Going on a vacation is an absolute breath of fresh air. In my house, having something on the calendar to look forward to is an must. As thrilling as the idea of vacation may be, there’s one thing that always used to cause me MAJOR stress: the plane ride with a toddler.
We’re suppose to keep our kids quiet, seated, and in a good mood for however long the airplane ride is, and let’s be honest that’s just not realistic, so I want to put your mind at ease from the start—Kids are kids even on airplanes!! Airports in general are stressful, throw a toddler into the mix, and forget it. Are they going to cry the whole flight? Are their ears going to hurt? How will I keep them busy and entertained? I’ve been there, and I have tried it all!! I have overpacked for my toddler, I’ve under packed (yikes) and let me tell you, I have got this down to a science! These Toddler Travel essentials will make sure your little one is relaxed and entertained so your flight is hopefully stress free!
This Post is all about Toddler Travel Essentials
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1. Reusable Puff Stickers
I was actually so surprised by how much my daughter loves these stickers. I randomly bought them for her valentines day gift basket, and she will play with these stickers forever! I honestly didn’t realize that they were reusable when I bought them. They are perfect for little fingers, and they can use them over and over again. These are perfect for the airplane.
2.Disposable Placemats
These are great, they come in a pack of 20 so you’ll have plenty if you go out to eat on vacation. I like to bring a few expo markers so they can draw on them as well!
3. Yum Earth Lollipops
These lollipops for Yum Earth are the best. They are organic, and sugar free, and I know sugar free usually tastes disgusting, but these actually taste SO good. They are great for when the plane is taking off to help ears from popping.
4. You need an EXCITING cup!
Another ear popping hack is to have THE most exciting cup your child has ever seen. You’re not going to let your little one see this cup until the plane is going up! It needs to be the most exciting, colorful cup they have ever seen. That way they are excited to want to drink out of it, which is going to help avoid their little ears from hurting. Every single time I fly, I buy my kiddo a new crazy cup for the flight.
5. This Blow Up Foot Rest
If you have a long flight, you absolutely need this. This blow up foot rest is an absolute game changer for flying with a toddler! It’s super compact, you have to blow it up, which is fine- It comes with a little pump, but it fits PERFECTLY so your toddler can lay down, take a nap and stretch their legs.
6. Window Stickers
Window stickers are perfect for keeping your toddler busy during the flight. These are reusable as well, so you can use them for the return flight too.
7. A Table Tray Cover
I love a table tray cover like this, because it keeps all of their toys, and snacks from rolling off the tray.
8. Bluetooth Headphones
I just got these ones for our trip coming up in a few weeks, they are really affordable, but they are a little bit bigger, these headband headphones are a better option for smaller kiddos.
9. Foldable Blanket
Any blanket is fine, especially if your toddler has a personal favorite, but I do love this one because it stores nicely in the bag and wraps around the handle of your carry on, so you have more space in your bag for the flight. It also doubles as a pillow.
10. WOW Water Coloring Book
These water color books are a great mess free option. Just ask the flight attendant for a few bottles of water, because you’ll be filling these up a bunch.
11. Doodle Board
Another perfect mess-free option. This little doodle board is always a hit. We LOVE this little thing, also perfect for restaurants.
12. Play Dough
The mini play doughs are perfect for airplanes. I know there are mixed reviews about play dough. Do I love my kids getting play dough stick in my carpet at home? Absolutely not, but a confined space like an airplane, I don’t find it to be as big of a deal and it’s really easy to clean up.
13. Peg People
These little peg people are the cutest. My daughter gets so creative with these and comes up with the cutest ideas. They are always someone new and have different names, which makes me feel like they are more versatile so they play with them a little longer.
14. Snacks
Snacks are a given. If all else fails, give them snacks! I love this little snack organizer, after all the snacks are gone, I’ll use it to organize all the different sticker we used on the flight.
15. Foldable Potty Seat
This portable potty seat is SO convenient. It folds up so nicely and it’s super light weight. I originally got this for our trip a few years ago, but ended up using it all year long.
Traveling with a toddler is hard, but you will get through it! Most people are understanding, and if they aren’t I’m sure they don’t have kids of their own lol. I find it best to travel so their nap time is during the flight and let them run as much as possible in the airport. Be the last to board the plane. And pack so many snacks lol. You got this! Safe Travels xo
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