The Ultimate Guide to Airplane Beds for Toddlers in 2024

Are you planning a long flight with your little one in tow? If yes, as we parents know, ensuring their comfort and sleep is crucial during the journey.

Say hello to toddler airplane beds – your solution to ensure your child gets the most restful sleep they need while flying high! In this blog post, we'll explore what these beds are, the best options currently available, and how to select the most suitable one for your child.

Short Summary

• Understand the types of airplane beds available for toddlers and safety considerations to ensure a comfortable flight.
• Check out top options like stackable bed suitcases, inflatable footrests, inflatable seat extenders and air travel hammocks.
• Consider age/size, airline policies and restrictions when shopping. Follow tips for successful setup & use during travel.

Understanding Toddler Airplane Beds

Toddler airplane beds are specially designed products that create a flat, comfortable surface on a plane for your child to sleep on. These beds are perfect for turning a cramped economy seat into a cozy sleeping spot if your child has their own seat. A toddler airplane travel bed can make all the difference in ensuring a peaceful flight for you and your little one.

But what types of airplane beds are available, and how can you ensure your child's safety while using them?

Types of Airplane Beds

There are several types of airplane beds to choose from, including inflatable footrests, ride-on suitcases, seat extenders and airplane hammocks.

An innovative alternative is a ride-on suitcase, such as the MuuHoo ride-on toddler suitcase with swivel wheels. This multi-functional product serves as carry-on bag back-on luggage that can hold up to 20 litres and transforms into a toddler airplane bed when your child has their own seat on the plane. JetKids BedBoxTM is another popular option with its 3-in-1 functionality, combining a ride-on suitcase, toy storage, and a comfy toddler bed for plane travel.

Safety Considerations

When using toddler airplane beds, it's crucial to consider safety guidelines and airline policies. For instance, inflatable footrests can't be used on an aisle seat for safety reasons. It's also essential to research whether the airline you're flying with permits the use of such beds, as some airlines have specific restrictions on their use.

In addition to adhering to airline policies, ensure that the bed you choose is made of high-quality, non-toxic materials and is appropriate for your child's age and weight. Following these guidelines will help create a safe and comfortable sleeping environment for your little one during the flight.

Top Airplane Bed Options for Toddlers

Now that we understand the basics of toddler airplane beds, let's take a closer look at some of the top options available in the market: Stackable Kids' Suitcases, Inflatable Seat Extenders, Inflatable Footrests, and Airplane Hammocks.

Each bed offers unique features and benefits to ensure your child's comfort during their flight.

1. Airplane Hammock

The SkySnooze Airplane Hammock is a revolutionary product designed to provide unparalleled comfort and support for toddlers during long airplane journeys. Developed with the aim of ensuring a restful and stress-free travel experience, this innovative hammock-style bed has garnered immense popularity among parents seeking an alternative to traditional inflatable airplane footrests and extenders for their little ones.

To ensure your child's safety while using the SkySnooze airplane hammock, make sure it's firmly attached to the seat and that they are safely buckled in with the airline-provided seatbelt. Additionally, never leave your child unattended while using the hammock, and constantly monitor their comfort and well-being during the flight.

Advantages:

1. Full-Body Support: Provides a flat sleeping surface, transforming a cramped economy seat into a cosy bed for toddlers during long flights.
2. Easy Installation: Attaches to the seatback tray table, creating a secure and adjustable sleeping space.
3. Safe and Sturdy: Designed with durable and child-safe materials to ensure a safe sleeping environment.
4. Compact and Portable: Lightweight and foldable for easy storage and portability.
5. Extra Storage Space: Unlike the other options, the hammock leaves additional storage space under the seat, allowing parents to keep essential items close at hand during the flight.

Disadvantages:

1. Specific Installation Method: Requires a tray table for attachment, limiting its use on seats in some trains and busses.
2. Age and Size Limitations: Designed for younger children, may not be suitable for older or larger kids.
3. Airline Restrictions: Some airlines may have policies against using hammocks onboard, so checking in advance is essential.

2. Stackable Kids' Suitcase

Stackable kids' suitcases, such as JetKids BedBox, are ride-on, carry-on suitcases that transform into a bed for your child during the flight. This item offers 3-in-1 functionality. It can be used as a ride-on suitcase, toy storage, and a comfortable toddler bed for plane travel. They are lightweight and compact, making it suitable for most airlines.

Benefits:

1. In-Flight Comfort: The JetKids BedBox transforms an economy seat into a comfortable resting space for children. It allows kids to lie flat, promoting better sleep during long flights, reducing restlessness, and making the journey more enjoyable for children and parents.
2. Versatility: This travel essential is a bed and a suitcase with storage space for toys, clothes, and essentials. Additionally, its ride-on feature keeps children entertained while navigating through busy airports.
3. Easy Set-Up: Setting up these stackable suitcases is fairly straightforward, and children can easily convert them into a bed or use it as a ride-on with minimal assistance from parents.
4. Safety and Durability: Most stackable suitcases are constructed from robust materials, ensuring durability and child safety. They come with sturdy wheels, allowing kids to ride it comfortably without compromising stability.
5. Compact Design: When not in use, they can be collapsed into a compact size, saving space during travel and making it convenient to store when not needed.

