We recently took our first trip on an airplane with our very energetic toddler. It was definitely an adventure, but there were a few things that I was so glad I was prepared for.
Toddlers are restless and messy, so they can be hard to contain on a plane for an extended period of time. Luckily, I asked for some advice from other moms before leaving and packed a LOT of things that really came in handy!
We brought things to entertain toddlers on the plane, things to prevent toddler messes and spills, things to keep everything organized and plenty of snacks. Get ready to take notes (or save this on Pinterest) to remember my best tips to keeping your toddler entertained on the plane!
Let’s dive into what I did on our flight to keep my toddler busy and happy while flying on his first airplane ride! Then, I’ll share what toys and activities we brought in our carry-on for him!
Tips for Entertaining Toddlers on the Airplane
1. Bring something to suck on.
The air pressure will most likely bother their ears during takeoff and landing. As adults, we often chew gum, but that isn’t a very likely solution for toddlers and babies.
If they still take a bottle, bring a bottle with you on the plane. You could also breastfeed or give them a pacifier during take off and landing.
For our toddler, I brought several squeeze pouches with yogurt and purees. I also brought his straw water bottle and encouraged him to drink it when he was grabbing at his ears.
2. Pack extra trash bags and Ziploc bags in your carry-on.
Keep trash together in a bag throughout the flight, because there’s not enough room in backseat pocket. At the end of the flight, you can hand it to the flight attendant who walks down the aisle collecting trash.
You can also use the bags to keep toys together after they’re opened. Plus, they can be used to store any wet or dirty clothes, burp clothes, or activities.
3. Pack extra outfits for everyone.
Be sure to bring extra diapers and change of clothes for your toddler, in case of a spill or blowout at any point during the trip.
You’ll probably also want an extra outfit for yourself, too, in case they accidentally spill your food or drink all over you. It’s hard to keep things away from them in such a small space…
4. Bring your own toddler water bottle or sippy cup.
Along the same lines of the previous tip… you’re in a small space, and it’s very likely that they will dump their drink all over you if it’s not contained in something.
When the flight attendants brought drinks and snacks around, I just opened up his water bottle we brought and poured it right into it before giving it to him.
5. Minimize your carry-ons, if possible.
All we brought on our trip was one backpack for each adult. I actually didn’t pack anything for myself to do on the plane, since I knew I’d be entertaining him the whole time.
We didn’t pack anything that needed to go in the overhead bins or be pulled around the airport. That way, we had more hands to chase after and hold our toddler in the airport, and keep track of all of our stuff.
6. Be positive and excited about everything!
They will feed off of your energy and get excited with you. Talk to them about take off and landing before it happens and let them watch it out the window. Talk about where you’re headed and how much fun it will be!
Be friendly to other passengers and flight attendants, and encourage your toddler to greet them. That starts your flight off on the right foot, the other passengers are more likely to be warm, kind and helpful.
10. Bring extra snacks, always.
Better to be over-prepared than under-prepared when it comes to snacks! The last thing you want is a grumpy, hangry kid.
Personally, I tried to avoid too many sugary treats to avoid the tantrums and sugar-crashes. I made sure to have a few filling, healthy options to fuel him and keep him full longer.
Plus, I added some fun snacks that I knew he would be excited about and would take him some time to eat one-by-one.
11. Keep all new toys in their packaging, if possible.
It will keep them busy for a few extra minutes with each toy, as they try to open it themselves. Make sure that it’s not something you need scissors to open though, or you’ll be out of luck on the plane!
12. Let them run around airport before boarding the plane.
If you’re not running late, I would consider letting them walk to your gate beside you. It’ll get their energy out and help them feel less trapped.
Doing this will also help it to seem like a fun new adventure, rather than a punishment where they’re being dragged along.
13. Board the plane last.
If you don’t have a car seat, try to get on plane last, so they have to sit for least amount of time.
BUT, if you do have a car seat… I would definitely board at the beginning when they call for families with young kids and anyone who needs extra time.
You’ll definitely appreciate being able to get their carseat buckled in and figured out without having to make people stand and wait for you in the aisle.
14. In case of a lost or delayed suitcase…
Pack an extra outfit or pajamas in your carry-on. If you have room, I would definitely add in a little stuffed animal or blanket that they sleep with.
They may already have a difficult time sleeping somewhere new, and you want to be sure to have their favorite sleep thing to help them transition.
We always pack ours in the carry-on, just in case the checked bag doesn’t make it in time for nap or bedtime.*
*This actually happened to us on our flight there. My bag with all of his things arrived a couple hours after we did, so we had to go put him down for a nap without it. We were so glad to have packed his favorite little blanket and sleep sack in my backpack!
15. Consider bringing some type of baby or toddler carrier.
If you are worried about carrying them or them not making it across the airport, consider a carrier of some kind. You could bring a stroller, a carrier for your back or chest, or a baby wrap.
Remember, there will be extra accommodations for a stroller though, and you will need to gate-check it when you board the plane. If you’re traveling somewhere you’ll need a stroller, this could be a great option for you.
Toys and Airplane Activities for Busy Toddlers
- Mini whiteboard (or just a dollar store picture frame).
- Dry erase markers
- Restickable stickers and book
- Slinky
- Water-reveal books
- Fun, squishy toys
- A small baby doll (we had my son point out each body part on the doll, which kept him distracted for awhile!)
- A few toy cars or trains that link together
- A small bag with zippers or clasps
- Play-Doh
- Jumbo crayons (harder to break)
- Coloring book
- Headphones for shows on an iPad or the airplane screens
- Pipe cleaners and beads to thread together
- Dry makeup or paint brushes
- Magnifying glass
- Strong magnet (big enough to not be able to swallow!!)
- A bunch of dollar store toys
- Plenty of SNACKS
I hope that these tips and plane activity ideas have been helpful. If the flight does end up going horribly, just know that you’ll get there eventually… and you’ll never see anyone from your flight again.
Try not to stress too much and just enjoy the extra one-on-one time with them. Experience their excitement with them and take pictures for the memory books!
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