Tips for Flying With Young Kids: What I’ve Learned Flying With Mine Since They Were Babies

I’ve been flying with my girls since they were babies, and I’ve been very lucky because they have both always been amazing fliers.

That doesn’t mean I just showed up at the airport and hoped for the best though! Especially when they were little, I put a lot of thought into keeping them comfortable and entertained during the flight.

Over the years, I figured out a few things that worked really well for our family.

I Saved New Things Just for the Plane

When the girls were younger, I would buy new books, little toys, colouring books and activities specifically for our flights and usually just from the dollar store.

They didn't get to see or play with them before we travelled. Part of what made them work was that they were new, so when they started getting bored on the plane, I could pull something out that they hadn't seen before.

I also learned pretty quickly not to give them everything on the flight there!

I would split what I bought between the two flights. Half would be packed for the trip there, and the other half would be saved for the flight home. That way, I wasn't trying to entertain them on the return flight with the exact same things they'd already played with.

And it didn't have to be anything expensive. A new colouring book, stickers, a small toy or a book they hadn't read yet could keep them occupied simply because it was something different.

I Worked With Their Sleep Schedule

You’ll often hear parents suggest booking a flight during nap time, and I do think that can be a great option for some kids.

But this is where knowing your own child matters.

My girls would sleep on airplanes, so I wasn't afraid of booking really early morning flights or flights in the evening. We'd get them settled into their seats, make them comfortable and there was a pretty good chance they'd sleep for at least part of the flight.

For another child, that could be a disaster! If your child has a hard time sleeping somewhere unfamiliar or becomes really upset when they're overtired, flying right through nap time might not be the best choice.

There's no perfect flight time for every family. Think about when your child normally sleeps, how flexible they are when their routine changes and whether they're likely to actually sleep on the plane.

We Brought Things That Made Sleeping Easier

When they were little but not babies, we bought the girls airplane pillows to make sleeping a little more comfortable.

They would also bring their favourite blanket and a stuffy with them. Having those familiar things from home made an airplane seat feel a little more comfortable when they were trying to settle down.

And if your child has a favourite stuffy that absolutely cannot be replaced, keep a close eye on it! The last thing you want is to get all the way to your resort and realize their favourite stuffed animal is still sitting on an airplane somewhere.

I Had a Bottle Ready for Their Ears

Takeoff and landing can be uncomfortable for little ears because of the change in cabin pressure.

Neither of my girls used soothers, so when they were babies, we would usually have a bottle ready. The sucking and swallowing helped them deal with the pressure changes.

As they got older, it became easier because they could have a drink, snack or something to chew.

I also wouldn't wait until their ears were already bothering them. I'd have whatever I planned to give them within reach and ready to go rather than buried inside the carry-on.

Be Prepared for Motion Sickness

And then there's something no parent really wants to deal with on an airplane: motion sickness.

If you already know your child is prone to getting motion sick, be prepared before the plane even takes off and lands, we had to run to garbage cans before and it is not fun.

Keep an airsickness bag or another suitable bag somewhere you can grab it immediately. You don't want it in the overhead bin when you suddenly realize you need it!

I'd also keep wipes and a change of clothes somewhere accessible. When travelling with babies and toddlers, I always think having an extra outfit in your carry-on is a good idea anyway. Checked luggage isn't going to help much when you're 30,000 feet in the air.

What Worked for Us Might Not Work for Every Child

After travelling with my girls from the time they were babies, probably the biggest thing I've learned is that you know your child best.

Some kids will happily watch a movie for three hours. Some need a new activity every 20 minutes. Some will fall asleep before the plane even takes off, while others won't sleep a minute because everything around them is too exciting.

I've been very lucky that both of my girls have always been great fliers, but I also went into our flights prepared with things I knew would work for them.

And if you're nervous about taking that first flight with your baby or young child, remember that the flight is only a small part of your vacation. A little preparation can make it easier, and before you know it, you'll be at your destination making memories together.