Okay, here is my story about keeping my 1-year-old entertained on a plane:
So, I booked a flight recently, and the biggest thing on my mind was how to keep my little one busy during the trip. I mean, a 1-year-old on a plane? That’s a recipe for, well, you know… potential chaos.
Preparation is Key
First, I packed a bunch of small toys. I’m talking about stuff that’s easy to carry and doesn’t make too much noise. Think soft toys, small books, and maybe a few of those stacking cups. The idea was to have a variety of things to cycle through, to keep things interesting. And every child and parent has a different experience, so you gotta be ready.

I also threw in some snacks. You can never go wrong with snacks, right? I opted for the ones that take a while to eat, like those little puffs and some sliced fruit. It’s all about keeping those little hands and mouths busy.
On the Plane
Once we were on the plane, I started with a book. He seemed to enjoy the colorful pages, and I made some silly voices for each character, which got a few giggles. After a while, when his interest waned, I pulled out a soft toy. We played peek-a-boo with it, and that kept him entertained for another chunk of time.
Snack time was a lifesaver. I slowly fed him the puffs, one by one. This not only kept him occupied but also helped with the ear-popping during takeoff and landing. A total win-win.
- Tried to keep him on his usual nap schedule.
- Sang some songs quietly.
- Walked up and down the aisle during the flight when it was safe.
- When all else failed, we watched some videos on my phone.
Honestly, it wasn’t as bad as I had feared. Sure, there were a few fussy moments, but with a bit of planning and a lot of patience, we made it through. And we got a few deals online for some toddler airplane activity stuff, which helped a ton. Remember, every flight is different, and what worked for me might not work for everyone, but it’s all about trying different things and seeing what sticks.
By mixing these activities and staying calm, I managed to keep my 1-year-old entertained. It was not always easy, but definitely doable. Good luck to all the parents out there flying with their little ones!