25 Ways To Keep Your Toddler Entertained During Long Flights

Your toddler’s first trip abroad can be exciting. It’s a chance to make new memories, enjoy quality family time and experience the world through their eyes. But let’s be honest, travelling with a two-year-old doesn’t always go as planned.

From meltdowns to messes, just thinking about a long-distance flight with your toddler may already bring some anxiety. Plus, their high energy and short attention span in a tight, confined space can make the flight feel even longer.

That’s why a well-prepared carry-on bag is a must-have for travel days. Whether you’re flying to Florida or France, knowing what to pack can drastically improve the travel experience for both you and your toddler. In this guide, we’ll share tips and strategies for selecting the right items to keep toddlers happy and occupied, so the only thing you’ll have to worry about is remembering to take your passports.

Understanding the toddler travel challenge

Feeling constricted

Being strapped into an airplane seat for hours can be uncomfortable for anyone, let alone toddlers. This can even be more difficult during moments when your little one can’t seem to fall asleep or is filled with high energy. “Toddlers don't like to be constricted. They like to move and roam and grab, and they're sort of trapped in a seat, which is a challenge,” says Jennifer Kolari, a child and family therapist and the founder of Connected Parenting.

Needing constant stimulation

Your toddler’s need for constant stimulation and novelty can also be an extra challenge on flights. “It's a constant kind of entertaining game at that age because they bore very quickly, and you've got a long flight to think about,” adds family counsellor Alyson Schafer.

Navigating an unfamiliar environment

Alternatively, toddlers can also become overstimulated, especially in new environments. The unfamiliarity of the airplane can lead to unpredictable behaviour, including meltdowns. With flying also comes the dreaded ear pressure changes during takeoff and landing, which can create discomfort for your toddler.

Picking up on stress

There's no doubt that travel days can be stressful. However, Kolari says that the more anxious and agitated parents are, the more their kids will be able to pick up on that stress. “Parents get really anxious about how their kids behave on a plane, and they get worried they're going to disturb other passengers,” explains Kolari. “So sometimes parental stress is a big part of it.”

General packing tips for the flight bag

While no toy is going to erase the big emotions that can come with flying, distraction and connection can certainly help. Just be ready for cuddles and to welcome some tired tears when you finally arrive.

Make your bag accessible

Be sure to have a dedicated flight bag that you can easily access on the plane. You never know when your toddler will want their sippy cup, so save yourself the hassle and make sure it’s not buried in the overhead bin.

Pack in pouches

It’s not only about what you pack, but also how you pack. Organize items in individual pouches or bags for easy retrieval at the airport or on the plane. You’ll thank your future self when you can find your toddler’s bag of crackers without any trouble.

Involve your toddler 

Encourage your little one to feel excited for their trip by involving them in the packing process. For example, let them fill their own small backpack (or ride-on suitcase) with a few chosen items such as their favourite plushie or book. These items can also bring them a sense of familiarity or comfort when they’re in a new environment, like an airplane.

Keep an element of surprise

Not everyone loves surprises, but when it comes to toddlers, “surprise items” are key to keeping them busy on long flights. “The biggest thing is to have novel things with you, new things they've never seen before,” says Kolari.

Engaging, mess-free toys and activities

Limited space, a seat belt sign and a small tray table may not seem like the greatest combination for fun. However, with the right in-flight toys and activities, your little one can still have a good time. Choose toys for your toddler that are compact, make minimal noise and have no small pieces. “Anything they can manipulate would be great,” adds Kolari.

Be sure to also keep the activity mess-free, especially since cleaning up spilled paint or finding a missing Lego piece on an airplane is no easy task. Bonus points if the toy or activity is reusable and long-lasting for more plane rides to come. Here are some examples to try on your next flight:

• Water Wow or Aquadoodle books
• Reusable sticker books (puffy stickers are even better)
• Magnetic drawing boards or small magnetic tile sets
• Small, contained puzzles or busy boards
• Favourite small figurines or cars (kept in a small bag)

Screen time strategies and digital entertainment

While Kolari says she’s “not a huge fan of small screens for toddlers” in an everyday routine, it can be helpful for parents in certain situations, like plane rides. “Honestly, sometimes when you're in a car or you're waiting somewhere, or they need to be quiet, or definitely on a plane, I see nothing wrong with it,” she says.

