Tips for long distance car travel with children
Never leave a child alone and unattended in a car.
- Keep your tamariki safe by always using a correctly installed child restraint (capsule, car seat, booster) that is appropriate for their age and size – consider contacting a child restraint technician to check it's been installed correctly.
- When pēpi are young it’s helpful to have an adult sitting alongside them in the back seat to make sure they are comfortable
- Plan to stop regularly (at least once every two hours). Take tamariki out of capsules/car seats for a stretch and let them move around – bonus if you can stop at a park or play area to release some energy.
- Take extra precautions in hot weather. Check car seat parts for heat before placing tamariki into them and make sure older tamariki have access to a water bottle.
- Consider taking a few soft toys to keep toddlers entertained. You can swap toys out throughout the trip, storing unused toys securely in the boot or footwell.
- Play music, audio books or podcasts to keep tamariki entertained
- Play car games like 'I Spy' (be flexible with smaller tamariki – you could try spying colours), sing songs or tell jokes
Tips for flying with children
Flying with children can be a challenging experience for the whole whānau. Try to keep your expectations realistic and be understanding if they are finding it difficult – and remember it's okay to ask for and accept help.
Planning flight travel with tamariki
- Check your airline’s website for tips about flying with pēpi or tamariki
- Many airlines allow extra baggage when travelling with small children – find out what you are entitled to bring, and what you may be able to check at the gate (like travel strollers or car seats)
- For long-haul flights, consider booking these overnight so you can keep to your child’s routine as much as possible
- Allow plenty of time at the airport for check-in and between connecting flights – remember it can take longer than usual to get things done with children in tow!
- Consider requesting an aisle seat to allow you to get up and down easily. If you are travelling with a young pēpi, you may also be able to ask for a bassinet.
For information about NZ Government recommendations for travelling to countries where there may be safety concerns for travellers, visit SafeTravel
Packing carry-on luggage
- Pack a spare change of clothes in case of accidents
- Because airplane bathrooms and changing spaces are small, pack a small bag with just a couple of nappies and a few wipes and keep it in the seat pocket in front of you for easy access
- Consider packing some snacks for your tamariki – wrapping each snack individually can also provide some entertainment while on board
- If you’ll need to feed pēpi meals on the plane, consider packing your own baby food, bowls, and utensils; disposable bibs are also helpful
- If bottle feeding with formula, carry bottles of pre-boiled water with you and small containers with the milk powder or a single feed already measured
- Pack plenty of activities for tamariki such as books and toys – you can wrap toys to add to their entertainment value
- If your tamariki suffer from air sickness, take along extra disposable nappy bags to use as sick bags in case they are needed. They tie up to keep the contents in, and the odour neutraliser does help! They're also handy for storing dirty clothes.
In the terminal
- Look out for fast-track customs and immigration check points for people travelling with tamariki
- A front-pack or baby carrier may be useful to free up your hands to push luggage trolleys
- Try to board the plane early if you need assistance from cabin crew.
On board the plane
- If you have booked a lap seat for tamariki under two years old, request a baby lap belt to attach to your own
- Breastfeeding or offering a bottle to pēpi while the plane is taking off or landing can keep them comfortable – sucking helps unblock ears
- Give tamariki plenty of fluids during the flight – the air in the plane is very dry, and it's easy for them to get dehydrated
- Keep a small bag with nappies and wipes easily accessible in the seat pocket in front of you
- If you need meals or bottles warmed, ask the cabin crew well in advance as it can take time to heat using hot water in the galley. Always test the temperature before you give it to your child.
- Be prepared to walk up and down the aisles when the seatbelt sign is off to keep tamariki entertained
- If travel falls around usual sleep times, try to stick to usual sleep routines as much as possible
- Talk to your children and explain what's happening during the flight so they are reassured and not frightened by new sounds or experiences.
Last updated: 9 December 2025
