Flying with babies and children often involves a lot of planning, and food can be one of the biggest considerations.

Will the airline provide food for your baby? What is included in a child meal? Can you order baby food in advance? And what happens if your child has allergies, follows a special diet or simply will not eat the standard children’s meal?

Many airlines use special meal codes to identify meals designed for babies, children and passengers with particular dietary requirements. Some of the main airline meal codes that families may come across include BBML, CHML, JNML and BLML. However, these are not necessarily the only options available for children. Depending on your child’s dietary needs, you may also be able to request a vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, religious or other special meal.

In this guide, I explain the main child and baby airline meal codes, what you might receive and some important things to consider before ordering a child vs baby airline meal.

Quick Wins: Child vs Baby Airline Meal Codes

If you are looking for a quick answer, these are some of the main airline meal codes associated with babies and children:

Remember that special meal availability, ingredients and age restrictions vary between airlines.

What Are Airline Special Meal Codes?

Airlines use standard abbreviations known as special meal codes to identify different types of meals. You may see these codes when managing your booking, selecting meals online or contacting the airline to request a particular meal. Some special meals are designed around age, while others accommodate dietary, medical, cultural or religious requirements.

For families travelling with babies and children, understanding these codes can make it easier to work out which meal may be the most suitable option. If you would like to refer to the full list of airline meal codes my guide to airline meal codes includes a free printable version of the list that you can download for your own reference.

BBML: Baby Meal

BBML stands for Baby Meal.

This special meal is designed for babies and infants who are not yet ready for a standard children’s or adult airline meal. The contents of a BBML can vary considerably between airlines and routes. You may receive commercially prepared jars or pouches of baby food rather than a freshly prepared meal. The selection available may also be limited, and parents should not assume that the food provided will be a brand, flavour or texture their baby already eats.

Some airlines recommend that parents bring enough baby food and milk for the journey even when a BBML has been requested. This is particularly important if your baby has allergies, sensory preferences, feeding difficulties or is at a particular stage of weaning.

If you are travelling with a baby soon, you can read my full guide to the BBML meal code for more information.

CHML: Child Meal

CHML stands for Child Meal. This is probably the most useful and widely available special meal code for families travelling with younger children. A CHML is designed to contain foods that are generally considered more appealing to children than the standard adult meal. Depending on the airline and route, this might include foods such as pasta, chicken, potatoes, sandwiches, fruit, yoghurt or a dessert.

However, ordering a CHML does not guarantee that your child will receive their favourite foods. Airline catering varies considerably, and the exact meal provided can change depending on the departure airport, flight duration and catering company.

Parents of children with restricted diets, sensory differences or strong food preferences should consider bringing familiar snacks and suitable backup food.

You can also read my complete guide to the CHML meal code before deciding whether it is the right option for your child.

JNML: Junior Meal

JNML stands for Junior Meal. This is another airline meal code associated with meals for younger passengers. However, JNML is much less commonly offered than CHML.

The exact definition and contents of a Junior Meal may vary between airlines. If you see JNML listed as an option when booking your flight, it is worth checking directly with the airline to find out who the meal is intended for and what type of food may be provided.

As with all airline meals, the exact contents cannot always be guaranteed.

You can find out more in my full guide to the JNML airline meal code.

BLML: Bland Meal

BLML stands for Bland Meal. Unlike BBML, CHML and JNML, the Bland Meal is not specifically designed for babies or children. However, it may be an option that some families consider.

A BLML is generally designed to contain mild, simply prepared foods while avoiding heavily seasoned, spicy or rich dishes. For children who prefer plainer foods, parents may wonder whether a Bland Meal would be more suitable than the standard Child Meal.

It is important to remember that BLML is not designed specifically for selective eaters or children with sensory food aversions. The meal may still contain foods that your child does not like or eat.

If you are considering this option, my full BLML meal code guide explains more about what a Bland Meal may contain.

What Is The Best Airline Meal Code For Babies?

For babies and young infants, BBML is usually the first special meal code to consider. However, whether it is suitable will depend on your baby’s age when trying to chooose between a child vs baby airline meal, stage of weaning and their current dietary requirements.

Parents should check what their airline provides before travelling.

