Whenever someone asks me how to survive a flight with a toddler, I tell them, “Bring lots of snacks.”

I truly believe that snacks are the best way to survive a flight with a toddler.

I also tell them to lower their expectations and be okay with the snacks not being the healthiest of the healthy. It’s usually just a couple of hours and then you can get back to your normally balanced diets. Of course, you don’t need to bring candy bars and M&Ms for the whole plane ride (I’d save those M&Ms for emergencies!), and there are healthier snacks you can tote along.

But regardless of what you bring – small and mess-free is ideal for young kids. Snacks are just a great way to help pass the time and keep your tinies occupied for a while! With older kids, you can often have other airplane activities but toddlers have such a short attention span, coming up with activities can be tricky (especially if you are opposed to screen time).

The number one rule I have about snacks? Make sure they are easy to clean up – and bring some wet wipes, because even a less messy snack can turn into a huge mess with a toddler – at least, if yours are like mine at all!

I have flown many times with toddlers and little kids, so I think I’ve got a pretty good handle on what snacks to bring and how to bring them. Here are some of my best snack ideas and some of my best tips for success. Please let me know if I missed any of your favorite airplane snacks for your toddlers!

Pack for the TSA

Before we get into the snacks, I wanted to mention how we pack our snacks.

Once upon a time, we were flying out of Denver International Airpot. They pulled us aside and said they had to swab EVERY. SINGLE. SNACK. we brought because they couldn’t see inside.

We had about 20 packages of fruit snacks, and they swabbed each one. It took forever, and we almost missed our flight.

Now, I haven’t had this happen at other airpots, but I have been pretty determined to never have it happen again. So, before we leave, I always take all the food that I can out of their original packaging and put them in see-through containers.

We have had several TSA people thank us for doing this. It just makes life easier for everyone in the security line. I’ll share some different snack containers at the end, but we love using our ZipTop Reusable silicone bags. They have so many sizes – including cute little snack ones that look like animals. We really love using them on the airplane – you can use the code CLARKSCONDENSED15 to get 15% off.

Make sure you either pack them in a separate bag or in an easily accessible place in your carry-on bags to make life easier for everyone as well. Regardless, make sure you give yourself enough time to get through security just in case something doesn’t go as planned.

Types of Snacks

There are different types of snacks you should consider bringing on the plane – they are great options for different purposes and adds variety. I usually recommend choosing a couple different snacks from each category. With my kids, I never know what snacks they are going to want. On our last flight, all my son wanted were apples and clementines!

I do recommend having most of your snacks be ones you can keep at room temperature. While you can definitely bring an ice pack, I find it to be much simpler to have snacks you don’t have tow worry about at all during your air travel.

Also keep in mind that many airlines still provide snacks at some point during the flight, so that can be an added bonus. However, not all do – so don’t bank on that for being your snack plan!

Healthy Snacks

It’s a good idea to bring some healthy snacks so your child doesn’t get all hyped up on junk and sugar. Healthy snacks can feel a little trickier to bring on the plane, but there are plenty of options that are easy to pack and won’t be too messy. If you bring something that has a peel or rind, bring along an extra Ziploc bag to put the waste in.

String Cheese – Kids can eat these by themselves and they’re high in calcium which is good for kids’ bones. You will need a freezer pack for these.

Blueberries– It’s easy to pack a container of blueberries so toddlers can munch on them throughout the flight without making too much noise or spilling anything onto other people.

Yogurt– This is fairly easy to bring and can have some nice protein. However, I would recommend getting the pouches that aren’t refrigerated. It’s a little easier to manage

Carrots are a healthy snack for toddlers on airplanes. They are high in vitamins A, C, and K as well as fiber and water content. They can be a choking hazard, though, so I would pre-cut them or get the pre-sliced carrots.

Homemade Muffins – My son loves when I make homemade muffins, and he doesn’t mind at all when I make more “veggie” based muffins. You can make a batch at home before you go – mini muffins are even better!

Sauce pouches – Apple sauce is what we always go for but there are lots of varieties you can choose from.

Hard Boiled Eggs – Might be a little smellier of an option, but they are filling and have a good amount of protein. You will want to have a freezer bag for these.

Hummus or Guacamole– You can buy the little individual containers of hummus or guacamole at the store to bring along – they can be a bit more filling. They will probably need to be refrigerated. Make sure to bring something to dip in. These can be a little messier.

Apples – People have different comfort levels when it comes to apples. Our toddler can eat a whole one (while being watched, of course), so I just wash them before we go and bring the whole ones on the plane. This way it doesn’t get all brown. However, if you don’t feel comfortable with that, you can easily pre-slice some apples and sprinkle it with either lemon juice or some fruit fresh.

Clementines – These are my toddlers absolute favorite! Easy to eat. Bring a bag for the peels.

Grapes – Obviously make sure you pre-slice these ones before you get on the plane!

