Drawing from a bittersweet experience on a grueling 7-hour flight in the past, I was determined to make this trip different. This time, I carefully hand-picked “survival gear” for my two energetic boys (ages 3 years 11 months and 1 year 11 months).
By strategically timing their naps and introducing these high-impact items, we managed to spend nearly the entire 5-hour flight without a single meltdown. Here are the must-have items we brought on board and exactly how we used them to keep the peace.
Smart Storage: Seat Pocket vs. Under-Seat
To keep things stress-free, I pre-sorted our luggage so I could grab exactly what I needed without digging through bags.
Seat Pocket (High Frequency):Items you’ll need every few minutes.
- Snacks & Drinks
- Wet wipes
- Plastic bags (for trash)
Once we took our seats, the first thing I did was prepare those three items mentioned above.In the past, I often realized too late that an essential item was still tucked away under my feet!
But this time, I was ready—and ultimately, having these at arm’s reach was all we needed.
Under-Seat Backpack (Activities & Nap):Items for specific timing.
- Toys & iPad
- Neck cushion
- Swaddle / Blanket
These items are incredibly helpful for both when they are awake and when they are asleep.
Now, I’ll introduce each of them in more detail below.
Sleep — The Secret Weapons
The goal is simple: getting the kids to sleep as long as possible. These two items saved us.
MOGU Fit Neck Pillow
Originally for my husband, but a perfect fit for the kids! My son slept for a solid hour.
- Why it’s great: It uses Japanese “Power Beads” for a custom fit. It keeps small heads stable in cramped seats.
- Note: This is a Japanese brand. Look for “Microbead travel pillows” on Amazon for something similar.
- Pros: Very sturdy. We use it in the car, too!
- Cons: It doesn’t fold, so it’s a bit bulky. Also, the snap button is weak, so be careful not to let it fall off your backpack.
Lodger Swaddle (Stretchy Cotton)
A high-quality swaddle from the Dutch brand “Lodger.”
- Why it’s a must: It’s super stretchy, breathable, and compact.
- Multi-use: It works aBlanket for naps,Nursing cover,Sun & wind shield (just tie it to the baby carrier!),A makeshift jacket (when folded in half)
- Note: If you can’t find this exact brand, any “Stretchy Knit Swaddle” (not just muslin) works great for long flights.
Activities — 5 Steps to Kill Time
The “Special Snack” Party!
We went shopping together before the trip and let the kids pick their favorites, just like a school field trip.
The promise of “No eating until we’re on the plane!” was a fun challenge even for my younger son (lol).
These “special occasion” snacks became our lifesavers whenever a meltdown felt like it was just around the corner.
I bought “Sliders Push Pops” for the first time. They’re rare in Japan, and the popping action kept them excited for quite a while!
iPad & Bone Conduction Headphones (The Ultimate Duo)
Both my older and younger sons love “Curious George,” so I downloaded episodes via Amazon Prime. I also take advantage of being a Prime member to download YouTube videos in advance.
My eldest son was also engrossed in his favorite train games, and he made it through the flight almost entirely without needing any help from us.
Shokz Bone Conduction Headphones
Previously, I had trouble with earphones not fitting or headphones making it impossible to talk to them, so I bought these after many trial fittings in the store.
I was truly impressed that they don’t cause ear pain, and my voice (asking things like “Do you want a drink?”) still reaches them while they watch videos!
Even my younger son, who isn’t fond of wearing things, could enjoy the sound just by having them placed next to his car seat.
LCD Writing Tablet (Erasable Board)
Its biggest appeal is how thin and compact it is. Besides drawing, we used it for “What is this?” quiz games together.While iPads have drawing apps, they can be too complex for toddlers and lead to frustration, so I bought this instead.
I chose the 10-inch size.
It’s neither too small nor too big—the perfect size. It also has a lock function, which is great for preventing my younger son from accidentally erasing his brother’s favorite drawings!
Coloring Books & Stackable Crayons
I prepared coloring books with their favorite characters. For the crayons, I chose “non-breaking, stackable crayons” so they wouldn’t get lost or broken.
Even on the narrow airplane tray tables, these don’t roll away, which was a huge relief.
Sticker Books
During takeoff and landing, tray tables must be stowed, but sticker books can be played with right in their hands.While sticker books are available all over the world, Japanese ones are incredibly affordable and come in a huge variety!
Summary
Flying with children always requires a lot of energy and determination, but as long as you have the right preparations in place, it’s surprisingly manageable!The key is to gather items that are “compact but effective at keeping them occupied.”
I hope this list, born from my past failures, helps other parents who are about to embark on a journey with their little ones.
Happy travels to all the brave moms and dads out there!
