How other parents tackle air travel with their toddler

Into the unknown

One of the main concerns of Tom, father of a 1,5-year-old, is the unknown. “This summer will be our first trip by plane as a family. I’m worried about how it will be like to keep my daughter on my lap for 13 hours. Will we be able to entertain her that long?”

Eva’s biggest worry was getting through the gates smoothly with her 2 kids. “My biggest fear was to lose one of my children at the airport during the hustle and bustle at the security gates. Try taking off your jacket and shoes while putting all items through the metal detector and without losing sight of your pre-schooler!”

Other weathered travellers did not have too many issues. “I did not experience much discomfort during my flight to Thailand with my 5-year-old,” says Thomas. “To avoid ear pain, I brought candy to suck on with and I brought enough entertainment to keep my son occupied during the long flight”.

At the airport

Some of these worries above can be partially relieved by taking advantage of some perks only parents with small kids can enjoy at the airport!

One way to lessen stress, is to book direct flights where possible. This spares you from the stress of a plane change. Another great way to decrease during-flight stress, is to (if money allows) book an extra seat for your little one. This gives you more room to place your stuff, or to put your little one aside when you are trying to eat or need to reposition during a long flight.

Arriving at the airport at the recommended time (2 hours in advance) is also a good suggestion. This gives you enough time to go through all onboarding steps. At the security gate, kids under 12 are not obliged to take off their shoes, so that saves you some trouble! Ask one of the security agents to assist you with your toddler gears. E.g., ask them if they can put the pushchair through the metal detector while you walk with your toddler through the metal detector. The agent can also help with unfolding the buggy again on the other side.

When waiting to board, the desk can already help you check in your stroller. This is usually free and takes away trauma of having to drag all these big items on the plane. Also, make use of pre-boarding! Normally, disabled people or people with small kids can board before other passengers. This gives you space to board in peace and put all your stuff where you want it in your own time, without having to deal with impatient passengers standing behind you.

On the aircraft

Preparation is key when dealing with a long flight including your mini-me! Make sure to pack some first-aid medication and enough snacks. Snacks like cookies and candy can also double as ear pain prevention tools (have your kids suck on them). Pacifiers, straws, zippy cups and drinking bottles can also aid this discomfort.  

Baby wipes are as always indispensable: you can use them to not only to wipe baby behinds, but they function as face, hand, clothes or surface-cleaners. An extra set of clothing for both you and your youngster and extra diapers are no luxury in case your kid becomes sick or has a diaper accident. Ask the steward for some air sickness bags to store wet clothes in, so your other items don’t get damped.

And most important: bring toys and tools to keep your pre-schooler occupied during the flight. Preferably, you bring items that allow you to have some peace and quiet yourself. Bring your iPad and pre-download some cartoons and games so your kid can play offline (don’t forget to bring the charger!). Game- and colouring books and pencils are handy to bring with you as they come in various sizes. Pick a size of book that would fit the table of the airplane seat. Magnetic toys and games are also allowed on a plane (read more here)! Roboflex, My First Vehicles or My First Safari Animals are ideal to keep your toddler entertained! Are you more into games? Bring the magnetic travel game Coral Reef (SmartGames) with you.