Dreading an upcoming long-haul flight with your little ones? These must-have items might just ease those worries and help make your journey a lot smoother. (Left: Image by @moniratajczak. Right: Image by @cabeaucomfort.)
They say travelling with your kids is one of the most enriching experiences a parent can offer. As a parent myself, I couldn’t agree more. But, what they don’t tell you is that it takes a special set of skills and a whole lot of prep work. Sure, there’s no guarantee that everything will go according to plan, but the better prepared you are, the less likely you’ll end up dealing with meltdowns at 30,000 feet.
After plenty of trial and error, I’ve come to realise that travelling with my little ones isn’t so bad as long as I plan ahead. If you’ve got a long flight coming up, it definitely won’t hurt to pack a few things that keep the kids comfortable, quietly entertained, and (fingers crossed) happy. Here are a few items I absolutely swear by when it comes to flying with young children.
1. JetKids by Stokke BedBox
When your flight stretches beyond a couple of hours, having a sleep plan is essential. And to make that happen, you need to consider your child’s sleeping situation. Unless you’re flying business class with lie-flat seats (dreamy but unlikely), you’re working with very limited space. That’s where the Stokke® BedBox™ comes in—bringing a touch of premium comfort to your economy seat.
As the world’s only ride-on suitcase for kids aged 3 to 7 years, the BedBox™ is cleverly designed to transform a standard seat into a cosy sleep space. It features an extendable lid to create a larger surface area, along with a cushy mattress and soft side panels to make in-flight naps much more comfortable.
Other thoughtful features include a top handle for kids to hold while riding, multi-purpose straps so parents can carry or pull the suitcase, and ample storage for packing small toys, snacks, and anything else your child might need mid-flight.
2. Silicone food & snack containers
You don’t need me to tell you that plane food doesn’t always cut it, especially when you’ve got picky eaters or snack-happy toddlers in tow. That’s why packing your own stash of healthy, travel-friendly bites can be a game-changer. And what better way to do that than with collapsible silicone containers?
These genius little boxes are lightweight, leak-proof, and take up minimal space—exactly what you need when juggling snacks, sippy cups, and a child determined to unzip your carry-on mid-flight. Whether you’re bringing along fresh fruit, sandwiches, or rice crackers, silicone containers keep everything sealed, organised, and not squished.
What I love most? Once the snacks are gone, these containers collapse flat so they don’t hog valuable bag space. Many even come with divided sections, making it easier to portion out meals or offer a variety of nibbles in one go (because, let’s face it, kids get indecisive with snacks too). Plus, they’re dishwasher-safe and made from food-grade silicone, so they’re safe for your child and easy on you.
Silicone containers may not seem like much, but trust me, once you use them for a trip, you’ll wonder how you ever travelled without them.
3. Baa Baa Sheepz Bed-Time Buddy
Ask any parent who’s flown with kids, and they’ll tell you: getting little ones to sleep on a plane is nothing short of a mission. Between cabin noise, awkward sleeping positions, and unfamiliar surroundings, even the sleepiest toddler can struggle to nod off. That’s where the Baa Baa Sheepz Bed Time Buddy works its quiet magic. Soft, snuggly, and just the right size (and there are a few to choose from), this adorable plush buddy isn’t just a cuddly toy; it’s a comfort anchor.
Made from breathable bamboo fabric, it’s gentle on sensitive skin and stays cool to the touch (ideal for stuffy plane cabins or warm stroller naps). What’s more, it’s designed with just the right level of squish to double as a mini pillow, whether your child is curled up on your lap, in their plane seat, or snoozing in a stroller at the airport. The best part is it’s not just a toddler thing. Even slightly older kids love having their Bed-Time Buddy close by, which is something familiar and comforting during travel chaos.
4. Cabeau Evolution Kids Neck Pillow
Alright, this is for the in-betweens. Too big for a bed box and too small for adult neck pillows. Yes, neck pillows seem like an adult thing, but trust me, once your kid tries the Cabeau Evolution Kids Neck Pillow, there’s no going back. Designed specifically for smaller frames, it offers proper neck support that actually fits, making mid-air naps (or stroller snoozes) a lot more comfortable and a lot less floppy.
What sets this pillow apart is its thoughtful, kid-friendly design. It’s made with super soft, cushioned memory foam that cradles the neck gently. So, no awkward slumping or jerky wake-ups when the plane hits turbulence. The curved shape keeps little heads upright, while the adjustable toggle ensures a snug, secure fit, even for the most wriggly sleepers. Also, the animal-themed, colour-combo approach is a win.
If you’re hoping to sneak in some quiet time (or a peaceful episode of inflight entertainment), this little pillow might just be your MVP.
5. myFirst Sketch Pro Neo colour LCD sketch pad
As parents of little ones, I wouldn’t totally shun the idea of gadgets, but keeping them off is also preferred. If you’re hunting for a kid-friendly travel companion that keeps little hands busy without screen time drama, the myFirst Sketch Pro Neo might just be your secret weapon; it’s certainly mine. Designed for ages 3 to 12, this 10‑inch colour LCD doodle board brings creativity into travel moments—be it on planes, long car rides, or waiting gates—without needing Wi‑Fi.
Why it’s great on the go:
- The pressure-sensitive stylus gives a real writing experience on a durable LCD.
- Rubberised rounded corners protect against drops, and a lock switch prevents accidental erasing mid-creation.
- A single button clears the whole canvas, and the CR2032 battery lasts up to a year—no USB charging required.
- It comes with a stylish, anti-friction case that doubles as a travel pouch—perfect for slipping into carry-ons or back pockets.
Why parents love it on flights and beyond:
- Kids can draw, doodle, and play tic‑tac‑toe quietly—no screen glow, no ads, no autoplay videos. Most importantly, no overstimulation of the brain.
- With colourful strokes and a satisfying writing feel, it captures attention right away, handy for take‑off wiggling or in‑flight boredom.
- No mess, no paper trail—just erase, reset, and go. Ideal for cramped tray tables and busy parents.
From toddler sketches to note-taking for bigger kids or creative play during travel delays, this little pad is the ultimate travel buddy. Add in its portability, durability, and eco-friendly, paperless design, it’s a tried-and-tested item that keeps little artists calm, content, and screen-free.
