For the purpose of writing this post, I was provided with coupons for product redemption, information, and a gift card by Boudreaux’s.
We are leaving for Disney World in less than a week and I could not be more excited. I’m also a bit nervous because you never know how your kids will do on the plane ride.
My 6-year-old will be great, she and I have already decided we will rent movies on iTunes and watch them together.
I can count on my 3-year-old to watch some of the movie, but he will also need to be occupied with toys and snacks.
And my 2-year-old…well, I’m just hoping he naps for some of it in his car seat. But, all of these things are all fine and good in your brain and can be a totally different scenario once you’re 30,000 feet in the air.
We all traveled to California from Rhode Island last summer and I’ve learned a thing or two since then. I packed all kinds of items for that flight and am leaving some of those items off this year’s trip list.
Here are some busy ideas to help you pack when traveling on an airplane with a toddler.
Busy ideas:
- A new inexpensive, surprise toy. I bought my boys five tiny plastic construction trucks for less than $6 to share. They love these little bulldozers and pale loaders and dump trucks and could play with them for a long time. Anytime they get a new item they won’t let it out of their sight. Trust me, a surprise toy will come in handy in the event of a meltdown.
- Special snacks. While this item on the checklist goes without saying, I like to bring special treats along with our usual go-to snacks. It’s something they can look forward to and you can use it as a reward for good behavior. Our favorite special treat is organic Vitamin-C lollipops by YumEarth. I love this brand because these pops contain no synthetic dyes, no artificial flavors, and no high-fructose corn syrup. These pops can also ease ear pain during take off and landing.
- Books. A re-usable sticker book is good, quiet fun and I’m also a big fan of seek and find books. These kinds of books are great options because they are interactive and are not toys that have a lot of pieces. When flying, you definitely don’t want to bring toys that can get lost under the seat.
- Favorite blanket and/or lovey. Your children may nap. Wouldn’t that be something? ? The blanket will help your kids feel comfortable and will keep them warm if it gets a bit cold.
Tip*** Gallon ziplock bags have become my best friend when traveling. I separate everything I’m bringing and put them in their own labeled bag; that way everything stays together and I can grab something quickly. This keeps toys or snacks from getting buried in the carry-on.
Must-haves in your diaper bag or carry-on:
- Bring a diaper for every hour you’ll be either at the airport or in-flight. You want to be prepared for anything, it’s better to have enough than be stranded without a diaper because you’ve already changed your child three times before takeoff.
- Baby wipes. Not only are baby wipes great for diaper changes. But, you can use them to wipe faces, hands, airplane snack trays and more.
- Diaper cream. No one ever thinks their child will have a blowout diaper on an airplane but it happens. And sometimes it leaves their cheeks a bit more sensitive. Be sure to pack Boudreaux’s Butt Paste to help prevent diaper rash. I love the All Natural Formula. In addition to 16% Zinc Oxide, this particular butt paste has been formulated with natural soothing and calming ingredients like Aloe Vera to soothe skin.
- Boudreaux’s Butt Paste is a powerful and fast acting diaper rash prevention product and is free of the harsh butt-irritating ingredients like Parabens, Preservatives, Dyes, Phthalates and Talc ingredients.
- Boudreaux’s is available in three formulas to help protect against and improve diaper rash – Original, Maximum Strength and All Natural.
- A few empty sippy cups. Airplane tap water from the bathroom is not considered safe to drink. So, bring a few cups since you won’t be able to rinse them. Also, be sure to purchase any juice, water or milk before boarding the plane. (AFTER you go through the TSA line.)
These ideas can be work too, for an older child, but truth is, they probably need to be entertained with less. It’s very possible my youngest follows suit with my older two and just watches a movie with them. We will see!
What are your must-haves to pack when flying with a toddler?
