Keep Baby Entertained on a Plane: 50+ Activities | Guide

Long flights with a baby or young child can quickly become a challenge. Between the limited space, blocked ears and boredom, here are all our tips to keep baby entertained on a plane and travel with peace of mind.

Keeping baby entertained on a plane by age

Baby aged 0 to 6 months

At this age, baby sleeps a lot. Take advantage of it!

What works:

🍼 Frequent feeds: breast or bottle, it soothes and helps with ear pressure
🎵 White noise: download a white noise app on your phone
🧸 Familiar comforter: the reassuring smell of home
👶 Baby wearing: sling or carrier to help them fall asleep
🪟 Window view: contrasts captivate very young babies

Avoid:

Too much stimulation before the flight
Changing their sleep habits

Baby aged 6 to 12 months

The age of discovery... and impatience!

Activities that work:

📚 Fabric books: unbreakable and silent
🔑 Teething toys: Sophie the Giraffe, teething rings
📱 Unbreakable mirror: baby loves looking at themselves
🎶 Nursery rhymes: whispered in their ear with headphones for you
🥄 Snacks: cereals, biscuits, fruit pieces (watch for choking)
📺 Short videos: Cocomelon, Baby Einstein (as a last resort)

Pro tip: Prepare surprise bags with one toy per hour of flight.

Toddler aged 1 to 3 years

The hardest age on a plane. They want to move!

Survival kit:

🖍️ Crayons and notebook: colouring, stickers
🧩 Magnetic puzzles: they don't fall off
📖 Sound books (with headphones or low volume)
🎭 Finger puppets: make up stories
🍿 Varied snacks: fruit pouches, crackers, raisins
📱 Tablet with downloaded content: films, educational games

Winning strategy: Alternate between quiet activities and moments where the child can stand up (go to the toilet, walk down the aisle during service).

Child aged 3 to 6 years

Easier to reason with, but still needs variety.

Recommended activities:

🎧 Audiobooks and podcasts: captivating stories
🎮 Educational games: apps like Sago Mini, Toca Boca
✏️ Activity books: mazes, dot-to-dot
🃏 Card games: Uno, Go Fish
🎬 Films: most airlines have individual screens
📓 Travel journal: drawing what they see

Carry-on bag essentials for baby

The 3-category rule

Organise your bag into three types of activity:

Calm: books, comforter, soft music
Creative: crayons, stickers, play dough (allowed in the cabin!)
Interactive: games, apps, videos

The perfect carry-on checklist

Essential:

Entertainment:

Comfort:

Light blanket
Travel pillow
Change of clothes for you (in case of accidents)

Tips from travelling parents

Before the flight

Tire baby out: physical activity before boarding
Choose the right time: night flight = baby sleeps
Book the right seats: near the toilets, aisle side
Download content: Netflix, Disney+, YouTube in offline mode

During boarding

Board last: less time waiting seated
Set up the car seat quickly (if you have one)
Feed at take-off: swallowing = ears unblocked

In flight

Alternate activities every 20-30 minutes
Walk around the aisle when permitted
Accept the tablet: it's fine for once
Stay calm: other passengers understand (usually)

The pro secret

💡 The "new toy" technique: buy 3-4 small inexpensive toys that baby has never seen. Bring out a new one each hour. The novelty effect captures their attention far longer than a familiar toy.

Managing meltdowns on a plane

Baby cries at take-off/landing

It's often ear pressure causing pain.

Solutions:

Feeding (breast, bottle, dummy)
Offering a drink or snack
Chewing a teething ring
For older children: chewing gum or yawning

Baby refuses to sleep

Dim the light (blanket over the seat in front)
White noise through headphones
Gentle rocking
Baby wearing in a sling if possible

Child has a tantrum

Stay calm (your stress = their stress)
Whisper rather than shout
Offer an unexpected distraction
If needed, go to the toilets for a cuddle

After the plane: the airport transfer

You survived the flight. Well done! Now, how do you get to your destination with a tired baby and bulky equipment?

The problem with standard taxis and ride services

❌ No car seat: unsafe and technically illegal for private hire vehicles
❌ Boot too small: pushchair + suitcases = mission impossible
❌ Endless waiting: with an exhausted baby

The solution: Lajoieway

Lajoieway is the family-focused private car service in Paris that understands parents:

✅ Free car seat suited to your child's age

Infant carrier (0-12 months)
Group 1 seat (9 months-4 years)
Booster seat (4-10 years)

✅ Spacious vehicle for the whole family + luggage + pushchair

✅ Driver waiting for you with a name board (even if the flight is delayed)

✅ Fixed price: no surprises after a long journey

Paris airport transfer prices

Route	Price	Car seat
CDG → Paris	From €79	✅ Included
Orly → Paris	From €69	✅ Included
Paris → Disneyland	From €85	✅ Included
Beauvais → Paris	From €169	✅ Included

Book my transfer with free car seat →

FAQ: Keeping baby entertained on a plane

At what age can you give a tablet to a child on a plane?

There is no hard rule. On a plane, the tablet is a survival tool for parents. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends avoiding screens before 18 months, but a long-haul flight is an acceptable exception. Prioritise educational content and limit to 1-2 hours maximum.

Which toys are banned in the cabin?

Avoid noisy toys, sharp objects, and anything containing more than 100ml of liquid. Scissors (even child-safe ones) are banned. Play dough and felt-tip pens are allowed.

How do you manage jet lag with a baby?

Start shifting schedules 2-3 days before departure. Expose baby to natural light at your destination. Keep the usual sleep routines. Generally allow 1 day of adjustment per hour of time difference.

Do airlines provide baby meals?

Most airlines offer baby/child meals if booked in advance (48 hours before). However, always bring your own snacks and baby food jars in case of problems.

Also read

Looking for a private car with baby car seat in Paris? Discover why Uber doesn't offer this option in France and what the best alternative is:

👉 Baby Car Seat in Paris: The Uber Alternative with Free Car Seat

Conclusion

Keeping baby entertained on a plane takes preparation, but with the right activities and a zen attitude, the flight can even become a good memory. The essentials: vary the activities, accept imperfection, and enjoy the journey.

And once you've landed, entrust your airport transfer to professionals who understand families. At Lajoieway, the car seat is ready and the driver is waiting for you!

Is your flight coming up soon?

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📞 +33 7 44 30 30 46 - Service 24/7

How to Keep Baby Entertained on a Plane: 50+ Ideas by Age