1. SNACKS 🫐
all the snacks. bonus points for snacks that qualify as “snack-tivities” so they take time for them to eat.
2. STICKERS 🦄
my kids loveee sticker books. I also am a big fan of puffy stickers because they can stick & restick them on the seat backs and windows and they come right off without any residue. If you don’t have stickers at home to bring, masking tape is also fun and comes right off, too.
3. SCREEN TIME ⭐️
my kids are not iPad kids but on flights it’s a lifesaver and we do what we have to do! if you’re not a fan of shows, there are simple coloring apps for interactive play. non screen option: tonies or yotos are a win, too!
BONUS TIP: for younger toddlers, ask for a cup of ice and an empty cup. my kids loved pouring it back and forth or one at a time. It can get a little messy, but easy to clean up and keeps them entertained if the resources you packed don’t hold up 😅 You got this!!
Drop your favorite plane hacks 👇🏼
Traveling with toddlers can be quite a challenge, but having a few go-to activities can make a huge difference in keeping them happy and engaged during the journey. Beyond the top 3 tips of snacks, stickers, and screen time, I’ve found that layering activities helps to keep toddlers entertained longer. For example, you might bring along a small activity book filled with simple puzzles or coloring pages alongside the sticker books I love for their reusability and mess-free fun. Puffy stickers are fantastic because they easily stick to and peel off airplane seats or windows without leaving residue, and if you don’t have those, masking tape is a surprise hit with kids who love creating shapes or little games. When it comes to snacks, it’s best to think about “snack-tivities” — foods that take some time to eat and keep little hands busy, such as small cheese cubes, dried fruit pieces, or cereal loops. These slow down snack time and provide some tactile engagement. Also, packing a variety of snack options prevents boredom, and avoids the infamous airplane cravings meltdown! Screen time can be a tricky subject, but on flights, it often becomes a lifesaver. To keep it low pressure, I recommend interactive coloring apps or story apps designed for toddlers rather than passive video watching. Non-screen alternatives like audio story devices such as Tonies or Yoto players are great for imaginative listening alone, which can be refreshing for little ears overwhelmed by screens. Lastly, a bonus tip that’s a personal favorite: requesting a cup of ice and an empty cup can be a surprisingly simple way to entertain a toddler. Pouring and scooping ice cubes back and forth can mesmerize little ones for quite a while and is a tactile sensory play that’s easy to clean up. Just be mindful that it might get a bit messy, so bring some wipes or napkins! Overall, combining these tips with a calm and flexible attitude can transform flying with toddlers into a more enjoyable experience for both parents and kids. Remember, preparation is key, but a bit of improvisation goes a long way on the airplane!