Peanut Butter & Jelly sandwich– this lunch staple is easy to make at home or buy from a nearby store if you’re making your own snacks before the flight. See my note about allergies at the bottom of the page.

Easy to Eat Snacks

These are those snacks that are usually small and easy to eat – and there are larger quantities so they might keep your child occupied for longer.

Keep in mind that if these snacks spill, they will go everywhere. So be careful!

Cheerios – Always a favorite for toddlers! Really, any cereal will do. Just be c

Goldfish – Another great finger food option for kids, Goldfish are low in sugar and have great flavor. They are a great snack cracker that children love.

Cheese and Breadstick Dippers

Rice Cakes – My kids always love these. Lots of different flavor options, too!

Granola Bars – We love granola bars. They can get kind of messy though. I recommend steering clear of those Nature Valley Oat bars – not sure if that’s the name, but they are SO crumbly and get everywhere. I like ones Nutrigrain bars (or a toddler equivalent)

Annie’s Bunnies – Similar to Goldfish but there are some different varieties. They might be a little healthier?

Trail Mix – You could make a toddler-friendly trail mix with chocolate chips, raisins, etc. I would skip the nuts, though, since those aren’t particularly good for toddlers.

Animal Crackers

Pretzels

Veggie Straws – my kids always love these!

Sweet Snacks

I always enjoy something sweet while flying, and I know my kids do, too. Try not to go too overboard, but these can be fun to have.

Fruit Snacks– Always a popular option!

Fruit Leathers – I almost put these in the healthy section, because they can be. However, they do tend to be higher in sugar, and they definitely can satisfy a sweet tooth!

Raisins – For an extra yummy treat, spring for the yogurt covered ones! They can be a good source of fiber for helping with any travel tummy issues.

Teddy Grahams – I personally love Teddy Grahams. I think they have some really nice sweetness to them, and they definitely feel like a treat.

Graham Crackers

Emergency Snacks

These are the snacks you pull out when your child (or you) are about to lose it! Definitely use them as a last resort or bribe. Yep, I’m not above bribery when it comes to flying!

Mini M&Ms

Chocolate Chips

Licorice Nibs – These are sweet, but my mom swears they also help with constipation. Win-win!

Drinks

One of the most miserable flights I have ever been on was with my second son. He was a toddler at the time, and there was a lot of choppy air, so they weren’t able to do the food and drink service.

We had forgotten to fill up our water bottles because we got to the airport late and were rushing. He got SO thirsty and had a complete meltdown over it. It was probably a good hour of him screaming, “I want water, I want water” over and over again. I can’t say I blamed him – I was thirsty, too!

After that experience, I have always made it a priority to have plenty to drink. I recommend having a larger water bottle that you can refill one of their sippy cups for.

You could consider bringing some juice boxes, too, if you give your kids juice. This juice box holder could be handy!

We have a handy silicone sippy cup lids that you can stretch over cups, which we’ve used an airplane cups. However, we often request for our kids to get a lid and straw with their drinks, which is really nice for preventing spills. We usually just get them water, but I will usually ask for the whole can so we can fill up extra.

How to pack snacks for toddlers on airplanes

Pack snacks in a checked bag and make sure they’re not liquid. You can take ice packs, so long as they are completely frozen.

1. Pack perishable snacks in a soft sided, insulated lunch box (or something of the sort). , such as a Rubbermaid Lunch Blox or an insulated lunch box with ice packs.

2. As I already mentioned, try and separate items into see-through bags, such as plastic bags or the ZipTop bags that I already mentioned.

3. Be careful about bringing anything too smelly on the plane. If you do, make sure you have a way of disposing of the items after you are done eating.

4. Bring a separate backpack or carry-on (if allowed) where you can put all your snacks that is separated from the rest of your belongings. It’s much more convenient to have them in one designated spot.

5. Make sure you pack things so you don’t have your whole fruit and granola bars being smooshed to pieces at the bottom!

6. If you have multiple children, you can either divide snacks ahead of time into individual portions and put them in a small backpack for them, or bring everyone a bag to divvy up during the flight.

7. Pack reasonable quantities for the length of the flight. If your flight is only one hour, you won’t need nearly as many snacks as you might need for a long trip.

What to Bring

We’ve already talked about what snacks to bring – but let’s chat a little bit about different containers and items to bring to make it easier.

Definitly bring bags or containers that can be closed with a lid or zipper. You don’t want snacks just flying all over your bag and on the ground. As I mentioned, we really like the ZipTop silicone bags. They stand up straight and close really easily.

If you want to bring a little snack container, you might want to bring one that has a suction cup so your toddler can’t as easily just fling it across the airplane. Same goes for little plates if you want to bring something like that. I really like the EzPz brand.

Sippy cups are great. I would avoid straw cups just because they can easily get lost. You can also bring that stretchy universal lid I mentioned earlier.

I have never tried these squeeze pouch containers before, but I’ve heard rave reviews. It makes it so you child can’t just squeeze all the contents out at once (making a huge mess).

