or words depending on their ages
 
Toddler's First Flight
Sit back and Relax
 
5. Try not to worry about the other people around you. Toddlers are unpredictable! Even with plenty of toddler toys! Yes you child may scream or cry, but most other passengers will not even bat an eye. If they have their own children, they can sympathize with you. There is no expectation of peace and quiet on an airplane. It is a public place! It’s their problem if they are upset, not yours!
 
BONUS TIP!
 
While almost all airlines allow families with young children to board first, why have your toddler in a small space for longer than absolutely necessary! We always get on last and then the flight is rolling away from the gate before we even know it!
 
If you are still feeling nervous, check out these travel tips for moms!
 
Hope you enjoy your toddler’s first flight! Let me know how it goes in the comments! 
 

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5 + Tips to Survive your Toddler's First Flight

Lindsay Nieminen owner and author of Carpe Diem OUR Way
Lindsay Nieminen

Lindsay Nieminen hails from Vancouver, Canada and shares her love of travel on this website. She is passionate about showing others that they should not put off traveling the world just because they have children or are single parents. She aims to encourage them to seek out adventure, whether it is at home or abroad by providing information on how just about everywhere can be a destination to explore as a family.

Filed Under: Blog, Travelling with Kids, What to Pack Tagged With: family travel

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About the Author

Lindsay Nieminen author of Carpe Diem OUR way

Lindsay Nieminen

I help families travel boldly.

Whether that’s exploring Jordan’s epic sights, road-tripping through Central America, or finding adventure here at home in Canada, I believe kids don’t hold you back — they give you a better reason to go.

I specialize in:

  • Adventure travel with kids
  • Travel to misunderstood destinations
  • Realistic family itineraries for kids of all ages

When I’m not traveling, I’m likely driving someone to practice or running a food tour company in Amman.

Welcome to Carpe Diem OUR Way — where we seize the day as a family because time is not promised.

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