Prepping for a Long Flight with Toddlers

Hi all!

I have been traveling with toddlers for almost 3 years now and though it isn't easy, being prepared is probably the best bet for us to survive! On today's post, I'm going to share what has helped me with my 1- 12 hour long flights with TWO wonderful and energetic toddlers.

FLIGHT SCHEDULE
I've always booked my flights based on my toddler's nap times. In most cases, I chose daytime flights. However, when we flew over 6 hours, I chose a night time flight. It worked out perfectly because we did some of our usual routines before bed and they both slept through the flight! Of course, my back and bottom wasn't too comfortable but better that than uncomfortable toddlers, right? Haha.

CHECKLIST
You know your children better than anyone else so make sure that you have a checklist ready to pack all of your kids' essentials. If you know that your destination will have the things you may need, only pack enough for the flight. I will create a new post for my personal checklist.

SNACKS
I pack my toddlers' favorite snacks. I usually pack something for every three hours we are in the air. For example, if we were on a six hour flight, I'd pack two snacks for each of my children. I usually pack light snacks like crackers.

I packed two empty sippy cups because I was able to request for milk, juice, or water once we were in the plane. I purchased two spill-proof Playtex cups with straws that worked wonderfully for my toddlers, exactly like the one below. A little advice: If you are worried about your child's ears hurting during take of or landing, request for some juice or milk for them to sip on during these times. It has always worked like a charm for me. =)



TOYS and GAMES
Aside from having my toddlers' pack a few of their favorite toys and putting their favorite movies in their iPad, I prepared surprise toys and activities in large Ziploc bags and only pulled them out if needed. I'll give examples from what I prepared for our trip from Guam to Las Vegas with two layovers, Narita and LA below. Since I have two toddlers and one iPad, I purchased a splitter for their headphones.

Guam --> Narita (4 hour flight): Two small Play-Doh containers from the Party Pack, 3 small cookie cutters, piece of wax paper (so it won't stick to the table)

Narita --> LA (10 hour flight): Coloring book and crayons & plastic animals

LA --> Las Vegas (1 hour flight): Doc Mcstuffins Toy Set




I know it is tiring and a bit stressful to fly with toddlers... but keep your head up and stay calm. Though you might remember the screams and cries during flights, your child will remember the adventures.

"Adventure is out there!" -Ellie, Up