I love catcher bibs. They are probably one of my all-time favorite baby products. Great for bringing on the plane for quick clean up and making things less messy. You could also bring silicone placemats to make things even less of a mess.

Wipes – I am sure you probably will have wipes already but don’t forget it! You will want them not only to clean up your toddler but any mess they inevitably will make.

Rules for snacks on airplane

The rules for snacks on airplanes are simple. You can bring your own food on an airplane, though always check with your carrier to see if there are any specific rules.

Additional Tips and Tricks

There are many allergies that people have. Allergies to nuts are very common. You can bring nut-based snacks, but Iwould suggest leaving them at home if at all possible. While some people may speak up and let the airline know that it needs to be a nut-free flight, not everyone will.

Obviously you can’t control all the allergies – if you skipped everything people were allergic to, you wouldn’t ended up with very many options. However, just be aware of the people around you, a nd if someone tells you that there are allergies, be kind and considerate.

On the flip side, if your child has an allergy, make sure you pack plenty of allergy-friendly snacks. Notify the airline ahead of time so they can make an announcement on the plane about what snacks should be limited.

Always buy your snacks before you get to the airport! They are always way more expensive and more limited in option.

And finally, don’t get all the snacks out at once! I like to have bigger bags of snacks that I can portion out throughout the flight into smaller bags (like these ZipTop Kid Snack bags). If they eat all the snacks at once, and you have a long flight ahead of you, it can make life a lot harder! This is especially true if you dont’ have a direct flight

and you are going to need good snacks to last through the next flight. Start with the least desirable snacks and build up from there.

It may seem like a lot of work upfront, but I promise, it’s worth it to be prepared.

I hope that this was helpful in helping you coming up with the best snacks! for your next trip. Honestly, these are great travel snacks for kids of all ages! Try not to overthink it and bring a variety of snacks your toddler while enjoy. Good luck!

More Posts You Might Enjoy:

• Five Pro Tips for Flying on an Airplane with Kids
• 15+ Tips For Flying With a Baby (And Not Going Crazy)
• The Best Rides for Toddlers at Disney World + Disneyland

The post 20+ Airplane Snacks for Toddlers + Expert Tips for Success appeared first on Magical Family Travel Guide.

From the time my first kid was four months old, I’ve been traveling cross-country to see family regularly. Over the years, I have gathered lots of tips and tricks to make travel with kids less stressful, from getting through TSA to maneuvering through the airport and surviving the plane ride. These tips are actually helpful without adding more to your to-do list or increasing the stress you’ll have while traveling.

Be Prepared

The more prep you can do before flying, the less stressed you will be on the day you travel.

What to Pack in a Carry-on for Kids

First, only take necessities as carry-on. Keep in mind as you pack: Everything you take on the plane has to be carried… by you. Limiting what you pack will make screening at TSA, walking through the terminals, and sitting on the plane a whole lot easier. Pack what you need to get through the flight, plus an extra change of clothes, pajamas, and sleeping essentials like blankets and toothbrushes. Check the rest to give yourself a break.

Prepare your Devices

Second, don’t forget to charge your devices, and load them with content! Tablets drain battery life even when they’re not used, and most content you upload expires after 15-30 days. Load or refresh the content before both legs of your trip, and make sure they’re fully charged. We love the Amazon Fire for kids, and it goes on sale several times a year. It comes with a very durable carrying case, which is great for travel.

Organize Your Bags

Third, organize your bags. There’s nothing more stressful than searching through your bag at 30,000 feet looking for a beloved stuffed animal or favorite snack.

I break mine by use: What we will use for entertainment goes in one area, food in another, clothes in a third area, and things we won’t likely need for the plane goes in a carry-on I store overhead.

Arrive Early

Fourth, get to the airport early. Especially these days with labor shortages, you need to plan for extra time. Lines everywhere are long, you’ll be more likely to check bags, TSA takes longer with kids, and you can’t run through a terminal with a crying four-year-old. Add 30 minutes to your arrival time. It’s better to be at your gate early enough to get a treat and use the bathroom than it is to worry you might have to sleep overnight in Terminal A.

PACK FOR THE FLIGHT

Best Travel Advice Ever: Pack a complete change of clothes for every person, in a Ziploc bag, and keep it within arm’s reach. Travel can make kids’ tummies unpredictable, and messy.  

I’ve only had a travel blow-out one time, but I will never forget that trip. Having the clothes (and diaper and wipes) for my infant son, as well as a complete (down to the undies) change for my husband made a really messy experience a lot less awful.

Along with clothes, you need diapers and wipes. I bring extra diapers, and undies for older kids, and shove them in cracks and corners. Messy tummies, flight delays, and travel jitters are real. You’ll want to have five to ten extra diapers, plus wipes and disposal bags to go with them.

