Top 5 Products for Travelling With A Toddler 2024
This year myself and Leo made the 21 hour trip to Melbourne from London. A lot of people raised their eyebrows at idea of traveling alone with a 18 month old but by being prepared with the right tools and mental attitude of "this may not be without some tough moments" we got to the other side and suprised my brother who had only met Leo once, it was amazing and although boarding the plane and exiting the plane came with a few issues- there was always some lovely person around to help- Take the help!
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey for both you and your little one, it's essential to be well-prepared. We'll share our tips & best products for flying long haul and short with a baby or toddler.
Snacks Galore
When you're flying, hunger can strike at any time, so packing a variety of snacks is a must especially as some airlines ( ahem Emirates) think that toddlers under two only eat puree! Opt for healthy and easy-to-eat options like fruit slices, crackers, and bite-sized sandwiches- Ellas Kitchen and Organics to the rescue. Also a insulated drinks bottle to keep they hydrated with all that air-con blowing on them. Leo loves the B-Box Insulated one- easy to drink from & open on his own.
Entertainment Essentials
Long flights can be taxing for toddlers' attention spans, so keeping them entertained is crucial. Bring along a mix of distractions like coloring books, stickers, small toys, or a tablet loaded with age-appropriate games and videos. Noise-canceling headphones can also be a game-changer if your toddler is sensitive to cabin noise. Leo loves colouring so a little tin of the The Crayon Bug vehicle crayons go everywhere with us, as does the Wipeable Hey Doodle Reusable Colouring Matt- he absolutely loves it and it's great for small spaces.
Comfort is Key
Comfort is vital for both you and your toddler during a flight. Dress yourself & child in layers for temperature changes. I recently purchase the Huzi Infinity Pillow in the lovely terracota colour for the 23 hours of travel to Melbourne with Leo. Honestly so great for resting your head and theirs if you wrap it the right way! and SO soft, I cannot emphasize that enough, padding out those awful arm rests.
Nappy Bag Essentials
If your little one is still in nappies, your nappy bag/wrap should be well-stocked. Pack plenty of nappies, wipes, nappy rash cream, and a changing pad. It's also wise to carry an extra change of clothes for both you and your child in case of inevitable spills or accidents. I love the nuby wipeable travel mat- absolutely essential so you don't have to take the whole bag with you to the tiny cubicle!
First-Aid Kit and Medications
While it's unlikely that you'll encounter any serious medical issues during a flight, it's always a good idea to be prepared. A lot of countries do not have a Calpol equivalent. For instance recently we were given paracetamol in Liquid for for Leo recently that I as an adult would struggle to swallow! So make sure you have this packed for any teething pains.
Travel
We also wouldn't be without our Didofy Aster Pram - Leo loves it has a massive amount of storage room in the basket too. Also his baby born carrier was fantastic when he was just that bit smaller and couldn't walk for when they take you pram off you, not every airport offers a complimentary stroller but I wouldn't high recommend Dubai for your connection if you are travelling to Melbourne or Australia with little ones as they had these readily available as soon as you got off the plane avoiding having to carry everything and a toddler ( who at one point decide to back flip out of my arms!!)
Wishing you luck on your travels, I know you can do it :)
Stephanie