Preparing ahead of time for plane trip with children can help make the whole experience comfortable even fun.

For information regarding packing for a trip see our travel checklist

Must Have

• Small folding stroller for use in the airport [often airports will have them available for hire]
• Snacks for before and during the fight, small bags of dried cereal, raisins, cubed cheese, crackers and what your child enjoys. [Avoid junk or salty foods as air travel can be dehydrating]
• Resealable bottles of juice or small juice boxes [keep beverages in soft insulated lunch bag]
• Small wrapped toy, or several to open at intervals on a long flight
• Activity bags with notepad, crayons, reusable stickers, small toys or figures, finger puppets, small books. [Often Airlines will supply activity bags] For a long flight introduce these items gradually
• Personal cassette or CD player with headphones will keep older children entertained for hours
• Hygienic wipes
• Bag with a change of clothing for the children, toiletries, medications you may require, and anything else you may require

For Baby

• Extra disposable nappies and wipes [always take more than you think you may need]
• Car seat. Or arrange to hire one at your destination
• Bottle fed babies, bring your own formula and bottled water for mixing powdered formula [nursing or bottle - feeding during take off and landing will help reduce pressure in baby's ears]
• Extra dummies, think bout securing them to baby's clothing so they don't end up under your seat.
• Small soft toy or teething ring, rattle and / or a puppet
• Blanket
• Changing pad
• Baby powder and lotion
• Plastic bags
• Nursing pads / burp pads
• Bibs
• Bottles, teats, and caps
• Formula and / juice / water
• Changes of clothing
• Jacket or sweater
• Collapsible stroller with canopy or umbrella
• Front or back child - carrying pack, or sling style
• Waterproof sheets
• Bathing supplies
• Large plastic bags for wet clothes
• Check with airlines about items available on board to assist travelling with children