Schafer also advises parents to assess their toddler’s situation and do what the circumstances call for. “If technology is going to do the trick in a public space where you're feeling trapped and like you don't have other options, go for it,” says Schafer. Here are some practical in-flight screen time strategies:

Download kid-friendly content

Be prepared by downloading age-appropriate shows, movies and educational apps or games before the flight.

Space out the screen time

Use screen time strategically, such as while you're waiting in long lines at the airport, at meal times or when other activities fail. Balance screen time with other activities to keep your toddler entertained throughout the whole flight.

Pack a pair of headphones

Don’t forget to pack comfortable, child-friendly headphones. Schafer recommends noise-cancelling headphones to help your toddler “keep out the rest of what’s going on.”

Smart snacks and drinks for the journey

There’s nothing worse than a hungry toddler on a long flight. In case of potential delays or picky phases, be sure to pack more snacks than you think you'll need. “It's really important, especially with toddlers, that they don't get hungry, because if they're hungry and tired, now you have a problem,” says Kolari. “Snacks are important, but you want to make sure that the snacks are pretty high quality, not super sugary.”

Since the last thing you need on a flight is also a sticky spill, low-mess and non-perishable items are the way to go. Also, don’t forget an empty reusable water bottle to fill after security. Here are some examples of toddler-friendly travel day snacks:

• Crackers
• Fruit pouches
• Dry cereal
• Chewy snacks
• Cheese sticks or pre-cut fruit (if able to purchase after security)

You’ll also want to be prepared when the cabin pressure changes during takeoff and landing. If your toddler feels some discomfort, Schafer recommends they try sucking on a pacifier, bottle or the straw of a juice box to help alleviate ear pressure.

Comfort items and sleep essentials

Bring familiar items from home

Sometimes, all it takes is a plushie or favourite blanket from home to make your toddler feel a bit more at ease in a new environment. Along with familiar items like these, a child-sized neck pillow or travel pillow can make the flight more comfortable.

Create a cozy sleeping environment

When bedtime or nap time rolls around, do your best to create a comfy sleeping environment for your toddler. “Try to replicate what you have at home in the smallest way,” says Schafer. “Bring things that are familiar from home. Try to make it as dark and cozy as possible.”

Dress your toddler in layers

Whether the airplane’s temperature is too hot or too cold for your little one, be prepared by dressing them in comfortable layers. Soft pyjamas could also be a good option for those nighttime flights.

Practical necessities for mid-flight care

If you have a toddler, you’re probably very familiar with unexpected accidents or spills, but airplane messes can feel 10 times worse. But don’t worry, here’s a packing list of essential items to help you stay ready for whatever comes your way:

• Diapers and wipes, plus a portable changing pad, if needed
• One full change of clothes for the toddler (and maybe even a spare shirt for yourself)
• Small plastic bags for soiled items or trash
• Basic first aid items like band-aids, hand sanitizer and pain reliever (check airline quantity restrictions beforehand)

The power of new toys

A successful flight with a toddler doesn't just mean packing the necessities; it's also about bringing a few novel items for them to get excited about. Introducing new toys or activities at different times during the flight can help keep boredom at bay for longer. “Honestly, it's the novel part that makes a big difference,” adds Kolari.

Schafer also suggests parents pack a “Mary Poppins knapsack” filled with novelty items for their toddler. “Wait until they get fussy, and then you're like, ‘ta-da,’ I've got something else you've never seen before,” says Schafer. You can also try wrapping small items to make them feel like "presents" for your little one to open on the plane.

The bottom line

Taking a long flight with your toddler can seem overwhelming, but knowing that you’re prepared is the first step to feeling less stressed on travel days. It’s also important to manage your expectations and know that sometimes a crying or messy toddler is part of the inevitable. “We understand little kids are tough, and we're probably a much kinder world than they even know,” says Schafer. “People are judging you far less than you think.”

Although your toddler spilling juice all over your seat might feel like the worst possible scenario in the moment, memories like these will make for great laughs in the future. “As long as you're doing your best, that's all you can do,” says Kolari.

Experts

• Jennifer Kolari is a child and family therapist and the founder of Connected Parenting.
• Alyson Schafer is a parenting expert and family counsellor.