How To Keep Toddler Entertained On Plane: Survival Guide for Parents

What is the best way to keep a toddler entertained on a plane? The best way involves a mix of planning, packing the right airplane activities for kids, and managing expectations. This guide provides tips and tricks to survive your next flight with a toddler. Traveling with a toddler can feel overwhelming, but with the right preparation and some clever toddler travel entertainment, you can transform a potentially stressful experience into a manageable – even enjoyable – journey.

Image Source: taylor-mademama.com

Pre-Flight Preparation: Setting the Stage for Success

Before you even think about boarding, a little pre-flight work can make a huge difference.

Booking Strategically

• Flight Timing: Whenever possible, choose flight times that align with your toddler’s nap schedule. A red-eye flight, though potentially exhausting for you, might mean a sleeping toddler for a significant portion of the journey.
• Seat Selection: Aim for bulkhead seats. These provide extra legroom, giving your toddler more space to play on the floor (when safe and permitted). Alternatively, consider a window seat so they can be entertained looking outside. Aisle seats can be risky as beverage carts or passengers can bump into them.
• Consider a Bassinet: If your toddler is still within the weight and size limits, request a bassinet. This offers a safe and comfortable place for them to sleep and can free up your lap.

Packing the Ultimate Toddler Travel Entertainment Kit

The key is variety and novelty. Pack a mix of familiar favorites and new, exciting airplane activities for 2 year old (or whatever age your toddler is) to maintain their interest.

Essential Items for Your Carry-On

• Diapers and Wipes: Pack more than you think you’ll need. Delays happen!
• Change of Clothes (for everyone!): Accidents happen. A spare outfit for you and your little one is essential.
• Snacks: Pack a variety of healthy snacks like crackers, fruit pouches, cheese sticks, and dry cereal. Avoid sugary treats that can lead to energy spikes and crashes.
• Drinks: Bring an empty sippy cup or bottle and fill it with water after going through security.
• Medications: Carry any necessary medications with you, including pain relievers and allergy medication.
• Comfort Items: A favorite blanket, stuffed animal, or small pillow can provide comfort and security.
• Hand Sanitizer and Disinfecting Wipes: Airplanes can be germy.

The Art of the Surprise

• Wrap Small Toys: Buy a few inexpensive toys and wrap them individually. The act of unwrapping adds to the excitement and extends playtime.
• Introduce New Items: Bring out a new toy or activity every hour or so to maintain interest. This helps to keep toddler busy on flight.

Plane Activities for Toddlers: Your Arsenal of Fun

Here’s a curated list of plane activities for toddlers, designed to engage their minds and keep them entertained:

Sensory Activities

• Play-Doh or Modeling Clay: A classic for a reason. Just be mindful of small pieces that can fall on the floor.
• Sticker Books: Reusable sticker books are ideal. They’re mess-free and offer endless possibilities for creativity.
• Water Painting Books: These books come with a special pen that you fill with water. When you “paint” the pages, colors appear. They dry quickly and can be used again and again.
• Busy Boards: These boards feature buttons, zippers, buckles, and other tactile elements that keep little fingers busy.

Creative Activities

• Crayons and Paper: Bring a small notebook and a pack of non-toxic crayons.
• Coloring Books: Choose coloring books featuring their favorite characters or themes.
• Magnetic Drawing Board: A mess-free alternative to crayons and paper.

Educational Activities

• Flash Cards: Use flash cards to teach them colors, shapes, or letters.
• Board Books: Bring a selection of board books with engaging pictures and simple stories.
• Matching Games: Travel-sized matching games can be a fun way to pass the time.
• Interactive Books: Books with flaps to lift or sounds to make can keep toddlers engaged.

Digital Entertainment

• Tablet with Pre-Downloaded Content: Load your tablet with their favorite shows, movies, and educational apps. Don’t forget headphones!
• Consider a Kid-Friendly Tablet: These tablets are designed with durability and parental controls in mind.
• Portable DVD Player: If you prefer a screen-free option, a portable DVD player with their favorite movies can be a lifesaver.

Movement and Interaction

• Finger Puppets: Use finger puppets to act out stories or songs.
• Singing Songs: Sing familiar songs and nursery rhymes.
• Playing Peek-a-Boo: A classic game that never gets old.
• Walking in the Aisle (When Safe and Permitted): A short walk up and down the aisle can help burn off energy. Always supervise your toddler closely.

Specific Recommendations for Travel Toys for Toddlers

Here is a table detailing some highly-rated travel toys for toddlers, categorizing them by type:

Toy Type	Description	Benefits	Considerations
Magnetic Tiles	Small, colorful magnetic tiles that connect to build structures.	Develops spatial reasoning, fine motor skills, creativity.	Can be noisy; potential choking hazard if magnets come loose (supervise).
Water Wow Books	Reusable coloring books that reveal colors with a water-filled brush.	Mess-free, reusable, promotes color recognition and fine motor skills.	Requires water; may need to refill the brush during the flight.
Wikki Stix	Flexible, wax-covered sticks that can be bent and shaped.	Promotes creativity, fine motor skills, and tactile exploration; reusable.	Can be messy if pieces break off.
Busy Board	A board with various latches, zippers, and buckles to manipulate.	Develops fine motor skills, problem-solving skills, and hand-eye coordination.	Can be bulky; ensure pieces are securely attached.
Sticker Book	Reusable sticker books with various scenes and stickers.	Encourages creativity, storytelling, and fine motor skills; reusable.	Stickers can lose stickiness over time.
Small Plush Toy	A favorite soft toy that provides comfort and security.	Reduces anxiety, provides emotional support.	Can get lost; ensure it’s easily washable.
Travel Puzzles	Simple jigsaw puzzles with large, easy-to-handle pieces.	Develops problem-solving skills, hand-eye coordination, and fine motor skills.	Can be messy if pieces are small.
Finger Puppets	Small puppets that fit on fingers to create stories and play pretend.	Encourages creativity, storytelling, and language development.	Can be easily dropped; ensure they are soft and safe.
Soft Building Blocks	Lightweight, fabric-covered blocks that can be stacked and built.	Develops spatial reasoning, fine motor skills, and creativity; safe for younger toddlers.	Can take up a lot of space in a carry-on.
Tablet Preloaded with shows/movies	A tablet with your child’s favorite shows and movies downloaded.	Provides a reliable source of entertainment; can be educational.	Needs to be charged; can lead to screen time overload.

In-Flight Strategies: Managing the Flight Itself

Now that you’re on the plane, here’s how to manage the situation effectively:

Timing is Everything

• Save the Best for Last: Keep the most engaging activities for when your toddler starts to get restless.
• Rotate Activities Regularly: Switch activities every 20-30 minutes to maintain their interest.

Managing Meltdowns

• Stay Calm: Your toddler will pick up on your stress. Staying calm yourself will help to de-escalate the situation.
• Offer Comfort: Provide physical comfort and reassurance.
• Distraction: Try offering a new toy or activity.
• Snacks and Drinks: Hunger and thirst can contribute to meltdowns.
• Movement: If possible, take a short walk up and down the aisle.
• Empathy: Acknowledge their feelings. “I know you’re bored. Flying is hard!”

Utilizing In-Flight Entertainment for Toddlers

While traditional in-flight entertainment may not be geared towards toddlers, explore what’s available. Some airlines offer kids’ channels with cartoons and movies.

Other People on the Plane

• Be Considerate: Try to minimize noise and disruption.
• Offer Apologies: If your toddler is being particularly disruptive, offer a sincere apology to your fellow passengers.
• Consider a Goodie Bag: Some parents create small goodie bags for nearby passengers with earplugs and a note apologizing in advance for any potential disruptions. While not necessary, it can be a thoughtful gesture.

Travel With Toddler Tips: Additional Considerations

• Security: Be prepared for security checks. Remove shoes and jackets and be ready to take liquids out of your bag.
• Ear Pressure: Encourage your toddler to suck on a pacifier, drink from a bottle, or chew gum (if age-appropriate) during takeoff and landing to help relieve ear pressure.
• Stay Hydrated: Encourage your toddler to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Baby Wearing: A baby carrier can be helpful for navigating the airport and keeping your hands free.

Post-Flight: Reflect and Refine

After the flight, take some time to reflect on what worked and what didn’t. This will help you to refine your strategy for future trips.
* What activities did your toddler enjoy the most?
* What caused the most stress?
* What could you do differently next time?

By learning from each experience, you can become a pro at toddler travel entertainment and make flying with your little one a more enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What age is best to start traveling with a toddler?

  There’s no “best” age, but many parents find that traveling with toddlers between 18 months and 3 years can be challenging due to their increased mobility and limited attention spans. However, with proper preparation, any age can be manageable.
  * Can I bring breast milk or formula on a plane?

  Yes, breast milk and formula are exempt from the 3.4-ounce liquid rule. Inform the TSA officer that you have breast milk or formula. They may need to conduct additional screening.
  * What are some toddler boredom busters for plane on a long flight?

  Long flights require a greater variety of activities. Consider bringing a few larger, more engaging toys, such as a travel-sized train set or a dollhouse. Also, plan for more frequent walks up and down the aisle (when safe and permitted). Don’t underestimate the power of storytelling and engaging in imaginative play.
  * How do I deal with a toddler who won’t sit still on the plane?

  Try to get them moving as much as possible during boarding and deplaning. During the flight, offer opportunities for movement with finger plays, stretching exercises, and short walks (when safe). A travel-sized yoga mat could offer them a safe place to stretch out, if space is available.
  * What are some good airplane activities for kids if screen time is limited?

  Focus on interactive activities such as sticker books, coloring books, magnetic drawing boards, and board games. Bring a variety of small toys that can be used in different ways. Encourage storytelling and imaginative play.
  * How do I handle a diaper change on a plane?

  Most airplanes have changing tables in at least one of the lavatories. Pack a portable changing pad and all the necessary supplies in a diaper bag that’s easily accessible. Be prepared for a tight squeeze!
  * What if my toddler cries the entire flight?

  It’s a parent’s worst nightmare, but it happens. Do your best to comfort and soothe your toddler. Try all the strategies mentioned above. If nothing works, try to remain calm and apologetic to your fellow passengers. Remember, you’re doing your best.
  * Are there any apps that can help entertain my toddler on a plane?

  Yes, there are many educational and entertaining apps for toddlers. Look for apps that don’t require an internet connection and download them before your flight. Some popular options include PBS KIDS Games, Khan Academy Kids, and Sago Mini World.