Even when you have successfully requested a Baby Meal, bringing familiar baby food is sensible. Airline catering can change, special meals can occasionally be unavailable and your baby may simply refuse the food provided.

What Is The Best Airline Meal Code For Children?

For most younger children, CHML will be the main meal code to consider. It is specifically designed as a Child Meal and is offered by many airlines. However, CHML is not automatically the best option for every child.

Some children may prefer the standard adult meal, while others may require a completely different special meal because of allergies, intolerances, medical needs, religious requirements or dietary choices.

The best airline meal for your child is the one that most closely matches their individual needs.

Can Children Order Other Airline Special Meals?

Yes. Children are not necessarily restricted to ordering between child vs baby airline meals. If another special meal is more appropriate for your child, you may be able to request it instead.

For example, families may want to consider:

• VGML for a vegan meal.
• VLML for a vegetarian lacto-ovo meal.
• AVML for an Asian vegetarian meal.
• GFML for a gluten-free meal.
• DBML for a diabetic meal.
• HNML for a Hindu meal.
• KSML for a kosher meal.
• MOML for a Muslim meal.

The availability of these meals varies between airlines and routes. Parents should also remember that ordering a special meal does not necessarily guarantee that it will be suitable for someone with a severe food allergy.

What If My Child Has Food Allergies?

Families travelling with food allergies should check the individual airline’s allergy policy before flying. You can also head to my guide about travelling with allergies to start planning an allergy-safe trip.

A special meal may be designed to exclude certain ingredients, but airlines and catering facilities may not be able to guarantee an allergen-free environment. Cross-contamination may also be possible. Contact the airline before travelling to discuss your child’s requirements, how the airline meals are prpepared and find out what support is available.

Depending on your child’s needs, you may also want to bring suitable food for the journey. Remember to check the rules for carrying food through airport security and into your destination country. Those travelling with severe allergies may be entitled to bring extra luggage with safe foods for free, this is called medical luggage. Contact your airline to find out if they allow medical luggage and if they need any medical documentation to approve it.

What If My Child Is A Selective Eater?

This can be one of the biggest challenges for families travelling with autistic children and other children with restricted diets or sensory food preferences. Unfortunately, there is no universal airline meal code for selective eaters.

A CHML may contain more familiar child-friendly foods, while some families may consider a BLML because the food is generally simpler. However, neither option guarantees that your child will receive food they can eat. We usually order the child’s meal and let the children choose what they want to eat from it. We make up the rest of their airline meal from pre-packed snacks or snacks offered by the airline.

If your child relies on particular safe foods, brands, textures or flavours, it is important to plan ahead. Where permitted, bring enough familiar food and snacks to cover the journey and possible delays.

Should I Pre-Order A Special Meal For My Child?

If you want a particular special meal, you will usually need to request it before your flight. The deadline varies between airlines but is commonly around 24 to 48 hours before departure. Some airlines require even more notice.

After requesting the meal, check your booking to make sure the request has been recorded correctly. I would also recommend checking again before travelling, particularly if your flight has been changed, cancelled or rebooked. Special meal requests do not always transfer automatically to a new flight.

Tips For Ordering Airline Meals For Babies And Children

• Check which special meals your airline offers before booking.
• Read the airline’s description of each meal rather than relying only on the meal code.
• Order the special meal before the airline’s deadline.
• Check that the request appears on your booking.
• Confirm the meal again if your flight is changed or rebooked.
• Bring familiar snacks and backup food where permitted.
• Do not assume that a CHML will contain foods your child likes.
• Check the airline’s individual policy if your child has food allergies.
• Remember that meal availability and ingredients can vary between flights and departure airports.

Are Child And Baby Airline Meals Free?

This depends on the airline and the type of ticket you have booked. On long-haul flights where meals are included, special meals are often available at no additional cost. However, low-cost and short-haul airlines may operate a buy-on-board service instead of providing complimentary meals. Always check what is included with your booking before travelling.

BBML, CHML and JNML are the main special meal codes families may come across when looking for airline meals designed for babies and children. However, children are not limited to meals designed specifically around age.

Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, medical and religious special meals may be more appropriate depending on your child’s individual dietary requirements.

Whichever meal you request, it is important to remember that airline catering can vary.

