Ashwin Lewis
Travelling with a toddler can be a challenging experience, especially when it comes to getting them to sleep on a plane. While some toddlers may be too excited by the new environment to nap, others may be soothed by the white noise of the airplane and fall asleep more easily. Planning a flight around your toddler's sleep schedule may be a good strategy, but it is not always feasible, especially for long-haul flights. In such cases, it is essential to prepare for various scenarios and have realistic expectations.
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What You'll Learn
Book a bassinet row or buy a travel car seat
If your 18-month-old is a good sleeper in their car seat, you may want to consider bringing it on the plane. Car seats are a safer option than having your child in your arms in the event of turbulence or rough air. They also provide familiarity and comfort for your child.
When choosing a car seat, it's important to select one that is FAA-approved and easy to install. The Chicco KeyFit Max ClearTex is a good choice for infants and can also be used for everyday use. For an affordable and easy-to-use convertible car seat for toddlers, consider the Cosco Scenera Next, which fits children up to 40 inches tall for rear-facing and 43 inches for forward-facing. If your child is bigger, try the Cosco Finale 2-in-1, which also converts to a high-back booster.
To make transporting your car seat through the airport easier, consider investing in a travel cart. The Britax Travel Cart can be folded and stowed in an overhead bin, and it can hold a total of 100 pounds of car seat and child.
If you don't want to bring your own car seat, you can book a bassinet row on your flight. Airlines like British Airways, Delta Air Lines, Emirates, and Qatar Airways offer bassinets on long-haul flights, typically in bulkhead rows with extra space. However, bassinets are usually quite small and cozy, best accommodating newborns up to one-year-olds, depending on the child's size. Each airline has different policies and weight limits, so be sure to check in advance. To secure a bassinet, it's recommended to request one at the time of booking or as early as possible.
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Stick to your child's bedtime routine
Travelling with an 18-month-old can be challenging, especially when it comes to sleep. Here are some tips to help your toddler stick to their bedtime routine while on a plane:
Book flights that align with your toddler's sleep schedule
Try to book flights that coincide with your toddler's nap or bedtime. A tired child is more likely to sleep, especially if the flight matches their usual sleep routine. If possible, gradually adjust their bedtime before the trip to align with the time zone of your destination. This can be done by changing their bedtime by 15 minutes every few days, either earlier or later, depending on your destination.
Prepare familiar sleep items
Bring items from home that your child associates with sleep time. This could include their favourite blanket, stuffed animal, or sleep sack. If possible, bring their car seat, as they may be more likely to fall asleep in a familiar and comfortable environment. Additionally, consider bringing items to create a comfortable sleeping environment, such as an extra blanket to block out light or an inflatable foot pillow to create a flat sleeping surface.
Stick to your bedtime routine
As much as possible, try to replicate your child's bedtime routine from home. This could include activities such as reading books, singing songs, or cuddling. If time allows, change them into their pyjamas during a layover or before leaving home to trigger sleepiness.
Ensure your child is well-fed and active before the flight
A full tummy can make your toddler feel sleepy, so pack nutritious and filling snacks that they enjoy. Avoid sugary treats that might make them hyperactive. Before boarding, let them walk around, explore, and play at the airport to burn off some energy. They will be more likely to be ready for sleep once you are in the air.
Be flexible and patient
Remember that your toddler may pick up on your stress, so stay calm and flexible. Sometimes, despite your best efforts, your child might not sleep as planned. Go with the flow and be prepared with alternative activities or special toys or snacks to keep them occupied if they are unable to sleep.
Sticking to your child's bedtime routine while on a plane is achievable with some preparation and flexibility. These tips can help increase the chances of a peaceful and restful flight for both you and your toddler.
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Bring new toys and books
Travelling with an 18-month-old can be challenging, especially when it comes to getting them to sleep on a plane. To increase the chances of your toddler sleeping, it is recommended to bring new toys and books to keep them entertained and engaged.
One option is to bring a variety of new toys that can be handed out at regular intervals to maintain your toddler's interest. For example, stacking cups, modelling materials, origami kits, and sensory busy boards with wipeable doodle boards or buckles, buttons, zips and laces can be great for keeping toddlers occupied.
Another idea is to bring a busy book which can be purchased or made from Etsy. These books often feature matching shapes and colours, as well as activities that are more advanced, allowing the book to 'grow' with your child. Busy books can keep toddlers engaged for long periods, and they are easy to pack and carry.
In addition to toys, books can also be a great source of entertainment and can help calm your toddler before sleep. Reading a bedtime story or singing a familiar song can be soothing for your toddler and may help them relax and fall asleep more easily.
It is also beneficial to bring a plane-compatible car seat if your ticket allows it. This can provide a safe and familiar space for your toddler to sleep in, mimicking their bedtime routine at home.
By combining new toys, books, and a comfortable sleeping environment, you can increase the chances of your 18-month-old sleeping on a plane and make the travel experience more enjoyable for both you and your child.
