10 things to pack for a long-haul flight with kids

1. iPad
I don’t travel anywhere without the iPad these days, as it’s a lifesaver to survive long flights. We download episodes from iTunes and Netflix, and try to ensure the most important programmes are available to view on the go before leaving. I also like to ensure we have entertaining children’s apps that don’t require wifi connection.

2. Headphones
One of the things I’ve ended up having to buy in Heathrow several times is headphones. I have a tendency to leave home without them, so the result is that we have more than enough of the JVC Tinyphones headphones with soft ear pads, which are colourful and designed to keep noise at a safe level for children.

3. Hygiene products
I always carry Milton antibacterial surface wipes for cleaning on the go, as I think the wipes are practical for trying to make loo visits as hygienic as possible and it’s useful that it’s not a bottle when flying. I also use the wipes to clean high chairs in restaurants, airplane trays and other surfaces that could benefit from a quick wipe-down. In addition, I carry Water Wipes, Andrex washlets and antibacterial hand gel, ideally one from Bentley Organic.

4. Sticker and activity books
We stock up on sticker books before a flight, and for the youngest I like the Usborne First Sticker Books. There is one called First Sticker Book Airport, where children can create scenes from he airport, and there’s another in the series for New York, for example. For girls, a favourite is the Usborne Sticker Dolly Dressing sticker books, and some are city-themed and one features costumes from around the world. For older children, a mix of activities and stickers can be fun, and I’ve recently discovered travel activity books for kids that feature activity pages relevant to destinations, as well as pages for children to write about their own experiences. I particularly like the look of the My Awesome Adventure books with fact pages, puzzles and games, which are currently available for Sydney and Bali. When children are old enough to write, I think a book like this – or alternatively a standard journal – could end up being a fun keepsake from a trip.

5. Neck pillows
I reviewed the Trunki Yondi kids neck pillow (£12.99) some time ago, and I’ve since bought a second one to make travelling more comfortable for the kids. The compact neck pillows fit nicely in little backpacks and they feature a little hook for attaching a comforter, ensuring it’s not lost mid-journey. I know many also like bringing a travel blanket, and it’s been great when we’ve brought that too–it just depends on space.

6. Card games and mini games
I also like packing little games that don’t take up too much space, and I’ve recently noticed Shuffle has a range of classic board games in a card-game format and University Games has a range of family mini games. I also like the mini games range from Orchard Toys, which is suitable for young children, and I reviewed the Penguin Pair mini game (£5) some time back. I like the compact boxes, and I think the games are good value, so we’ve recently bought two more from the range.

7. Colouring pencils
I typically have a few colouring pencils in my bag, and before travelling I either print out colour-in pages or bring colour-in books. I like the free printables from Crayola, and we also often bring the Crayola Color Wonder mess-free colouring kits, which includes colours that only show on the special paper. At the Toy Fair this year, I also liked the look of a 3-metre long Paddington Colour On roll from University Games, which looks unique and fun for using on the go.

8. Books
Although we’re not exactly travelling light these days, the books that we bring on flights are typically the smallest and lightest we own. There was a time when we had to bring board books, but I’m now all about Mr Men and pocket books.

9. Spare clothes
On one of our first long-haul flights with Big Girl I was wearing Daddy T’s clothes upon arrival back in London. I’m not making the same mistake again, and from now on we ensure that everyone in the family has spare clothes in the carry-on luggage. I also like to bring warm socks, as little feet can easily get cold on flights.

10. Snacks and bottles
For the children, having their own drinking bottles can be useful for travelling, and I’m travelling with empty Camelbak Eddy kids 0.4 litre drinking bottles that we can fill up with water we buy at the airport. I also bring a variety of snacks to keep the children happy in-between meal times.

Tags: Card games, Colouring books, Colouring pencils, Games, Mini games, Neck pillow, Sticker books, Sticker Dolly Dressing, Travel journal, Travel with kids, Trunki, Usborne