What to Give a Child Before Flying for the First Time
Short answer
Before flying, give a child light, familiar snacks, plenty of water, and engaging distractions like books or tablets. Include comfort items such as a favorite toy or blanket, and explain the flight process clearly to reduce anxiety. Pack practical essentials like headphones, masks, and a change of clothes to ensure comfort and preparedness throughout the journey.
What snacks should a child have before and during a flight?
Choosing the right snacks is essential to keep a child satisfied and calm before and during a flight. Select light, healthy, and easy-to-eat foods that won’t cause messes or discomfort. Examples include small portions of crackers, cheese sticks, apple slices, or granola bars. Avoid sugary, greasy, or carbonated snacks that might cause hyperactivity or upset stomachs.
To prepare, choose snacks a few days before the trip to test your child’s preferences and tolerance. For instance, if your child enjoys apple slices at home without fuss, pack these for the flight. On travel day, pack snacks in resealable containers or small snack bags for easy access during security checks and inflight. Label the containers with your child’s name if possible.
A practical way to check if the snacks work is to offer them during a long car ride or waiting time. If your child stays content and doesn’t complain of hunger or stomach aches, these snacks are suitable. Provide a mix of crunchy and soft snacks to keep their interest, such as pretzels paired with cheese cubes.
Snack packing tips:
- Use small airtight containers or resealable bags
- Include napkins or wet wipes for clean-up
- Avoid anything with strong smells to be considerate of other passengers
How can a child stay hydrated before and during the flight?
Maintaining hydration is crucial because airplane cabins have low humidity that can cause dry lips, headaches, and discomfort. Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids starting a few hours before the flight. Provide a reusable water bottle for the child to carry and refill after security checks.
Explain why hydration is important using simple language: “Drinking water helps keep your throat and skin comfortable.” Suggest sips every 15 to 30 minutes during the flight, especially during takeoff and landing when the air is drier.
Avoid sugary drinks, sodas, or caffeinated beverages as they can worsen dehydration. To help your child remember, set a timer or associate drinking water with activities, such as “Let’s take a water sip before watching the next show.”
Signs that hydration is on track include moist lips, comfortable skin, and absence of thirst complaints. If the child complains of headaches or fatigue, dehydration might be the cause and it should be addressed promptly.
What distractions are effective to keep a child engaged on a flight?
Children benefit from a variety of quiet, age-appropriate distractions that they can use independently on the plane. Examples include coloring books with crayons, sticker books, simple puzzles, and storybooks. Additionally, electronic devices like tablets or smartphones loaded with movies, educational games, or audiobooks can be very effective.
Bring child-sized headphones that fit comfortably and reduce cabin noise. Before the flight, introduce these distractions during car rides or waiting times so the child knows what to expect. For example, say: “Here is your tablet for the plane with your favorite cartoons already downloaded.”
Rotate activities every 20 to 30 minutes to avoid boredom and keep your child engaged. If the child focuses quietly for these intervals and does not repeatedly ask “Are we there yet?” or become restless, the distraction plan is effective.
Suggested distraction rotation:
- Coloring or stickers for 20 minutes
- Tablet time for 30 minutes
- Snack break
- Storybook reading for 20 minutes
- Quiet conversation or listening to an audiobook
Is it helpful to give a child a comfort item during the flight?
Bringing a comfort item such as a favorite stuffed animal, blanket, or small pillow can provide emotional security for children in unfamiliar settings like airplanes. Allow the child to pick the item they want to bring and include it in their carry-on bag.
In the days before travel, encourage the child to use this item during bedtime or rest times to strengthen its comforting association. For example, say: “This is your special airplane buddy to help you feel safe.”
During the flight, offer the comfort item when the child appears anxious or tired. Suggest phrases like, “Would you like to cuddle your airplane buddy now?” This helps soothe nerves and promotes relaxation.
If the child holds the item tightly and visibly calms down, the comfort item is serving its purpose. Always have a backup item in your carry-on just in case.
How can the flight be explained to a child to reduce fear and build excitement?
Clear, positive explanations of what to expect during the flight help reduce a child’s fear and build confidence. Use simple language and focus on fun details. For example: “First, we will check our bags and go through a special gate called security. Then, we will find our seats on a big airplane that flies high in the sky.”
