Traveling with an infant? Check out what we we suggest for packing your Carry On When Traveling With An Infant. Then head over to read about what we pack in our luggage. Feel free to download our handy packing checklist here!!!
Flying with a toddler can be more nerve-wracking than flying with an infant. Toddlers are bigger, busier, less content to sit quietly. They nap less frequently and can be pretty unpredictable. The good news is that they are also social and curious little beings. You would be surprised how long they can stay entertained with things you find on your flight – the in-flight magazine, napkins, cups, air sickness bags (*face palm*), other passengers (especially other kids!) and flight attendants.
Here is our must haves for your carry on when you're flying with a toddler.
Diapers and Wipes: We always pack more than we need in our Skiphop Pronto. We packed about 24 hours worth of diapers, lots of wipes, and Ziploc bags for any accidents. Once your little one is potty trained, an extra outfit (see below) becomes even more important! I also always pack a couple of pull ups as well just in case things go south :)
Clothes: I pack one extra outfit for each of us plus pyjamas if we are flying overnight. Remember to dress them (and you) in layers! (since planes can be either unbearably hot or freezing cold but apparently never a comfortable temperature).
Structured Carrier: The carrier is just as important now as when they were infants. I used mine up to age 2 on flights to help soothe an antsy, fussy toddler without my arms going numb from rocking a 30 pound kid.
Food, Food and more Food! Food takes a long time to eat and keeps them happy and occupied! Some good snack ideas are mini hummus and crackers, fruits like blueberries and grapes, goldfish, dry cereal, baby food pouches (there are some filled with applesauce that are favourites in our house), cheese strings and granola bars. Remember a sippy cup or water bottle and a bib. I like packing everything in a lunchbox or ziploc bag for ease when you go through security.
Here is our must haves for your carry on when you're flying with a toddler.
Diapers and Wipes: We always pack more than we need in our Skiphop Pronto. We packed about 24 hours worth of diapers, lots of wipes, and Ziploc bags for any accidents. Once your little one is potty trained, an extra outfit (see below) becomes even more important! I also always pack a couple of pull ups as well just in case things go south :)
Clothes: I pack one extra outfit for each of us plus pyjamas if we are flying overnight. Remember to dress them (and you) in layers! (since planes can be either unbearably hot or freezing cold but apparently never a comfortable temperature).
Structured Carrier: The carrier is just as important now as when they were infants. I used mine up to age 2 on flights to help soothe an antsy, fussy toddler without my arms going numb from rocking a 30 pound kid.
Food, Food and more Food! Food takes a long time to eat and keeps them happy and occupied! Some good snack ideas are mini hummus and crackers, fruits like blueberries and grapes, goldfish, dry cereal, baby food pouches (there are some filled with applesauce that are favourites in our house), cheese strings and granola bars. Remember a sippy cup or water bottle and a bib. I like packing everything in a lunchbox or ziploc bag for ease when you go through security.
Entertainment: Toddlers require a little more in the way of entertainment than infants. Some things we've found works are a favorite small board book, a set of colourful flash cards, a few small toys from the dollar store (ex. a sheet of stickers and a small colouring book and crayons). Other great ideas are window clings, post it notes to draw on, toy cars, and play doh. As our daughter has gotten older we have found that sticker books have been a huge hit. Our favourite sticker books for younger toddlers are the Melissa and Doug puffy sticker books but now that our daughter is approaching 3 she is loving the Usborne sticker books.
Tablet: Flights are all about survival so it's a time when we have no limits on screen time. We try not to let it be the first thing we grab but when all else fails you know it'll be a life saver! Having some videos, episodes and movies downloaded for offline viewing as well as some apps for games and acitvities is key since nothing is sure to keep their attention for very long. Some of our favourite apps are the Endless ABC and Endless numbers, and apps by Sago Mini, Duck Duck Moose, and Cbeebies. Hannah has gone through many phases with apps but the ones that have been the most popular include puzzles, memory games and "colouring" apps. Remember to bring the charger on board - there is usually somewhere to plug it in!
Flying is a means (transportation) to an end (amazing destination). No matter how old your child is, there are aspects of flying that are easy and hard but it’s always worth it to push through the flight to get the experience of exploring a new place with your family!
Have you flown with a baby or toddler? What are the must haves in your carry on?
Tablet: Flights are all about survival so it's a time when we have no limits on screen time. We try not to let it be the first thing we grab but when all else fails you know it'll be a life saver! Having some videos, episodes and movies downloaded for offline viewing as well as some apps for games and acitvities is key since nothing is sure to keep their attention for very long. Some of our favourite apps are the Endless ABC and Endless numbers, and apps by Sago Mini, Duck Duck Moose, and Cbeebies. Hannah has gone through many phases with apps but the ones that have been the most popular include puzzles, memory games and "colouring" apps. Remember to bring the charger on board - there is usually somewhere to plug it in!
Flying is a means (transportation) to an end (amazing destination). No matter how old your child is, there are aspects of flying that are easy and hard but it’s always worth it to push through the flight to get the experience of exploring a new place with your family!
Have you flown with a baby or toddler? What are the must haves in your carry on?