Flying with Two Toddler Nephews: 3 Key Lessons Learned

The Experience of Flying with Toddlers

Flying with toddlers can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. Recently, I had the opportunity to travel with my two young nephews, Charlie and Declan, on a family trip to Florida. Their energy and excitement for any adventure make them delightful companions, but flying with them required careful planning and teamwork. This trip left me more impressed with parents than ever before.

All Hands on Deck

One of the most important lessons I learned is the value of having extra hands during travel. My brother and sister-in-law often ask me to join them on trips, and I always appreciate the chance to help. When one child needs attention, I can take the other for a walk through the airport or assist with snacks, diaper changes, or even pointing out airplanes in the sky. On our recent flight from LaGuardia to Jacksonville, I helped pour milk for Declan while my brother grabbed his bag, and I retrieved Charlie’s blanket for my sister-in-law.

Even if a family doesn’t have an extra set of hands, it’s still possible to manage. Flight attendants can assist with pouring milk for a baby, and fellow travelers might be willing to help with small tasks. As the saying goes, “It takes a village” to raise a child, and this is especially true when traveling with young kids.

Airplanes = TV Time

The topic of screen time is often debated among parents. Jonathan Haidt, a sociologist at New York University, argues in his book The Anxious Generation that children should not have smartphones until they are 16. He suggests phone-free schools as a way to reduce anxiety in young people.

While I agree with this perspective, I also believe that there are moments when children can benefit from using personal devices. Air travel is one such moment. During our trip, Charlie was given free reign to watch PAW Patrol on an iPad. He sat in his seat, feet not touching the ground, wearing PAW Patrol headphones and fully immersed in Adventure Bay. This allowed him to stay calm and entertained throughout the flight.

Running Before the Flight Is a Good Thing

As the certified fun aunt, I’m always ready to entertain Charlie and Declan. I play with them, toss them in the air, and draw their favorite cartoon characters. In the airport, I chase them around, especially Charlie, who is very fast. He runs with his whole body, pumping his arms up and down while wearing a serious face.

During our layover in Jacksonville, I chased him back and forth to big windows so he could watch planes take off. I held him and ran on the moving walkway, calling him the "fastest boy in the world." He giggled as I chased him, wearing himself out before our flight. It was a perfect way to spend the hour ahead of boarding. Charlie got all his energy out, ready to snuggle in his airplane seat for the ride home.

Conclusion

Flying with toddlers requires patience, preparation, and support. From having extra hands to using screen time wisely, there are several strategies that can make the experience smoother. The key is to embrace the chaos and find ways to turn challenges into memorable moments. With the right approach, traveling with young children can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience for everyone involved.