this post was submitted on 10 Aug 2026
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Parenting
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Assuming they are bigger than a lap child, bring the car/booster seat. It's a comfort item, sized for them, and allowed on the plane. Also, they can't wiggle out of a 5pt harness.
Alternatively/also add: a tablet, phone, video or game to distract them if they are just scared. A few hours of video for the flight will not corrupt them.
Hell, you can play switch together with your child.
We did some good progress on our stardew farm during our last flight. My daughter loves do watch and backseat the game while I play. Steam Deck for the win.
Another good tip I received was to get them something new for the plane. When I had to fly with my son I got him a new game for his switch and waited to give it to him until after we boarded the plane. That way there was something fresh and new to keep his attention.
Ooh that’s a good one!
The moral panic has gone so far out of hand if anyone even worries about distracting a kid with a phone on an airplane of all places
Good tips! I was also thinking candy or the child’s favorite snack. Anything is better than the plane getting cancelled. Use whatever bribe it takes.
Sadly, food bribes last 15 minutes on a lucky day, because the tray table needs to be up. You need an item of power, like Dad's phone.