Flying with the kids is a different experience than flying on your own. Whether you have seen the whole world and are used to flying, packing, and unpacking, you will have an entirely new understanding of flying. Therefore, planning your journey ahead of time can be of immense help. Whether you are taking a long or short one, there are some particular boxes that you should tick to avoid any inconvenience during the flight. Being well-prepared will also help and be convenient for you and your kids.
Here we have enlisted some significantly essential items you must remember to pack in the kids’ carry-on when flying. You will also learn what things you should fill in your carry-on. So, without further ado, let’s get started.
RELATED: Your Ultimate Survival guide for flying with a one year old
9 Things to Add to Kids’ Carry-On
You have to add different types of stuff to the kids’ carry-on. Some of these things are for the kids’ entertainment, some to make them relaxed during the flight, and some may be essential for their health. Also, the type of things varies depending on your kids’ ages and their varying interests.
Adding all these things to the bag will help you deal with any situation that may arise when traveling with kids. Moreover, you may need to plan your trip differently based on the number of your kids. Indeed, big families need a different type of preparation than small families.
Following the list of items will give you a clear idea of organizing your kids’ carry-on for a short or long flight.
Fun Activities to Keep Kids Busy
One of the first things to include in your kids’ luggage is something to keep them busy. When you wish your kids to stay calm, content, and engaged and let you enjoy the peaceful flight, you must prepare the kids’ bag with some fun activities. Some of these fun activities include;
- Pick a coloring and activity book with a few crayons and let the kids have a little fun on the flight. If there is a specific type of coloring book that your kids are asking for, let them have that when on the plane. This way, the kids will remain interested in the activity with more zeal and for a more extended period.
- Packing electronic gadgets such as iPhones, a kindle, and a tablet is another excellent option. Load these tech gadgets with kids’ favorite movies and tuck them in the carry-on. However, do remember to keep the chargers and the hands free.
- Pack a notebook or notepad in their carry-on if your kids love to draw or have a knack for sketching. Generally, kids over ten love to draw anything special they observe in the surroundings.
- You may also find printable travel games in the market. These travel games include word searches, connect the dots, hangman, bingo, scavenger hunt, etc.
Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer is a must-have in every bag, whether you are traveling or not. In today’s age, when we have spent (or instead lost) at least three years dealing with COVID, everybody needs to stay overprotective of their hygienic rituals.
Especially when you are flying from one place to another and spending hours in public places, it is essential to follow strict sanitary protocols. Using hand sanitizer is one of the easiest and the simplest things to practice, and kids have also become used to keeping them around.
Healthy Snacks
Keeping healthy snacks when traveling with kids is always a great idea. You can make small packages of dry and healthy snacks for kids. A few healthy and tasty options include resins, cookies, and granola bites. However, avoid packing liquids in your luggage, such as yogurt and small fruit pouches, as these are not allowed in by the authorities.
Sweet Treats
Many kids feel nauseous and anxious during flights. They especially find it challenging to stay calm and collected during long flights. Hence, they may have to deal with upset stomachs, headaches, pain, or other such issues.
The low blood sugar level is one of the most common reasons for feeling light-headed and nauseous. Therefore, keeping some sweet treats can be a great relief for your kid.
Firstly, these candies or chocolate will instantly give a sweet taste boost, and secondly, they will increase the sugar level in your body, which will help support the regulation of all body systems. Indeed, you, too, can enjoy the delicious taste of these tiny treats.
Books
It is a common misconception that kids are only interested in playing video games or spending most of their time before screens. Contrarily, kids love reading fun and exciting books. Most kids LOVE comic books. They love the story-telling and attractive imagery and idealize the characters.
Keeping their favorite books in the carry-ons is an excellent idea if your kids love reading books. Book reading is a great pass-time and a way healthier hobby than electronic gadgets. However, keep whatever fun activity your kids are most interested in, thus spending a relaxed time on the flight.
RELATED: Compensair: Compensation for flight delays and cancellations
Small Blanket
Generally, airlines provide their passengers with blankets. However, keeping a small blanket for your kid in the carry-on is a good idea. Many kids have a special blanket they feel most comfortable sleeping on; if your kid has something that special, they will surely need it during a long flight.
Kids’ Favorite Toys
Let your little kids choose one or two toys to take on the flight. Every kid has a special toy that they love the most. And some kids have a favorite toy for the time being until the next favorite makes its appearance. Whichever the case is, keeping a couple of small toys in the kids’ carry-on is necessary to keep kids busy in their favorite activity.
Comfy Clothes for a Cozy Sleep
If you have to take a long flight, there is a strong possibility that your kids will feel hectic and tired. Therefore, we recommend keeping kids’ pajamas or comfy clothes in the bag to help them drift into a cozy sleep.
Spare Clothes
It would be best to pack extra clothes wherever or whenever you leave with the kids. Keeping spare clothing in your bag is especially necessary with infants. So, keeping spare clothes becomes crucial when taking flights, where you must stay confined for long hours.
7 Things to Add to Your Carry-On When Traveling With Kids
Now that we have covered everything you must put inside the kids’ carry-ons, look at the must-haves you should put in your own hand luggage.
Travel Documents and Other Necessary Papers
One of the first things to check in your handbag is the presence of travel, identity, and other essential documents. It is always a great idea to keep these documents in your nearest pocket, thus showing them to the officials immediately.
Snacks to Munch
Just like you should put some healthy snacks in the kids’ carry-ons, we advise you to get some for yourself. These delicious snacks come in handy during long flights. You can add all your favorite snacks in a zip-lock bag to keep your clothes and documents safe from getting in contact with them.
Extra Shirt
If you are traveling with little ones, there is always a strong possibility of harmless accidents. Things may get messy if your kid throws up during the flight and you are not ready with the bag beforehand. Therefore, you must keep an extra shirt when traveling with little kids.
A Journal
Journaling is an excellent hobby that is helpful for your social life, personal growth, and mental health. We advise you to take your journal book when traveling with your kids. This hobby will help you keep track of the events, and you will love looking back at the memories.
Empty Water Bottles
Airport authorities do not allow boarding with any liquid. So, we advise you to keep empty bottles in your bag. Fill the bottles at the airport and enjoy them during the flight.
Antibacterial Wet Wipes
Keeping antibacterial baby wipes when traveling is highly beneficial to safeguard yourself from germs. It is an excellent habit to clean the chairs, armrests, and other places where your hands will touch with the wipes.
Prescription Medication
Always remember to keep the prescribed medicines in the carry-on. Many people keep essential medication in their luggage, which is useless. Based on your health condition and the advised timing of taking the medication, you must keep them in your carry-on.
Final Words
And with that, we are wrapping up this article here. Flying with kids is a whole other situation than flying alone. Whether you are taking a family vacation, attending a family event, or flying with your kids for any particular reason, a lot goes into the preparations.
We hope you found this read informative and helpful in planning your next flying trip with the kids. Keeping all these items in the kids’ carry-on will give you peace of mind that you have everything your kids will require during the flight.
0
278