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Avoid red-eye flights
Red-eye flights, or overnight flights, can be daunting for parents travelling with babies and toddlers. While they can be a necessary evil of air travel, there are some strategies to help your 18-month-old sleep on a plane and make the experience more comfortable for both of you.
Firstly, make your toddler tired but not exhausted. Ensure they get a full nap on the day of the flight, but avoid overtiring them with short naps, as this can lead to a meltdown. Let them run around and burn off energy at the airport before boarding.
Secondly, create a comfortable sleeping environment. Bring their bedtime comfort items, such as PJs, a stuffed animal, a soother, or a favourite blanket. These familiar items can help trigger your child's sleep associations and improve their chances of sleeping. Dress them in light, easily removable layers to prevent overheating.
Thirdly, wait to start your bedtime routine until the plane has entered "sleep mode". After the announcements, meal service, and beverage services are complete, and the lights have been dimmed, it will be easier to get your toddler ready for sleep.
Finally, pick your battles. While you may want to limit screen time or snacks, preventing an overtired and emotional meltdown takes priority. Bring toddler headphones for entertainment, and plenty of snacks to keep them happy and satisfied.
By following these tips, you can maximise your toddler's chances of sleeping on a red-eye flight and make the experience more manageable for both of you.
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Book an aisle seat
When travelling with an 18-month-old, booking an aisle seat can be a great option for several reasons. Firstly, it provides easy access to the aisle, allowing you to get up and walk with your toddler or use the extra space in the aisle for stretching and relaxing. This can be especially beneficial if your child is restless or needs frequent attention during the flight.
Additionally, booking an aisle seat in advance ensures that you can secure your preferred seating arrangement. Many airlines allow you to choose your seats at the time of booking or shortly after, and selecting an aisle seat can increase your chances of being seated with your family. This is important, as children under a certain age are typically required to sit with an accompanying adult. By booking early, you can also avoid the possibility of being separated from your child during take-off, landing, or turbulence, as these are the times when children may need to be seated with an adult or in their own seats.
Moreover, aisle seats offer flexibility and convenience when travelling with an 18-month-old. They provide easier access to the overhead compartments for any necessary items, such as toys, snacks, or extra clothing. Aisle seats also make it more convenient to reach the restroom, especially if your toddler needs frequent bathroom breaks. By choosing an aisle seat, you can avoid the hassle of climbing over other passengers and potentially disturbing them.
When booking an aisle seat, it is important to be aware of certain restrictions. Some airlines may not allow Child Restraint Systems (CRS) or car seats in aisle seats due to safety regulations and emergency exit requirements. Therefore, it is crucial to check the specific policies of your chosen airline before assuming that your aisle seat will accommodate a car seat or CRS. Additionally, consider the width of your CRS or car seat to ensure it fits within the standard airplane seat dimensions.
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Frequently asked questions
It can be difficult to get a young child to sleep on a plane. Here are some tips that might help:
- Stick to their daily routine, including their nap routine and bedtime routine.
- Bring their car seat on the plane.
- Book a bassinet row, where flight attendants can attach a bassinet to the wall in front of the row of seats so your baby can lie there during the flight (not during takeoff and landing).
- Book an aisle seat so you can get up and down easily, but for older babies/toddlers, a window seat might be better to avoid distractions.
- Bring new, exciting toys and books, or wrap existing toys in foil to keep them entertained while unwrapping.
- Use a tablet device with shows or games downloaded.
- Avoid red-eye flights, as these can wreck a sleep schedule.
- Avoid giving them sugar or medications to make them drowsy, as this can sometimes have the opposite effect.
Here are some additional tips that might help:
- Try to book a flight that departs very early in the morning, so your child might fall asleep before takeoff.
- Bring a travel pillow so they can stretch out their legs.
- Walk up and down the aisles with your baby in a carrier.
- Don't be afraid to nurse your baby to sleep.
- Be prepared for them not to sleep, and bring an extra exciting snack or toy to snap them out of crankiness.
Here are some tips for booking a flight with a young child:
- Book an aisle seat so you can get up and down easily.
- Book a seat for your child, so you don't have to hold them the whole time.
- Book a flight that coincides with their normal sleep time.
- If you can afford it, book an extra seat to give your child more space to lie down.
- Check with your airline about bringing a travel crib/playard, as some accept these as a free check-in.
In addition to toys and books, here are some essential items to bring on a plane for a young child:
- Car seat
- Stroller
- Diaper bag
- Liquids such as breast milk, boiled water, or apple sauce
- Breast pump and its bag
- Sleeping options such as a bassinet or travel crib
- Inflatable travel pillow
Here are some things to keep in mind when travelling with a young child:
- They may have a very limited attention span and need constant entertainment.
- They may be too excited about the plane to take a nap.
- You may need to manage your expectations and be prepared for a challenging flight.
