First Time Ni LO Sa Airplane? Parents Share Tips For Your Toddler’s First Plane Ride

In the Smart Parenting Village, when a parent asks a question, others generously share their hard-won wisdom. 

This first-time mom to a two-year-old girl has sought the advice of moms and dads:

“First time niya mag-airplane this March. Hingi sana ako ng tips on handling a toddler sa flight: things I have to prepare, what [to] do ’pag restless... si little girl na nasa ‘terrible twos’ stage. Medyo kinakabahan ako.

“Less than two hours lang naman ang flight, but I want to be prepared. Sana I could hear your personal experience [and] what worked for you.”

Pre-flight: What to prepare

According to some parents who have heeded the first-time mom’s call, she needs to pack the following:

• Snacks, water, and sugar-free candies

• Videos downloaded from YouTube, and also headphones or earphones

• Toys they have not played with yet

• Coloring, activity, or sticker books that are still unopened

• Paper and crayons

• Blankets and stuffed toys

• Extra set of clothes

• Wet wipes

“Nagdala lang kami ng toys, snacks, and water. Okay naman siya. [Hindi] niya masyadong naramdaman ang takeoff at landing,” says Neil Allison Nora, whose child was turning two at the time of their flight from Cebu to Manila.

Before boarding, boredom is another challenge for both parent and child. “I think mas maiinip siya sa airport kahihintay for boarding [than] being on the plane. Dala ka rin ng book for [yourself] or anything na pwedeng [source of] entertainment besides looking after your [little one],” JC McGilvray says.

“If you can schedule a flight na timing sa nap time, okay rin yun,” Pam Baroro says to the first-time mom. “In the meantime, get your little girl used to travel... I find that when [kids are] used to it [already], you won’t even need to find ways to entertain them.” This well-traveled mom of three chronicles her semi-nomadic family’s trips in her blog.  

During the flight: The power of distraction

“Play her fave YouTube videos bago mag-take off at mag-land [ang] plane. [Watching videos] will distract her for a few minutes,” Cherry Vi says. “After that, try to convince her to look outside if [she’s in a] window seat.” 

Another mom in the Village prefers the aisle seat for herself so she can easily access the overhead compartment to get other items for her child.

And remember those brand-new toys and activity books? Their novelty can distract your toddler, in case the clouds are not fascinating enough.

“Iwas-hyper”

Plane rides may be exciting but can also be uncomfortable for them. “Dahil first time niya, baka mairita siya sa [changes in] air pressure,” JC also says to the first-time mom, “so if bottle-fed siya, let her drink milk during takeoff and landing.”

As an alternative, have your toddler chew on something, preferably sugar-free “para iwas-hyper,” as another mom puts it. 

Christine Marie Guarino advises giving your toddler just water and not overfeeding them “[para] hindi sila magsuka.” She adds, “Medyo struggle lang kung gusto nila magtakbuhan. [Pero] hinayaan ko lang [mga anak kong] maglaro sa airport, kaya pagsakay namin sa eroplano, natulog na sila. Sakto lang [na] bago bumaba sa airplane, nagising na sila.” 

Do you have tips on ensuring a smooth flight for toddlers? Share these in the comments section.