Jet-Setting with Toddlers

Written by Boom Buddy mum, Kim, from The Shawver Family

Kim, Jay and two-year-old Emerson are well-practised at long-haul family travel with their trips to Jay’s home country – America. Here are their top tips for making it all that little bit easier!

Travelling with children doesn’t have to be difficult. Planning and preparation can make the experience enjoyable for all! Here are some of our top tips for travelling with toddlers and young children.

Preparing to travel

Once you’ve booked your tickets, check with your airline about what you can take for children. You will normally be able to take up to two free items in the hold, such as strollers, car seats and travel cots, though there may be some restrictions so always check. Remember that items for extending seats into a makeshift toddler bed can also have restrictions.

If you’re planning to park at the airport, you could consider meet and greet services, which are normally a short walk from the terminal, and make getting in and out of the airport easier with young children and luggage!

Importantly, don't forget your free UK Global Health Insurance Card. You can get one for children linked to your own and it's great to have in case you end up needing medical help abroad.

Atlanta Airport, USA

At the airport

When you arrive, check if there is a family lane for security. It can sometimes be quicker than the normal security queues and may have wide lanes and gates which help with strollers.

Many airports now have play areas for children so it’s always worth checking ahead to find out where they are to help burn some energy! Sometimes they'll only be in a certain terminal.

If you're travelling with little ones who still take formula or use nappies, you can often use Boots click and collect service at the airport. Purchases made in the airport don't count towards your luggage, but do make sure you have space to carry and store the items as they can be bulky!

Lastly, take your stroller to the gate and check it there. It means you can use it for storage, naps or to keep children contained when needed at the airport. Always check if they will bring your stroller to the gate when you land or if it goes to oversize luggage at your destination as it can vary. It's useful for smaller babies to also have a carrier that you can use to get on and off the plane and through security the other end if the stroller can't be brought to the gate.

On the plane

When you're packing, think about what you may need for the journey. I always find it handy to have a spare set of clothes for everyone and a small bag for quick nappy changes with just a few essentials, which saves taking your main bag into small toilets.

If you're flying long-haul with a baby, most airlines will have a bassinet available for use. You will need to call up early to request this as most are allocated from a wait list and assigned at check in. These seats will always be bulkhead seats as the bassinet attaches to the wall so you also get bonus legroom!

To keep children entertained, make sure to pack headphones, some new toys and plenty of snacks. There are some great mini travel kits for playdoh, magnetic tiles and games, but equally simple things like stickers, masking tape and suction toys can be super handy. For young babies, you may want to consider some ear defenders to block out announcements and engine noise during naps.

Happy flying!