For babies, selective eaters and children with restricted diets, bringing suitable familiar food and snacks remains one of the best ways to make sure you are prepared for the journey.

Resources for Families Travelling With Kids

Travelling with children can involve plenty of planning, from keeping them entertained during long journeys to navigating airports, flights and unfamiliar destinations. The resources below offer helpful advice, practical tips and family travel inspiration, whether you are preparing for your child’s first flight, planning a city break or heading off on a longer family adventure.

• Follow Emma and her family from Family On The Fly as they globetrot with three kids
• Find the best stays around the world for families with Jess from Kid Friendly Stays

Resources for Families Travelling With Babies

Travelling with a baby can involve a lot of planning, from deciding what to pack to navigating airports, flights and unfamiliar destinations. The resources below offer helpful advice and practical information for families travelling with babies, whether you are preparing for your baby’s first flight or planning a longer family adventure.

• Baby food and milk luggage restrictions at UK airports
• Travelling with a newborn tips by Travel Mad Mum
• Read up anything you can by Marae from Brave Family Travel
• Devour my very own guide to travelling Scotland with a baby

Continue Planning Your Accessible Travels Using My Guides

You can click on each image to go directly to the guide for that topic.

The post Child vs Baby Airline Meals: A Guide to Special Meal Codes appeared first on Autism Family Travel Guide.

Packing a changing bag for a baby with an IgE-mediated allergic response to cow’s milk protein takes extra care and attention. While you still need all the regular baby essentials, it’s crucial to be prepared for any allergic reactions and have everything on hand to keep your little one comfortable and safe. Here’s a look at what I pack in my baby’s changing bag to cover all bases.

Just to note, she has not yet received her EpiPen so I’ve not listed this as one of my essentials. Update: we now have her 2 epipens and they are part of our every day essentials and travel essentials.

1. Antihistamines: Piriton and Piriteze

I always carry Piriton (Chlorphenamine) or Piriteze (Cetirizine) to manage any potential allergic reactions. These are fast-acting antihistamines that help reduce symptoms like swelling, itching, and breathing difficulties. Having these in the bag ensures I’m prepared if my baby accidentally consumes something with cow’s milk protein. Piriton was the recommendation given to us by NHS 24/7, and Piriteze was recommended by our family GP. Both can be taken at the same time. I also carry:

• Two Medicine Syringes: I pack two to avoid cross-contamination and ensure I have a spare if one gets misplaced or dirty. My son’s also have an intolerance to milk so I’ve brought two incase more than one child beings to have a reaction at the same time.
• Medicine Spoon: Just in case it’s easier to administer the liquid this way, depending on how my baby is feeling. This is also a third option incase all of our children begin to react.

Buy Piriteze on eBay.

Buy medicine syringes on eBay.

2. Gaviscon Infant

As my baby also experiences reflux, I keep Gaviscon Infant in the bag. It helps soothe and manage her symptoms, especially after feedings. This is particularly important when she’s fussy or uncomfortable, so I always ensure it’s close at hand. If we do not include this in the bottles for my baby, she will throw up. So it is a must -have for us.

Buy Gaviscon Infant on eBay.

3. Diapers and Diaper Bags

Of course, no changing bag is complete without the essentials: diapers and diaper bags. I usually carry about five to six diapers, which can last us for a day out, and diaper bags to safely dispose of them. The diaper bags are also good for picking up and throwing away any items we come across which could cause an allergic reaction – like empty wrappers or dropped chocolate at the park.

Buy diaper bags on eBay.

4. Teething Granules

Teething granules are a lifesaver when she’s teething, as they provide gentle relief from gum pain. These are homeopathic and work well for us, so I keep a few sachets in her bag at all times. I also have been told so many times that her fussiness and red face is due to teething, so at least if I have these I can also try them if she begins to feel upset.

Buy teething granules on eBay.

5. Baby Wipes

Whether for cleaning up after diaper changes or dealing with spills, I always have a pack of baby wipes. They’re versatile and essential for keeping everything tidy and hygienic. It will be handy to have these while we are on the go to try to keep our hands as clean as possible if we snack on something with milk ourselves.

Buy baby wipes on eBay.

