Tips for flying with a toddler

SUMMER is coming, the schools are nearly out, and holiday season is upon us. With Irish summers leaving a lot to be desired, escaping to sunnier destinations can mean fun for the whole family. If that includes very young children, it takes some planning.

Some parents dread the idea of flying with young children, or avoid it altogether. It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the preparation involved, or put off by thoughts of what could go wrong. But with a few simple tips and tricks, you can make flying with your little one a breeze (or as breezy as it gets when you’re in a confined space for several hours with a toddler).

Having been on multiple flights with our two-year-old, some of what I share below has been learned the hard way. 

To save you the time and hassle, I’ve compiled my top tips on everything from baggage, to sore ears, to inflight entertainment. Before you know it, you’ll be feeling sand between your toes as you attempt to apply sunscreen to a wriggling child, while stopping them from running into the sea. Bliss!

1. Bring snacks (more than you think you need)

Pack the amount of snacks you think you will need for three hours with your toddler, then double it. You may be flying for this length of time, but you will also be hanging around airports, collecting baggage, waiting for taxis, etc.

When other forms of distraction aren’t available, snacks are your friend. Choose reasonably tidy things like crackers, bananas, or dried cereal. This is not a time for yogurt. 

You can bring your toddler’s water bottle or milk in hand luggage.

2. Pack small, new toys

There is nothing like bringing your child’s favourite book or toy in your carry-on, only for them to flat out reject it once you take off. But you can almost guarantee, that the second the seatbelt signs are switched off will be the moment your child realises they are finally sick of The Gruffalo. To avoid this, pack a few new toys for the plane.

Go for small and light ones you can also bring with you to restaurants when you’re on holiday. 

Have a look in Euro Shops, local charity shops, or borrow from a friend. Stickers and activity books are great too.

3. Prepare for take-off and landing

Sore ears during take-off and landing can be very unpleasant for little ones. After a tough time on a recent flight, we bought Tonstix Travel Pops for our last trip and they worked a treat.

Tonstix is an Irish company founded by two mums who made jelly lollipops for when their kids had sore throats, and then brought out a travel version. They are natural jelly pops with a stick man body, so no choking hazard and great for tackling sore ears.

4. Download a variety of shows to watch

There is a time and place to worry about screen time. 30,000 feet in the air with a toddler is not it.

Before your trip, download some of your child’s favourite shows to your phone or tablet, as well as a few new ones they might like.

When all else fails, or your little one is getting restless and impatient, screens can get you through turbulent times (pun very much intended).

5. Make the most of your baggage allowance

You can check in two free pieces of baby equipment, such as a travel cot, stroller, or car seat. If you’re bringing a buggy, keep it until you are at the gate and they will put it in the hold then.

If your buggy folds up small enough, you might be able to take it on as hand luggage – handy for short trips, or if you have a long walk to baggage reclaim on the other side. If your baby equipment is in a bag or box, stick a few nappies or wipes in there too. It will act as padding and free up space in your suitcase.

Bring medications you might need such as Calpol, but remember if it’s going in your hand luggage to check it’s under 100mls.

6. Bring a change of clothes

The one time you forget, is the one time you are guaranteed a poonami, spillage, or vomiting incident.

7. Compartmentalise your carry on

We’ve all be there, rummaging in a massive holdall bag looking for a dummy or tissue. Stay organised by using pouches – make up bags or pencil cases work perfectly – to group things together. Have one for nappies and wipes, one for snacks etc.

8. Embrace uncertainty

The golden rule of going on holidays with young children is, prepare for the unexpected. Your routine is likely to go out the window from the moment you leave the house, and it can make for a more enjoyable holiday to just go with the flow. 

You can do all the planning in the world, but they might not fall asleep when you want, or eat what you want.

 It’s only going to be a week or two, and you deserve a break from stressing about it all. Sometimes the best days on holidays are ones that don’t go according to plan. Enjoy it!