Snacks are essential, too. Bringing single or small portioned snacks will stave off temper tantrums (and not just for the kids), save money, and make the trip more exciting. Airport food is about twice as expensive as regular take-out, and can quickly bust your budget. It’s also unreliable, slow, and not always available in your terminal.

Everyone wants a treat. Having a fun treat can be a great way to motivate a tired or fussy kid. Reminding them they can have M&Ms once you’re through TSA or in your seats can stave off a meltdown mid-terminal. And don’t forget snacks for you!

PLAN FOR TSA

Security has been around for a long time, but going through TSA with kids is a whole different experience.

TSA singles out food, baby wipes, formula, in addition to electronics and shoes. They may not announce it, but they will visually search food and wipes, so it saves a lot of time if you have these items pulled out and placed in a bin before your bags go through the screener. Yes, even baby wipes. These seem to set off alarms more than anything else, so save yourself the hassle, and pull them out every time.

I literally pack all my food in one small bag, my tablets and electronics in another small bag, and other items I know will be pulled out at TSA (liquids, baby wipes, and more) in a third. All these bags go into one larger bag that I empty in the security line. This way, I’m only dealing with one bag, not rummaging through everything and risking losing items or having personal things fall on the floor in public.

Pro Tip – If you have snacks that are in non-see-through bags, they may have to swab them individually. Taking them out of the bags and putting them into Ziploc bags can save you a lot of time and stress. Not all airports do this but many larger ones do.

Because you have to pack specifically for TSA, plan to take a few minutes to rearrange your bags at the gate. Give the kids their personal items in their backpacks, put the snacks together, entertainment in one place, and items you don’t plan to need for the flight in another place.

Pro-Tip – Consider getting TSA Pre-check for you. It’s under $100 for five years, and children under 15 automatically will get TSA Pre-check clearance alongside you. TSA Pre-check can save you so much stress, and it can make it so you don’t have to get to the airport (and entertain your children) for quite as long.

Masks on Airplanes for Kids

One of the biggest stresses these days is the thought of getting kids to wear masks and be compliant for an entire flight. It is important to comply with federal guidelines about mask compliance, and being prepared will make things much less stressful.

Let me reassure you, in reality, most flight attendants and airline staff are kind and understanding about children in masks. The horror stories we see are the exception, not the norm.

If your kids don’t wear masks often, practice wearing masks with your kids before your trip.

Masks don’t have to be worn during eating, so if your kids need a break, feed them snacks. This is especially helpful advice at the start of the flight when most compliance issues come up.

Because my toddler struggles with masks, we wait to board until the very last minute. That way, we’re less likely to draw the ire of a flight attendant if my child is having a tough moment.

Don’t forget to take extra masks. Masks fall on the ground, they attract germs and moisture, and you’ll want several extra on hand. Use a small laundry bag for clean, and another for dirty.

Bonus Tips

If everything goes sideways, just remember that eventually, the plane will land, you’ll get off, and never have to see the other passengers again.

• Use those tablets and electronic devices. Now is not the time to restrict tablet time; this is survival. Let them watch as much as they want to keep them entertained and happy on the flight.

• Bring snacks, treats, rewards, and other activities. You can get these at the Dollar Tree, Target in the cheap section, or print things off the internet. Bring extra crayons, and store them in a sealed baggie for easier travel.

• Don’t forget the headphones. You can get cheap kid headphones from Amazon for under $15, and you won’t regret it. The big earphones make them easy for kids to wear, and the volume control keeps them from damaging their hearing.

We like these ones; they have a volume control, they fold up so they don’t break when stored, the cord can plug into either ear, and the plug can come out from the device and the headphone, making it safer if kids accidentally jerk on the headphones.

• Accept and ask for help. Most people are kind, and willing to help, whether it’s lifting a bag or watching one kid while you attend to the other.

Pro Tips

Dress for success. Wear comfortable clothes that can be layered. Lugging everything plus the kitchen sink is a sweat-inducing workout, but airplanes are chilly. Be prepared for both climates, as well as the one at your destination. And do the same for kids–comfy clothes, jackets or sweaters if possible, and coats if you’re landing in a wintery climate.

You can check car seats at the check-in counter for free. Some airlines and airports have free bags to protect the car seat, but availability is not guaranteed. If you’re concerned about the safety of your car seat, you can buy a bag from Amazon for under $20. Keep in mind, they go through considerable abuse and handling while in transit, so don’t be surprised if the bag only lasts a few trips.

We love this bag; it’s lasted a few short-haul and two cross-country trips!

If you check a car seat, you can stuff things in the bag at check-in, like coats, jackets, or bulky items you didn’t fit into the luggage.

Take advantage of Amazon, Target, Shipt, and other delivery services. Ship things like soap, sunscreen, diapers, and wipe to your destination to avoid having to haul them cross country. Have a grocery pick-up scheduled for after you land to get items you need right away, to start your trip off right.

With these tips and tricks, your trip will be smoother and less stressful. And, as I always remind myself: The plane will land and I’ll never have to see these strangers again!

