Tips For Air Travel

It’s easy to become nervous in anticipation of a plane ride with a toddler. One never knows how the child will behave on an airplane, and a dreaded temper tantrum breaking out during the middle of the flight is a true possibility. These days, families can actually be removed from airplanes before take-off if there is an unruly child onboard!

So, the best way to avoid any such problems is to pack toys and activities for the child that will prevent boredom. Boredom is the number one reason a toddler misbehaves on an airplane. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to pack a child’s entire playroom and bring it on the plane. In fact, it’s harder than ever to bring multiple toys on an airplane due to carry-on restrictions. This is why it’s important to think about and analyze the specific items that will be brought on the plane for your child.

Following are some toddler travel toy ideas that will (hopefully) make traveling via airplane much more relaxing for parents and other airline passengers:
Pack toys that are new to the child: New toys are exciting and fun to open, figure out, and play with.

Coloring Books: Bring along a coloring book and a brand new box of markers or crayons.

Sticker Books: For some reason, sticker books and toddlers go very well together on airplanes. Sticker books can provide fun for a child for an extended period of time.

Books: Bring your child’s favorite book, and a new book too. He or she may want you to read them several times.

Portable DVD player: Some airlines offer television and movies, but others don’t. For a child who likes to watch cartoons or movies, a portable DVD player can be a lifesaver!

Magnetic Toys: Magnetic Toys, as long as the pieces are large enough so that they don’t pose a choking hazard, are great for airline travel. Since magnets tend to stick together, it’s easy to keep the pieces from rolling around the airplane cabin.

The key to presenting toys to a child on an airplane is to take items out of the carry-on bag one at a time, and also gradually. Don’t take a new toy out of the bag and let him or her know that there is another toy just waiting to be released. This may cause the child to lose interest in the first toy very quickly. Also, keep in mind that there will be a return flight, so save some of the toys for that flight too