Tips For Flying With a Toddler

by Anna
(Shelburne Falls, MA)

Family Vacation

Flying with a toddler certainly isn't easy, but sometimes, it becomes a necessity.

While there is no way to guarantee that a trip with a demanding toddler will be stress free, there are a few things I've tried that have made doing so easier.

Here are a few of the things that have really helped me out.

The most important thing you can do when flying with a toddler is try to avoid layovers at all costs.

It is much easier to keep a toddler calm on one flight than it is multiple ones. My children were both very sensitive to take offs and landings as toddlers. This meant constant meltdowns after the first flight! It is absolutely worth paying more money to fly layover free when you're flying with a toddler.

Bringing plenty of toys and snacks is also very important. If you're flying with a spouse or other family members, try to work as a team to keep your toddler entertained. This will help take some of the pressure off of you and make sure your toddler always has someone to enthusiastically feed and play with them.

If your toddler is a good sleeper, flying at night can be wonderful. If you plan your flight at the right time, they might sleep through the whole thing. If you have a light sleeper though, you might be better letting them do their sleeping when you arrive at your destination.

Though traveling with a toddler is a lot of work, it's definitely doable. Using these tips and other ones can help make a trip a lot easier.

They've definitely worked for me and my kids, and I hope they work for you.

My thanks to granpapa2006 @ flickr for the photo