More Posts You Might Enjoy:

• 15+ Tips For Flying With a Baby (And Not Going Crazy)
• The Best Rides for Toddlers at Disney World + Disneyland
• Multigenerational Family Vacation to Disney – Tips for Success!

The post Five Pro Tips for Flying on an Airplane with Kids appeared first on Magical Family Travel Guide.

Having had three children, we have flown our fair share of times with a baby. And honestly – it has never been as bad as I anticipated.

Flying with a toddler? Well…that’s another story.

I often hear moms asking for tips for going on long flights with a baby and small children, so I thought I’d share some of my top “expert” top tips on how to fly with a baby. Hopefully, this will make your next trip with young children a little less stressful, too!

Got children of all ages? Be sure to check out our top tips for flying on an airplane with kids!

Tips for Flying with Babies

1. Something to Suck On

Some of the best advice I received about flying with a baby was to make sure they had something to suck on during take-off and landing. This is the best way to help with air pressure and making sure their ears didn’t get plugged up. It would be a good idea to use a bottle, pacifier, or breastfeed- this is definitely something I would consider necessary.

Even better, get a Wubbanub. It’s less likely to get lost, or bounce a mile across the airplane or dirty airport floors!

And yes, you can ABSOLUTELY breastfeed on an airplane! So don’t worry about that.

2. Get your baby their own seat!

I remember saying when our oldest was a baby, “Well, we better fly while Jack was free!”, because, well, it was cheaper!

However, one time we were able to have an empty seat on the plane next to us, and they let us bring his car seat on…and it was HEAVEN.

With our younger two children, we’ve always gotten them their own seat, and it seriously makes it so much easier. I hate flying and get major anxiety every time we fly, so having my kids in a car seat just makes it a little less stressful. They also take naps much easier!

If there is an extra seat (a middle seat would be best!) on a plane, airlines will sometimes give you that seat for free- but you can’t always count on that.

It does cost more- especially if you do have a lap infant that could technically fly for free, but for safety reasons, it is something to consider. Flying is obviously a very safe way to travel, but in the case of an accident or even bad turbulence- you’ll want your baby in an FAA-approved car seat.

Obviously this isn’t an option for everyone, but I’d be remiss to skip over how this has made flying so much easier for us.

3. Baby carrier

Although we usually our stroller and car seat to the gate, I always put kids in my baby carrier through the airport. When they are younger, I used my homemade Moby wrap. Once they are a bit older, I always use my Ergo baby carrier, which I LOVE. Seriously, it was the best investment. It’s easy to breastfeed in an Ergo, they are sturdy, and Oliver loved it.

Either way, get a baby carrier. You won’t regret it (here’s a few reasons why.)

It also makes going through the security line easier. They just swab your hands — to check for explosives — and then you can go right on through. I’ve passed by quite a few lines because of this.

4. Anticipate delays

We used to breeze through the security checkpoint with no problem. Once you have kids, it’s a completely different story.

There might be other delays that come up — a quick diaper change (THIS diaper changing pad/bag is a must for travel) or to feed a hungry baby, flight delays, etc.

Just try not to stress about them, and give yourself plenty of time. I came from a family where we got to the airport several hours before we had to leave. Forrest isn’t like that. We usually get to our gate now probably five minutes before boarding. I don’t really recommend that — unless you like being stressed out!

5. Gate check stroller/car seat

Take my word on this — if you are planning to bring your stroller and/or car seat, it is worth it to lug it along to the gate. I have heard from countless sources that checking these items with your luggage isn’t the best idea, because they aren’t handled very well.

I’d rather not risk having my car seat or stroller get messed up from being thrown around with all the rest of the luggage. Taking it to the gate ensures that it gets nicely placed onto the airplane (at no additional charge), and the risk of it being damaged is low. Some people just leave their strollers at the gate with no protection, and that seems just fine

However, we are a bit paranoid, and since we want these items to last for at least one more kid, we try to protect them as much as possible. There are several different bags out there that will help protect your stroller or car seat.

We purchased this one, and it’s served us well. It isn’t technically made to hold the car seat and stroller, but we’ve made it work just fine. I would purchase a little more heavy-duty of one, if you are going to check it with your luggage, but otherwise, this one helped protect it from rain more than once.

6. Curb Check

With curb check, there is an extra charge- around $5-$10 but we’ve found it’s totally worth it for family travel. When Jack was a baby,  we went from traveling with one suitcase each, to pushing the free baggage limit on Southwest (and that’s not including our cleverly packed carry-ons, and stroller).

After we’ve unloaded everything, we can barely make it the 10 feet to the curbside check-in, let alone the inside check-in desk. It’s so much nicer, just leaving our luggage with the curb guys, getting our boarding passes there, and just going straight to security.

It’s much easier than standing in the never-ending check-in line, attempting to drag all of our luggage along with us.

