Holly is getting on a plane to South Africa with two toddlers. Sixteen hours. This is not a wing-it situation.
We put together this list for every parent staring down a long-haul flight with kids under three. Here's what's going in the bag and what we're counting on to get through it.
No commissions on any of these links — just sharing what we're actually using.
JetKids BedBox Roller Bags
These are carry-ons the kids ride through the airport that convert into a footrest and flat sleeping surface once you're in the air. The box snaps onto the seat in front of them so they can actually stretch out.
Holly hasn't tried these yet — she will report back. But the concept is solid enough that we bought them without hesitation. A toddler who can lie flat on a 16-hour flight is the whole dream. Shop the JetKids BedBox here.
The Crown Carryall
A 16-hour flight is not the time for a disorganized bag. The Crown Carryall comes with a diaper changing pouch, an insulated snack pouch, a changing pad, and a wet bag for when things get inevitably dirty — and they will. Everything has a spot. No dumping the whole bag at 2 a.m. somewhere over the Atlantic to find a wet wipe.
Unlimited Snacks
Pack more than you think you need. Then add more. We're using WeeSprout Suction Plates and Bentgo Snack Cups to keep things organized and easy to hand off without making a mess.
Smocks
Our kids are toddlers — food goes everywhere even when conditions are perfect. At 35,000 feet on no sleep, food goes everywhere. We use the Tiny Twinkle Waterproof Smock Bib — it's long-sleeved, machine washable, and actually keeps clothes clean.
iPads and Headphones
There are no rules on a 16-hour flight. We said what we said.
Download everything before you leave — shows, movies, games, whatever keeps them still. Don't count on the plane's Wi-Fi.
Portable Sound Machine
A portable white noise machine blocks enough cabin noise to actually get a toddler to sleep. It's the sleeper hit of the whole list — we bring one every trip.
Brand New Toys They've Never Seen
Bought specifically for this flight, never seen before. The novelty buys real, uninterrupted time. Save them for the hardest stretch — usually hour six when everyone is exhausted and no one will sleep.
What we're bringing: JoyCat Paint with Water Books, ERTL John Deere Die-Cast Set, and these toy organizers. Mess-free, contained, and designed to hold attention for more than thirty seconds.
— Holly + Caroline 👑
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