How to Survive Flying with a Toddler| Mama Travel Hacks

Keeping a toddler busy and happy during a normal day is hard enough, so the idea of bringing a toddler on a plane can be pretty stressful for any mama! The idea of the COVID-19 constraints, TSA and not to mention judgmental strangers can be over whelming!

We recently flew with Brayden to Maine for a family vacation. I was so nervous and created all of these activities to do with him on the plane but what I realized from this trip is simplicity is key! Don’t overdue it mama *sigh of relief*.

Here is how we survived flying with a toddler

Play Pack Grab N Go- Space Jam a New Legacy: I grabbed this item at the dollar section in Target. We recently watched the new Space Jam movie so I knew this would grab Brayden’s attention. The Grab N Go pack contains a coloring book, crayons and stickers. It is a great little compact item to throw in your carry on and doesn’t take up to much space (get it, “space”? lol lol).

Tablet: On a normal day we try to limit Brayden’s screen time as much as possible but on a plane, I realized early on that I needed to keep my expectations low. Because let’s face it, when were on a plane, us mama’s are in survival mode and whatever keeps them busy and happy is key!

Mama Tip– I pre downloaded a couple of Brayden’s favorite shows so he could watch them in airplane mode.

Scratch Art- On the go Color Reveal Pad: I had never seen this type of coloring pad before but it was a delightful surprise! It occupied Brayden for a good 20 minutes, which for a two year old is like gold. Please note it can get a little messy so keep a baby wipe or napkin handy for the residue.

Mini Travel Size Let’s go Fishing: This little travel size fishing game was a big hit with Brayden! We were in the very back of the airplane so it helped eliminate the sound of the fish going around in circle, but if needed I am sure not having it move would be just as fun! We played this game three different times during our trip and it was a big success!

Match Box Cars: As a boy mom, cars and dinosaurs are an essential toy for every trip! I purchased a couple new match box cars and brought two of his favorite dinosaurs with us. I gave him one of the new cars as soon as we got to airport to distract him while we checked in our luggage and went through the TSA check point. This kept him occupied and happy while we waited in the lines.

Books: We brought two of his favorite books with us. Brayden currently loves the iSpy books, so we brought one of those with us because they always grab his attention for a good amount of time.

Crayola Color Wonder: Who ever invented these markers are a genius! It allows you to be able to zone out for a few minutes without having to worry about your kiddo making a big mess. I also love the Crayola Color Wonder packs because it gives you five mess free markers and dozens of coloring pages. If your kiddo loves to color this is a great activity to grab for any flight or road trip!

Snacks: Brayden is a foodie and loves snacks! I mean who doesn’t love a good snack? I packed a variety of dry snacks and a clementine’s because I knew they would be allowed through security and they don’t require you to wash them off like other fruits do.

To see a list of my favorite go too travel snacks for Brayden, visit my other blog post:

Additional Mama Tips:

1.) Plan what activities and toys you want to bring on the plane ahead of time- I started thinking about what I wanted to bring for Brayden about a week in advance. That way I had enough time to purchase any items I needed, and I didn’t have to rush.

2.) Make sure you talk to your kiddos about what to expect at the airport and on the plane. It doesn’t need to be anything fancy and only takes a couple minutes to explain, but will definitely help you avoid any unnecessary resistance or melt downs!!!!

3.) Plan to arrive earlier than needed to the airport. ESPECIALLY if you are in the middle of potty training! Giving yourself extra time creates time for unexpected potty breaks and ensures the experience will go more smoothly.

4.) Bring a compact stroller! All Airlines allow you to check in your stroller while you are boarding the airplane as a free carry on item. It makes maneuvering through the airport so easy and is also great because you can put everything else in it!

5.) Adjust your expectations. Being in an airport and on a plane with a toddler is not ideal. Just make the most of it and don’t set any expectations of how you think it should go. Just do the best you can and stay positive, mama!

6.) Bring a variety of activities and some type of small new toy. This will help keep your kiddo engaged and happy for a longer period of time.

7.) SNACKS, SNACKS and more SNACKS!- I don’t think I need to explain the reasoning behind this mama hack! 🙂

8.) Decide what you need within reach of you on the plane, before you get on the plane!!!! On our first flight, I kept asking my husband, Ira, to get this or that from our carry-on up above. I did it so much I started annoying myself!! LOL On the ride back, I put all of the essentials in the bag I could have under the seat. That made the trip back such a breeze.

9.) Bring a reusable water bottle. I brought a reusable water bottle for all of us and it was a life saver! We saved so much money filling up the water bottles at the water fountain instead of purchasing an $8 bottle of Dasani water.

mama tip– Don’t forget that your water bottles must be empty before you go through the TSA check point.

10.) Stop at the bathroom before you board the plane. I don’t know about you, but if I can avoid the plane bathroom I will. haha

11.) Pack potty training essentials- change of clothes, underwear and wipes!!

12.) Wait till the end to board the plane. Another mama told me about this tip and I am so thankful she did! Boarding a plane can take 10 to 15 and sometimes even 20 minutes. Boarding near the end, helped us avoid an antsy toddler meltdown.

13.) Dismiss grumpy passengers. Not everyone likes or appreciates kids and that’s okay! Don’t let an eye roll or a constant head turner get to you. Do the best you can and just stay positive. 🙂 🙂 🙂

Flying can be stressful but it doesn’t have to be! We had such a smooth trip with Brayden and I am so proud of him! I hope you find this post helpful! I would love to hear about your most recent flight and any activities or tips you used that really worked!

As always,

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