And, don’t quote me on this, but there is a better chance that they won’t weigh your luggage at the curbside check-in. Seriously. It’s playing with fate, but we’ve been banked on this happening quite a few times, when our luggage is overweight (usually by less than 5 pounds), especially after Christmas.

7. Bring lots of diapers, wipes, and snacks (if baby is eating solids)

Trust me. Your baby will have a massive blowout diaper while on the plane. Even if it never happens in day-to-day life. There’s something about traveling that makes this happen with babies. Be sure to bring as many diapers as you will think you need, plus a few extras. And don’t forget a change of clothes, too!

And don’t forget lots of wipes. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve thought I had wipes, only to realize I left them in another diaper bag…and we’ve had to resort to using paper towels in the bathroom. Not fun. Always bring more than you need.

They are also nice to have, just to do a quick cleanup after eating a meal on the airplane, or just to wash hands.

If your baby is eating solids, be sure to bring along some snacks and baby food if it will be during mealtime. I highly recommend purchasing baby food pouches, because then you don’t even have to worry about bring a spoon.

Having a good stock of puffs (for the baby…and you! Or are we the only ones that love eating those?!) and whatever other snacks your baby likes. It definitely occupies them, making it less likely that they will cause havoc.

If you do bring baby food, especially in the jars, try and remember to have them easily accessible. When you go through security, they will more than likely make you take them out of your bag and do some kind of test on them (they did for us, at least!) And when you are on the airplane, having easy access will be a huge help.

This goes for any item your baby might need during the flight. Having a baby on your lap, and trying to rummage through a bag, can be difficult.

I also highly recommend a Peke*Buo diaper bag. These are SO awesome for quick diaper changes in the airport. I never go to the airport without mine.

8. Bring the Birth Certificate

Because children under two years of age fly free on most airlines. And even if it’s very obvious that your child is under one, a birth certificate is required.

I’ve heard from quite a few people that they didn’t realize this was a requirement, so definitely don’t forget. We put off picking up Jack’s birth certificate until right before we went on our first flight with him at three months, and we almost forgot. I can’t imagine it would be very fun to get all the way to the airport, only to be told we couldn’t get on.

If your child has a ticketed seat, you do not need their birth certificate.

Someone at the ticketing desk told me that you can take a picture of the birth certificate on your phone, and that will count. It’s usually better to avoid carrying around sensitive documents like that!

9. Inflight Bassinet

This really depends on what airline you are flying on, and I think it’s mainly just for international flor long-haul flights. But some airlines have a bassinet that people can use for their child to sleep in during the flight. I’ve heard mixed reviews about these — some love them, some hate them.

But if your child doesn’t like to sleep in your arms, this might be a good option. Even if an airline says they do provide these, but aware that they are usually available in limited quantity, and on a first-come, first-serve basis.

I did see that you can buy your own in-flight bassinet. I LOVE this idea when I first saw it, though after reading more about it, it’s not really FAA approved. So that may not be the best option.

If at all possible, buy your baby a seat. It’s safer and makes life easier. We always fly with Oliver in a seat, and it’s made traveling so much simpler.

10. Blanket

Airplanes can get pretty chilly. And it seems like babies are more susceptible to changes in temperature than some people. Sure, you could ask the flight attendant for one but it will probably be those itchy, paper thin blankets available, but bringing your baby’s favorite blanket along can help a lot as well. Not only will it keep your baby nice and warm, but sometimes, having a comforting object from home can make being in an unfamiliar place a little bit easier.

11. Ask for help (or look desperate)

While there are probably going to be quite a few people on your flight that are cursing the fact that a baby is also on board, there are also bound to be a few nice fellow passengers. I’ve been lucky enough to encounter these people for the most part.

On the first leg of our flight to North Carolina, there was the nicest lady, about my mom’s age, who carried a few of our bags on for us, and saved us a spot next to her. She was in the boarding group A, and she wanted to make sure that Forrest and I could sit together. During the whole flight, she was so kind, and helped us afterward as well.

She was seriously a life saver, and I’m not sure how that first flight would have gone without her.

And, if you look desperate enough, someone is bound to help. It seems like Forrest always has to run and get something right when we are about to board, and almost every time, some nice person has shown pity on me and helped.

12. Early Boarding

Be sure to check and see if your airline has family boarding. Sadly, most airlines have done away with this, but some, like Southwest, have it still. Southwest lets families board between the A and B ticket groups. And if you are like us, and always get a bad boarding group, this can be really helpful especially so you can get a window seat or aisle seats.

Obviously, if you are able to select your seats before boarding, this probably isn’t as big of a deal, but if it’s a free-for-all flight like Southwest, being able to board a little bit early can make a big difference. I think I would go crazy if Forrest and I had to be separated, especially now that Baby J is older. He’s quite the wiggly worm, and it often takes two of us to make sure he doesn’t squirm away.

13. Entertainment (for older babies)

Our babies didn’t need much to occupy him when we flew with them under six month. They pretty much sleep the entire flight.

