Keeping a toddler interested, and engaged, in general is a daunting task. Now, try putting that toddler on a plane for 8 hours. They are supposed to sit quietly in their seats and not disturb the other passengers…. Well let’s just stop this post here because that is never going to happen. Toddlers aren’t meant to sit quietly in a chair for hours on end. Toddlers should be exploring the world, interacting with their friends, and developing new skills. So, it is no surprise that trying to keep a toddler occupied on a plane is an exceptionally difficult task. Throughout our flights, I have picked up some tips on how to keep your toddler occupied on a plane.
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Keep Their Favorite Treats Easily Accessible
One way to keep your toddler occupied on a plane is by keeping their favorite snacks within reach throughout the flight. Pack their favorite treats in a reusable bag so it takes up minimal space in your carry-on luggage and is easy to access during the flight. This way, you know that they’ll always have something to quickly munch on. Hopefully, it will help to limit the number of outbursts on the trip as well. It’s also important to bring a variety of snacks in case your little one gets bored with their usual favorites before the plane lands.
If you are looking for some delicious and healthy snacks for toddlers that are travel friendly, be sure to read this blog post.
Buy 2 or 3 New Toys
Another great idea is to take a new toy on a plane for your toddler. It will make the trip easier & more enjoyable for everyone. New toys help keep toddlers distracted with new sights, sounds and experiences. The new toys help to create wonderful take-off and landing distractions. I try to include toys that are different than the ones we have at home.
Tip: Try to find toys that are different from the ones your little one has at home by finding toys that introduce new colors, textures, or sounds.
Coloring Books
Another way to keep your little one happy while on board, is to bring along a coloring book. Coloring books are interesting and engaging, and they don’t take up a ton of space. I recommend looking for coloring books that include fun characters or storylines, as these can really help absorb your toddler’s attention! Also, try to bring a few special markers with you — maybe glow-in-the-dark ones for a late-night flight.
Kid-Friendly Apps
I’m typically opposed to excessive amounts of “screen time,” but being stuck on a plane for hours is an exception. Instead of wasting the entire flight trying to distract them from crawling into the aisle or kicking the seat of the person in front of them, consider downloading kid-friendly apps before your flight. Nowadays, there are apps for everything. There are digital coloring books, interactive stories, educational games, and more. I love the app Bimi Boo, an educational & interactive app that is perfect for younger toddlers. Another great app we use is for Coloring Games. This app lets you choose different colors & stickers to decorate the pages.
Tip: Make sure to download apps ahead of time. Double check they don’t require Wi-Fi, as not all planes offer Wi-Fi.
Bring a Puzzle
Puzzles are a great way to keep your toddler occupied on an airplane. Playing with puzzles improves problem-solving skills & engages different parts of their brain. I always make sure to grab a small puzzle for our longer flights. I simply pull it out of the box, throw it in a Ziplock bag and into my purse it goes for the flight. It can be an engaging challenge that helps them stay stimulated.
In conclusion, try not to get overwhelmed by the prospect of flying with your toddler. Just make sure you bring their favorite snacks, new toys, interactive apps, and a puzzle or coloring book. These easy tactics will help make your next airplane ride not only stress-free, but also enjoyable for everyone! Don’t let the fear of keeping your toddler entertained hold you back from traveling: simply plan ahead and enjoy your trip.
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