6. Hand Sanitiser

For my hands, I carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer to ensure cleanliness after diaper changes, especially when there isn’t immediate access to soap and water. I will also be using this after touching surfaces in public.

Buy travel-sized hand sanitisers on eBay.

7. Baby Spoon

I bring along a baby spoon for feeding her safe snacks or meals. As she has a cow’s milk protein allergy, it’s essential that I feed her with utensils that I know are clean and free from allergens. It has also been nearly impossible to find toddler-safe cutlery when we eat out during our travels.

Buy baby spoons on eBay.

8. Bum Cream

Diaper rashes can happen anytime, so I always pack bum cream to keep her skin protected and moisturized during diaper changes. Her nappy rash is much worse whenever she comes into contact with milk, just like her face and body. So this cream will double-up as a way to soothe those red, hot patches of skin if she consumes milk.

Buy baby bum cream on eBay.

9. Snack Clip

I pack my baby’s safe snacks (allergen-free) in resealable bags or containers, and I always have a clip to seal them securely. This helps keep her snacks fresh and prevents them from spilling inside the bag.

Buy snack clips on eBay.

10. A Change of Clothes

Accidents happen! I always include at least one extra set of clothes in case she spills food, has a blowout, or gets messy during the day. This is also important incase she does happen to get milk-foodstuffs on her clothes. At least we can change them to keep her safe.

11. A Wet Clothes Bag

We always travel with a clothing bag that can hold wet clothes inside without soaking everything else in the bag. This is important incase she does get milk on herself, or if she throws up from consuming milk.

Buy a wet clothes bag on eBay.

12. Allergy Translation Cards

I have began to purchase allergy translation cards for the places we will be visiting. Some are printed on plastic and are the size of a credit card, others I print out myself and laminate. I also keep a copy of common phrases and terms related to her allergy so I can refer to it any time I need. Learn more about some free allergy translation cards I have found here.

Packing for a baby with a cow’s milk protein allergy means being organized and ready for any situation. Along with everyday baby necessities, having antihistamines, medical tools, and safe snacks ensures that I’m always prepared to manage her allergy and keep her happy and healthy while we’re out. Having this bag packed and ready to go gives me peace of mind, knowing I can handle any allergic reactions and keep her comfortable on the go. I need to re-pack and prepare this for every trip we take because my ADHD and autistic brain cannot remember what is in the bag after about a day!

Continue Planning Your Trip With An Allergy

• Start at the beginning – learn about travelling with an allergy from my main guide
• Learn about airline meal codes and what they stand for so you can be sure your meal is allergen free
• Explore what it means to fly with EpiPens and to fly with medical luggage
• Download and print some free allergy translation cards before your trip
• Find out what Equal Eats allergy translation cards are and how to use them to travel safer
• Learn why it is important to learn important phrases related to your allergy before you travel and downloaed the free accessible travel translations eBook
• Figure out what to include on a doctors travel letter for medication so you can get it right the first time

Continue Planning Your Trip With Autistic Children

• Find out about the help available if you are travelling through an airport
• Discover whether a cruise with an autistic child would work for your family
• Find out how to make travelling with ADHD manageable
• Learn more about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard
• Check out guides to all of the different destinations we have travelled to with autistic children
• Learn step-by-step how to set up the accessibility feature on Google maps
• Learn more about our favourite sensory toys for travelling
• Discover an app that helps you locate a playground anywhere in the world
• Always alerted at the last minute that the little one needs a toilet? Find a toilet anywhere with this app

The post Milk Allergy Baby’s Travel Bag EssentialS appeared first on Autism Family Travel Guide.

Creating personalized playlists on your Yoto account is a fantastic way to tailor audio experiences for your children. Whether it’s for bedtime stories, educational content, or travel entertainment, custom playlists, known as make your own playlists, can enhance your child’s Yoto experience. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, making it easy even if you’ve never used Yoto before.

Step 1: Set Up Your Yoto Account

Create an Account

1. Visit the Yoto Website: Go to Yoto’s official website(US) or Yoto UK (UK).
2. Sign Up: Click on the “Sign Up” button usually found at the top right corner of the homepage. Enter your email address and create a password. You can sign up and use Yoto and the playlists feature for free.
3. Verify Your Email: Check your inbox for a verification email from Yoto and follow the instructions to verify your account.

