18 Tips to Get Your Child to Sleep on a Plane
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Every parent wishes their child could sleep on an airplane. It's simply the truth. Having a sleeping child on an airplane reduces stress for everyone. Whether your flight is 2 hours or 15 hours, it's nice to get some much-needed rest while the little one sleeps the miles away. Two toddlers sleep on an airplane. It's not always easy because we have one good sleeper and one not-so-good sleeper.
On a plane, there are babies. No passenger wants to see the board, and no parent wants to deal with the annoying looks they get as they walk past each row on their way to their seats. However, one advantage of flying with a baby is that babies usually sleep. You just need a few tricks up your sleeve to pull it off. The more you fly with your baby, the easier it will be, but if this is your first time, we have a few simple tips for you.
It can be difficult! However, with a little forethought that begins even before you leave for your trip, you can make life much easier for your child and your entire family.
Here are 18 Ways to help your child to sleep on an airplane:
Tip #1: Tire them out.
Many parents make the mistake of not allowing their children to run around the airport before a flight. Instead of squeezing them into a stroller or putting them in a carrier, let them be the boss. Allow them to run down the hall, climb a few chairs, or play a game that requires them to move around. One game idea would be to have them look out the windows and see how many airplanes they can spot. The goal is to deplete the energy BEFORE the flight! Check out our article on Why We Recommend Airport Lounges for Families.
Tip #2: Invest in an Inflatable Foot Pillow
It's one of the best investments we've made for toddler travel. We inflate them for each child shortly after the seatbelt sign goes off and don't deflate them until we have to put our tray tables away on long-haul flights. Because they can lay down flat, children have slept through the night. Inflatable footrests are worth their weight in gold if you want your young children to sleep on an airplane. Some airlines do not allow these, so check before you fly. Furthermore, they are only permitted in the window or middle seat, so you cannot inflate one in an aisle seat on any aircraft.
Tip #3: Bring the car seat.
If your child sleeps well in the car seat, it may be beneficial to bring your car seat with you on the trip. We haven't explored this option because neither of my children does, but we are in many family travel communities where avid family travelers use this method successfully. If you're looking for a compact car seat.
Tip #4: Get full sleep.
Before beginning a sleep routine with your child, make sure he or she is well fed. A full stomach and the low drum of the airplane are often enough to make anyone drowsy. Pack snacks that your child will enjoy and will keep them full. We like to bring the Yogurt Pouches on the plane for a quick, filling, and nutritious pre-sleep snack. If you have a picky eater, read our blog on Traveling with a Picky Eater.
Tip #5: Create a dark space.
One way to accomplish this is to request or bring your extra blanket onto the plane. You can make a canopy out of the blankets by draping them over the seatbacks and into the tray tables. This gives them their own tent space and prevents the airplane's lighting from waking a sleeping baby. Make sure to close the window shade if you have access to it.
Tip #6: Babywear
Walk the aisles with your baby or toddler in a baby carrier, such as an Ergo Baby or a Toddler Tula. We've done this many times on flights to put our kids to sleep. When stationary seat rocking isn't enough, we walk the aisles until our children fall asleep. We then place them in a laying position.
Tip #7: Choose the appropriate seats.
If you're traveling with an infant in your arms, you should contact the airline to request a bassinet. These bassinets provide the baby with their own space on the plane to lie flat and sleep uninterrupted. If you're traveling with older children, avoid selecting bulkhead seats. Because the armrests do not typically rise, you lose the extra space. With two kids, we always try to get the middle row of four seats across so we have the entire aisle to ourselves. This provides plenty of space to stretch out and relax. We also try to be near a restroom, but not so close that there is constant traffic in and out.
Tip #8: Relax
Don't force the issue of sleep. Expect your child to sleep before takeoff and wake up after landing. If you are at ease, your children will be as well. Be gentle with them, understand that this is not their usual sleeping environment, and, most importantly, try to go with the flow. Your child may fall asleep two hours after their usual bedtime, or they may take a three-hour nap when they normally only sleep one at home. The journey, as with all travel, is what makes the trip! If your child refuses to sleep, read our guide to Keeping Your Toddler/Baby Entertained While Traveling.
Tip #9: Bring a white noise machine on the plane for your toddler.
It may appear unnecessary on a plane, but a white noise machine can help block out more of the plane's sounds and distractions. It's also useful for keeping your toddler asleep.
Tip #10: Don’t stick to a rigid schedule.
Allow your toddler time to play and explore rather than attempting to put him or her to sleep as soon as you board the plane. This is for your good. If you get on the plane and immediately try to put your toddler to sleep, you'll be frustrated. It's a new and exciting environment. There will be a lot going on around them, and they will want to investigate and touch everything within arm's reach. Put it off until later, even if it's their usual bedtime.
Tip #11: Choose the right flight time with a toddler.
If your toddler goes to sleep well for naps or at night, and she also sleeps well in new places, there's a good chance she'll sleep on the flight. If you have a long-distance flight with a toddler, make it overnight so you can get a few hours of sleep as well.
Tip #12: Minimize your toddler’s sugar intake.
Traveling on a plane with a toddler is difficult enough; keep the sugar and sugary treats to a minimum both before and during the flight.
Tip #13: Pack all the snacks and milk for your toddler.
Bring a lot of snacks. Snacks are ideal for keeping your toddler entertained on the plane while also keeping their stomachs full. Don't forget the milk, especially if it's part of their bedtime ritual.
Tip #14: Use your sleep routines on the plane for your toddler.
What do you do before going to bed at home? Routine is essential for toddlers. Put your toddler in their pajamas and read books while the bath is running. Sing the same songs you usually do before going to bed. Follow the same bedtime routine as you would at home with your toddler on the plan.
Tip #15: Ignore and pretend to sleep yourself.
This will all be new to your toddler. Your toddler may not be accustomed to having you beside them when it's time to sleep. He'll most likely try to keep playing and engaging with you. Tell your toddler that it is time for everyone to sleep, including mommy. Then close your eyes and pretend to sleep.
Tip #16: Give your toddler a calming eyebrow rub.
If your toddler is lying down but still appears to be full of energy, try gently rubbing his brows. This can greatly assist small children in calming down and falling asleep.
Tip #17: If your toddler just won’t settle, let him watch something lying down.
Sometimes just getting them to lie down is enough to calm them down. Place the iPad in such a way that they can only watch it while lying down. You can either play it at a low enough volume that only they can hear it, or you can get toddler headphones for the plane, such as these.
Tip #18: Reserve an airplane seat for your toddler.
You won't have a choice once your toddler reaches the age of two, but if you can get her seat, you'll all appreciate the extra space. Not to mention the freedom of not having to fly for hours with a toddler on your lap. If you don't have the money to pay for an extra seat, make sure you ask at check-in if there are any available. You can also ask the gate agent.
If all else fails, bring a toddler carrier to help your toddler sleep while you stand at the back of the plane and rock them.
I hope these Tips Get Your Child to Sleep on a Plane.
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