MUST-HAVES FOR FLYING WITH KIDS

Traveling with younger children can sometimes feel scary. What if they cry? Are they going to sleep? How will I keep them seated? Take a deep breath … it will be okay! The best way to combat that scary feeling is to be prepared!

• The Bag - Packing your child’s carry-on with the essentials is crucial, but the bag needs to be one they can wear or carry themselves and stores beneath the seat for easy access. Cinch napsacks or mini backpacks are best and can count as their "personal item," while still allowing you to stow a larger carry-on with a change of clothes, medicine, etc., in the overhead bin.

• Art Supplies - Almost all children love to color and draw. Taking along notebooks, coloring books, and an assortment of crayons and colored pencils is a great way to keep kids entertained during travel. Even older kids will love the new sticker mosaic books and the scratch-off black notebooks.

• Wet Wipes - Planes are full of germs. Let your child take part in wiping down the tray table, seat, armrests, and buckle. It’s a great thing to have them do during the boarding process when you are waiting to pull away from the gate.

• Tablet and/or Smartphone - Be sure you download a few of their favorite shows, movies, or games, and make sure they work when not connected to Wi-Fi. Test this before you leave your house by putting the device in airplane mode! Some planes have Wi-Fi, but it doesn’t always work well, so it’s better to be prepared. Just make absolutely sure you have the next item on my list - or the flight attendants will ask you to turn the sound off.

• Comfy Headphones - Headphones are a must but be sure they fit your child’s head. If not, they can become more of an inconvenience if they keep falling off or your child can’t hear well. I’m a big fan of a brand called CozyPhones, which are a soft fleece material that is worn like a headband - plus, they come in all kinds of fun designs!

• Snacks - I cannot stress this one enough. Worried about TSA? Don’t be - you can bring solid snacks through security, just not large liquids! So, leave your water bottle empty until you make it through security, then fill up at one of the many refilling stations throughout the airport. If your child is old enough, make sure you bring along gum, or small hard candies (like Lifesavers) to suck on during take-off. Your child’s ears will thank you… and so will people around you!

• Lovey - Most children have a lovey or a favorite toy that they bring with them everywhere. Don’t make the mistake of leaving this item at home. Flying can be scary for children so this can bring them a lot of comfort, making the flight go a lot smoother.

• NEW Small Toys - Head to the local dollar store and pick up some new toys. Fidgets, travel games, action figures, etc… just having something new to play with will be exciting and keep most children entertained longer. For your sanity, and those around you, however, stick to toys that don't make sounds! When my boys were younger, they loved taking small Thomas the Train engines and Matchbox cars with us.

• Travel Pillow and Small Blanket - If you are flying early, late, or during nap time, then this is a must. Let your child get comfortable and maybe you will luck out with a sleeping child the entire flight!

I hope this list brings peace to your next trip with your little one. Of course, I’m always here to help with more travel tips and advice. Contact me today to start planning your next family adventure!