To fly with kids is an adventure! The adventure before you get to your vacation destination haha. But there are things that can definitely help when flying with kids for the first time. We just flew with both our kids- one is 4 and one almost one and I want to share my tried and true tricks. With my 4 year old we have flown with him a ton! But for my 11 month old this was his first time.
When you are flying with kids for the first time it can be hard to know what might work and what won’t work. And of course that can depend on the kids and their age. In my opinion the hardest age to fly with and babies that want to get done. Usually when a baby is mobile and wants to crawl around, walk etc. So that can be about 9 months to maybe 2. Usually by the time they are getting older it is nice because you can reason with them a little more. Convince them to watch a show on the iPad etc.
Tips for Flying With Kids for the First Time
Buy cheap new toys that you don’t care about. I love having a backpack full of new toys. That way your kids are excited about a new toy and it holds their attention longer. Also I like buying these from the dollar store or other cheap places. That way if they get lost in the airport or roll under a seat it isn’t as big of a deal. I like to pull one out every so often too and not give them all at once.
One of my favorite mom hacks for church, doctor offices, flights etc is this awesome toy called Water Wow. It lets your little draw without making a mess. Once the drawing dries then it is done and will clear for them to use again. There are different packs and it is super fun.
I think this is my hidden gem with traveling with kids! Window clings are a game changer! They are awesome for the window seat on a plane. The clings stick to the window but don’t make a mess at all. They peel right off and leave no sticky gross residue. Once the flight is done I usually just throw them away. I can always find them in the Target dollar section but I am sure a dollar store would have them too. They have them for every holiday etc.
Some people will tell you to board early. But I have found that in the past it is easier to board at the end or your assigned section. We are usually the last section anyway since we just fly economy. I think that when you are flying with kids for the first time it is nice to not be in the plane longer than needed. I also like boarding at the end because then people aren’t rushing you to get on with your little kids.
Going along with bringing new items. I like bringing new food and snacks that they haven’t tried to keep it exciting. Along those lines I like bringing snacks they love that will get them excited.
While you are waiting by the gate. Go talk to the gate agent for a check tag for your stroller. It makes it a lot easier to not have to get the tag as everyone is trying to board the plane. And speaking of strollers– I love bringing a travel stroller instead of my nice big stroller. That way it folds really small, has a carry case and I don’t care about it as much. This is the one that we have and I love it so much! And if possible get a travel car seat. We have this one and it is amazing!! SO light and can be worn as a backpack- it is so awesome. I can’t recommend it enough!
When talking about checking items- if you aren’t going to have your kids sit in a car seat during the flight then check them at baggage claim instead of gate checking- it will save you so much time!
When you are flying with your kids for the first time you want to be as comfy as possible. Same with your kids. I highly recommend joggers for yourself and sweats/pajamas for your kids.
If you are flying with a baby I recommend giving them a bottle during take off. The sucking helps with their ears and them popping.
I brought this cool toy on our last flight and it is awesome. It suctions and was perfect for sticking to the tray table. We also loved taking it to restaurants and sticking it to the table when he was in his high chair.
I would bring some sippy cups along with bottles- just depending on ages. You won’t be able to fill them with water until you pass through security. Same with the water wow toy- it just takes a little bit of water to get it to draw.
Of course I would recommend bring a tablet for your kids. With shows already downloaded. Even some flights that have wifi or tv we have found that a lot of the time it is down or doesn’t work. So be sure to have shows already downloaded- you can do this right from Netflix.
My 4 year old was getting a little tired walking around so I let him sit on the top of my suitcase and rest his legs- it was nice. I also really want this Stokke ride on suitcase. It is a little spendy but SO cool! Your child can ride it through the airport and then when they are sitting in their seat they can make it into a bed– such a game changer. It counts as carry on most airlines- so great!
I wish you luck on your first flight flying with kids for the first time! If you are looking for more travel with kids content then check out these posts-