Flying with a toddler (18 months)

I was really really nervous to fly with Toddler H. I really know how much of a live wire she is, how excitable and how she loves to explore. I was so nervous about it, but we decided to bite the bullet and just go for it. We’d have to sometime. I’m so glad we have because we were surprised and so relieved it all went well. In fact if go as far to say flying with a toddler was much easier than I expected. We might have got lucky as you do hear some horror stories, but for us, EasyJet were amazing, so helpful, so reassuring to each passenger explaining the baby seat belt and repeating we should call if we needed anything. Maybe we got lucky, but, it was nice knowing everyone expected no frills, and, that means kids fly too!

So what did we do to prepare for flying with a toddler?

Snacks

• Water, but little one might also just want to drink from your bottle too!
• Biscuits, rice cakes, crisp type things – take as much as you can fit in your bag as one minute they might like one snack, and not he next.
• Fruit – again as much fruit as you can!
• Seriously just take as big a variety as you can fit in your bag… Toddlers are picky! They might not eat any, but you’ll have it in case. H had a fruit pouch for dinner on the way back, some days are hungry day and others not.

Toys

• Buckle toy (I made one like this: Buckle Toy Buster – instructions to follow!)
• Drawing board (like this: TOMY Megasketcher)
• A few bath toys (easy to clean, and a duck is always a hit!)
• Favourite toy/cuddly
• A few small books
• A tiny purse for them to zip and unzip

iPad downloads

• • Hey Duggee – her favourite programme
  • Sarah and Duck – H always finds this quite calming if she’s in a mood, refusing a nap or just woken and is grumpy.

Update: when I wrote this post we used an iPad, we now have an Amazon Fire Kids tablet which is awesome and has a 2 year no questions asked warranty.

Sky Baby

We were very kindly sent a Sky Baby mattress to review. I thoroughly recommend it as although small for H to sleep in, it did stop her opening the seatbelt buckle (something she figured out before take off, and during!). Amazon also sell them (SkyBaby travel mattress for Air Travel)

Reins

A must have for little ones. We didn’t use the pushchair much once through security as toddlers need to let off steam before a flight. Let them run run and run. Just don’t make the mistake of going into a toy shop like hubby did! You do not want to be paying £18 for a teeny tiny teddy the toddler won’t let go of. You also don’t want the tantrum which follows. Seriously, this is from experience. Just don’t. Warn your partners about this…. They might not think of it.

5 Tricks to use when Flying with a Toddler:

1. Wrap up a few small books and toys this means they have the excitement of opening a present, which also takes time. Every second counts on a plane!!
2. Put some small toys in a toiletry bag (or pencil case). This means they can choose toys easily and also play with the zips…. Zips and clips are a winner!
3. A new toy or book (at least one for each flight)
4. Take some small food pouches for little one to drink during take-off landing. They’re a good alternative to water and help their ears too.
5. The buckle toy I mention above was a lifesaver, although I guess possibly doesn’t do the trick at all ages. It’s also useful in restaurants and when you just can’t face chasing little one again!

The biggest tip of all, is just go with the flow. People do understand. People do know how it is (numerous lovely people told us so). Most of all, just know that soon you’ll be in your apartment or hotel, glass of wine in hand, watching the sunset. You’ll have seen the pool you’ll be being splashed in first thing in the morning, and here, on holiday, will be that thing we spend all year dreaming of, all year wishing for: a sunny blue sky.

And remember, holiday is better than at home, it’s not just the same toddler tantrums in a different place like the quote I’ve seen doing the rounds says. It’s family time, and it is somewhere different, it’s not the same four walls you usually see, not the same routine, it’s quality time, so treasure every second of it (and just ignore the tantrums and plane journey and whatever else is a bit pooey).

So I’m completely converted, get in that plane and fly with a toddler, see that sunshine, and enjoy your family time!

Lynne x

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Other posts related to flying with kids tips… includes family friendly holiday destinations and hotels

I’ve popped a few links below which might also be useful for travelling with kids and some of our family holidays abroad:

Travelling/flying with kids tips

Packing for a family holiday – Ibiza – 2 suitcases for a family of four!

Tips for Flying with an 18 month old toddler 

Tips for a long car journey with a 2 year old toddler – lots are true for flying too!

Family Holiday locations

Europe: Balearics, Canaries

How I choose a Family Holiday with a baby and toddler – must haves!

Why Menorca is perfect for a family friendly holiday 

Menorca Family Holiday – Jardin De Menorca

Majorca Family Holiday – Bon Aire

Lanzarote Family Holiday – Los Zocos Resort

Ibiza Family Holiday – Tui Magic Life Cala Pada

10 things to do on a family holiday to Lanzarote

Europe: UK breaks

Note: all links are Amazon Affiliate Links, so if you do click and then make a purchase I might get a few pennies, but at no cost to you!

Linked to:

Twinkly Tuesday , #BestandWorst

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