5 Must Haves For Flying With Kids Under 5

I've teamed up with CARES Kids Fly Safe for this post. All opinions are my own. 

Over the years I've had the joy (sense my sarcasm) of traveling with my son via aircraft. Although it started out as a difficult task, each time it has gotten progressively easier to the point where I would now deem myself an 'old pro' at flying with kids. The first time I traveled with my son he was about a year old, and I was a complete wreck. Overpacked, overstressed, and unorganized. Literally, I was that mom in the airport that people would pity because it was just that bad. I remember being on the verge of tears and vowing never to be like that again!

Now that I've flown with my son a handful of times, I'm able to really step back and recognize the things that make or break our flight. To try and make your life a little easier, I've decided to share my 5 must-haves when traveling with a kids under 5! Granted, we all have our bad days and not all flights and travel experiences are always going to be sunshine and rainbows, but hopefully this list will help ease some of your stress.

1.) A document holder. While you're at the airport they're going to ask you for your I.D. and your child's birth certificate at least twice (once while checking your bags and getting your boarding pass, and once while going through TSA). You'll also need to have your boarding passes handy. While keeping all of your identification and documents in your hands may seem logical, keep in mind that you will have a young child who also requires 110% of your attention. I've seen kids wander off in the airport and witness their parent having a panic attack - it's not pretty. Save yourself some stress and try to keep things organized by having a document holder that easily accessible and that can securely hold everything you need. Look for a document holder that can also act as a wallet, with spots for your credit card and some cash. I personally use the Beginnings Book by Petunia Pickle Bottom and find it perfect for us.

2.) A child's backpack with a safety leash/harness. Kids are fast. Even if you swore that you'd never put your child 'on a leash,' trust me, in a busy airport (especially if you're traveling by yourself!) you will be so grateful that you did. Pack your child's backpack with fun things for them to do on the plane, like crayons and coloring books, their LeapPad or tablet, their favorite book, miniature toys, their baby doll, a portable DVD player with their favorite movie or show - basically whatever it is that will keep your child busy and happy while on your flight! Your child will be pleased to know that they're carrying their special toy(s) for the flight and have some source of entertainment, and you will have some peace of mind knowing that you're holding onto them and that they can't run off. Of course, if your child is older and a little more responsible (such as a mature 5 year old), the leash/harness may be unnecessary, but you should still allow them to carry their own backpack with some fun things to do. My little guy loves his Skip Hop Safety Harness Mini Backpack because it's a fun animal and holds just the right amount of toys for him to carry comfortably on his back!

3.) CARES Kids Fly Safe Harness. When flying with a child, it's just as important to keep them safe on an airplane as it is to keep them safe in a car. If you aren't traveling with your car seat or have chosen to check it, rather than just using the safety belt on the airplane's seat (or holding them on your lap as a lap passenger) the CARES Kids Fly Safe Harness allows your child to be safely seated in a full harness. The CARES Harness is the first and only harness that has been certified by the FAA to be used as a car seat alternative on an aircraft carrier. Although not every airline stewardess may be familiar with the harness, it has been approved by the FAA for the United States, and a large number of other countries (for a full list please visit the CARES website here). The CARES Harness is also the only child restraint system to be approved for taxi, take off, and landing.

The CARES Harness is designed for children over the age of one, who weigh 22-44 pounds, and are up to 40 inches tall. It assists in protecting children against jolts that are common in routine air travel, and to keep them from sliding forward or beneath the standard seatbelt in the event of an emergency situation. Not only is this harness super convenient, it's also extremely practical, weighing just one pound and fitting into a 6 inch carrying case! Another great feature of the CARES Harness is that it can be easily installed on any seat on the aircraft. So, regardless of if your child is seated in a window, center, or aisle seat, or even if it's the last row (backed against a wall), the CARES Harness can be used safely. The only exception would be in the row of emergency seats (where children wouldn't be seated anyway). It's important to take note that while this harness is fully approved by the FAA for airline travel, it is NOT safe to use in any motor vehicle. As a mom who travels with her children, I am so grateful that this product was created and we plan on using one on a flight this month.

4.) A lightweight, compact child carrier. Even if you think you child is to big for a carrier, and even if they protest, when you have to make it across the airport during a layover and you only have 30 minutes to do so, your life will be a lot easier if you are able to just throw your little one on your back and book-it across the airport. My son stopped wanting to be carried a little after 2 years old, but I still bring the carrier to the airport with me just in case. Honestly, I'd rather hear him screaming for 10 minutes than not make our connecting flight due to a temper tantrum at terminal 3. For a lightweight, compact carrier to throw in your carry on for safe keeping, we love the BityBean, which can accommodate a child up to 40 pounds! Perfect for your little ones with age ranges 2-4!

5.)  A large, quality carry on bag. Load that sucker up with everything you need to survive your plane ride - change of clothes, wet wipes, snacks, a good book (or your kindle or iPad), portable DVD player and a movie, extra coloring book or toy for your child, baby carrier (if your child is still within the weight limits), gate check bag if you are checking a car seat or a stroller, your CARES Kids Fly Safe Harness, and anything else that you think may be beneficial for your child or yourself. I recommend a bag that is flexible in structure so that you can place it under the seat in front of you for easier access, and I would also encourage a bag that fully zips closed so that you can be sure your belongings are safe. I love to travel with my Petunia Pickle Bottom Wistful Weekender. It's the perfect size for stowing underneath the seat in front of me and it zips up so I know I'll arrive with all of our belongings.

What are some of your must have's for traveling with your child(ren)?
How old are they?

Disclosure: I've teamed up with CARES Kids Fly Safe for this post and received a product sample to facilitate my views. Images Via kidsflysafe.com, petuniapicklebottom.com, skiphop.com, and bitybean.com. Amazon links are affiliate links.