Entertaining a Baby or Toddler on Board a Flight

If you’ve spent any given time with a small child, you’ll quickly agree that they’re active and curious little things – which is great when you’re on solid ground, but what about when you’re in an airplane thousands of metres in the air with only a teeny tiny amount of room? It always niggles at the back of my mind when I’m preparing for a trip – “How am I going to entertain my daughter for the duration of the flight?”

We’ve done plenty of flights and the very short ones (1 – 2 hours) are always the best (of course). These type of flights are generally over before you know it, and a couple of toys will get you through or, if you’re super lucky, your child will sleep. Any flight longer than this generally requires some thought and preparation. I’ve done quite a few 8-12 hour flights with my daughter, and I’ve even done a marathon 24 hour London to Melbourne. Here are some of my tips for keeping your little person entertained during those awake hours on board a flight:

Make the Most of Your Immediate Environment

A plane ride is an interesting experience, and most young children are intrigued by where they are, this initial curiosity will keep them entertained for some time. My small person enjoys the take-off and landing, and just the general knick-knacks around her such as the seat belt clip or an empty paper cup. She also loves looking at the safety brochure and in-flight magazine. We flick through the magazine and look at all the pictures, I give explanations and make-up stories (she also likes to rip the occasional page…).

Suitable Toys are a Fantastic Distraction

With toys I try and get as much use out of them as possible, so we bring them out one at a time rather than all at once. I always pack a favourite book and favourite soft toy (good comforters) and a new toy that’s never been seen before, as well as a few other entertaining pieces. You can also get creative and make your own toy, my daughter loves opening boxes, so a small gift box filled with ribbons and tissue paper can keep her busy for a least half hour. I also try and avoid taking toys that make really loud noises so as not to upset fellow travellers. Some toys that we like to take are: picture books, a sticker book, a travel sensory board, a mini-scribbler/magna doodle, finger puppets and hand puppets.

Very young babies (1 – 4 months) are likely to sleep for much of the flight, and the times that they are awake they are often happy to be held or fed. Toys that are great for this age are picture books, finger puppets, teething toys (such as Sophie the Giraffe), or a favourite teddy.

In-Flight Movies and Games

When it comes to flying with toddlers, I often relax my TV time limits. On a plane, the in-flight entertainment, movies, games, and iPads become excellent distractions for extended periods. Thankfully, there are numerous headphone options designed specifically for younger children, ensuring they can enjoy their screen time without disturbing fellow passengers.

Walk Around the Plane

Once the flight is in the air, go for a walk. Babies and toddlers like to see where they are and you can talk to them about what’s going on around them. Plus this allows you to stretch your legs and reduces the risk DVT on a long haul flight.

REMEMBER, 15 minutes here and there eventually adds up, combine that with a few long naps and, before you know it, you have arrived at your destination.

Thank you for reading! You may also be interested in Looking for Great Headphones for Kids? A Travel Game Changer!

Baby Loves to Travel is a participant in affiliate programs, such as Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, meaning if you click the link, find something you love and get it, we’re going to make a small commission at no extra cost to you.