Right when my son turned one, we took a month-long trip to Singapore, Hong Kong and Shanghai. It was 19 hours (with a layover) each way and, needless to say, it was not easy. The list of tips I collected from my friends, on top of our month - long experience, make up the content in this article. I hope you may find it helpful should you ever find yourself needing to fly long-haul with your toddler!
1) Pack a lot of toys
I know screen time may be a go-to for most parents, but some toddlers below 2 years old may not enjoy screen time as much. . The key is pace yourself and bring toys that engage the different senses to switch in and out of screen time.
Lightweight and foldable toys are best.
Some options are toy books that have zippers/ buttons/ clicks, coloring books, bubble wrap for kids to pop one by one, small puzzles, small doodle pads.
2) Pack a LOT of snacks
Healthy snacks such as whole wheat cheerios, blueberries, string cheese, nutri grain bars, probiotic fruit melties can come in handy when your toddler is bored and having a meltdown on the flight.
3) Wet wipes!
Your toddler will want to touch everything on the plane, including under the chair or even the ground and in the bathroom. Antiseptic wipes are key!
Abundant baby wipes are also advised since your child may need to be changed at all kinds of locations such as at the airport, on the flight, and on the road to and from your final destination.
4) Change of clothes (for your toddler & yourself)
You may not be aware when your toddler has soaked his diaper or had a blowout when you’re on a flight as keeping track of time becomes harder, so a change of clothes for your child available to you is important.
Bring plastic bags to store the dirty clothes so the odor won’t spread to your other belongings
I found myself holding my 1 year old often when he fell asleep, and when his diaper soaked through his pants it went onto my clothes too, so I’d recommend adults to bring a change of clothes for themselves as well.
5) If your toddler is large in size and under 2 years old, you may want to buy her a seat and put her in an airline approved car seat
If you have a 90th percentile toddler in weight and height like I do, I’d recommend buying a seat for her if your finances allow it, especially on flights lasting more than 10 hours. Carrying her all the way is possible, but it is not comfortable for her and you will not be able to rest much.
Airplane-approved seats such as the Cosco Scenera are affordable and easy to install on flights and cars when you travel.
6) Bring small gifts for your fellow passengers
I stole the idea from George Clooney since they apparently bought noise-canceling headphones for their fellow passengers as a gift to minimize their discomfort if the Clooney twins had mid-flight meltdowns.
For the rest of us, I think bringing ear plugs and chocolates for our neighbors will suffice as a small gesture.
7) Know hacks on how to keep YOURSELF awake
Traveling long haul on your own is taxing enough, add on a toddler you’ll be completely exhausted. Therefore, knowing how to keep yourself feeling awake and healthy is key.
Stay hydrated, drink coffee if you need but don’t overdo it, and consider bringing fresh fruits and healthy snacks such as nuts and boiled eggs.
8) Bring a back cushion for yourself
Especially for parents who are carrying their toddlers most of the flight, having lower back support makes a huge difference. I’d recommend bringing an inflatable back cushion for your comfort. It will also come in handy when your child falls asleep on your lap and needs a cushion.
9) Try to not schedule a lot of events the 2-3 days after you land if there is time difference
Toddlers will need at least 3 days to get over jet lag, and when they are awake, they will definitely wake you up. I’d recommend keeping a light social schedule immediately after the flight so that everyone can adjust and get acclimated.
Going outside for walks during daylight will help your toddler stay awake and adjust to the destination’s time.
10) Have a relaxed, a-day-at-a-time attitude, you got this!
It will seem hard, and it is hard. But everyone can survive these long-haul flights especially if they are prepared. Don’t let small things frustrate you! Keep a joyful attitude because it will rub off on your child too.
As parents of young children, we all need grace from others, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Especially when you’re on the road!
Ilaria Chan is the chairwoman of an international think tank. She also serves on the boards of humanitarian NGOs, venture capital and real estate funds, and is a frequent keynote speaker at tech and investment conferences around the world.