At the tender age of 3 ½, Abbie doesn’t quite understand just how far away she has traveled (“Can we go to Florida this afternoon, Mommy?”), but ask her where she’s visited by plane and she can list them off… Montreal, Florida, Prince George, Atlanta and in a week’s time, Arizona.

As I prepare, plan and pack for this upcoming family vacation, my mind is traveling back to all of our previous flights with both her and our 1 year old son, as I attempt to remember all of the various strategies that have helped us make it through the airport, the plane ride and safely (and sanely!) to our destination.

Here’s a quick list I came up with:

• Pack a small backpack for each child with some special items- a couple of favorite books, small toys, a ziploc bag with crayons, and some paper, etc.  Add something new to surprise them with- a coloring book, a new toy, a package of stickers.
• Pack your own bag with a good stash of child-friendly snacks. For this trip, I will be bringing fruit leathers, crackers and granola bars. You never know what will be served on the plane (if anything), and it always pays to have things that you know your children will enjoy. Make sure to include your children’s favorite sippie cups as well.
• Have a stuffed animal, lovey or blankie for each child. Something well loved, for snuggling on the plane, for sleeping, etc.
• Bring a stroller for the airport- but bring the smallest one you can. Lugging around a large stroller, either in the airport or on vacation is usually not worth it. Umbrella strollers or others that are lightweight and fold down well are ideal choices.
• Nurse your baby during take off and landing. The sucking helps to keep their ears from building up too much pressure, and it’s just plain comforting. Offer your toddler a sippy cup or something chewy, to help ease their ears as well.
• Take advantage of early boarding for families with young children. Make sure that you arrive at your gate with extra time before boarding, to make sure that you don’t miss your chance to board first and get settled before the other passengers come aboard.
• Ask for a seat with a baby bed, for long flights, at the time of booking. Many planes have portable crib-type beds that can be set up, but the seats that accommodate these beds must be requested ahead of time.
• If you need something, just ask- chances are the attendants can help you out. Many planes have a few jars of baby food stashed somewhere, can give extra snacks to kids, and can heat up baby food or give you extra hot water when needed.
• Use layovers or plane transfers as an opportunity to let your kids get some energy out- to crawl around in the seats and aisles (reasonably, of course!), or to find a safe place in the airport where they can let out a bit of steam. Many airports even have indoor play areas, so if you’ve got a bit of time to kill, make sure you ask someone what’s available.

What are your best tips for traveling by plane with small children?

Stephanie can’t wait to show her two children the wonders of creation at the Grand Canyon! When not on vacation, she can be found blogging about naturally inspired living at Keeper of the Home.