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Traveling by plane with toddlers can be a major cause of stress for moms! When it comes to keeping your little ones entertained and happy during long car rides, airplane snacks can make all the difference—after all, having enough fuel is key for anyone, even more so when you’re in the air! To ensure that everyone stays calm and collected while in transit, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide featuring the 15 best airplane snacks for toddlers.
From healthy options like dried fruit to just-for-fun bites like granola bars, our list will have something everyone in your family will love! So, let’s take off on this culinary adventure and explore some delicious (and fuss-free) snacks that’ll make every travel experience run smoothly from start to finish.
Battling Hunger at High Altitudes
We’ve all been there. Sitting in an airplane with a hungry toddler can turn your flight into a marathon of patience and endurance. With their tiny stomachs, toddlers require frequent small meals and snacks throughout the day to keep them satisfied and crankiness at bay.
While airlines offer food options, they are often limited, especially for those picky little eaters. The offerings are usually meal-oriented and not toddler-focused. There’s typically a lack of variety and inadequate nutrition-rich choices for your little one. Add to this the unpredictability of meal timings during a flight, and you’ve got a recipe for a potentially disquieting situation.
Not only can a hungry toddler be particularly loud and fussy, which may disturb fellow passengers, but they could also experience discomfort due to the changing pressure in their ears. Eating and swallowing offer a natural remedy to this problem.
Once you identify these challenges, the solution becomes clear: bringing snacks for your toddler on the airplane trip.
15 Best Airplane Snacks for Toddlers
- Veggie Straws
- Fruit Snacks
- Peanut Butter Crackers
- Goldfish Crackers
- Fruit Pouches
- Dried Apple Slices
- Dried Mango Slices
- Banana Bread Bites
- Granola Bars
- Yogurt Covered Pretzels
- Graham Crackers
- Baby Carrots
- Celery Slices
- Cucumber Slices
- Broccoli Florets
- Cauliflower Florets
- Saf-T-Pop Lollipops
Expert Tips for Choosing Airplane Snacks
One thing I’ve learned from my own adventures in air travel with my toddlers is that not all snacks are created equal. When we’re on the ground, something that’s a bit messy or needs refrigeration might not be a big deal. But when cruising at 30,000 feet, messes are magnified, and refrigeration is nonexistent. Here’s what I’ve learned about selecting snacks that please kids and travel well.
First, you’ll want something that’s relatively mess-free. Crumbs can be vacuumed up later at home, but on an airplane, they’re just going to get everywhere and annoy you (and most likely your seat neighbors too). The best snacks are dry, aren’t sticky, and come in big enough pieces that they’re unlikely to end up all over the place. Some of my kids’ favorites include dehydrated fruit (apples and mangos are their favorite) and pretzels.
Next, think about longevity. Our flights sometimes last up to six hours, and I’ve found that it’s important to bring some snacks that can last a long time without refrigeration. Items like cheese sticks or yogurt might seem like a good idea, but they can spoil if they’re not kept cool.
Last but certainly not least, the snacks should be appealing to your toddlers. It’s no use packing a snack that your kids won’t eat. From my experience, kids’ tastes can vary greatly. Therefore, you might want to experiment with a few different snacks before your flight to see what your toddlers like.
Remember, the best airplane snacks for toddlers are those that are convenient, long-lasting, and above all, delicious to them!
Packing Snacks Efficiently for Air Travel
When it comes to packing the best airplane snacks for toddlers, it is important to remember two aspects: the logistical demands of air travel and the challenge of maintaining order during the flight. With this in mind, let’s share some tips on how to pack toddlers’ snacks efficiently for air travel.
Respecting Airport Security
Security rules and restrictions are a big part of air travel. To avoid problems at security checkpoints, make sure the snacks are not in liquid or gel form as they may be subject to the airlines’ 100 ml liquid limit. Opt for solid snack options instead, such as sliced fruits, crackers, cheese cubes, baby carrots, or granola bars.
