Prepping the kids for a Flight: Tips to get them dressed to fly
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You may feel stressed when traveling with kids as you need to keep track of all their clothing, snacks, as well as energy levels. Sometimes it may also feel like a full-time job instead of a vacation when it comes to preparing things for kids before flying.
However, from my experience, working smartly and planning your child's flight outfit before the day of your flight can make your kid's journey comfortable. In this article, I'll share what your kids can wear on the day of travel and what items you must carry with you.
Take a look! I've also broken out the different age brackets so you can jump right to the one (or ones) that apply to your family...
Comfortable Clothing for Babies
Given below are some helpful travel wear tips that I have found useful when flying with babies:
- Dress baby in comfortable clothes. Comfort is key for a smooth journey with your child. I learned the hard way that frilly and fancy clothes can make your toddler uncomfortable. Instead, I opt for pajamas or onesies with zippers made from soft, breathable fabrics like cotton or bamboo. These outfits are easy to handle while changing a diaper in a confined airplane bathroom. During our first international flight with my youngest, I learned the hard way that fancy outfits are no match for a comfortable onesie. The ease of a zipper onesie saved us countless times during quick diaper changes in tiny airplane bathrooms.
- Bring bibs for kids. If your child prefers to eat on their own, carrying a bib can be very handy to manage the mess. From my experience, a bib can save you a lot of cleaning up later.
- Pick the right layers of clothes according to the weather. The first layer your child wears should be the most comfortable as they will sleep in those clothes. Pack additional layers such as a soft long sleeve sweater and a small blanket for extra warmth if needed.
- Bring socks and a hat. Planes can be cool sometimes, so don't forget to bring socks to keep your child's toes warm and a stretchable hat for additional warmth. This has always been a lifesaver for us during flights.
- Clip-on that pacifier. If your baby uses a pacifier, don't forget to bring a strap to clip it to their clothing. This helps prevent losing it and saves you from a lot of trouble. Also, carry an extra pacifier just in case. I was happy to have a spare pacifier on hand during a particularly fussy flight.
- Consider using a baby carrier. A baby carrier can keep your hands free while navigating the airport and boarding the plane. It also helps to soothe the baby by keeping them close to you.
Essential Accessories for Babies
In addition to comfortable clothing, certain accessories can make the journey smoother:
- Backup outfits and extra clothes. Always bring at least two backup outfits for your baby and extra clothes for yourself. This prepares you for any unexpected spills or accidents during the flight. From my experience, you can never have too many backup outfits.
- A versatile baby blanket. A light, cozy baby blanket is useful for keeping your baby warm during naps, as an emergency changing pad, or a breastfeeding cover-up. This multi-purpose item has saved us numerous times.
- Avoid synthetic fabrics. Stick to natural, breathable fabrics like cotton, bamboo, or linen. These are better for regulating your baby's body temperature and will keep them comfortable during the flight.
- Bring enough diapers and wipes. Always carry more diapers and wipes than you think you'll need. Air travel can sometimes be unpredictable, and having extra supplies ensures you're prepared for any situation. I was once caught off guard with fewer diapers and it was a stressful experience.
- Include small toys and comfort items. Bringing a few small toys or a favorite blanket can help keep your baby calm and entertained during the flight. These items have been a great distraction for my little one.
READ MORE: Traveling with Infants Tips
VIDEO:
Traveling with kids can be a daunting experience, but it doesn't have to be! In this video, I share five invaluable tips for flying with children that have made our family trips so much smoother and enjoyable. From packing the perfect travel backpack to managing snacks and navigating airport security, these practical hacks are based on our recent adventure to Disney World with my five-year-old daughter, Callie. Trust me, these strategies have transformed our travel routine, making it stress-free and fun for everyone. Watch the video to discover how you can make your next family vacation a breeze!
Practical Outfit Choices for Toddlers
Given below are some helpful travel wear tips that I have found useful when flying with toddlers:
- Dress toddlers in durable, easy-to-clean clothing. Opt for clothes that can withstand the rigors of travel. I avoid separate items like pants and shirts that can be easily removed and lost. Instead, I choose one-piece outfits or matching sets. On a particularly long flight, my toddler spilled juice all over herself. Thankfully, I had packed multiple sets of clothes. The extra outfits kept her clean and comfortable for the rest of the journey.
