Travel Tips for International Flights with Kids

International long-haul air travel with babies and small children can be really intimidating. But it doesn't have to be. I consulted with a few of the many expat mamas I'm lucky enough to call friends and assembled a list of tips and tricks to make international flying as painless as possible.

If your airport has a play area (best of all an outdoor play area), spend as much time there as possible before heading to the gate. It's good for children to move and get fresh air before being trapped inside an airline seat and breathing recycled air for ten hours! - Lindsey

Limit their TV the week before so that when you fly they're DESPERATE and will watch TV for 12 hours and leave you in peace! - Philippa

If they are old enough, children's noise-limiting headphones. Lifesaver! - Karen

Don't even try to limit their TV time. - Tina

Load up the iPad and Kindle with new books, games, TV shows and movies. - Jessica

Spare clothes. Someone is going to pee, puke, or spill an entire glass of orange juice on themselves. - Charlotte

Extra clothes for yourself, too. At least a shirt. - Tina

If you're traveling with a child who's under two, fork over the extra cash and buy them their own seat, then bring their car seat. It allows you to have your hands free and help your kids - and even eat! - Sally

Try to be okay with the fact that your child will probably have a meltdown, followed by a long sleep. - Johanna

For really long flights, do the whole bedtime routine: pajamas, brush teeth, read books, blankies and stuffed animals. Sometimes they sleep, sometimes it just calms them down. - Jessica

We load up Coco's child-sized Hello Kitty roller bag with her headphones, Djeco stickers, a high quality sketchbook, reusable sticker books, snacks like pouches and bars, and a bottle for water. She loves having her own suitcase and feeling independent in the airport. Unpacking and repacking the items is also loads of fun. - Lindsey

If you have a layover in Heathrow, the children's magazine section is awesome! Not to mention the candy aisle. Stock up for the long leg and then plan on magazines and snacks, then the meal, then movies or sleeping. - Kate

Magnetic games. Bubbles. Play dough. - Ariane  (Coco is obsessed with these. Also these.)

The bassinet is a godsend even if you don't use it for the baby, but for the masses of STUFF that you need when you travel with a baby! And to store meals to eat when you have a spare hand, etc.
- Johanna

Always breastfeed during take off and landing and on-demand. Travel with your babies when they're small and sleep a lot. It's actually the easiest time! - Kate

Even though it's huge, the Boppy pillow will save your neck and shoulders when you wind up with a baby sleeping in your arms for hours on end! - Lindsey

Do you take long-haul international flights with your children and babies? What works for you? And what hasn't worked?! ;) xo