Travel with my toddler?!?! I know for some parents it sounds like a disaster waiting to happen! The toddler years can be very exciting, but also very challenging. Like most things in parenting, it's beautiful AND hard at the same time. At this stage, we are amazed as our child's personality, voice and interests develop. We marvel at their milestones, chuckle at their adult-like antics; and the way they mispronounce words is the just the cutest! At the same time, we are tired - perhaps even sleep deprived. Yet your toddler is bursting through the seams with energy! Our little babies are not so little anymore and not quite as programmable. They have wills and wants of their own and they aren't afraid to let you and everyone else know. Screams. Notorious "Nooo's!". Tears. Fits on the floor. Wailing. Throwing their arms and legs. Slaps to your face. Sounds familiar? So yeah, how exactly do you handle taking your toddler in tow for say, a long distance flight? How on earth (or perhaps in the sky" is better suited in this case?) can you keep them still and quiet when they dislike being constrained? I'm definitely not an expert, but I have flown with kids quite a few times, so I have some practice. I'm here to share what I've learned with you. Here's how I got through flights with a toddler (including 10 hour ones); in some cases, as the sole-adult.
I'll start off by saying there are two camps when it comes to keeping kids occupied (or maybe three). Some parents believe screens are the best thing! Others think it's the worst. Still, others are somewhere in the middle. For the latter, they're okay with letting their toddler use screens occasionally or for short periods. To form your own stance (if you haven't already) I'd advise speaking with your child's pediatrician to make an informed decision. What I like about this post though, is that no matter which camp you're in, I think any parent may find some of these ideas helpful. It's especially useful on a long flight when your little one will need a bag of tricks to keep them occupied.
Aside: I know I have modeling clay (Play-Doh) pictured above, but apparently flight attendants are not fond it. Understandably so, because it can get lodged on seats and carpets. So yeah, don't pack modeling clay.
1) Stickers- if it's one thing you pack, let it be this! It's quiet, it's cheap, it's light on your luggage. I had no idea that little fingers enjoy these things so much, but they do! I discovered this when a friend gifted my then 2 year old, stickers. It was his first time being introduced to them and man, did he love it! I was pleased to enjoy some "me time" as he indulged in his new discovery for about 20 minutes! So yes, stickers! Not only are they a fun, low maintenance activity, but stickers are also great at helping toddlers develop fine motor skills. So you might score some bonus points with your pediatritian or daycare provider! Tip: Larger stickers are better for tiny hands to maneuver. Try getting them on a plastic sheet so it's easier for your toddler to peel them off independently. Of course, carry paper with you, so the stickers don't end up all over the aircraft. Ensure to supervise the activity closely. Check out these sticker books, ideal for toddlers: https://amzn.to/3wQ6mrR
2) Stamps- who doesn't like stamps? As an adult, even I find them mesmerizing ! Create a world of wonder for your toddler as they witness a fun image seemingly appear from no where! Stamps are a great way to encourage creativity. You can use this colorful activity to teach animals, shapes, numbers and letters depending on the stamp's template. Again, you'll need to carry along paper for this activity and provide supervision. Your little one may need your help removing the caps from the stamps, or you can opt for capless ones like this: https://amzn.to/3wT11QG
3) Crayons- your toddler will probably be more excited about them if they are brand new. And if they are double-sided? Bonus points! Carry along a small coloring book or help your little one draw simple shapes and objects on a plain sheet of paper. Check out these finger crayons which are easier for toddlers to hold and also double as a stacking toy! How clever! https://amzn.to/3ehfaki
4)Puzzles- find one that matches your child's age or abilities. I think it's a good idea to buy a brand new one so they'll be more into it. I recommend getting puzzles sets with smaller puzzles so there's more for your little one to engage with, which means more time to avoid tantrums! Bingo! I like these puzzles that help your toddler practice letters and reading! https://amzn.to/3RE1v5j
5) Duplo or Megablocks - these larger sized blocks, made specifically for preschoolers, will keep your little one busy (and quiet) for a while. The more you can fit into your carry-on luggage, the merrier! I used blocks my toddler already owned, no need to buy something new here! If you don't already have some, here's a good resource: https://amzn.to/3CQdR6a
Bonus Idea: Wrapped Surprises- a friend of mine shared this secret with me and it's brilliant. Essentially what you do is wrap a toy your child already owns in gift wrap paper. They'll be thrilled by the idea of getting a gift! But here's the real win... unwrapping the "gift" will keep them occupied for a while. Then, after discovering the toy they already owned, it will feel like new and they might be inclined to play with it for a while given the excitement you just cultivated. It's like Christmas on a regular day! Some toys you can use for this genius idea are: toy cars, small stuffed animals, building blocks, stacking cups, etc.
Be sure to allow your toddler to be active. It's one of their needs. Take him/her for a walk around the aircraft every now and then. Don't expect them to sit still and be quiet for the entire flight. They may have a tantrum or two. The key is not to stop these developmental tantrums, but to reduce them by keeping your toddler comfortable and engaged. I hope that helps! Have you ever traveled with a toddler? How did you get through it? Share your tips in the comments!