5 Tips for Maintaining Your Sanity While Flying with Children

Summer is here, the kids are out of school and you are planning a fun family trip. What should you have on hand to maintain your sanity while flying with children?

Remember, before you had kids all you had to do was throw a few cute outfits in a suitcase along with a few essential and hop on a plane. You could essentially be ready to leave at the drop of a hat. Enter husband and kids and now your quick planning or lack of is out the window.

After taking a couple of flights alone with not just one but two kids, I have found a few tricks to keep me sane during travel.

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Put together an activity bag

I love the Dollar Tree or the $1 spot at Target to pick up little toys or books for this bag. I like these two places because you can find cheap items that you won’t care if they are left on the plane, broken or lost. Jampack that bag with all sorts of activities your little one likes and items that will keep them entertained with minimal help from you. Some ideas are coloring books, toy cars, stickers, drawing paper, mini puzzles, bubbles etc.

Layover, no problem!

All airports are equipped with play areas for children. Plan ahead, look up which terminal the kid play areas are and utilize them. Not only does it give your little ones a chance to burn off energy but also provides a little relaxation for you. Military?? Look for USO, a lot of times they have light snacks and a kid-friendly area. I also recently found out many of the airline lounges allow active military in for free. Check those out and find one with a kid area!  

Additionally, certain credit cards allow access to airport lounges. Many lounges provide meals, refreshments and a kids play area. We used our first one last month and it was a blessing to not worry about food, drink or entertainment for the kids.

Bring snacks and water bottle/sippy cups

This tip not only saves your sanity but also saves you money. If your little travelers have passed the bottle phase and use a sippy cup, bring it! Water fountains are located near every restroom. If your baby is still using a bottle bring that too, a little secret a lot of people don’t know, TSA will allow you to bring in liquids in a cup for young children if you don’t mind waiting a few extra minutes for them to test it. I almost always forget to dump the milk or water in the sippy cup but have never had an issue with security.

Snacks, snacks, snacks…bring your little one’s favorite snack. You will be happy you did. I cannot tell you how many times we have rushed from one flight to another not able to stop for a snack only to pay an exorbitant amount for the in-flight food that no kid is ever interested in right? Where are the Cheetos?!

Check the car seats

If you don’t plan to use the car seat on the plane, check them. It’s free to check car seats and strollers. I will admit it is easy to transport an infant car seat if you have the stroller attachment. If flying with more than one regular car seat it can get a little tricky. To save you time and sanity, check those seats at the counter and breathe easy!

I am the first to admit, I HATE to check bags…anyone else received their bags back with damaged zippers or scratched fabric? Yeah…me too, so of course I do not want my kid’s car seats to get ruined during transportation. I love these travel car seat bags to transport our car seats, keep them clean and decrease potential damage.  

Additionally, if you are renting a car most car rentals have car seats available for an additional charge. Can you say one less thing to bring?! 

Pack a Baby/Toddler Carrier

I love a good baby carrier. In fact, my husband might even tell you I collect them. Of the many, I have tried and love my favorite is the Infantino Carrier. I often travel alone with my two and carriers are a Godsend! Having one child in the carrier and the other in a stroller is life changing. They’re even more helpful when getting on the plane with a sleeping child.

Flying with kids can be overwhelming. With a little planning, you can make your next trip an enjoyable. Have additional tips for flying with children? Drop them in the comments!

This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through this link. To learn more please visit my disclaimer page.