- Layer appropriately. Dress your toddler in layers to adapt to changing temperatures. A zip-up sweater over a t-shirt is a good option for easy adjustment.
- Pack multiple sets of clothes. Always bring extra clothes in your hand luggage. At least two additional outfits and pairs of socks are recommended, as toddlers tend to create messes while eating and playing.
- Bring comfortable footwear. Ensure your toddler wears comfortable shoes that are easy to put on and take off. This can help with security checks and keep them comfortable during the flight. I've found that slip-on shoes work best.
- Consider using pull-ups. Even if your toddler is potty-trained, using pull-ups can prevent accidents during the flight, especially during takeoff and landing when bathroom access may be restricted. This really helped me avoid potential accidents on long flights.
Smart Dressing Tips for Teenagers
Given below are some helpful travel wear tips that I have found useful when flying with teenagers:
- Wear dark colors. Dress your child in dark-colored clothes like black or gray t-shirts and pants to hide stains from spills or food. This tip has saved us from visible stains more times than I can count.
- Choose easy-to-remove shoes. At many airports, everyone over the age of 12 must remove their shoes when going through airport security. Shoes that are easy to take off and put on will help avoid delays. I was glad to see my teens wearing slip-on shoes during our last trip; it made security checks a breeze.
- Avoid tight clothing. Tight clothes can be uncomfortable, especially during long flights. Opt for loose, comfortable clothing like sweatpants or stretchable cotton leggings.
- Encourage them to wear layers. Layers can help adjust to the changing temperatures on the plane. A light jacket or hoodie over a t-shirt is a versatile option. This has been our go-to strategy for family flights.
- Pack entertainment options. Ensure your teenager has books, magazines, or electronic devices with headphones to keep them entertained during the flight. From my experience, keeping teens entertained is crucial for a peaceful flight.
Additional Essentials for Teenagers
In addition to smart outfit choices, certain essentials can enhance comfort:
- Wear breathable materials. Choose clothes made from breathable fabrics to avoid discomfort and irritation. This has helped my teens stay comfortable during long flights.
- Wear socks for hygiene and warmth. Socks protect feet from germs on bathroom floors and seat cushions and help maintain warmth. My teens always appreciate having an extra pair of socks.
- Use a zip-up sweater. A zip-up sweater is easy to put on or take off depending on the temperature. During a layover, my daughter appreciated having a zip-up sweater that she could easily remove when we moved from a chilly airplane to a warmer terminal. Layering has become our go-to strategy for family flights.
- Pack a change of clothes. Always have a change of clothes in your hand luggage for your teenager in case of spills or other incidents. This precaution has saved us from a lot of trouble.
- Bring a neck pillow. A neck pillow can help your teenager sleep comfortably during the flight, especially on longer journeys. This has been a game-changer for us on long flights.
Good luck and safe travels!
READ MORE: Prepping the kids to fly
FAQ: Prepping Kids for a Flight
Dress babies in comfortable clothes like pajamas or onesies with zippers made from soft, breathable fabrics like cotton or bamboo. These are easy to handle during diaper changes.
Bibs can help manage messes if your child prefers to eat on their own, saving you from a lot of cleaning up later.
The first layer should be the most comfortable. Pack additional layers like a soft long sleeve sweater and a small blanket for extra warmth if needed.
Essential accessories include backup outfits, a versatile baby blanket, natural fabric clothes, enough diapers and wipes, and small toys or comfort items.
Dress toddlers in durable, easy-to-clean clothing like one-piece outfits or matching sets. Layer appropriately and ensure they wear comfortable footwear.
Using pull-ups can prevent accidents during the flight, especially during takeoff and landing when bathroom access may be restricted.
Dress teenagers in dark-colored clothes to hide stains, easy-to-remove shoes for security checks, loose and comfortable clothing, and layers to adjust to changing temperatures.
Teenagers should carry breathable materials, socks for hygiene and warmth, a zip-up sweater, a change of clothes, and a neck pillow for better sleep.
Ensure your teenager has books, magazines, or electronic devices with headphones to keep them entertained.
Bring a strap to clip the pacifier to their clothing to prevent losing it and carry an extra pacifier just in case.
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