Have you ever asked your toddler to sit still? I’m pretty sure it’s easier to nail jello to a tree than to expect our energetic littles to sit still for hours on end. I must say that most of the time, our flights go smooth and uneventful. Although not as smooth as when Oliver was just a baby; if you’re traveling with a baby under one, check out this post. But if you’re planning a long flight with a toddler, you’ll definitely want to go prepared (ya know, hope for the best but prepare for the worst kind of deals). For the sake of clarity, this post is referring to kiddos ages 1-3ish. Read along for everything you need to know to survive a long haul flight with a toddler!

Selecting the Flights

While most people recommend red-eye flights so that your little one sleeps through most of the flight, (and I do think this is a great idea) what you also want to pay attention to is the time of arrival at your final destination. I like to arrive in the late afternoon so we have time to get to our lodging, walk around a bit, grab dinner and hit the sack. Generally we’re all pretty tired from the long flight and ready to get some zzz’s. It’s a great way to reset your internal clocks and adjust to the time difference. Also, I pay attention to the length of layovers. Layovers are a great opportunity to let your little one run around and burn some energy before having to sit still on the next flight so booking flights far enough apart to allow for playtime is great; in fact, many airports now have play areas for kids! We also take advantage of airport lounges to grab a bite. 

Selecting the Seats

Unless you are traveling first or business class, you will definitely want to choose your seats wisely. Bulkhead seats are awesome because you get some more leg room and nobody in front so you. You do sacrifice some storage space but you can always utilized the overhead compartments. Depending on your toddler’s weight, you may even be able to get the bassinet for your little one.

Children under two years old can travel as lap infants and this may be a great way to save some money. However, there are some things to considering before making this decision. Check out this post for everything you need to know about flying with a lap infant. You definitely want to consider the length of the flight and if you are ok with having a toddler on your lap for the entire duration.

Window seat for your little one is a great option since there won’t be any other passengers sitting next to your little one and they can look out the window!

Snacks For the Long Flight

Hungry kids are grumpy kids! So it is definitely a rookie mistake to board a plane without treats in tow. People always ask what the best snacks to pack for flights. We absolutely limit the sugar intake (except fruits) and try to offer treats that are as minimally processed as possible. Below are some of our favorites:

Fruits are probably what we always pack the most of. Oliver loves berries, apple slices, grapes and cutie oranges. We also pack bananas because they are his favorite but they can be a bit tricky since they are easily squished,

Roasted seaweed is such a tasty and easy snack. Kids love these and they are light-weight and easy to pack.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches are quick and easy to make. I like to make them at home and cut them in small squares for  an easy-to-hold snack. Alternately you can purchase pre-made ones! 

NOOSH Almond Butter squeeze packs are great for putting on crackers, apple slices and celery! The best part is that they are vegan, non gmo, gluten-free, peanut-free, corn free, ketogenic, and have no added sugar or palm oil!

Wild Garden Hummus Dip is perfect to dip with crinkle-cut carrots and celery or pita chips.

Annie’s Organic Snacks are one of Oliver’s favorites. This variety pack comes with 36 pouches so we take a few in our carry on and the rest in our checked luggage to have for the duration of our trip.

Raw nuts are delicious and nutritious. Oliver loves pistachios and cashews but I love that cashews are a bit easier to chew.

MySuperCookies Organic Cookies are completely nut-free and made in a nut-free facility which is perfect for when there are nut allergies.

Bamboo Lane Crunchy Rice Rollers are another favorite. These lightly sweetened snacks are made with four simple ingredients and are easy for little hands to hold.

Lara Bar Minis are sweetened with dates and also made with super simple ingredients. And the mini sizes are perfect for our tiny tots!

Cheese Sticks are also a tasty and mess-free option and pair great with fruit!

Entertainment

The thing with toddlers is that their attention span in generally pretty short. So you will need to pack different items to keep them busy during the long flight. I always raid the dollar section at Target and often find everything from stickers to coloring books. I also have a few go-to items that have kept Oliver entertained for longer periods. You may also find it helpful to only bring out one or two toys at a time to keep things interesting for your little one. Below are some of our favorites!

Melissa & Doug Reusable Stickers are easy to pack and don’t take up much space or weight. And they are usually a hit with little ones. 

Play Doh is another great favorite. This usually keeps Oliver (and dad) entertained for more than an hour!

LilGadgets Connect+ Head Phones  are perfect for watching their favorite cartoons. And also for not forcing the rest of the passengers to listen to Sesame Street on repeat. 

Side note: Be sure to download your little one’s favorite shows or movies on the iPad or cell phone before your flight!