Packing for Minimized Messes
Messes can never be completely avoided when traveling with toddlers, but minimizing them is possible. Choose snacks that are less likely to spill, smear, or crumble. Avoid snacks that melt easily such as chocolate or those that have a strong smell. Reusable snack containers with compartments can be really helpful here, as they prevent food from moving around too much and make the eating procedure more manageable for your toddler.
Choosing Suitable Snack Containers
The containers in which you pack the snacks can make a huge difference in your travel experience with young children!
Consider using clear, airtight, spill-proof containers. Clear containers will allow you and security officers to see what’s inside without opening them. Airtight and spill-proof containers not only keep the snacks fresh but also prevent any spills inside your hand luggage.
Smaller containers that can be packed into lunch boxes or backpacks are ideal, as they are easier for little hands to hold and navigate. Plus, you can also easily take them out for the security checkpoints and put them back afterward.
Great Snack Containers for Kids
- Bento Lunch Box for Kids
- Reusable Snack Container with 5 Compartment Dispenser and Lid
- BoBaby Snail Snacker
- Dilovely Snack Cups for Toddlers
Considerations for Allergies and Unexpected Changes
It’s vital to consider potential food allergies when choosing the best airplane snacks for toddlers. This is especially true for allergies to common snack components like nuts. Preparing for the unexpected, such as flight delays or cancellations, is also important, which could lead to longer waiting times and additional snack needs.
Pack a Variety of Non-Nut Snacks
Packaging various non-nut snacks is wise to cater to potential peanut allergies. This opens up various possibilities—veggie sticks with hummus, cheese cubes, rice cakes, yogurt pouches, or dried fruits. Ensuring variety in the snacks you pack will cater to possible allergies and keep your toddler interested and satisfied throughout the flight.
Expecting the Unexpected
Delays and cancellations are all part of air travel. It’s always best to be prepared for unexpected scenarios by including extra snacks in your packing plan. It’s good to remember that toddlers tend to eat small quantities more frequently throughout the day. Therefore, an extra set of snacks could prevent a potential hunger-induced meltdown.
Moreover, should other children be traveling with you or your child makes a new friend onboard, having extra snacks on hand can be a real lifesaver. In most cases, sharing snacks can be a great way to keep children occupied and happy during potential delays or wait times.
Conclusion
With the right planning and choices, air travel with toddlers can turn from a challenge into a smooth journey. The secret lies in packing the best airplane snacks for toddlers.
Providing your toddler with the best airplane snacks can be a game-changer during air travel, ensuring they stay full and entertained, even with limited onboard food options. Balancing considerations like long-lasting, non-messy foods, potential peanut allergies, and unexpected journey delays can help create an optimal snack pack for your little ones to ease your travel experience.
In conclusion, smart snack selection and preparation can alleviate the stress of air travel with toddlers, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free flight for everyone. Happy travels!
Airplane Snacks for Toddlers FAQs
What are some examples of good airplane snacks for toddlers?
Good airplane snacks for toddlers include dried fruits, veggie sticks, cheese cubes, cereal mix, and mini sandwiches. These snacks are travel-friendly, nutritious, and less likely to cause a mess during the flight.
How can I pack snacks while minimizing mess?
Packing snacks in individual serving sizes using reusable containers or zip-lock bags can minimize mess. This helps with portion control and reduces the chance of spilling or contamination. Also, choosing snacks that are easy to eat and aren’t too crumbly can further reduce the chance of mess.
What should I do if my child has allergies?
If your child has allergies, always carry a variety of non-allergenic snacks, and inform the flight crew about your child’s allergy. It’s essential to select foods that your child enjoys and can safely eat. In case of peanut allergies, many airlines will offer a peanut-free cabin or zone if notified in advance.
What to do in case of unexpected delays or cancellations?
In case of unexpected delays or cancellations, having extra snacks comes in handy. Always pack more than you think you’ll need for the duration of the flight, taking into account potential waiting times during transit, delays on the tarmac, or unforeseen cancellations.