Start these conversations several days or weeks before the flight depending on the child’s age. Use storybooks or videos designed for children that explain flying in engaging ways. For example, read a children’s book about an airplane adventure.
Answer questions honestly but briefly. For example, if the child asks if the plane will be loud, respond: “Yes, it will make some noise, but it is safe and normal.” Role-play the airport routine with toys or family members to familiarize the child with the process.
If the child begins to ask fewer worried questions and talks about the trip with excitement, the explanations are working. Reinforce this by discussing the flight positively during daily conversations.
What should a child carry on the plane to feel independent and prepared?
Give the child a small backpack or carry-on bag with essential items to encourage responsibility. Include:
- Child-sized headphones
- A clean mask and a spare mask
- Hand sanitizer and tissues
- A change of clothes for spills or accidents
- A small snack and water bottle
- A comfort item like a favorite toy or blanket
Teach the child how to open and close the bag and where each item is located. Label everything with the child’s name to avoid mix-ups. Practice packing and unpacking the bag at home several times before travel day.
At the airport, remind the child to keep the bag close and check it regularly. If during practice outings the child manages their bag without prompts, they will be ready to handle it on the plane.
How can ear pressure discomfort during takeoff and landing be prevented?
Ear discomfort happens because of pressure changes in the airplane cabin. Help your child equalize ear pressure by encouraging swallowing frequently. Offer lollipops or hard candy to older children, a bottle or sippy cup for infants, or chewing gum for those allowed.
Explain why this helps by saying: “Sucking or swallowing helps your ears feel better during takeoff and landing.” Practice swallowing on command at home with phrases like: “Can you swallow five times with me?”
Give the child the lollipop, bottle, or gum about 15 minutes before takeoff and landing to minimize discomfort. If the child reports less ear pain or fussiness during these times, the preparation is successful.
Should medicine be given to a child before flying?
Only administer medicine such as pain relievers or anti-nausea medication if recommended by the child’s healthcare provider. For children who suffer from motion sickness, consult the pediatrician well before travel to discuss safe options.
If medicine is prescribed, follow the dosage instructions carefully, giving it in advance as directed. Keep the medicine in your carry-on bag for easy access.
During the flight, monitor the child for signs of discomfort or nausea and offer medicine only if approved. If the child remains calm and symptom-free, the medicine plan is effective.
What backup items are essential to pack for a child’s first flight?
Packing backup items can manage unexpected needs and reduce stress. Important extras include:
- Additional snacks and an extra water bottle
- Spare changes of clothes, including socks and underwear
- Extra diapers or wipes if applicable
- Backup entertainment such as crayons, coloring pages, or small toys
- Plastic bags for trash, soiled clothes, or spills
- A small first aid kit with band-aids and tissues
Keep these backups in an easily accessible spot in your carry-on or stroller bag. Periodically check if the child needs any of these items during the journey to stay prepared.
Backup packing checklist:
| Item | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Extra snacks | Hunger emergencies | Choose non-perishable options |
| Water bottle | Hydration | Refillable after security |
| Spare clothes | Accidents or spills | Include underwear and socks |
| Entertainment backup | Boredom prevention | Small toys or coloring materials |
| Plastic bags | Waste or dirty items | Seal to prevent spills |
| First aid kit | Minor injuries | Band-aids, wipes, tissues |
Frequently asked questions
Can my child bring a tablet or electronic device on the plane?
Yes. Tablets or smartphones with pre-downloaded movies or games are great for entertainment. Ensure devices are fully charged, bring child-sized headphones, and set devices to airplane mode before boarding.
How early should I offer snacks to my child before the flight?
Offer snacks about 30 to 60 minutes before boarding to avoid hunger during the wait. Avoid large meals immediately before flying to reduce nausea risk.
What if my child refuses to wear a mask on the plane?
Explain gently that masks help keep everyone safe and offer masks with fun designs. Practice wearing masks at home beforehand. Check the airline’s current mask policy to prepare accordingly.
How can anxiety be calmed during the flight?
Use calming techniques like deep breathing exercises, distraction with toys or stories, and reassurance. Encourage the child to express feelings and offer comfort items. Flight attendants can also provide support if needed.
Is airplane water safe for children to drink?
Airplane tap water quality varies, so bringing bottled or filtered water for your child is safer. Refill water bottles at airport water stations after security checks.