Planning a family trip this summer? Wondering how to prepare for airplane travel? Not sure what to pack? Hopefully these suggestions will alleviate some of your pre-travel stress.
Carry-On Packing List
· Loaded diaper bag – extra diapers, wipes, sanitizer, washcloths, diaper trash bags, etc.
· Ziploc medicine bag – Ibuprofen, Rescue Remedy, Arnica, diaper cream, etc.
· 1-2 extra outfits for child (and shirt for mom!) plus sweatshirt/fleece
· Snacks – LOTS! We bring a whole reusable shopping bag full. All of her favorites and then some. Save a few good ones for the last 30 minutes when you are landing. Fresh berries (washed in plastic container), cookies, clementines, edamame, Bunnies, raisins, cheese sticks, baby carrots, apples, organic food pouches, water bottle, etc. Plus a little container so she can feed herself.
· Books – a few favorites (paperback!)
· Toys – favorites plus new ones that are still in packaging – they take a few minutes to unpack and on some flights, every second counts! Matchbox cars, little dustpan and broom, doll with accessories, lacing cards, magic drawing board, magnetic things
· Arts – stickers, crayons, notebook for doodling, stamps and stamp pad, pipe cleaners and beads with wide hole (get your toddler making bracelets for everyone!), play doh
· Portable DVD player or iPad and headphones (if appropriate) with favorite home videos/DVD’s
· Playaway (portable books on tape player) with headhones
· Carrier – particularly important for long flights if child having trouble resting/napping, can be very soothing to just snuggle in with mom/dad; also helpful in airport
· Stroller (to gate check) – helpful for lugging children and/or gear around airport
Checked Luggage Packing List
· Sleep essentials – lovey, special blanket, sleep sack, night light, white noise machine, big trash bags and pushpins or electrical tape (if may not be curtains where you’re staying)
· Portable crib if needed and sheet (unwashed crib sheet from home can be a real comfort)
Products I Like
· Classy Kid Keep Me Tidy Biodegradable Diaper Sack
· P'kolino Triangular Crayons (won’t roll off tray easily)
· Lacing Cards
· My First Sticker Encyclopedia series and Ultimate Sticker books
· Phil & Teds Traveller Crib – compact enough to fit in suitcase, fits most preschoolers, comfortable. Can order sunproof top separately.
· Phil & Teds Lobster portable high chair – very compact, works on most tables
· www.totsonthego.com and www.travelingwithkids.com and www.onestepahead.com
· 101 Activities for Kids in Tight Spaces (Carol Kranowitz) – great tips for travel & home
On-Flight Tips
· Don’t underestimate the novelty factor – borrow/buy lighter, travel friendly toys
· A well-rested child travels much better. Morning flights are usually easier than late afternoon ones. Try for a good night’s sleep or normal nap leading up to flight if possible. Bring your carrier even if it's for a nap before the flight in the airport
· Easy slip on/off shoes for getting through security quickly
· Befriend flight attendants during boarding.
· Try to nurse/sippy cup/food pouch during takeoff and landing.
· Keep your sense of humor, ignore the haters, and bring yourself a treat too ;-)