Best Travel advise for families

Flying with a toddler rarely goes exactly to plan, but a little preparation goes a long way. These are eight of the most common in-flight missteps families run into, and simple ways to avoid each one.

1. Trying to "save" the nap for the flight

It seems logical: keep your toddler awake so they'll sleep once you're airborne. In practice, an overtired toddler is often more restless and harder to settle, especially in a busy, noisy cabin. Stay as close to your child's usual routine as you can. If a pre-boarding nap fits naturally, let it happen.

2. Offering the takeoff snack or drink too early

Snacks and sips can help with ear comfort and keep little ones calm during takeoff and landing, but only if the timing is right. Taxiing can take a while, and a snack handed over on the runway may be finished long before the plane leaves the ground. Wait until the aircraft is actually gaining speed and preparing for takeoff, and keep a backup snack ready.

3. Bringing out every toy at once

Novelty is your best tool in the air, and it runs out quickly. Instead of revealing everything in the first hour, introduce activities one at a time and rotate them so they feel fresh. Quiet, compact options like sticker books, board books, and small figurines work well. Consider packing one new item for each flight and saving it for the moment you need a reset.

4. Ignoring your toddler's seat setup

Even the best-planned activities need somewhere to happen. Airplane tray tables are small, and toddlers are not known for sitting still, so relying on the standard seat alone is a common misstep.

A travel tray gives your little one a stable, toddler-sized surface for stickers, colouring, snacks, and small toys, and helps keep crayons and crumbs from ending up on the floor. It also makes rotating activities easier, since each one has a defined spot.

A foot hammock is the other upgrade worth considering. Attached under the tray table, it lets your toddler rest their legs instead of dangling them, which can make longer flights more comfortable and help them settle in for a nap. It's a simple way to turn a tall airline seat into a cozier one.

A quick tip: use the foot hammock only once you're at cruising altitude, as it needs to be stowed during takeoff and landing. Check your airline's policy before you fly, as rules on seat accessories vary.

5. Keeping essentials out of reach

Wipes, tissues, a bottle or cup, snacks, and a spare outfit are only useful if you can grab them fast. Items stowed in the overhead bin are no help when a spill or meltdown hits mid-flight. Keep a small pouch or organizer in the seat pocket or under the seat in front of you.

6. Choosing style over practicality

Cute outfits are great for photos, but flights call for function. Rompers, tricky buttons, and tight shoes make diaper changes in a small lavatory much harder. Opt for soft, stretchy, two-piece outfits and add layers, since cabin temperatures can swing from chilly to stuffy.

Pants matter too. Avoid flared or wide-leg bottoms, which can drag along the floor of the airplane washroom and pick up whatever is on it. Pants with elastic cuffs at the ankle are the better choice: they stay off the floor, keep little legs warm, and keep clothes cleaner from gate to gate.

7. Forgetting a trash bag

Snack wrappers, used wipes, tissues, and soiled clothing add up fast in a small space. Pack a few spare bags: one for trash and one for dirty clothes. Open the trash bag at the start of the flight so everything has a place, then hand it to the cabin crew near the end.

8. Expecting a perfectly smooth flight

Every toddler and every flight is different, and some turbulence, literal or emotional, is normal. Prepare what you can, stay flexible, and don't measure success by whether the trip was silent. A calm, adaptable attitude helps both you and your little traveler.

Quick Pre-Flight Checklist

• Diapers, wipes, and tissues (pack more than you think you'll need)
• Snacks and a spill-proof cup
• A small selection of toys, plus one new surprise
• Travel tray and foot hammock
• Trash bag and a separate bag for dirty clothes
• A spare outfit for your toddler (and a spare top for you)
• Comfortable, easy-to-change clothing (soft two-piece sets, elastic-cuff pants, no flares)

Final Thoughts

You can't plan for everything, but you can remove a lot of friction with a few smart choices. Pack thoughtfully, keep essentials handy, and build in flexibility. Happy travels from all of us at TrippyToes!