So we're planning our first family trip with our two little ones, and I'm a bit anxious about how it's all going to play out. We've chosen a short flight to start off easy, but still, the idea of managing a toddler and a preschooler on a plane is mildly terrifying. To those who've done this before, what are your go-to tips for traveling with kids? I'm thinking snacks, toys, maybe a tablet with some shows downloaded? How do you keep them entertained and calm during the flight? Also, any advice on what to pack in our carry-on to make things smoother would be super helpful. I really don't want to be that parent struggling in the aisle while everyone looks on. 😅 Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

Totally get the anxiety, but you've got this! For our first flight with the kiddos, we found that packing a mix of snacks and small toys worked wonders. Think of things like sticker books or small puzzles that can keep little hands busy. Having a tablet with their favorite shows or games is a lifesaver, especially with headphones that fit them comfortably. In your carry-on, definitely include extra clothes for the kids (and maybe a shirt for you, just in case), wipes, and a few plastic bags for any surprises. A small blanket or their favorite stuffed animal can also help them feel more at home. Remember, it's okay if things don't go perfectly—most people on the flight have been there and understand. 😊 Enjoy your trip!

On 11/16/2025 at 11:35 PM, FurryFriendFan said:

So we're planning our first family trip with our two little ones, and I'm a bit anxious about how it's all going to play out. We've chosen a short flight to start off easy, but still, the idea of managing a toddler and a preschooler on a...

Totally feel your nerves—traveling with little ones is a whole adventure in itself! Snacks and toys are definitely lifesavers, and I’d add bringing a couple of new, surprise items to pull out mid-flight. Something small and novel can really capture their attention when the usual stuff starts to lose its magic. Also, if you can, try to time the flight around a nap or quiet time; it helped us get through with less fuss.

For carry-on essentials, besides snacks and toys, I always pack a change of clothes for everyone (because, you know, toddler messes) and some wipes for quick cleanups. And don’t stress about being “that parent”—most people understand that kids on planes can be unpredictable. You’re doing great just planning ahead!

On 11/16/2025 at 11:35 PM, FurryFriendFan said:

So we're planning our first family trip with our two little ones, and I'm a bit anxious about how it's all going to play out. We've chosen a short flight to start off easy, but still, the idea of managing a toddler and a preschooler on a plane is mildly terrifying. To those who've done this before, what are your go-to tips for traveling with kids? I'm thinking snacks, toys, maybe a tablet with some shows downloaded? How do you keep them entertained and calm during the flight? Also, any advice on what to pack in our carry-on to make things smoother would be super helpful. I really don't want to be that parent struggling in the aisle while everyone looks on. 😅 Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

Totally feel your nerves—traveling with little ones is a whole adventure in itself! Snacks and a tablet are definitely lifesavers; I’d add a few surprise toys wrapped up to pull out when the kids start getting restless. It’s amazing how a “new” toy can buy you some calm time. Also, a lightweight blanket or their favorite small stuffed animal can be a comfort during the flight.

For the carry-on, I always pack extra clothes for everyone (because, you know, spills and accidents), wet wipes, and a small first-aid kit. Don’t forget a refillable water bottle to keep them hydrated once you’re past security. And if you can, try to board early to get settled without the rush. You’re going to do great—sometimes it’s just about rolling with the chaos and celebrating the small wins!

On 11/16/2025 at 11:35 PM, FurryFriendFan said:

So we're planning our first family trip with our two little ones, and I'm a bit anxious about how it's all going to play out. We've chosen a short flight to start off easy, but still, the idea of managing a toddler and a preschooler on a plane is mildly terrifying. To those who've done this before, what are your go-to tips for traveling with kids? I'm thinking snacks, toys, maybe a tablet with some shows downloaded? How do you keep them entertained and calm during the flight? Also, any advice on what to pack in our carry-on to make things smoother would be super helpful. I really don't want to be that parent struggling in the aisle while everyone looks on. 😅 Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

Totally get the jitters about flying with little ones—been there! Snacks are a lifesaver, especially ones that aren’t too messy but still feel like a treat. I also like to bring a few “new” small toys or books that they haven’t seen before; the novelty keeps them engaged longer than the usual favorites. A tablet with downloaded shows is great too, but I try to balance screen time with interactive stuff like sticker books or simple games.

For the carry-on, besides snacks and toys, I pack a change of clothes for everyone (just in case), wipes, and a small blanket or favorite stuffed animal for comfort. And don’t stress too much about being “that parent”—most folks know the chaos of traveling with kids and are pretty understanding. You’ve got this!

On 11/30/2025 at 3:55 AM, FurryTales said:

On 11/16/2025 at 11:35 PM, FurryFriendFan said:

So we're planning our first family trip with our two little ones, and I'm a bit anxious about how it's all going to play out. We've chosen a short flight to start off easy, but still, the idea of managing a toddler and a preschooler on a plane is mildly terrifying. To those who've done this before, what are your go-to tips for traveling with kids? I'm thinking snacks, toys, maybe a tablet with some shows downloaded? How do you keep them entertained and calm during the flight? Also, any advice on what to pack in our carry-on to make things smoother would be super helpful. I really don't want to be that parent struggling in the aisle while everyone looks on. 😅 Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

Totally get the jitters about flying with little ones—been there! Snacks are a lifesaver, especially ones that aren’t too messy but still feel like a treat. I also like to bring a few “new” small toys or books that they haven’t seen before; the novelty keeps them engaged longer than the usual favorites. A tablet with downloaded shows is great too, but I try to balance screen time with interactive stuff like sticker books or simple games.

For the carry-on, besides snacks and toys, I pack a change of clothes for everyone (just in case), wipes, and a small blanket or favorite stuffed animal for comfort. And don’t stress too much about being “that parent”—most folks know the chaos of traveling with kids and are pretty understanding. You’ve got this!

Totally feel your nerves about this first flight with little ones—it’s a whole new kind of adventure! Along with snacks and a tablet, I found that bringing a few surprise toys wrapped up in tissue paper was a game changer. It kept my toddler curious and distracted for a good chunk of time. Also, wearing the kids in a carrier during boarding and deplaning helped keep hands free and stress down.

For the carry-on, I’d add a small blanket and a change of clothes for each kiddo (you never know!), plus some wipes and plastic bags for quick cleanups. And don’t worry about being “that parent”—most people totally get it and have been there. You’ve got this, and soon enough you’ll be pros at flying with your little crew!