As parents, we know traveling with our kids can sometimes feel like a daring expedition into unchartered territories. But they don’t have to. Buckle up, stow away your worries and prepare to make flying with your little ones a breeze.
Portable electronics & gadgets
In this day and age, electronics have become every parent’s best friend, especially during flights. Here are some must-haves to consider bringing in your carry-on:
Tablets or iPads
These devices can store games, movies, e-books and educational apps to keep kids engaged for hours. Be sure to download apps and content in advance and bring headphones for a more pleasant experience. Need help determining which tablet is best for your kid? We recommend the Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids, as it includes thousands of ad-free, kid-friendly content and a 2-year warranty.
Have an iPad? Download Disney+ and Netflix for child-friendly shows that can last on long flights, such as Bluey and Peppa Pig.
Headphones
Headphones are essential for a peaceful flight experience. Opt for kid-friendly ones that are adjustable and lightweight, like these Puro Sound Labs Bluetooth headphones which were created for delicate eardrums as the company’s founder has noise-induced hearing loss due to listening to loud music with headphones for too long.
Books, games & crafts
It’s important to keep your child’s mind engaged, even when in the air. A creative way to do this (especially if you want less screen time) is by bringing along engaging books, hands-on activities and unique crafts.
Engaging books
Bring onboard a selection of books tailored to your child’s interests. Picture books, chapter books and coloring books can all provide hours of entertainment. Our top picks include Where’s Bluey: A Search-and-Find Book, On The Plane Activity Book and My Plane Trip.
Games
Packing games for the plane is a great way to keep your child entertained, but it’s important to consider factors such as portability, mess-free play and easy cleanup. These magnetic play books are the ideal option. Choose from games like bingo, brain teaser puzzles and so much more.
Crafts
We know what you’re thinking: how the heck will you bring a craft on an airplane without making a mess? Well, we thought of that too. That’s why we recommend this all-in-one travel kit filled with things like Play-Doh, twisty sticks and jumbo travel beads. Your little one will have plenty to do and you won’t have to worry about the cleanup afterward. It’s a win-win!
Food & drink
Keeping your kiddos well-fed and hydrated during flights is essential for a comfortable, cranky-free journey. While many airlines do offer snacks and drinks in the air, it’s always smart to come prepared, just in case.
Snacks
Easy and pre-packaged treats to munch on are key for flights. Items like fruit snacks, granola bars or even bags of chips are ideal for plane food. This variety pack offers everything from apple sauce packets to trail mix, making snack time a breeze in the air.
Drinks
Bringing liquids on the plane isn’t always the easiest due to restrictions that are in place. Instead of worrying about what’s allowed, opt for a reusable water bottle to bring along for your journey. This Hydro Flask water bottle is perfect for your little ones as it offers a straw for easy sipping and double insulation to keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours.
Sleep & relaxation
Ensuring your child gets enough rest during a flight can make all the difference. Here are some tips to promote sleep and relaxation during air travel.
Travel pillows and blankets
Travel pillows and blankets are useful tools to help your child get comfortable during the flight. Check out this blanket and pillow set with a sleeve-style toy that can slide over almost any armrest and become a pillow for your little one. It’s small and compact, so it won’t take up much space when packing.
Portable bed
Turn your kids’ seat into a business class one with the portable Flyaway Kids Bed. This inflatable bed creates a comfortable place to rest in the air. It only takes 90 seconds to inflate and meets all of the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) strict guidelines for inflight comfort devices.
Cleaning
From high-touch surfaces to shared spaces, keeping things clean on a plane can help create a more comfortable space for you and your family. Consider bringing these practical items for a successful journey.
Disinfecting wipes
Pack a travel-sized pack of disinfecting wipes to wipe down tray tables, armrests, seat belts and other high-touch surfaces in your seating area. This can help reduce the spread of germs and viruses and create a cleaner environment. Purchase wipes like Clorox Disinfecting Wipes On the Go that fit perfectly in your personal item.
Hand sanitizer
Keeping a small bottle of hand sanitizer with you is the best way to maintain regular hand hygiene. Give your whole family a squirt before eating or touching their face and after using the restroom or other shared surfaces. These Pocketbac Hand Sanitizers can fit right in your pocket and travel with you everywhere you go.
Changing mat
If your child is still in diapers or prone to accidents, it’s important to bring a portable changing mat to put down in the airplane bathroom. This Portable Changing Pad Clutch from Calpak comes with a detachable pad and multiple pockets, including a baby wipe packet, making diaper changes a lot more sanitary anywhere you are.
Disposable bibs and wipes
Disposable bibs and wipes are necessary for easy clean-up during mid-air snacks and meals. Disposable bibs, like these Glad paper bibs, can catch any food or spills and be thrown away once your child is done. And to clean their face afterward, we recommend these gentle Boogie Wipes, made with Vitamin E, aloe and chamomile.
Ready for takeoff
Traveling with kids may have its challenges, but with a little preparation, a lot of love and Faye Travel Insurance, it will quickly become an unforgettable experience for the right reasons.
These activities and websites are suggestions and Faye is in no way associated with them. This post is meant to give you ideas and inspiration on what to pack when traveling with kids.
