AIRPLANE TRAVEL

You know your child best. You know their attention span, likes, and dislikes. Being prepared as a parent with the right tools will make the flight for you, your child, and fellow passengers go much smoother.

Before the flight – Let the kids get the wiggles out. Take a walk. Some airports even have play areas.

Snack bag – I prefer the “Eagle Creek pack-it original sac”

• It’s easy to wipe, wash, and hang to dry. Just the right size for traveling on flights. Each child has their own, filled with their favorite snacks, and hand wipes.

Entertainment – Keep it fun! Who doesn’t love a surprise? Bring along surprises for throughout the flight (new books, word search puzzles, mini puzzles, crayons, notepad, stickers, post it notes, small lego set, children’s magazines, travel size games (i.e., checkers), hand puppets, electronic device with new apps. Avoid toys that are noisy.

Overnight flights – pajamas, blanket/sleep sack, stuffed animal, favorite bedtime stories. Maintain a bedtime ritual and help them feel as comfortable as possible.

Essential items when traveling with young children:

• Scented garbage bags (for soiled clothes/vomit)
• Disinfectant wipes (wipe down tray)
• Change of clothes (both you and child/children)
• Medicine bag (Tylenol, pedialyte powder packs)
• Baby items (extra diapers – for delays at the airport – disposable changing pads, wipes)
• Woolite (packed bag for dirty clothes)