Traveling with Children
Congratulations! You survived the first few days, weeks, months or even years of parenthood. You thought colic and constant feeding/waking was a hurdle? You haven’t experienced the ultimate test until you have traveled with your tot.
Would you believe the real run for my money was on a three hour flight to Puerto Rico when Maya was 15 months old? Not even 20+ hour travel to Pakistan! I wasn’t prepared enough to keep my walking toddler engaged and happened to be sitting next to a stranger who 100% ignored my child even when she was crawling over his feet to go into the aisle.
Mistakes:
1. I booked my husband and my tickets on separate flights because it somehow worked out to be cheaper this way. NEVER DOING THIS AGAIN. He will fly with me when we are going somewhere together because two parents are better than one.
2. Despite being prepared to keep a toddler engaged, I was just caught off guard with how much more work it is. Prior to this, Maya had flown a few times including to Pakistan at 10 months old and gave me no issues. Well, duh. That was an overnight flight and she wasn’t walking. She slept through most of the flight and had a bassinet.
When flying to Puerto Rico, I was at the front of the plane in an extra leg room seat; it was too close to the cockpit so I couldn’t let Maya on the floor to play as I had planned. I was told to keep her on my lap the whole time. Maya just wasn’t having it. She screamed through most of those few hours and fell asleep while the plane as landing. As a parent, I always let other passengers leave the plane before I get up as it’s just easier. Every.single.person departing that plane looked to find the source of the loud vocals only to see a perfect little angel fast asleep in her tired mama’s arms.
Maya is now three years old, has been on hours and hours of car trips and over a dozen flights. She is a pro, or perhaps I am a pro at keeping her engaged. Her most recent trans-Atlantic flight was a whopping 20+ hours to Pakistan in December and 40+ hours coming back due to a crazy long layover, no thanks to Kuwait Airways for screwing up. Anyway, Maya did great the entire time we traveled with minimal screen time!
Tips to keep children engaged while traveling:
Keeping Infants Engaged
1. A soft toy or blanket the child is familiar with. The familiar texture and scent will give extra comfort. 
2. Bring a one or two toys that can be wiped clean with a baby wipe in case they fall.
3. Try to schedule travel during sleeping time or nap time. Overnight flights work out with the infants sleep schedule.
4. Bring a mat for tummy time, stretching, and free play.
Infant Food/Drink:
Baby food, breast milk and formula are allowed. Typically the rule of thumb is bringing the amount the child needs during the flight. Longer flights will provide baby food if you ask for it.
Keeping Toddlers and Small Kids Engaged:
Pack a one gallon zip lock bag filled with activities for toddlers and young children. Pack smaller zip lock bags with small toys and activities. Keep it in your possession and give the child one activity at a time. Some of our favorite things to bring are balloons, crayons, coloring books, removable stickers/gel clings, small cars, Play Doh and books. The dollar store is a great place to find inexpensive travel sized activities! Balloons are fun, safe and slower moving than balls. We blow one up during layovers when traveling or when my daughter needs to be kept busy elsewhere as well.
Toddler Food/Drink:
1. Airlines allow sealed food for children; pureed fruit pouches, fruits, vegetables. I have never had an issue bringing snacks for my daughter.
2. When traveling in a car, I bring a lunch box with a sandwich, fruits, vegetables and other snacks. We bring a sippy cup with water and juice mixed. This is healthier and prevents the need to buy fast food.
3. Sealed beverages for children are allowed by all airlines. If the beverage is not sealed, it should be in a clear bottle. I always bring fresh milk for my daughter in a clear bottle and use ice packs to keep it cool. Most airlines do not provide fresh milk, so be sure to bring it along.
4. At least 48 to 72 hours before your flight request for children’s meals. Airlines do provide these but only carry limited amount on board. You will need to request it in advance.
FYI
Bring a light weight umbrella stroller when flying. Car seats and strollers can be booked with luggage for free! They will not count towards your allotted number of suitcases. I keep an umbrella stroller on hand as it is very useful for use within the airport.
How do you keep your kids engaged when traveling?