Top Travel Tips for Flying with Young Children towards a Smoother Journey
As I prepare for another trip to Michigan, I’m wanted to share our top travel tips for flying with young children. With my family in Michigan, we fly at least three to four times a year. Traveling with babies and toddlers can be daunting, but with a few key strategies, you can make the journey more enjoyable!
1. Keep expectations low
Why It Works: Traveling with young children often involves unexpected challenges. If you set overly high expectations, you're only causing your stress level to be high if things don’t go as planned. Kids can be unpredictable, and being flexible helps you adapt to their needs and moods, making the journey much more manageable.
Tip: Approach the trip with the absolutely lowest expectations or just expect the absolute worst, just nonstop tantrums and tears. Then, if you manage to get 15 minutes of peace...you got a victory rather than a failure. This can help you remain calm (er) and adaptable when things go awry. By staying calm and adaptable, you can also help your child feel more at ease.
2. Help Them Pop Their Ears
Why It's Crucial: One of the biggest challenges when flying with infants is managing ear pressure changes. Babies and toddlers often struggle with this, which can lead to significant discomfort and crying.
Tip: To help alleviate ear pressure, encourage your child to drink during takeoff and landing. For nursing babies, be prepared to have them latch on as soon as you start to ascend or descend. For older kids, a water bottle works great.
This method helps them manage the ear pressure changes and can significantly improve their comfort during the flight. If you notice you are needing to pop your ears, then likely they need to as well. These are the moments to really encourage them to drink something! Added bonus for nursing mom, nursing during take off may lead to baby sleeping for a good portion of the flight! Yay!
Additional Insight: If your child is very young or struggling, consider using a pacifier or a small toy that promotes sucking or swallowing. These actions help equalize ear pressure and can make the flight more comfortable.
4. Let Them Walk to the Gate
Why It's Effective: A good stretch before the flight can help tire out little legs, making it maybe a little easier for them to stay seated during the flight.
Tip: If you have time and a spacious airport, let your kids walk around the terminal or maybe you have a long walk to your gate. This helps them burn off energy before they have to sit still on the plane. Use the stroller for rest breaks if needed, and allow them to explore as much as possible to help them settle into their seat more easily.
Disclaimer: In some kids, this can also energize them so see what works best for your child
4. Board the Plane Last
Why It’s Helpful: Boarding early can lead to more waiting time in the confined space of the plane, which can be tough for kids. Instead, consider effective strategies for flying with babies and toddlers to minimize the time they are spending in their seat before takeoff.
Tip: We’ve found it’s better to board later. The less time your child spends in their seat before takeoff can reduce restlessness and the likelihood of meltdowns. This approach can make the boarding process less stressful for both the kids and parents.
Disclaimer: This option may not be available to all families, especially those using carry on luggage. You may need to board sooner to ensure you have a spot in the overhead compartment for your carry on, unless you are willing to check it at the gate.
5. Pack Their Favorite Entertainment…and Something NEW!
Why It Works: Keeping kids entertained is crucial for a peaceful flight. Bringing a mix of familiar and new toys can keep them engaged for longer periods.
Tip: Pack a variety of activities, including some new surprises. While it’s good to limit screen time, a tablet and headphones can be a lifesaver during longer stretches of turbulence or when you have exhausted all the activities and toys to keep them occupied.
Bringing along new toys or books can also provide a welcome distraction and make the journey more enjoyable. Reading books out loud on a quiet plane can be daunting too, but I promise the passengers would much rather hear “Pete The Cat’ for the hundredth time instead of a toddler meltdown. Sometimes even the safety manual will work!
7. Treat Their Pain Before Boarding
Why It’s Important: If your child is experiencing discomfort, such as teething pain, it can be amplified during the flight. Ensuring they’re as comfortable as possible before you board can make a big difference.
Tip: If your child is teething or has other discomforts, administer pain relief medication about 30 minutes before the flight. This can help ease their discomfort and make the journey more pleasant.
8. Preflight Bathroom Break
Why It Helps: An empty bladder and clean diaper reduce the chance of mid-flight bathroom emergencies, which can be particularly stressful.
Tip: Change diapers and ensure toddlers use the bathroom right before boarding. While it’s not always foolproof, it’s a step towards a more comfortable flight. If a surprise diaper change is necessary on the plane, be prepared with all the essentials for a quick and efficient change.
Share Your Travel Tips!
Do you have any travel hacks for families or advice for flying with young children? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below.
Safe travels and happy flying!
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