When flying with kids, I’ve found it’s never a good idea to pack light. It’s more about packing smart. Both our girls are of the age where they need their own “things” when we travel. “Things” that make flying with them easier… and I’m all about making flying with kids enjoyable for all; including George in seat 26B who has made it clear he doesn’t care for children.
You bring those unicorn headphones, tsum tsum stickers and dino figures. If that’s all they need for us to all enjoy our flight, including the 186 other passengers, I’m all for it.
I couldn’t imagine a road trip without snack *GASP* and I would assume this is about the same when asking a child to board a flight without some means of fun. Should their carry-on comply by all the airlines rules, then I say let them be. The only time you’ll ever find me “packing light” will be the time I vacation at a nudist resort. YOU GUYS! There is a time a place for everything, packing light is not something you set out to do when flying with kids.
I had the girls pack their carry-on as if we were leaving on a jet plane today. Queue the tears, when they found out it was just to stage for a blog post. Here you have it, carry-on essentials as per my 7 and 2 year old:
BACKPACK
Let’s begin with one of the most important things on their carry-on. Their TILE. The way we will find their bags when they go missing. Because we all know if you put a 2 and 7 year old in charge of anything, it will surely get left behind someplace. If there is anyhing you take from this post about flying with kids, let it be this. BUY A TILE. Attach it to you kids “things” and save any unnecessary tears, from them, from you, from George in 26B.
A TILE can be attached to literally anything and is connected to you phone via bluetooth. Find your missing keys, wallet, stroller, luggage, or kids carry-on containing all things of importance. We have pretty much all our belongings rigged up with a TILE and I seriously sleep better at night because of it.
HEADPHONES
Next let’s pull out the headphones. The ones that are going to allow you some sanity. Not having to listen to Peppa Pig the entire 2 hour and 36 minute flight is something to be thankful for. These little headphones are by Snuggly Rascal are clearly made for kids. They’re cozy and comfortable comfort, have adjustable sizing and it’s volume cap is 85 decibels. Your kids are going to love them, just as much as you will love not lisening to daddy pig make another decision he will soon regret.
CAMERA
Our Instax Mini goes with us everywhere; including Disneyland. The plan is to take our autograph book next level and get a picture on the spot to include along each signature. Sofia is very adament that she bring it in her carry-on because she may see something along the way she wants to document. This kid is clearly mine. Never without a camera. I’ve stocked up on film via amazon as it’s the very best price I’ve ever found and away we go.
SNACKS
Likely these won’t make it past the drive to the airport, but they play a very important roll while Flying with Kids. My kids never stop snacking. When they’re hungry, excited, or nervous they snack. Giving them snacks in their carry-on is pretty much a given seeings as they will likely ask for one when we’re in the driveway at 5am, buckling them up, airport bound. This just makes it easier, that and the fact that they love they have control over eating a snack whenever, wherever.
BOOKS & DOODLE PADS
When flying with kids, providing them something other than a tablet is important. Everyone needs a break from Daddy Pig sometimes; book and Doodle Pads are the answer. Sofia chose to pack a new novel series she got from a good friend at her Birthday. We’ve heard so many good things about Ivy + Bean and she is excited to dive in. She also packed a custom Doodle Pad that I had made for her from our friends at Pinhole Press. Those who have read our blog over the years will know my love for Pinhole. They make the best custom items EVER! This little book is called their Face Photo Sticker Book. It gives kids a quality canvas to start with (30 pages of premium white paper) and custom face-stickers (8 faces for a total of 96 stickers) to get their creative juices flowing. Sofia has already jazzed her book up with washi tape and got started on page 1. ((check it out inside below))
Again; putting a child on a flight and handing them a tablet may work for some, not us. Having many forms of entertainment is key to a sucessful flight with children. It’s why it’s no surprise that Stella chose to pack a few of her favorite books for our upcoming family vacation to California. Who doesn’t love a little Pete the Cat? She clearly has great taste in literature. Then of course, a custom book that has the faces of her most favorite people, her family. These custom board books by Pinhole Press are just the very best. She has one from when she was just a baby and has her entire families names and faces. This time however I made one to help her learn words. It’s brilliant! A great way for a 2 year old to pass the time while on a flight. ((check it out inside below))
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Patricia G. says
Traveling with children does seem like it can be stressful, but if you are prepared (like you are) then it can also be a fun experience. And good advice about not packing light!
Priyadarshini Rajendran says
Great ideas. Especially the doodle pads and snacks. I always pack tons of snacks for them.
jill conyers says
My kids started flying when they were very young. With a little prep work by the parents they have always been great travelers.
Saba Aziz says
Love it! So much we should be prepared for with kids!
lori n. says
Agree with all your preparation. We always would keep our kids entertained the best we could and I got a nice comment a few times for how involved we were. Preparation makes all the difference.
ivy pluchinsky says
These are some great ideas
wendy hutton says
flying with kids is just as tough as travelling in a car, always be prepare to keep them amused , great tips here thanks
Naomi says
If they have a phone/tablet make sure you have he app of the airline you are flying. With that you can often access free movies.