- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- iparenting canada articles
- iparenting canada q&a
- community & groups
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Trouble-free Airplane Trips with Toddlers
Flying the Kid-friendly Skies
By Jill Eggleton Brett
After the basics come the tricks of the trade -- the sanity savers -- the bribes. Here's a list of items to choose from that will come in handy.
- A new toothbrush (great for toddlers to chew on and play with);
- Flashy prepackaged, single-serve snacks (bags of cookies, crackers, fruit bars, etc.);
- Small board books;
- New, small toys gift-wrapped for added excitement;
- Stickers;
- Lollipops (for those who dare);
- Juice boxes or use sippy cups with juice provided on the plane.
Many parents are concerned about their toddler's ears popping due to altitude changes and air pressure. A simple way to help this process is to have your toddler sip a drink or enjoy a lollipop during take off and landing. Frequent swallowing is what helps ears pop and stay clear. "Giving your child an antihistamine just before the flight also helps relieve pressure on the ears," says Nannette.
When the day of departure arrives, be sure to budget enough time so as to not be rushing around to get to the airport. The less stress the better. Michele McNally, a veteran traveler with toddlers, recommends, "Dress yourself in something cool because you will probably work up a sweat! It's helpful to dress your toddler in short sleeves and long pants -- you never know if the airplane will be too hot or too cold. This way your little one can brave either condition. Also, if you pack more than one suitcase, split everyone's clothes among them. If one suitcase gets lost, at least everyone still has something to wear." Remember to arrive at the airport at least one hour before a domestic flight and at least two hours before an international one. Consider using a stroller for your toddler and her gear right up to the gate of the aircraft. Airlines can "gate check" the stroller and have it waiting for you at the gate of your destination. If you are changing planes along the way, be certain your stroller is only checked to the connecting city if you'd like to use it mid-trip. Even though most flights announce that parents traveling with small children are welcome to board the plane first, this may be a disaster for fidgety toddlers. It may be beneficial to actually board the plane last so your toddler isn't sitting strapped in a car seat for a half-hour before take off.