If you're planning on flying with your little one, the thought of traveling with a toddler can be daunting. The good news is that it doesn't have to be! With some careful planning and preparation, you can survive the journey without losing your sanity.
Pack Smart and Light
Before we dive into what to pack in your carry-on bag, let's make it clear you don't want to overpack. Carrying unnecessary weight during travel only means more hassle – avoid the luggage drama by packing smart and light. After all, less is always better than too much!
Check Your Airline's Baggage Policies First
Some airlines have restrictions as to how much or how many bags they allow passengers aboard their planes depending on cabin type / class; ensure you clarify these first before starting any packing (if not already checked out).
Carry Easy-to-Clean Baby Clothes
Kids are known troublemakers anywhere they go; especially when they get excited or anxious so there’s no exception while stuck long hours inside an airplane cabin–preferring comfortable clothes at all times goes without mentioning though 'easy to clean' makes this author feel satisfied whenever dirt meets baby cloth.
Bring Extra Nappies 'In Case Of Emergency'
This might seem like common sense but sometimes even our routines will fail us unexpectedly...'accidents happen', so pack enough diapers for the entire duration of travel plus extras just in case things don’t go according to plan (wich normally won’t) - stinky toddlers demand frequent nappy changes!
Snacks are Gods Sent!
"What do we say when hungry?" Snacks!!!!! 'Snacktastic' is year daddy's best friend aboard Alaska Airlines catering service delivered from Starbucks Coffee & Sky Chefs depending on agreement protocols also available through Delta flights via Dietz & Watson or gourmet pretzels in JetBlue Flight's Mint Studio; sounds like we found Christmas already!!!
Keep Them Entertained
Traveling with a toddler means being ready to engage the little ones with something that can make them stay busy for long enough without losing interest. Fret not because entertainment options are endless! Here are some handy ideas:
Interactive Books / Coloring-In Sheets
For those who wonder "How do I keep my kid engaged?"; a bedazzling rainbow of 'interactive' children books and picture coloring-ins sheets which peel-off effortlessly onto adjacent pages after scribbling (avoid experimental furniture designs though--stick to paper). One thing certain, kids love drawing shapes on new things.
Download Age-Appropriate Apps or Songs
Technology is all around us and there’s no denying it - as such download age-appropriate apps before heading out from GAMES, educational games to easy-to-follow tutorials featuring ADORABLE PEEPING baby animals will give your child a sense independence--"swiping through screens," -- but remember you only have limited battery on these devices so pack an extra charger cord.
Bring Small Toys & Gadgets IMPORTANT: NO HIGH-PITCHED TOYS
Last minute change-of-plans may end up trapping you between overwhelmed passengers with excruciatingly loud toys surrounding you; Avoid High-Pitched noise makers at all costs!--small interactive toys such as play dough, puzzles or magnetic board serve as good distractions especially during take-off and landing when standard planes recirculation fans become too noisy (because less cabin pressure).
Other Necessities
There are other miscellaneous items that might be useful when flying with toddlers. These include:
Chap Stick & Saline Spray Drops.
Flying mid-air always exposes the body levels of hydration thus sticks on chap stick and saline drops maintain mucosal moisture leaving lip cracking in cold places behind.
Tylenol & Cleaning Wipes
Although you don't need medical supplies, bringing some kids' fever medicine - along with cleaning wipes in your carry-on bag might be a good idea. Toddlers are prone to germs; airplane cabins aren't the cleanest places AKA germ havens so frequent hand sanitization or wiping down surfaces can help reduce exposure.
A Travel Stroller Can Be Handy
Now, travel friendly strollers make it effortless for parents and toddlers alike to move around without having their backs overworked--just like bare naked scooters through bumpy terrain.
In conclusion, traveling by plane with a little one is not always easy but it doesn’t have to be miserable either! With proper preparation (and realistic goals) in mind, as well as key essentials such as nap-time friendly snacks, easy-to-clean clothes and of course technology gadgets/books that do more than swipe-screens-back-and-forth,everything should go smoothly. Remember also: children cry-it's inevitable – Plan ahead before sickness occurs--medication at-the-ready plus items such chap sticks minimize suffering levels leaving air travel drama behind...Travel slowly but surely!!!