There’s this special age range of little kids where they are old enough that they don’t sit still. They’re exploring, maybe even walking…scratch that, running…, and they don’t listen to a single thing you tell them. This is also that special age range where they also don’t sit still long enough to watch a movie, TV show, YouTube video. It’s a really tough age to travel with them, particularly on an airplane. They, generally speaking, don’t have their own seat yet – because who wants to pay for a seat when they can fly for free still? And man, they are a force of nature in and of themselves.

I’ve flown with these special little toddlers several times now. First when Harrison was little, and then just a few months ago with Jonathan all by myself. Here are five things that I’ve found that make traveling with these toddlers easier:

-1- If you don’t need it, check it. Even if you’re going for a short stay and you’re only taking what would be a carry on with you, if you’re traveling with a young toddler, check the carry-on. Your hands will be so full dealing with your little one!

-2- Snacks are life. You run out of snacks, you run out of entertainment. Bring lots and bring a variety. Yes, half of them will end up on the floor. But it’s truly the only thing that keeps their attention an their booty sitting for a long period of time. Bring all the snacks and have them with you underneath the seat in front of you.

-3- I know I said check it all, but bring the stroller and gate check it at the plane door. You need to get a gate check tag from the agent working your gate, but when you’re hauling through an airport, or waiting for luggage at baggage claim, or just need to stand in the Starbucks line for a MUCH NEEDED cup of coffee, you’re going to be glad you have a device to strap them into that they can’t run away from.

-4- 9 out of 10 people on your flight are not going to be upset with you if your child is a disaster. Most people have been there already, whether recently or in the distant past. It won’t go perfectly, but you never have to see these people again. If they have the worst flight of their life, they’ve got a good story and you never talk to them again. Children flying is just part of the cycle of life.

-5- Have their comfort object for take-off and landing. Whether it’s a paci, lovey, blanket, it’s worth it to have when their whole world is being turned upside down during this change in routine.

Happy flying, friends!