Traveling soon with a toddler? We all know that they don’t have a long attention span to be focused on a single activity for a long period of time. Whether it is a short or a long flight, it can be quite difficult to entertain them in a small space. Here are some ideas of what to do, what to bring, and make it a bit easier for you to travel with your little one!

 

1) Regular books out, stickers books in!

Yes, colorful books with a bunch of buttons might be interesting but unfortunately they will not be read for more than 10 minutes. Sticker (or any other activity books) are proven to be used a lot more than regular books on the plane. Using the stickers in various place can help them use their imaginations as well.
p.s. Extra stickers, always more fun!

2) Bring separate zip-locks with different activities in them.

It’s easy, cheap, and won’t take so much space in your bag. Place some coloring material in one, play dough, some legos (depending on what your child enjoys). We know that toddlers can get bored easily, and if one option fails, you can always have a spare one in hand!

3) Snacks save lives!

Make sure to bring lots and lots of snacks! It could be fruit to crackers, from pancakes to healthy nuts. Just make sure there is a lot of them in hand. Snacking (healthy options, of course) were actually proven to keep kids occupied as well. So here might be some time to drink a cup of coffee on the flight.

4) A new toy for the flight

It doesn’t have to be something expensive. A new book, a new gadget, or anything new just might keep them busy for the following hour. A plane for them is a new setting, paired with a new toy will make the flight a bit more interesting.

 

5) Download some educational games on your phone or iPad.

Make sure they’re age approved. Color-matching, shape-matching or any educational games depending on your toddler’s age will earn you some time on the flight. Make sure that they work offline as well :)

 

Last but not least, toddlers love to communicate! Whether it’s by talking, playing, or engaging in activities. Tell them about the destination you will be going to, what you will do there and who they’re going to see. This will give them lots of anticipation and less anxiety about the long or short trip ahead. 

… and lots of luck! 💘