how to fly with a toddler and not lose your ever loving mind

The only thing worse than sitting by an unhappy kid on an airplane is if that kid is your kid. It pains my people pleasing body to have an unruly kid on the airplane. I know part of me just needs to get over it because "kids will be kids" and "everyone's been there," but there has got to be something we can do to help those long plane rides go smoother! This post will be focusing on what to bring with you on the plane to help ensure a calm, smooth flight. Here's a list of some of my favorite items to help the time pass quickly and keep two busy little hands occupied:

• iPad - There are so many options with an iPad - it was one of the best purchases we've made. Not only do I love it for my own personal use, but it's great for long air plane rides and even longer car rides. You can watch movies, play games, read books on the Kindle app and have a silly time making faces on photo booth. All of the games we downloaded are free - here are some of our favorites (you can search for them in the App Store): "PaintSparkle," "Elmo Calls," "Cake Pops," "Peekaboo Barn," and anything Fisher Price are our favorites. We also download one new movie every trip. Here are a couple movies Charlotte has watched on repeat: The Best of Elmo 2, Stuart Little.

• Sticker Books - If you have a one-year-old, you know how much they love to repeat things! They have a favorite song they want you to sing ten times at bedtime. They have a favorite book they insist you read over and over to the point where you know what the next page reads before even looking at it. They can play "ring around the rosie" until their partner falls down, never to stand again. They have peek-a-boo marathons. The simple act of peeling, sticking, peeling, sticking, is a repetition that's perfect for the airplane! Some of them have the option to color as well, which is especially good for ages two and up. When Charlie was one, I used to peel them for her and she would stick them randomly on any page. Now, she prefers to peel herself and is very conscious about where the sticker needs to be stuck. Here are some sticker books that have worked well for us: Preschool Sticker and Activity Book, Dollhouse Sticker Book, Ultimate Sticker Book: Animals.

• Mini Puzzles - You can usually find a great, 24-piece puzzle in the dollar spot at Target. They come in a box the size of a deck of cards and are perfect for your purse or diaper bag. When Charlotte was one and a half, she'd hand me each piece and cheer whenever I connected a piece! Children love accomplishing small tasks and they are sure to be pleased as you complete a puzzle and are able to see the final picture. Now that Charlie's older, she enjoys helping place pieces. A great activity for hand eye coordination and a calm, quiet game for the airplane.

• Snacks, Snacks, Snacks - when it comes to snacks on the airplane - I live by the rule "give them whatever they want." Is that a rule? It should be when it comes to traveling with a toddler. I would say that Charlotte is pretty well disciplined when it comes to the foods she can and can't have, but on the airplane, anything goes! These toddler squeeze pouches come in quite handy. We always grab an assortment of snacks - graham crackers, pretzels and an apple. Gummy bears or fruit snacks are great for when the plane is taking off and landing, because your toddler really has to work their jaw to chew (kind of similar to chewing gum). The real winner on our last flight was the Push Pop. This is the best sucker, because there's a wide, non-sticky base for your child to hold while they lick AND you can put a lid on it when you're done.  You can just snap the lid on and throw it back in your bag with little mess and no sticky wrappers! Push Pops are sold at most gas stations or cashier checkout lines.

• Lift the Flap Books- this isn't the most compact item to carry on the plane, but if you've got a large tote bag, this is a great addition. It combines some of Charlotte's favorite things - peekaboo, reading and repetition! Elmo's Big Lift-and-Look Book is one of Charlie's most treasured books; a third of the flaps have disintegrated. You can lift the flaps (obviously), read them, talk about the characters and play I-spy as you turn each page. A great book option!

What are some things that have worked for you and your toddler?