On my recent flight from London to Chicago (for an unexpected trip to see my sick husband), I felt sure at least an hour – maybe two – would involve my two and a half year old sleeping – especially as it coincided with her afternoon nap. But nope. How about none (and I’m not including the 15 minutes she snatched just before we landed – blooming typical)!
So, I endured eight, long hours entertaining her on my own. She had a couple of overtired strops but here are some of the means I used to keep her amused (and which have worked on other flights too), even managing to squeeze in a film to watch myself!
1. Puzzles, games, toys
A range of easy to pack toys is essential. Stickers, colouring books are great and the Melissa and Doug water pad is a new favourite (you paint with water, it dries and you can paint it all over again and again – genius)!
2. iPad
Life with children must have been SO much harder before tablets came along to give parents a bit of quiet time (thank goodness I’ve had kids in this electronic generation). In my eyes, they are a must-have for long journeys. Some of the Apps on mine include Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends, Pip & Posy, CBeebies Storytime & Cbebbies Playtime (all pretty educational too). Downloaded videos of Mickey Mouse Club House, back to back Peppa Pig, Dr McStuffins and, of course, Disney’s Frozen, keep my little one transfixed for ages.
3. In-Flight Children’s Channel
A cartoon or kids channel is usually available on in-flight entertainment. It’s a good idea to get your child their own headphones before you fly which fit them properly.
4. Snacks
Pack LOADS of snacks! Don’t bank on your child eating the in-flight meal – if you’ve booked one (make sure you book one)! Rice cakes, sandwiches, oat bars, raisins all got scoffed! These will also come in handy at your destination when a hungry child wakes up at 2am thinking its ‘day time’.
5. Get Active
Walk up and down the aisles, get them doing a bit of exercise (and you too) gives them a slight change of scenery and you might find a willing participate (perhaps another child) to keep them amused. The cabin crew are usually pretty good at giving little ones lots of attention.
How do you keep your children amused on long haul flights? Or do you have any tips on getting them to go sleep on a flight? I’d love to hear from you (I still have the return leg to go)! Please comment below.
Other posts you may find useful
Top Tips For Flying With Young Children
Holiday Essentials: What To Pack Young Children
Oh flying with toddlers!! I wrote a post on this a while ago 🙂
But top tips; busy bags, new toys, iPad, drawing, puzzles.
For sleeping, I generally tend to pull him on my knee, make sure I get a window seat, and put the arm rest up to get comfy with my legs up.
And when not pregnant.
Wine.
Hi Laura, will check yours out. Great sleeping tip. I got the middle seats so couldn’t give it a try & while they aren’t exactly the best seats on the plane at least she couldn’t run off & get distracted by passers by. She did resist sleep for ages though. Eventually went off on my lap – I got a completely dead leg
agree with the snacks and ipad! Food always works. We’ travelled a lot with our first and he was really easy – we’re going to Thailand in the summer and our second, well, she is just so much more high maintenance so will be using these tips! #thelist
Hi Rebecca, I hope they help. Two is another ball game. I absolutely adore Thailand!! I have great memories from there – need to take my little one there soon. Xx
My best mate has just moved to japan, so I can see that this going to be very useful…I’ve promised we’ll visit this year! *sobs*
Thanks for linking up #TheList xx
Hi Hannah – LOVE Japan! Have an amazing time! It will all be worth it. xx
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