Traveling with a baby can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when it comes to keeping them entertained on a plane. Long flights can test our patience, especially when we're running on a few hours of sleep. We travel A LOT and we enjoy bringing our kids along for the adventures, but we've picked up some valuable tools along the way.
TBH flying with a 1 year old is arguably the hardest age. They don't have an attention span long enough to lean on an iPad for entertainment, but they aren't a sleepy, cuddly baby anymore that's just happy sitting on your lap and playing peek-a-boo.
So today I'm sharing my favorite tried and true plan activities for 1 year olds. With just a bit of prep and online shopping, you can turn the plane ride into a fun adventure.
Some of the best plane activities for 1-Year-Olds: keeping your toddler engaged (and avoiding meltdowns!)
The key is to have a variety of engaging activities tailored to your one year old child's interests and developmental stage. Whether it's their favorite toy, a new game, sticker book, or a fun activity, there are plenty of ways to ensure your kiddo stays happy and occupied throughout the plane ride. Here are some baby and toddler approved plane activities to make your trip smoother and more enjoyable for everyone (including your fellow passengers!).
1. Play-Doh
2. Mini toy cars
3. Silicone teething toys
4. Busy board
5. Magnetic toys
6. Finger puppets
7. Window cling stickers
8. No-mess painting
9. Fidget spinners
10. Stackable cups
11. Shape sorter
12. Musical rain stick
13. Interactive snack tray
Access my full-round up of everything I pack in an airplane activity kit here.
Other plane considerations for smooth travels
In addition to the travel toys and activities listed above, here are some other considerations to keep in mind when traveling by plane with kids:
Packing checklist for your toddler’s carry-on
One of the best tools to get through the flight is a smartly packed carry-on. Having a carry-on bag stocked with essentials, things to do, and plenty of snacks can help keep the trip to your destination as relaxing as your vacation.
To help you assemble the perfect kid carry-on bag or backpack, I’m sharing my packing list with you! Here’s everything you need to have in your child’s carry-on:
- Travel diaper bag
- Plastic zipper pouches
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Passport
- Lovey
- Thin blanket
- Diapers or training pants
- Wet/dry bag set
- Extra clothing
- Jacket or sweater
- Water bottle
- Snacks in fun containers
- Wet Ones
- Clorox Disinfectant wipes
- Coterie wipes
- Children's tylenol and children's benadryl
- Headphones
- iPad in a high-quality, kid-friendly case
- Portable charger
- Dedicated travel journal
- Tray table cover
- Crayons for artwork
3 tips for a smooth flight
I've taken my toddler on over 26 flights. Here’s how we survive:
Stuff your car seat bag with essentials.
Most airlines allow you to check a car seat for free. This is a great way to add additional necessary items to your trip without incurring additional fees! We typically place the SlumberPod, toddler air mattress, diapers and any swim necessities like floats or toys in our car seat bag and have never had any questions or issues about it. It's worth noting that this can add up in weight, which is why we prefer to purchase a super lightweight car seat for travel.
Let your kids run wild before the flight.
Before boarding the plane, it's a really good idea to allow your child to run around and burn off some energy. This will make it easier for them to sit still during the flight. Some airports have play areas for kids so it may be worthwhile to do a little research before your flight.
Bring all the snacks.
Our carry-ons are alway filled to the brim with lots of snacks. I highly suggest putting together a fun surprise snack box to keep little hands busy. Just grab a pill box, fun stickers, their favorite snacks, and some extra special treats.
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Traveling with young children can be challenging, but it's also incredibly rewarding. With a little preparation and these tips in mind, you'll be able to survive your next trip with ease. And who knows, maybe you'll even have a smooth and enjoyable flight!
Featured image by Julia Pomodoro from corelens
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