If you have a tablet, those can come in handy. We recently downloaded the Fisher Price apps for the iPad, and seriously- they are the best invention ever!

Don’t forget their favorite toys or purchase a new toy that is going to keep them occupied because they’ve never used it before! This is one of those baby tips that could actually work for older children, too! Who doesn’t love something new to play with?

14. For Formula Fed Babies

We didn’t have to worry about warming bottles, since Jack was breastfed. However, I’ve seen many women ask what to do about warming water for formula on a plane.

From everything I’ve read, most flight attendants are willing to microwave some water for a bottle if you ask. You could also ask for water from a coffee pot but make sure you let it cool down.

One person I know said just to buy a bottle of water before you get on the plane. Chances are, it will have warmed up before your baby needs it. So that probably works, too!

15. Bringing Breast Milk or Formula Through Security

Know your rights! I wrote this post about traveling with breast milk – I highly recommend reading it. You are allowed to bring as much breast milk or formula as you want through security – and if anyone gives you trouble, make sure you have the guidelines on hand.

16. Don’t Worry

Something is bound to go wrong. Your husband might decide to run and get water, or go to the bathroom, unknowingly before you are about to board and leave you with a baby, a stroller and car seat already in a bag, and four carry-on bags If your baby cries, people will glare at you. Just remember this — it’s okay. As the old proverb goes, “This too shall pass.”

No flight goes on forever (even though it might seem like it), and you will eventually reach your destination safe and sound. Just try and prepare as much as possible, and just hope for the best!

Do you have any good advice for flying with babies? How about toddlers? That’s our next phase in life, and I imagine it’s a little more difficult!

More Posts You Might Enjoy:

• Yellowstone Family Vacation: Top Tips for a Successful Trip with Kids
• The Best Rides for Toddlers at Disney World + Disneyland
• The Best Age for Disneyland: The Ultimate Guide to Help You Decide

The post 15+ Tips For Flying With a Baby (And Not Going Crazy) appeared first on Magical Family Travel Guide.

Flying When Pregnant

I don’t particularly enjoy flying anytime…but I ESPECIALLY don’t like doing it while I’m pregnant.

This last summer, we traveled by plane a few times – and some legs of the trips were better than others.

I was reminded of the importance of taking it slow, making sure you are comfortable and being prepared for any situation.

With the holidays coming up, I am sure there are MANY pregnant ladies getting ready to fly, so I hope that this post will provide some helpful information to make your flying experience a little less miserable.

But first, a couple FAQs:

Can Pregnant Women Fly?

I mean, can anyone fly?

Okay, that was a lame joke. Yes, pregnant women can fly in an airplane.

You should always discuss travel plans with your care provider, but assuming you have no major complications or issues, there should be no issues flying during your pregnancy.

How Many Weeks Pregnant Can You Fly?

There does come a point in your pregnancy where airlines won’t let you fly, and quite frankly, it wouldn’t be smart!

I mean, I went into labor unexpectedly at 37 weeks – what if I’d been flying because I thought I still had three weeks left?!

The general recommendation is to stop flying after 36 weeks of pregnant. All airlines have different policies, so make sure you check these before your book your flight.

Tips on Flying While pregnant

TSA Pre-Check

Okay, if you are only going to be flying once and don’t plan to fly much over the next few years, then this *might* not be worth it to you.

However, I fly several times a year, so last December, Forrest and I decided to get TSA Pre-Check. It was the BEST decision – this was even before I got pregnant, but I was so grateful I had it when I was pregnant (not to mention with kiddos).

It is $75 for four years, and you have to go and apply in person. The whole process took about 15 minutes. They told us it would take about a month to hear back, but we were both approved within about a week.

Basically, this allows you to skip most of the security line, not have to take off your shoes, and just make the security part of flying SO MUCH EASIER.

I have used it quite a few times, and not only has it helped us not miss some flights, but the longest we’ve had to wait was *maybe* five minutes – if that. And this was during peak travel times (such as the day after Christmas).

It was SO nice when I was pregnant not having to stand in line very long, lean over to take off my shoes or feel like I had to be at the airport WAY earlier than necessary.

Compression Socks

If you are going to be traveling at all (via car or plane) while pregnant, make sure you invest in compression socks.

I never swell when I’m pregnant unless I’m traveling and compression socks can help greatly reduce that.

Flying already increases the risk of blood clots, and the risk is even higher in pregnant women. Compression socks help reduce the risk of blood clots!

They sure aren’t fashionable or even very comfortable, but they can help you feel better in the long run. I hate when I am done traveling, and I look down at my feet and they are like sausages!

Get an Aisle Seat

On a few of my flights, I splurged and paid for Southwest’s Early Bird Check-in so I could for sure get an aisle seat.

This was so worth it to me. On my flight back from North Carolina, I was flying with my family, and since families board before the B boarding group, I didn’t think it was necessary.

