Travelling with little ones can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time flying with a baby, toddler, or young child. Between ear pressure, snack rules, and keeping them entertained in a cramped seat, there’s a lot to think about.

Here at Rascally Kidz we’ve put together this practical guide to answer some of the most common flying-with-kids questions and help make your next flight smoother and less stressful.

1. What Do I Do During Takeoff/Landing to Prevent Ear Pain?

Ear pain during takeoff and landing is caused by pressure changes in the cabin. Young children are more sensitive to this and may not know how to equalize the pressure like adults can.

Here’s what helps:

• Babies: Breastfeed or bottle-feed during ascent and descent. The sucking motion helps relieve ear pressure.
• Toddlers & older kids: Offer a drink with a straw, a lollipop, or chewing gum (if age-appropriate).
• Yawning & swallowing: Encourage these actions — even silly exaggerated yawns help!
• Eustachian tube support: Use baby earplanes (pressure-reducing earplugs) for children if you’re especially worried. Soon to be sold online by us- stay tuned.

Pro Tip: Start these actions just before the plane starts descending — that’s when pressure changes are sharpest.

2. How Do You Travel with Breastmilk or Formula?

Good news: Breastmilk, formula, and baby food are allowed in quantities over the usual 100ml limit for liquids at security.

Travel Tips:

• Tell security that you’re carrying baby milk or formula. They may do additional screening, but you won’t be forced to throw it out.
• Pre-measured formula in travel containers is easier than bringing tins.
• Bring a thermos with hot water or ask airline staff for hot water when needed.
• Pack it smart: Use insulated bags or a cooler with gel packs to keep milk cold.

3. Can I Take Snacks?

What to pack:

• Dry snacks like puffs, crackers, rice cakes, dried fruit, muesli bars.
• Fresh snacks like bananas, cut grapes, or apple slices.
• Avoid messy or smelly items (for your own sanity and your fellow passengers’!).
• Make sure everything is pre-cut, easy to open, and not liquid-based.

Just note that some international destinations have restrictions on bringing food into the country, so eat or dispose of leftovers before landing.

4. What Are the Best Toys/Activities to Take on the Plane?

Here are our faves by age:

For Babies:

• Soft cloth books – Our Travel Busy Books are a must
• Teething rings
• Rattles with loops to attach to the seatbelt

For Toddlers:

• Water Painting Books (reusable water-painting)
• Reusable sticker books
• Fidget toys
• Crayola Color Wonder sets (no mess markers)

For Older Kids (3+):

• Busy Books – Our Shop – These are invaluable when travelling with kids
• Tablet with headphones (preloaded with movies/games)
• Magnetic puzzles or drawing boards
• Card games like UNO (for 5+)
• Surprise bags: wrap small toys and let them “unwrap” every hour!

Pro Tip: Rotate toys every 30 minutes to keep boredom at bay.

Further Tips or Tricks for Airline Travel

5. General Tips:

• Book smart: Choose seats near the front for quicker exit or near the toilets if you’re travelling with a baby.
• Use gate-check bags for strollers or car seats to protect them during loading/unloading. See Rascallykidz range of Travel Stroller Bags and Car Seat Travel Bags.
• Pack spare clothes for your child and you. Accidents happen.
• Bring ziplock bags for dirty clothes, snacks, or surprise spills.
• Load up on wipes — more than you think you’ll need.
• Dress kids in layers to adapt to temperature changes on board.
• Bring an empty water bottle to fill up after security.Use backpack-style travel bags (like Rascally Kidz) to carry your car seat or stroller hands-free.
• Consider flying during nap time or early in the morning when kids are well-rested.
• Some airlines offer kid packs — don’t be afraid to ask!

Flying with kids doesn’t have to be a nightmare. A little planning, a few clever tools, and the right mindset can go a long way. Remember, it’s okay if things don’t go perfectly — most passengers understand, and airline staff are often super helpful when they also see a parent travelling solo with kids.

Breathe, smile, and enjoy the journey (yes — even at 30,000 feet)!
Rascally Kidz