TINKERTOY Building Set includes spools, flags, washers, rods, and end caps to inspire kids’ engineering talents. They can build anything from castles, houses, bicycles, friendly creatures, and more.

CAT Mini Caterpillar Construction Toys are small enough to pack and small enough for little hands!

AquaDoodle Travel Doodle is light-weight and mess-free. Simply add water to the pen and your kiddo can draw freely without worry about staining anything else.

Melissa & Doug Tape Activity Book what kiddo doesn’t love tape? This activity book allows them to tape away in a few different settings!

What to Pack it In

So you’ve got all the things you’ve need and no where to put them! You also have a few options for your toddler’s carry on.

A toddler backpack is great for your tot and is a good option since it is easily worn and leaves your kiddos hands free.

The Melissa & Doug Trunki is also a great option as it doubles as a ride and a seat for your little one. Kids have the option to pull it or sit and ride on it. 

The JetKids BedBox is an awesome ride-on, sleep-on, carry-on suitcase. Designed in Norway, this nifty suitcase solves many of the hassles when travelling with small children. Kids can pull it, ride on it and even sleep on it on the flight with the included mattress!

Travel Car Seat

The FAA does rules don’t require children of any age to be in a car seat. So when traveling with your little one, it is completely up to you whether or not they will be in their car seat. However, all experts agree that the safest way for babies and young children to travel is in their own seat, in a car seat or approved child restraint system. The one caveat is that the car seats have to be FAA-approved so check the side of the seat for a sticker (most big-name manufacturers like Cosco and Britax are approved). With that said, I have traveled with Oliver in his car seat and in my lap so it’s up to each parent. So if you are planning to bring your car seat you have several options depending on your preferences and your little one’s age.

Bring Your Car Seat

You can obviously bring your own car seat along. If you are traveling with a lap child, you can check your car seat prior to boarding.

Hauling a car seat around can certainly be a pain. There are many options to make going through the airport a breeze such as the BRICA Car Seat Travel Bag that can be worn as a backpack or rolled behind you like it suitcase. Or the GO-GO BABYZ TRAVELMATE Car Seat Travel Stroller that quickly converts your car seat into a stroller.

 

Rent a Car Seat

The benefit of renting a car seat at your destination is the ease of traveling without having to haul a car seat around. If you are renting a car, you may be tempted to rent a car seat from the car rental company. But be sure to do your research as we’ve had some bad experiences with this due to our car seat not arriving in time. The downside to renting from a car rental company is that since they don’t specialize in car seat rentals, you don’t really know what you’ll get once you arrive. You don’t know the history of the item you are renting and you also can’t be sure of the condition you will find it. Oftentimes they are expired, filthy and not the right fit. If you are set on renting, research local rental companies that usually offer better quality and fit.

Buying a Car Seat

Car seats are not always treated carefully during transit and if you’re concerned about something happening to it, you can also purchase one specifically for traveling that you won’t mind getting tossed around a bit. A no-frills inexpensive option is the Cosco Apt 50 car seat. It costs less than $50 and is lightweight.

The other option is to purchase a new car seat upon arrival. Sometimes it might be a cheaper and safer option than renting.  This requires some research and can be a bit time-consuming but if lugging a car seat around sounds like torture then this could be the best option!

Car Seat Alternatives

If you are not renting a car or planning to do much driving aside from the occasional uber or taxi ride, you have a few options. If your little one is 3 years or older, Ride Safer Travel Vest may be your answer! This lightweight, easy to pack harness allows you to safely buckle your little one in. For kids 4o lbs and over, the mifold Grab-and-Go Booster is another light-weight, easy-to-pack option. 

If safety during the flight is a concern but you really don’t want to bring a car seat, the Cares Safety Harness is designed specifically for aviation travel. This easy-to-install safety harnesses was designed to better secure little ones older than one, between 22 and 44 pounds. It is certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Stroller

Parents always debate whether or not to bring a stroller. This is a very personal choice however you want to consider what you plan to do most of the days. If you’re planning to do a lot of sight seeing and walking, I would recommend bringing a lightweight umbrella stroller. My favorite is the Inglesina Net Stroller that reclines. I also love my ring sling and I know the Tula Carrier is popular for many moms with toddlers so I absolutely recommend packing your favorite baby wearing carrier. But unless you have experience wearing your toddler for long periods, then you’ll be happy to get a break. However if you plan to do a lot more relaxing and say… lounging by the pool, then a stroller may be unnecessary. Like with car seats, you can also rent this or buy an inexpensive one at your destination. A great inexpensive option is this Cosco Umbrella Stroller.

What to Pack in a Carry on

 

 

Click below for a free download my comprehensive packing list for everything to pack in your toddler’s carry on!

Download Packing List

I hope you’ve found this helpful! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!