Jan 17, 2017

International Flights with a Toddler



Just the thought of travel with babies and or small children is enough to send some parents into panic mode. They quickly place travel plans on the back burner hoping for a better timeframe when the children require less things and are more mature to really appreciate the destinations. I'm writing this to encourage anyone having similar thoughts to rethink the possibility of taking big trips with your little ones. Traveling with children isn't downright simple but with a bit of planning, organizing, and a great attitude, the trip will fall into place and you'll be able to laugh off the not so great moments and hold on dearly to the special ones. 

Our travels throughout Europe are never long hauls but we recently took a transatlantic flight from Germany to America for Christmas. As the captain came over the loudspeaker announcing a total travel time of 10 hours and 25 minutes, I would be lying if I didn't say that a small wave of panic came over me. How would our almost three year old handle that many hours in a confined space? It's been three weeks since our trip and I'm back here to share with you some great tips that aided in a smooth travel day. Our toddler was happy and continues asking us when we will be flying on an airplane again; a sign that he wasn't traumatized by the hours spent in his seat! 

Here's our "Top 10" plus a bonus of noteworthy tips to help prepare you for your next flight with a toddler!


1. Converse with the Child About Your Upcoming Trip
We have found that talking with Brecken about a trip in the days leading up to the departure helps him understand where we are going, our means of transportation, what he can expect, and of course- how much fun it's going to be! That way, the day of travel seems somewhat familiar with less unknowns and questions, minimizing the scariness!

2. Airplane Figurines and Videos 

Brecken loves to play with his airplane toys while watching videos of airplanes! Most kids are intrigued by machines that move and will get excited for an upcoming trip after viewing an entire video about airplanes. Click here to view a great video about airplanes on youtube. 

3. Choose a Children's Backpack 

Brecken is currently in the "I want to do everything on my own" and "Mom, stop. I don't need your help" phase. So, in my opinion, it's the best time to start giving him small tasks and responsibilities. Starting with, his own tiny backpack to carry during our travels. It makes him feel grown up and assured knowing that most of his favorite things are securely strapped to his back! Here are a few well designed tot sized backpacks. 
4. Snacks and Drinks
Long International flights provide meals and drink services but I also pack a lot of snacks for the those moments when my child starts to get hungry and nagging me for food.. which is about every 30 minutes. Some of our favorite non-messy snacks for travel days include granola bars, dried fruit, fruit snacks, goldfish, pretzels, and apple sauce pouches. I always pack a rewards snack bag of lollipops, gummy bears, tic tacs, and m&ms in my purse to reward him here and there for good behavior and trips to the potty while traveling. I also like to travel with an empty water bottle to fill up after we get through security. I've found this water bottle to be the best! 

5. Technology 

For most flights with longer durations, a small tv will be in the headrest in front of you. There's a kids section that has some of the latest movies and tv shows for children. Be sure to pack headphones that will fit your child's head, here's a link to the pair we purchased for B and they were perfect! Even though a small tv is provided, we also packed his iPad to use during layovers or to play educational games. I believe minimizing a child's screen time everyday makes it more intriguing and pacifying when you need them to be entertained during long travel days. I can't recommend this toddler case enough! 
Breck's favorite Apps and Tv Shows: 
  • Tiny Hands 
  • Letter Quiz
  • Monkey Preschool Fix-It
  • EduKitty 
  • Baby Bum Video
  • PJ Masks
  • DinoTrux 
  • Paw Patrol 
  • Sofia The First 
6. Which Toys to Pack
Let your children choose which toys they want to bring in their backpack. I try to steer him clear of toys with tiny pieces that will inevitably get lost. This last trip he chose a small frying pan, a few pieces of play food, giving him the enjoyment of being an inflight chef. Other moms have suggested packing a small bag of new toys to surprise a child once seated on the plane. Here's a few must-pack toys recommended by me and other traveling mamas:
  • Play-Doh(This ranked number one by many!) 
  • Gel window clings 
  • Crayons, coloring book, and blank paper
  • Stickers
  • Kids flashlight
  • Pipe cleaners and beads to string 
  • A few small books 
  • Koosh ball 
  • Duplo blocks 
  • Magnatiles
7. Bring Comfort Items
If there's one thing you can't forget to pack is your child's beloved lovey, whatever that may be! I understand how important this item is to Brecken and have purchased a ridiculous amount of these loveys. He now requests some over others, labeling them as softer.. But in any case, traveling with more than one is extremely important to avoid a lost lovey and a frantic child. I also travel with this small toddler sized pillow and a small blanket if I know he will be sleeping for a good portion of the flight. 

8. Request a Child's Meal

Brecken is the least picky eater I have ever met for someone his age. He would be content eating most of the adult meal selections given by the airlines even if they included broccoli. However, this last trip, we didn't realize that somewhere in the booking process the agent must have requested a child's meal for him. He was served first in the cabin and the food was in line with what most toddlers eat, ie: chicken nuggets, corn, mashed potatoes, and a brownie with sprinkles. Breakfast included fruit loops, milk, and a banana. If your child (age 2-12) would prefer this type of meal selection, you can request it during the booking process or by calling the airline. 

9. Prepare for Messes and Sickness

For us, it always seems that the one time I forget to pack a change of clothes or a bottle of tylenol, my child needs one or the other! I've come to think worse case scenarios when packing for him. I now always pack the following in this category: 
  • 2 plastic grocery bags for dirty clothes or to use as garbage bags
  • Pull Ups for overnight flights
  • 1 set of extra clothes 
  • 1 pair of pajamas for an overnight flight
  • Baby Motrin or Tylenol and essential oils
  • Wipes 
  • Hand Sanitizer 
  • Digital Thermometer 
10. Make it Fun and Ask for Help if Needed
Kids can pick up on our emotions as parents. Traveling can cause tension and heightened emotions for everyone. Remember, these tiny people will bring their best tantrums to the table if they feel our anxiety. Most strangers are friendly towards children and I've encountered some of the kindest people willing to hold a bag for me or help push my stroller when they see me struggling. The flight attendants are also there for assistance. Press the call button and ask for an extra hand if needed! When all else fails, take a walk up and down the aisles with the kids, play peek-a-boo, I-Spy, or just hand them the iPad and a piece of candy.. anything to keep them happy and save your sanity!

Bonus Tip
If you happen to be an airlines reward member or have a credit card that provides access to airport lounges, you will find your early arrival at the airport or long layovers to be much more enjoyable. Even if you don't have a credit card or airline rewards to gain access to these lounges, you can enter with a fee. We have access to Priority Pass and the Delta Lounges which provide hot food, complimentary bar services, and shower rooms large enough for the whole family. There is no doubt in my mind that the 6-hour layover in Atlanta would have been quite miserable without these amenities. 




















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