Planning an international flight with a toddler can be a challenge. Choosing whether to fly during the day or at night depends on your family's needs and your little one's habits. Here are the pros and cons of each option, as well as some tips to make your trip more comfortable.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Day Flights
Excess:
- More Organized Activities: An awake toddler can enjoy a variety of activities such as watching movies, playing with toys, or reading books.
- Airline Children's Entertainment: Many airlines provide special entertainment for children, such as animated films or activity packages.
- Easier Transition: Arriving in the afternoon or evening allows toddlers to stay active after the flight, helping their bodies adjust to local time.
Lack:
- Children Can Get Bored: Bored toddlers can become cranky because they are not used to sitting still for too long.
- Crowded Atmosphere: With more passengers awake, toddlers may be more easily stimulated by crowds.
- Travel Fatigue: If the flight is very long, toddlers can become exhausted before they reach their destination.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Night Flights
Excess:
- Adjusting Sleep Schedules: Night flights often coincide with toddlers' bedtimes, making it easier for them to rest.
- Quiet Atmosphere: Nights are usually quieter because many passengers are sleeping, creating a comfortable atmosphere for little ones.
- Wake Up with New Energy: Arriving early in the morning allows the family to immediately start the day's activities.
Lack:
- Possible Difficulty Sleeping: Not all toddlers can sleep comfortably on planes, which can lead to fussiness due to fatigue. To overcome this, an inflatable airplane pillow can be an economical and practical solution without having to spend extra money on expensive business class tickets.
- Parents Lose Rest: Parents may find it difficult to rest because they have to stay awake all night.
- Lack of Quality Sleep: If your toddler doesn't get enough sleep, he or she may feel tired and irritable after arriving at their destination.
| Flight Time | Excess | Lack |
|---|---|---|
| Afternoon | Activities are easier to do | Toddlers can get bored on the go |
| Evening | Toddlers find it easier to sleep on planes | Parents may find it difficult to rest |
Tips to Help Choose the Right Flight Time
- Consider Your Child's Sleep Habits: If your child has an easier time sleeping in new environments, a night flight may be a good option. However, if your child has trouble sleeping without a routine, a daytime flight may be more comfortable.
- Prioritize Direct Flights: Reducing travel time can prevent toddlers from becoming overtired or cranky.
- Pay Attention to Time Zones: Flights arriving at night at their destination help children adjust to their sleep patterns more quickly.
Baby Elaura's Inspirational Story: First Flight at 4 Months
Traveling with a baby who is still exclusively breastfed? Don't worry! Baby Elaura Stevani's story can be an inspiration. At 4 months old, Elaura successfully flew to Bali with her family. The keys to her success are:
- Bring a favorite blanket for comfort.
- Give breast milk during takeoff and landing to reduce pressure in the ears.
- Keep your eating and sleeping schedule consistent.
Traveling abroad with a toddler does require extra preparation, but the precious moments you get will be worth it. With a complete packing list and a family packing checklist like this, you can have a more relaxed, organized, and enjoyable trip.
Still hesitant to travel with toddlers? You should read the myths and tips to make your air travel with babies or toddlers go smoothly here .
