3 Tips for Flying with a Toddler

Sat, Jun 11, 2011

Now that Euan can walk (and wants to walk/run ALL the time) I was a bit apprehensive about how our recent flight from Edinburgh to Geneva would go. My hand luggage was bursting with books and toys but I envisaged him screaming to run up and down the aisles just as the seatbelt sign came on. In fact, Arran and I were incredibly proud of our wee toddler on the flight. He was fascinated by the whole experience and even slept a bit too.

Here are my tips for keeping your toddler entertained on a flight. I’d love to hear your suggestions, questions and tips. Please leave a comment in the box below.

 

1. Pre -flight food and fun

Before you board, fill your toddler up and and tire him out. We arrived at the airport in plenty of time to have lunch while looking at the planes. There was then a bit of time to let Euan have  a run around. His full tummy and tired legs meant that he was ready for a sleep by take off.

 

Euan was fascinated by the planes.

 

2. Sleepy Times

You can’t always do much when it comes to picking your flight times but if your toddler still takes a nap, try to keep him going until take off and then do all you can to persuade him to sleep during the flight. I gave Euan his bottle on take off (the sucking is also good for equalising ears) and then his ‘blankie’ and dummy. He slept for the first hour of our outward and return journeys.

 

3. Entertainment

Take advantage of the priority boarding that most airlines offer to families and try to grab a window seat. Euan loved looking out of the window at the clouds, the engine and the wing. In fact, we hardly needed the bag of tricks I packed. The changing bag was stuffed with more than I needed of all the usuals (nappies, cream, wipes, tissues, change of clothes, Euan’s body weight in snacks) but we also had loads more toys and books than usual, including a few new surprises that had the novelty factor.

 

Euan was entertained was entertained watching all the comings and goings of the flight.

 

On the way home we were lucky enough to get a spare seat and the extra space was really handy.

 

Overall it was a great experience and I look forward to the next time (when we’ll be flying with a toddler and a baby… wish us luck!)

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