Traveling with toddlers is like stepping into the unknown—like entering a mystical land where you never quite know if you’ll find yourself in a peaceful oasis or in the middle of a full-blown tantrum tornado. When it comes to getting your toddler to sleep on a plane, you might as well be trying to solve one of the great mysteries of the universe.
Will they sleep? How long? Will you have to sacrifice your in-flight meal to keep them calm? These are the questions that haunt every parent as they buckle their little one into the seat.
I’ve been there. I’ve done the whole “sleepless in the skies” routine with a six-year-old boy who thought the seatbelt sign was merely a suggestion and a five-year-old girl who found the tray table to be the most fascinating toy ever invented. So, I get it—trying to get a toddler to sleep on a plane is not for the faint-hearted. But fear not, fellow parents! I’m here to share some tips, tricks, and a bit of humor to help you navigate this turbulent territory.
Pre-Flight Prep: Setting the Stage for Snoozing
Before you even board the plane, you can lay some groundwork to improve your odds of a successful in-flight nap. It’s all about setting the stage—creating the perfect conditions for your little one to drift off into dreamland, even if you’re 30,000 feet in the air.
Timing is Everything
Plan your flight around your toddler’s usual nap time or bedtime. I know, I know—flights don’t always cooperate with your schedule. But if you can manage it, booking a flight that coincides with when your child usually sleeps can increase the likelihood of a snooze. For daytime flights, aim for the hours when they’d normally nap. For overnight flights, go for their bedtime.
Dress for Success
Comfort is key. Dress your toddler in their coziest, softest, and most pajama-like clothes. You want them to feel as close to their bedtime routine as possible. For my kids, this meant cozy pajamas with their favorite characters—because nothing says “I’m ready to sleep” like a pair of Paw Patrol PJs.
Pack the Essentials
Don’t forget to bring along their favorite sleep items. Whether it’s a beloved blanket, stuffed animal, or that ratty old pacifier you’ve been trying to wean them off of, having these familiar items can help your child feel more secure and comfortable. Just make sure you don’t lose them mid-flight, or you might be dealing with a whole different kind of meltdown.
The Airport Strategy: Burn Off Energy Before Boarding
While the idea of corralling a hyperactive toddler in an airport may sound exhausting, this pre-flight energy burn is essential for improving your chances of getting them to sleep on the plane.
Let Them Run
If there’s ever a time to let your toddler go wild, it’s in the airport. Find a safe space where they can run around and burn off some of that endless energy. Many airports have play areas for kids, so take advantage of these if you can. If not, any open space will do—just keep an eye out for rolling luggage!
Snack and Hydrate
A well-fed and hydrated toddler is a happier traveler. Give them a substantial snack before boarding, something filling but not too sugary. The goal is to keep their energy levels steady, so they’re not bouncing off the walls once you’re airborne. Hydrate them too—airplane air is dry, and you don’t want a cranky, dehydrated toddler on your hands.
Bathroom Breaks
It might seem obvious, but make sure you hit the bathroom before boarding. A last-minute dash to the tiny airplane lavatory with a toddler in tow is a stress you don’t need. Plus, you’ll want them to settle down once on board, not squirm because they need to go.
The In-Flight Battle: Getting Comfortable in a Not-So-Comfortable Space
Let’s face it: airplane seats aren’t exactly designed for comfort, especially when you’re a tiny human who likes to sprawl out in every direction. But with a little creativity, you can turn that cramped space into a cozy sleep zone.
Recline, Recline, Recline
As soon as the seatbelt sign goes off, recline that seat as far as it’ll go. You might get a few dirty looks from the person behind you, but hey, desperate times call for desperate measures. Every inch counts when you’re trying to get a toddler to sleep.
The Armrest Dilemma
If you’re lucky enough to have an empty seat next to you, consider yourself blessed by the travel gods. Lift the armrest between the seats to give your toddler more space to stretch out. If you’re not so lucky, see if you can do a little in-flight negotiation to get your partner or a willing family member to switch seats so your toddler can spread out across both of you.
Create a Pillow Fort
Use whatever soft items you’ve got—pillows, blankets, jackets—to build a mini pillow fort around your toddler. This can help block out some of the light and noise, creating a cocoon-like environment that’s more conducive to sleep. I’ve even been known to drape a blanket over the back of the seat in front of us to create a makeshift tent. Sure, it might look a little ridiculous, but if it helps your toddler sleep, who cares?
Dealing with Distractions: The Battle of the Overstimulated Toddler
Airplanes are full of distractions, from the overhead announcements to the ever-enticing seatback screens. Keeping your toddler focused on sleep when there’s so much going on around them can be a real challenge.
Screens Are Not Your Enemy
Let’s be real—sometimes the only way to get a toddler to settle down is to let them watch their favorite show. While I’m not advocating for hours of screen time, a bit of quiet TV time with some headphones can help calm an overstimulated toddler and get them in the mood for sleep. Just make sure to dim the screen as much as possible to avoid keeping them too awake.
White Noise to the Rescue
If your toddler is sensitive to noise, consider bringing along a portable white noise machine or downloading a white noise app on your phone. The steady hum can drown out the plane’s noises and help them relax. Bonus points if it’s a sound they’re already used to from home.
The Snack Trap
Ah, snacks—the universal toddler distraction tool. A well-timed snack can soothe a cranky toddler and keep them occupied just long enough for them to start feeling drowsy.
Surviving the Unexpected: When Things Don’t Go According to Plan
Even with all the preparation in the world, sometimes things just don’t go according to plan. Maybe your toddler is too excited, too tired, or just too uncomfortable to sleep. And that’s okay. The key is to stay calm, roll with the punches, and remember that this too shall pass.
Lower Your Expectations
Before you board that plane, take a deep breath and remind yourself that you’re not in control. Your toddler might sleep like a baby (pun intended), or they might be wide awake for the entire flight. Go into it with a flexible mindset, and you’ll save yourself a lot of stress.
Be Ready for Plan B (and C, and D)
Sometimes, you have to get creative. I’ve spent flights walking up and down the aisle with a toddler in my arms, swaying back and forth like we were at a concert. I’ve sung lullabies in a whispering tone, hoping the sound of my voice would soothe them. I’ve even resorted to bribery with promises of a special treat if they’d just close their eyes for a few minutes. The key is to be adaptable and to have a few tricks up your sleeve.
Don’t Forget to Laugh
At the end of the day, traveling with toddlers is an adventure—a crazy, chaotic, sometimes hilarious adventure. When your toddler is finally asleep, sprawled across your lap with one arm hanging off the side of the seat, take a moment to smile and appreciate the absurdity of it all.
Because one day, you’ll look back on these moments and laugh. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll even miss them.
Conclusion: The Sweet Relief of a Sleeping Toddler
Getting a toddler to sleep on a plane is no easy feat, but it’s not impossible. With a bit of preparation, a lot of patience, and a good sense of humor, you can make it through the flight with your sanity (mostly) intact. And when your toddler finally drifts off to sleep, you’ll feel like you’ve won the lottery.
So, here’s to peaceful skies, sweet dreams, and the sweet relief of a sleeping toddler. Safe travels!