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Air travel can be stressful. Throw a toddler into the mix, and you have a recipe for disaster. But, usually, parents make it harder than it has to be. Travel with confidence on your next flight by avoiding these 8 common mistakes when flying with toddlers and learn what you should do instead!
Mistake #1: Not Burning Off Energy
Toddlers have an endless amount of energy. Traveling doesn’t change this. And no one wants to be stuck on a plane with a 4-year-old who’s bouncing off the walls.
To avoid this, burn off some of that excess energy while waiting to board. Take your child for a walk. Or, find an out-of-the-way corner and let your little energizer bunny “get their wiggles out” by dancing, jumping, and spinning around.
Your goal should be to get them as tired as possible before you step onto the plane. The more energy your child burns before boarding, the smoother your flight will be for everyone.
Burning off excess energy before the flight will enable your toddler to sit still longer while in the air. It will also help them feel less confined and more comfortable once in their seat.
Mistake #2: Messing With Nap Time
There is nothing more miserable than dealing with a tired, cranky toddler. So, don’t fight nap time. Instead, make it your guiding principle.
When planning your trip, realistically think about how strict your child is about their sleep schedule.
If they must have their nap by 2:00 each day, then plan your flight so their nap is not interrupted. Book a later flight so they can finish their nap before heading to the airport, or make sure you are in the air when naptime comes.
If your little one is more flexible with sleep, try to keep them awake until you board. You will be much more relaxed if your child sleeps during most of the flight.
Mistake #3: Not Enough Snacks
Any parent who’s been through the toddler stage knows that snacks can be a lifesaver. They usually work when nothing else will.
Yet, a common mistake people make when flying with toddlers is not bringing enough snacks for the entire flight. This, unfortunately, usually results in a meltdown before the wheels touch down.
Packing more snacks than you think you will need can help you avoid this situation. You never know when you will be unexpectedly delayed.
Also, pack a variety of snacks. This will prevent your toddler from throwing a fit if they suddenly decide they hate yesterday’s favorite snack.
For ideas on what snacks to pack, read our list of the best and worst airplane snacks for kids.
Mistake #4: Not Packing Extra Clothes in Your Carry on
Toddlers are experts at making messes. And they usually save their biggest messes for when you least expect it.
Sometimes, kids who have been potty trained for a year will have an unexpected accident. Being midflight without a change of clothes is a horrible time for that accident to happen.
Even worse is not having an extra shirt when your munchkin throws up all over you right after takeoff.
Be prepared for anything by packing at least one extra set of clothes for your child and yourself in your carry on. Better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
Mistake #5: Losing the Lovey
Whether it is a blanket, stuffed animal, or pacifier, most young children have a favorite lovey they can’t live without. And, of course, loveys are irreplaceable.
The biggest mistake anyone can make when flying with toddlers is to lose the treasured lovey. This is sure to cause an epic meltdown that can last hours.
To avoid this, make sure you guard your child’s lovey as if it was the crown jewels. Try to convince your child to let you hold the lovey or pack it in their suitcase until you arrive at your final destination.
If that doesn’t work, then at least keep your eyes on it anytime you move from place to place.
Mistake #6: Bringing the Wrong Toys
Many parents pack toys for their toddler to play with during the flight. The problem is that many of them bring toys that are loud or inappropriate for confined spaces.
Once, on a flight from Honolulu to LA, we sat in front of a family with a 2-year-old and a 4-year-old. The mom gave them wands with a spinning character on top to play with during the flight.
The boys spent 30 minutes using them as drumsticks on the tray tables and then began hitting each other with them. Not fun for any of us!
Please, for the sake of everyone on the plane, when flying with toddlers, don’t bring the wrong toys!
Stay away from balls, large toys, anything that makes noise, and anything that can be used to whack someone. While your child may have fun with these things, your fellow passengers will not.
Instead, pack books, stuffed animals, little cars, or other toys your toddler can play with quietly in their seat. If your child prefers to watch videos or play games with sound, invest in a good quality pair of child headphones.
For more ideas on what to pack, read our list of the best airplane activities for kids.
Mistake #7: Not Asking for Help
Sometimes as parents, we make things harder than they have to be simply because we don’t ask for help. Flying with toddlers is one of those times when you may need an extra hand, especially if you don’t have another adult traveling with you.
Remember that flight attendants are always willing to help if you need it. They can rinse out sippy cups, get you napkins or water, or even help you get your bag down from the overhead compartment.
Additionally, there may be other parents around you on the plane that have been in your shoes and will understand your situation.
A friend of mine was once flying alone with her young son when she needed to use the bathroom. A grandmother sitting behind her offered to hold her sleeping son while she went to the restroom. Taking advantage of this simple act made her flight much more enjoyable.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help from those around you if you need it. You will always find someone willing to give you a hand.
Mistake #8: Stressing Out
Babies and toddler feed off of their parents’ emotions. When they are unsure how to react, they mirror what they see in their caregivers.
So, the more you stress about the flight, the more stressed out you will make your toddler.
There will be bumps along the road. Not everything will go according to plan. Relax! Take a deep breath. If you are calm and take it all in stride, so will your child.
Be confident in your preparations and you will be fine. Before you know it, your toddler will be a pro at flying.
And for some tips on keeping your child calm, see how to avoid child meltdowns while traveling.
Conclusion
Toddlers can be a handful in the best of circumstances. Throw in the stress of traveling and flying with a little one can be a nightmare. But, with some advance planning, you can avoid these common mistakes people make when flying with toddlers.
Do you have any suggestions on how to smoothly travel with toddlers? Share your tips in the comments.
Be sure to read our comprehensive guide to happy travel with kids, tips on flying with kids, how to make airport security easier, how to deal with child anxiety about flying, and how to prepare kids for long flights. Happy travels!
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