To be honest, I started and never finished a post about airport tips with a baby or a toddler. It just took way too long to try and get everything in. So instead, I am going to write up short blog posts with some quick tips and tricks instead of an essay.

As background, my young son has flown across the Pacific Ocean multiple times, been on who knows how many flights (I am too lazy to count) that have lasted from two hours to over twelve hours, had to deal with multiple layovers, been on a cruise, and has been to lots of states and three other countries. I am not an expert on traveling with a kid, but I have some decent experience. My husband and I believe that our children should come with us. Since we had my firstborn, we have only taken one trip without him. And that trip was a quick weekend getaway. We want our kids to travel with us and see the world. Is it hard? Yes. Is it relaxing? Not so much. Is it worth it? Yes. Absolutely yes.

TSA PreCheck

TSA PreCheck is amazing! Our credit card paid for us to get it, and it has made a world of difference. It makes going through security with kids so much easier. Just do yourself a favor and get it.

Treat the Airport as Part of the Vacation

I read this online before our first flight with our son. It is something that I have taken to heart, and it has worked well for us. The airport is part of our vacation. Before almost every flight, we will stop and get food at the airport. We will eat at a place that my son will think is special and that has food he will like – like McDonald’s. A full belly definitely helps on flights. We also like to get to the airport with enough time that we don’t have to rush. We have time to get food. To walk around and look at things. Go into a store that looks interesting to my son. We treat the airport as another cool place to be. We also like to use this time to get his energy out. Below are some other ideas to burn energy and time before your flight:

• Find a quiet spot near your gate where you can let your toddler run wild. Let them get their energy out
• Some airports have kid play areas. Use them!
• Ask your child to sit on every chair in the row
• Let them climb on the benches
• Walk up and down the moving sidewalks
• Find a window with a view of the airplanes
• Have them help with water bottle fill up

*** Obviously be courteous of the other people at the airport. Don’t just let your child run amok.

Take Advantage of the “Extra Time with Kids” Boarding Zone

One of the suggestions I read about before our first flight was to wait until the last possible minute before boarding the plane. Or have one partner take all of the luggage, get on the airplane to get situated, and then have the other partner wait with the child until the end to board the plane. We tried this once, and honestly it made me more stressed. For us, it is easier to just get on the plane. I like getting on during the “family” boarding time because it really does give us a chance to get our row set up and adjusted without the pressure of people needing to get around us to their seats.

Double Diaper – If not Potty Trained

If your child is not potty trained, double diaper! It makes changing a diaper in the airplane bathrooms so much easier. Just pull off the wet one and be on your way! Depending on the age of your child, standing diaper changes are also a game changer while traveling.

Extra Clothes

Doesn’t matter if your child is a baby or a toddler. Just bring an extra pair of clothes. Accidents happen, and it’s better to be prepared.

Attempt at Being Sanitary

I am a bit of a germaphobe, so every time we get on an airplane and my son immediately starts to touch things, it makes me anxious. I recommend bringing extra hand sanitizer and hand sanitizer wipes. That way, you can wipe down the areas that will be touched and wash their hands before they have snacks.

Dollar Store Toys to the Rescue

Now that my son is older, we don’t do this much, but it was super helpful when he was younger. I would go to the dollar store and pick up one to two new toys per hour of the flight. So if the flight was four hours, I would pick out 4-8 toys. When we went to Japan, I think I bought about 16 new toys for him to be entertained by. I do need to clarify: by “toys” I really mean anything that will keep them occupied. This will differ by their age too. I have bought coloring books, silly putty, cat toys, books, tape, and even a kitchen basting brush before. Especially if they are younger, it doesn’t actually have to be a toy. It can be literally anything new that will keep their attention. I would put all of these new items into a separate bag that was only used on the airplane. That way they stayed novel. Also, a roll of masking tape is one of the best things to bring. Tape the tray, window, etc. It keeps kids so entertained!

Snacks!

In addition to bringing some of their “comfort” or regular snacks, I would also bring new snacks that are different and exciting for them.

Ditch the “No Screen-Time” Rule

I really try to limit screen time with my son, but when it comes to traveling (especially on an airplane!), he can play on the seat screen all he wants. Or watch a show. I don’t care. We are all just trying to survive the flight so he can have all of the screen time he wants. He also doesn’t really care that he can’t hear the show when it’s playing.

A Little Noise is Better than Screaming

I don’t know about you, but it’s less intrusive to hear a kid show quietly playing on the airplane than having them scream or cry. Be courteous of those around you, obviously. But don’t worry if the show or the activity makes a little noise.

Takeoff and Landing

We bring applesauce pouches to help our son’s ears adjust during takeoff and landing. We also bring water and suckers as a backup just in case. If your child is still nursing or bottle feeding, then use that during takeoff and landing.

Setting Expectations

Now that my son is a little older, we walk him through what our travel day will be like. Although it doesn’t prevent all meltdowns, it helps him get through the day. For instance, when we were coming home from our last trip a couple of weeks ago, we told my son that our first flight was going to be during bedtime. He could play games on the chair screen when we got onto the plane, but once they turned the lights down, it would be time for him to sleep. We also told him during the next flight, which was much shorter, that he could play the screen the entire time. We prepped him for this the morning of and reminded him about it throughout the day. When the red-eye flight came, he initially didn’t want to stop playing the game, but after a couple of reminders, he gave in and fell asleep. It made the overall travel day a better experience for both of us because he knew exactly what was going to happen.

Plan with your Partner

Be on the same page as your partner. Walk through what the travel day will be like, who will be responsible for what, etc. For instance, at the airport, my husband is in charge of all bags and getting our bags checked while I am watching our son. We also decide who will sit next to and help my son during the flights (since my son likes to sit next to the window seat). Just like setting expectations with my son, it is good to have a game plan with your partner.

Don’t Necessarily Book Flights around Naptime or Bedtime

When we took our son, at 18 months old, to Hawaii, we thought it would be a great idea to book our return flight home as a red-eye. That way we could all sleep. Well, guess what, my son had other ideas. He did not want to sleep and ended up crying half of the flight back. Although I eventually got him to sleep, it took a while since he was overly tired. My advice: just book the flights that are the cheapest or most convenient to your schedule. Don’t try to do it during nap time or bedtime because there really is no guarantee that they will sleep.

Should I bring a Car Seat?

Depends. If you are taking a red-eye flight, a car seat is nice because it is easier for your child to sleep in. We have taken the car seat many times, and we have also left it at home and rented one when we have gotten to our destination. Personally, I think it is more of a hassle to bring a car seat.

TSA Food and Liquid Rule

If you are traveling with a child, some of the normal TSA liquid rules do not apply. For instance, we bring 8oz bottles of apple juice, apple sauce packets, and sometimes ice packs with us, which is fine because of my toddler. If it is a medically necessary food/drink for a child, there are special TSA rules for them. Just be aware that your baggage will be flagged, and a TSA agent will have to inspect your bag and potentially test some of the items.

Hopefully some of these things will help you feel more comfortable traveling with your child! Or just make your next trip easier! I will be posting more travel tips soon!