Travelling long-haul with a ‘baby on board’ can feel daunting, but with the right strategies, it can be a manageable—and even enjoyable—experience. There are some practical tips to keep your little one entertained and calm throughout the next long-haul journey.
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Sensory toys are a must
Pack a ‘magic bag’ filled with engaging sensory toys. Include items like a silicone teething ring with varied textures—bumpy on one side, smooth on the other—to keep curious little hands busy. A fabric book with crinkly pages and hidden mirrors can spark interest, while a soft toy with different textured patches encourages baby to explore. For added comfort, bring a small water-filled teething toy that can be chilled using the aeroplane’s ice bucket—a soothing treat that is also great for sore gums.
Keep them engaged
Interactive play doesn’t require much space. Use a scarf for a game of peek-a-boo, creating hiding spots around your seat. Simple hand games like ‘this little piggy’ are also perfect for confined spaces. Finger puppets can transform a restless moment into a delightful storytelling session. Get creative!
In-flight entertainment
Homemade entertainment can be very effective in keeping baby busy. Prepare a zip-lock sensory bag filled with colourful buttons or beads (securely sealed) to mesmerise your baby. A mini ‘treasure basket’ with items like a clean measuring spoon, soft brush, or a safely sealed container of coloured rice adds variety without bulk. Bring pipe cleaners to twist into fun shapes—easy to pack, endlessly reusable, and safe for tiny hands.
A pack of soft stickers that can be placed (and easily removed) on the aeroplane window is another great way to keep baby engaged.
Get them moving
Staying seated doesn’t mean staying still. Try gentle ‘aeroplane dances,’ with subtle bouncing and arm movements, or try some yoga-inspired stretches for babies—adapted to your seat— which can make movement feel playful.
Master the art of distraction
Sometimes, simple distractions work wonders. Transparent sticky notes can be placed on and removed from the tray table for endless amusement. A small magnetic drawing board offers mess-free scribbling, while a ‘discovery bottle’ filled with colourful beads can mesmerise your baby as it rolls. Include small containers with twist-off lids to challenge your baby’s motor skills and keep them occupied.
Screen-time
Download baby-friendly apps with calming visuals and simple interactions, like bubble popping or gentle music. Choose high-contrast imagery and animations with soft sounds, and ensure offline access. Pair with child-safe headphones featuring volume limiters to protect sensitive ears.
Mealtime activities
Turn mealtime into an engaging activity. Pack small, novel snacks like freeze-dried fruits that dissolve slowly, or teething biscuits for dual-purpose nutrition and distraction. A travel bib with a built-in crumb catcher makes clean-up simple.
Pack a secret stash
For moments of high stress, have a secret stash of never-before-seen items. A soft-framed mirror, large reusable stickers, or a compact textured board book can redirect attention instantly. For night-time flights, glow-in-the-dark stick-on shapes add a magical touch to the cabin’s dim environment.
Keep calm, mama
Your calm demeanour can be your most valuable tool. Babies often mirror your energy, so stay relaxed, even during turbulent moments.
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Feature Image: Unsplash