Disadvantages:

1. Price: Stackable suitcases like JetKids BedBox are relatively more expensive than traditional carry-on luggage. While it offers multiple functionalities, the cost might be a consideration for some parents.
2. Airline Approval: While most airlines allow using them, some carriers might have specific regulations or restrictions on using this type of accessory onboard. It's essential to check with the airline beforehand to ensure compliance.
3. Age and Size Limitations: Stackable suitcases are primarily designed for younger children, and older or taller kids may outgrow their size limitations, making them less suitable for them.
4. Luggage Space: When used as a bed, the BedBox may occupy some legroom, reducing available space for storing additional carry-on items. This could be a concern on flights with limited space.
5. Handling on Planes: Some parents may find securing the BedBox to the seat slightly challenging during take-off and landing, although airlines' flight attendants usually assist with this process.

3. Inflatable Seat Extenders

An inflatable seat extender, such as FlyAway Kids, creates a flat surface for sleeping and playing during the flight. One of the top-rated inflatable airplane beds for toddlers, it features a headrest and footrest for added comfort and safety on long-haul flights, making it an excellent choice for an inflatable airplane bed.

Setting up the bed is easy. Inflate the main compartment via valve 1, then inflate the adjustable floor and top compartment as much as possible via valve 2. Once fully inflated, use the straps to securely attach it to the airplane seat, ensuring your child's safe and comfortable sleeping space.

Advantages:

1. Leg and Seat Support: Elevates a child's legs and provides additional support to convert an economy seat into a more comfortable and spacious setting.
2. Lightweight: Made from lightweight materials, it doesn't add much weight to your carry-on luggage.
3. Easy Setup: Despite a slight challenge with the included pump, the overall setup process is easy enough.
4. Universal Fit: Standard sizes suitable for most economy airlines and bus and train seats.

Disadvantages:

1. Limited Support Area: Focuses primarily on leg and seat support; does not provide full-body comfort like an airplane hammock.
2. Airline Approval: Some airlines may not permit inflatable seat extenders onboard, so checking airline policies beforehand is crucial.
3. Age and Size Limitations: Designed for younger children, it may not be suitable for older or larger kids.
4. Takes up space: Out of the 4 options, the bed box and inflatable seat extenders occupy the most space when not in use.

4. Inflatable Footrest

Inflatable footrests, such as PlanePal, are designed to provide additional comfort and support for toddlers during flights. It's a lightweight and economical option that converts an economy seat into a business-class recliner, providing extra space for your child to stretch out and sleep. Their standard sizes suit most all economy seats on airlines and bus and train seats.

Although it may be a bit tricky to use the included small pump, the compact size and ease of setup make it a popular choice among parents.

Advantages:

1. Comfortable Leg Support: Provides optimal leg and foot support, reducing strain and promoting a relaxed sitting position for toddlers during flights.
2. Lightweight and Portable: Made from lightweight materials, it is easy to carry and pack into travel bags when deflated.
3. Simple Setup: Quick and straightforward inflation process, allowing children to enjoy the benefits almost instantly.
4. Versatility in Use: Suitable for various modes of transportation with limited legroom beyond just air travel.

Disadvantages:

1. Limited Support: While it enhances leg comfort, it does not provide full-body support like other options.
2. Age and Size Limitations: Designed for toddlers, it may not be suitable for older or larger children.
3. Airline Restrictions: Some airlines may not allow the use of inflatable footrests, so it's essential to check the airline's policy beforehand.

How to Choose the Right Airplane Bed for Your Child

With so many options available, choosing the perfect airplane bed for your child can be challenging. To make the best decision, consider your child's age and size, travel frequency, and specific airline policies and restrictions.

Let's delve deeper into these considerations.

Age and Size Considerations

When selecting an airplane bed, it's crucial to consider your child's age and size. Be sure to check the bed's recommended age range, size, and weight limit before purchasing. To ensure the perfect fit, you might also want to measure your child's height, width, and length and consider the bed size.

Additionally, consider the dimensions, weight, ease of setup and takedown of the bed itself when evaluating its suitability for your child. Considering all these factors, you can ensure that the airplane bed you choose is comfortable, safe, and appropriate for your little one.

Travel Frequency

For families often on the move, the right airplane bed for your child is more than a travel accessory; it's an investment in comfort and safety. Prioritise options that blend quality, portability, and ease of use to match the demands of frequent travel. A bed that's straightforward to set up, lightweight for easy transport, yet durable enough to handle numerous journeys, will make air travel with your child smoother and more enjoyable.

Opting for a bed tailored to your travel habits ensures your little one's comfort on every flight, making each journey as restful as the last.

