Flying Products And Things We Love and Use.
Wondering what you actually need when flying with a baby toddler or young kids? Every person is different but we’ve done enough flights to work out what helps them sleep whether you have a bassinet or not, are allowed a sleep comfort device like Plane Pal or Flyaway. Or if you are looking for activities and travel toys to keep boredom at bay – we have that down to an art. Make sure you check out the rest of the site for ideas and inspiration!
We have always tried to pack the least amount but that is not always possible, especially with a young baby that needs a zillion changes of clothes, a stroller for all seasons, toys, baby carriers and more. Whilst you can see our full packing list and essentials must have items the information below will help you plan what items you need or will be useful, depending on your circumstances.
What should I Bring?
The main items to consider bringing depend a little on your circumstances. I’ve broken that up down below so you can quickly see which suits you best.
Lap Baby (No Seat)
READ: Airplane Bassinets – All you need to know
If you are flying long haul, you will have the option of a bassinet for your baby to sleep in. A bassinet is at the bulkhead position which is normally provided free of charge by the airline.
A couple of large muslins are great to use as a bassinet liner and a lightweight blanket or sleepsack.
If you have a baby under 12 months, as a very general rule, they will fit most airline bassinets.
Bassinet sizes, weights and rules vary depending on the airline but we have lots more information about 60 airlines requirements and photos with all the information you need in the READ link above
One product we love so much and buy for our friends with babies too, is the Cozigo UV stroller and bassinet cover. It’s brilliant for shielding our baby from the cabin lights on a flight and also fits a stroller as a sun shield.
Baby/Toddler Has Own Seat
READ: Car Seats and Child Restraint Devices
READ: Toddler Sleep Comfort Devices
If your baby has their own seat- they normally need to be in an airline approved car seat for taxi, take off and landing or held on the parents lap where some airlines provide an infant lap belt. If your child is over two, this is not a requirement. You cannot sit in a bassinet position if you have a car seat for the same child.
If your toddler has their own seat, and no car seat, then you may be able to use sleep comfort device – something which will make an economy seat into a bed like the Plane Pal, Flyaway or Bedbox.
The airlines don’t provide these but you can buy and use on multiple flights – the resale value is great too.
Feeding Products
READ: Feeding on Planes
Bottle warmer – I used a Tommee Tippee warmer which we refill at the Starbucks or airport cafe once past security with boiling water.
Sleep Products
READ:
There are definitely two school of thoughts over sleep products. some people love them, others are not convinced. From personal experience, I’ve used ALL the most recommended ones and a couple stand out more than others! My husband is Australian so we’ve done some ultra long haul trips and trying to make sure the kids and us get as much sleep as possible on a flight like that is a high priority.
My first tip, check if your airline allows. Don’t go by the product page, as they can sometimes get it wrong and believe me nothing is more frustrating than bringing a sleep inflatable that you can’t use. I’ve listed here that airlines which allow and officially say so on their website and the ones which are a hard no. For the rest, it very much depends on the crew on the day.
Some airlines are very strict on the actual brand and won’t allow the cheaper ones you can find on Amazon. This is because the approved brands have gone through thorough safety checks showing that they will not ‘pop’, then can deflate incredibly quickly and are made of good quality materials
The sleep devices are not allowed on the aisle seat. You must be able to fasten your seat belt securely when using them. Window or middle seat is where they can be used, as they must not obstruct any other passengers from an exit path.
The most likely devices to be approved are: Plane Pal, Flyaway (Use the coupon code FLYINGWITHABABY to get $10 off in your currency as they ship worldwide) and Stokke Bedbox
Plane Pal is like an inflatable rectangular cube with a T shape. Broader at top than the bottom. What we really like about it is that you can utilise it in several ways and turn it sideways, lengthways and upside down to fit the seat you are in.
You can squish it into a row of economy if a seat is front of you, and I tend to rest my legs on it too and feel more comfy that way. If you are sitting at the bulkhead, it can’t be ‘jammed’ into place so turning it the other way can help -this also works if an adult or older child wants to use it.
I feel Planepal is a good all rounder for lots of ages.
Flyaway is designed slightly differently, it inflates but lies on top of the seat so there is no gap between the seat and product. This one is best for babies and young children who can lie on top of it. Older kids and adults won’t be able to use it.
We did a flight to Australia on Singapore Airlines and used the plane pal, the Flyaway and an airplane bassinet with 2 kids and a baby. The kids preferred Flyaway as they kept slipping on the Planepal as were all at the bulkhead. Had we sat in a row with seats in front of us – this problem wouldn’t have happened.
Bedbox is luggage and a bed – but again it’s lifespan is limited to a kid is around 3 or 4. Otherwise, it’s habdy having a little bit of storage and it’s a pull along too – so good for tired legs at the airport if you don’t have a stroller.
Baby Carrier
READ: The best Baby Carriers for Travel
A baby carrier is so useful if you have a younger baby and invaluable when you need to be hands free. There are several types available now with great support for you and baby, and mesh so you both don’t get too hot in warmer climes. We’ve used a couple of different brand and have also asked other parents which ones they have liked with their pros and cons so you can make an informed purchase based on genuine reviews of people who have bought them and used themselves.
Travel strollers
READ: Travel Strollers: Top Picks Pros and Cons
Travel strollers have a come a long way from being such a novelty to now being used as an everyday pushchair. We think they a decent one is worth investing in for everyday but which do you choose? We use our personal experiences and asked other parents who have bought their travel strollers themselves to give their opinion and experience of owning it with pros, cons and all the important information.
It’s good to know that airlines will accept them on board if they meet the airline cabin baggage allowance. (You may need to bring it in place of your normal carry on baggage allowance.)
There is a lot to think about with some strollers costing a lot for newborn extras which only last a few months, and others needing extra parts like footrests and bumper bars to help your baby feel more comfortable. We delve into all this and more.
Travel Toys
READ: Travel Toys for babies and Toddlers
As a general rule, we have always packed toys in our carry on which will also be useful at the hotel and back at home too. Depending on the age of your child, you can also wrap them up to give some more Fine Motor Skill practice and delay the excitement. When my girls were older toddlers, I used to pack a toy and bring out a new one every 30 minutes if needed.
Travel Toys Babies 0-6m
For this age, particularly really tiny ones, you don’t need much.
Sassy Ring-O-Links Teethers. are great as you can attach to the bassinet, car seat and they double up as rattles and teethers in fun colours. You can also attach other toys to them.
Travel Toys 6- 18 months
Window spinners are amazing if you have a window seat and
Melissa and Doug take along shape sorter always proved a huge hit. Kids love posting things at this age, so an empty spice jar and pipe cleaner/chenille stems also works well!
Travel Toys 18 months +
For older babies and toddlers, an interest in stickers, or drawing with triangular crayons which won’t roll away. Post it notes and painters tape. Buckle toys are something my daughters loved and it kept them occupied for ages.
Coming Soon?
Coming Soon
Watch this space