Traveling parents Lucas Grindley and Nathan Rifenburg spoke with the New York Times about their top flight tips for traveling with their toddler twins, Annabel and Audrey. Originally a Q&A session, we've pulled the most important info for our readers to use on their next flight with the kids.
Before the Flight
- If your kids are young enough to not need tickets, make sure you bring their birth certificates to prove their age
- As a precaution, bring along paperwork that shows you are responsible for your children's health, in case of emergency
During the Flight, With Toddlers
- Bring coloring books and games, especially ones whose markers only work on the pages to avoid a mess
- Pack interesting snacks, one's they have never had before, to hold their attention
- Load your iPad with their favorite TV shows and movies, pack a few headphones to keep from disturbing the neighbors, and buy a sturdy case to avoid cracks if the kids drop the tablet
During the Flight, with Infants
- Pack a fresh bottle with a smaller nipple, so that they take longer to drink and sleep easy
- Have enough blankets to swaddle and keep your baby feeling secure
After the Flight
- Try not to change nap schedules
- Instead, move the time with the time zone
- Bring along portable cribs, or check ahead if your hotel offers those accommodations
- Don't forget blankets, pillows and teddy bears for a comfortable rest
- Schedule a vacation day to recover from your vacation