Airline Policies and Restrictions

Before purchasing a toddler airplane bed, one must be aware of airline policies and restrictions. Some airlines have specific requirements for their use, while others may not allow them at all.

Let's explore how to research airline policies and select the best seat to accommodate your child's airplane bed.

Researching Airline Policies

It's crucial to check the policies of the airline you're flying with when travelling with a toddler airplane bed. Most airlines will allow the use of travel beds, but there could be restrictions on where you can use them on the plane. For example, Emirates, Qantas, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and Thai Airways have banned leg rests, so checking your airline's website before boarding is best.

By researching your airline's specific policies and guidelines, you can ensure that the bed is permitted and that there are no limitations on its use during the flight. This helps to avoid any unpleasant surprises at the airport or onboard the aircraft.

Seat Selection Tips

When travelling with a toddler airplane bed, selecting the best seat on the plane is essential. Window and middle seats in the plane's centre are usually the best options. Note that some airlines have specific requirements about where inflatable beds can be used on the and how to make a bed on a plane, so checking their particular policies is essential.

Additionally, consider how close the child's seat is to the bathroom and whether a window seat for your child and a middle seat for you would be convenient when choosing seats. This one extra seat up can help make the flight more comfortable for you and your little one, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey.

Tips for a Successful Flight with a Toddler Airplane Bed

Equipped with the knowledge of the best airplane beds and how to choose the right one for your child, let's delve into some tips on ensuring a successful flight with a toddler airplane bed.

We'll explore setting up the bed and ensuring your child a good night's sleep, comfort and safety throughout the flight.

Setting Up the Airplane Bed

It is important to set up the airplane bed properly to ensure that your child has a comfortable and safe flight. When setting up the Flyaway Kids Bed, it is recommended to inflate the main compartment first via valve one and then inflate the adjustable top compartment as much as possible via valve two. Once the bed is fully inflated, use the provided straps to attach it securely to the airplane seat.

Before allowing your child to use the bed, it is essential to check for any potential leaks and make sure that it is securely fastened to the airplane seat. These steps will ensure that your child has a safe, comfortable, and secure sleeping space during the flight.

Ensuring Child Comfort and Safety

When your child is using an airplane bed, it is crucial to monitor their comfort and safety throughout the flight. You should always keep an eye on your child while they are using the bed and never leave them unattended. To guarantee your child's safety, ensure that they are securely fastened with the airline-provided seat belt. By following these guidelines, you can create a safe and comfortable sleeping environment for your little one during the flight. This will allow you and your child to have a more restful and enjoyable journey.

Additional Sleep Accessories for Travelling with Toddlers

In addition to airplane beds, several other toddler sleep accessories can make travelling with a toddler more comfortable and enjoyable. Travel blankets, nursing covers, sleeping bags and airplane toddler beds are all great options to consider when preparing for your next family trip.

Nursing covers, for example, help block out light and other noise to create a darker sleep environment for your little one during the flight. Baby Banz earplugs, noise-cancelling earmuffs or disposable airplane earplugs for young kids can also help protect your child's ears from loud noises, providing a more peaceful sleep environment.

Investing in these additional sleep accessories can create a more calming and tranquil atmosphere for your child during the flight, further ensuring their comfort and well-being as they fall asleep throughout the journey.

Summary

In conclusion, toddler airplane beds can significantly affect your child's comfort and sleep during long flights. With options like the JetKids BedBoxTM, Flyaway Kids Bed, PlanePal, and Airplane Hammock, your little one can enjoy a cozy and secure sleeping space in the air. By considering factors such as your child's age, size, travel frequency, airline policies, and restrictions, you can choose the perfect bed for your child's needs. Don't forget to ensure your child's comfort and safety during the flight, and consider additional sleep accessories to make the journey even more pleasant. Happy flying!

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do airlines permit the use of airplane beds?

Most airlines generally allow the use of airplane beds, but it is advisable to confirm the specific policies of your airline before your trip.

Please note that the final decision may be made by the flight and cabin crew aboard your plane.

Which airlines offer beds?

If you are seeking an airline providing beds in business class, consider British Airways, Japan Airlines, and Qatar Airways.

Are inflatable plane beds allowed?

Many airlines permit passengers the use of inflatable beds, but it is advisable to check with your airline prior to your journey. Keep in mind that certain airlines may have safety concerns and prohibit their usage.

What exactly is a toddler airplane bed?

A toddler airplane bed is a brilliant innovation that transforms a cramped economy seat into a comfortable sleeping spot, ensuring a more pleasant journey for your little one. It is specifically designed to fit most standard airline seats, easy to install and remove, and made of lightweight and durable materials. The bed is adjustable to a comfortable position to provide optimal comfort for your child.

What are some recommended toddler airplane bed options?

For those seeking excellent toddler airplane bed choices, consider the Little Travellers Airplane Hammock, JetKids BedBoxTM, Flyaway Kids Bed, and PlanePal .