Ideally, my boys would have sat next to each other, and I could have sat on the aisle. Unfortunately, World War III about broke out when they realized one of them might not sit by the window, so Forrest and I split up, and I was in the middle seat.

It was THE most miserable flight ever. I was sick the whole time, there was tons of turbulence so I couldn’t get up, and I was starving. This was shortly before I was diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes, and all the snacks I had were super carb-heavy, which made me even sicker by the time I got off the plane.

You want to be able to get up at any time without having to climb over anyone. It’s not a big deal to ask someone to get up and let you out, but it’s a lot easier if you don’t have to – especially if you are battling sickness. I felt so claustrophobic in the middle. As soon as I got off the plane, I ran to the bathroom and threw up.

Throw Up Bag

Airlines typically supply a throw-up bag in the backseat pocket, however, I’ve been on a bunch of flights where these weren’t there.

The flight back from North Carolina was one of them. So I would suggest bringing your own – even if you haven’t had morning sickness, being on a plane can make someone who isn’t even pregnant sick…and you are definitely a lot more likely to get nauseated on the flight when you are!

Bring Healthy Snacks

Most airlines don’t provide snacks anymore, and when they do, they are crackers or small cookies. Definitely not ideal for keeping your tummy full.

Buying snacks at the airport tend to be rather pricey as well, so I would just suggest bringing along your own in your carry-on. Don’t follow my example of bringing carb-heavy items either; make sure they are balanced with fat and protein.

This list of snacks for breastfeeding moms is also a great resource for pregnant mamas.

Comfy Clothes

Make yourself as comfortable as you possibly can be. I’m sure some people would be appalled that I looked like I just rolled out of bed with my clothes…but I was comfortable and really didn’t care what anyone thought!

I got these super comfortable pants from Costco, and I practically lived in them my entire pregnancy – along with some comfy t-shirts. I love the pregnancy t-shirts from Simply Sage Market (and honestly, all their graphic tees are amazing!). You can get 25% off with the code CLARKS25.

Also, make sure you wear comfortable shoes that don’t have a history of swelling your feet. Skechers Go Walk is my very favorite. So comfortable and easy to put on.

Drink lots of water

Don’t count on the flight attendant being able to bring you water during the flight. Those cups are rather small, and you never know if you’ll be on a flight where drink service is discontinued because of turbulence.

Bring an empty, large water bottle with you through security, and then fill it up right before you get on the airplane. I forgot to fill mine once, and it was a disaster. We didn’t get drinks on the plane, which resulted in Oliver crying and crying because he was thirsty, and I was SO thirsty, too!

The low humidity in an airplane can also lead to dehydration. Pregnant women are already at a higher risk of becoming dehydrated, so drink up!

Walk around a lot

There’s a lot of sitting on the airplane and airport, so take whatever opportunity you have to get up and walk around so you can prevent swelling and blood clots.

Before I got on any flight, I took a lap around the terminal. It helped a lot, especially before a long flight.

When you are on the airplane, get up and walk around every hour if you can. Just a lap up and down an aisle should be sufficient!

Be prepared to be sensitive

Sensitive in all definitions of the word – you will likely be more sensitive to smells – even things that don’t necessarily smell bad can really be triggering in a confined space.

If you’re like me, you’ll be more sensitive to anything frustrating or annoying. I had a few experiences when I was flying where I about burst into tears because I was so frustrated. Being pregnant just made everything about 1000x times worse.

And you’ll likely be more sensitive to turbulence!

Something to sit on

Those airport and airplane seats are really not very comfortable! Bringing some kind of pillow to sit on can be really helpful. I would also recommend a neck pillow. I really wish I had one of these!

Seatbelt Extender

If you have found your belly has gotten too big for a traditional seatbelt, you can request a seatbelt extender from the airline. I would look up the rules and availability of these before you get on board, though.

Fly Southwest

We only fly Southwest. They tend to have reasonable fares, I love the family boarding policy, and it’s so nice that you can bring on a carry-on AND a personal item at no extra cost. You will likely have a few more items than usual being pregnant, so not having to pay for a carry-on is helpful.

I find them to be pretty helpful and reasonable, too. We have a couple of Southwest credit cards that we use to rack up the points! If you are in need of a new credit card, this would be a great time to get one. Through our referral link, you can earn 40,000 points when you spend $1000 in the first three months.

Flying during pregnancy is considered safe for both the mother and baby as long as certain precautions are taken. Follow these tips to have a safe and comfortable flight. By preparing ahead of time and being mindful of your body’s needs, you can rest assured that flying while pregnant will be a breeze. Have you flown while pregnant? What tips do you have to share?

Other Posts You May Enjoy:

• Five Pro Tips for Flying on an Airplane with Kids
• 15+ Tips For Flying With a Baby (And Not Going Crazy)

The post 10+ Pro Tips for Flying Pregnant with Ease appeared first on Magical Family Travel Guide.