Log In

1. Log In to Your Account: After verifying your email, log in to your Yoto account using the credentials you just created.

Step 2: Prepare Your Audio Files

Choose Your Audio Content

1. Select Audio Files: Decide which audio files you want to include in your playlist. These can be MP3 files of stories, music, educational content, or even custom recordings.
2. Organize Files: Create a folder on your computer where you can store all the audio files for your playlist. This makes it easier to upload them later.

Ensure Compatibility

1. File Format: Ensure all your audio files are in MP3 format, as Yoto primarily supports this format for custom content.

Step 3: Access the Yoto App

Download the Yoto App

1. Download: Get the Yoto app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
2. Install: Follow the prompts to install the app on your device.

Log In to the App

1. Open the App: Launch the Yoto app on your device.
2. Log In: Use your Yoto account credentials to log in.

You will be brought to the screen on the left. If you have any physical cards this is where you will see them saved as your ‘library.’

Step 4: Upload Your Audio Files To A Playlist

Navigate to Make Your Own Cards

Access MYO Section: In the Yoto app, navigate to the “Make Your Own” (MYO) section. This is usually found in the main menu or settings.

The screen to the right will open up and you’ll be able to choose an artwork for the playlist, give the playlist a name and also add a description if you want to. After this you’ll be given the option to upload audio files.

Upload Audio Files To A Playlist

1. Upload Files: Click on the option to upload audio files. You can select multiple files at once from the folder you organized earlier.
2. Name Your Files: Give each file a meaningful name that will help you identify them when creating your playlist.

Once you have added some files to your playlist, you’ll be able to navigate to the playlist and the screen will look something like the picture on the right. You’ll be able to add more audio, edit the playlist information, share the playlist and link it to a card. Linking it to a card means you’ll put a blank make your own playlist card into the Yoto player and it will write the audio to the card. When you have done this the card can be used in the player without internet.

You can also play the playlist without writing it to a card if you have internet. You simply click the “Play this on” option at the bottom and change “This Phone” to your Yoto player.

There should be a pop-up like the picture on the left once you click “This Phone” and change it to the Yoto player that is linked to the account.

If you don’t have a Yoto player you can play it via a phone or tablet. We have the same account logged in on iPads, iPhones and Android devices.

Customize the Playlist

1. Edit Details: You can edit details such as the playlist cover image and description to make it visually appealing and easy to recognize. On a desktop it is easier to change the images and you can add absolutely anything – which is much better for making the playlists visually appealing and easy for children to understand what they are from one image.
2. Save: Save your playlist once you’re happy with the setup.

Step 5: Use Your Playlist

Play Your Playlist

1. Access on Yoto Player: Once synced, your playlist should appear in the MYO section on your Yoto player. You can now use this any time you want from your account. Even if you get a new phone these playlists will still exist when you log back in to your Yoto account.
2. Enjoy: Select your playlist and enjoy the custom audio experience you’ve created for your child.

Tips for Creating Effective Playlists

Theme Your Playlists

• Bedtime Stories: Create a playlist of calming stories to help your child wind down at night.
• Educational Content: Include educational audio files for learning on the go.
• Travel Entertainment: Compile fun and engaging stories or music to keep your child entertained during travel.

Update Regularly

• Add New Content: Regularly update your playlists with new audio files to keep the content fresh and engaging.
• Get Feedback: Ask your child for feedback on what they enjoy and adjust the playlists accordingly.
• Change The Order Of Audio: Yoto will play the first audio file when you go to the playlist, if you want the child to be able to listen to different audio files without playing with the device (e.g. bedtime) you may want to change the order of the audio files to mix it up a little for them.

Make It Personal

• Custom Recordings: Consider adding custom recordings of your voice reading stories or leaving messages. This adds a personal touch that your child will love. I recorded myself reading a story about a dinosaur with autism and Travis LOVED it. The way he reacted when he realised it was my voice still makes me smile.
• Get family involved: You can also ask family members to record stories and send the files over for you to add to your Yoto playlist. I recommend saving the files elsewhere so you have access to them rather than recording them from within the Yoto app because if they are in the app they can’t be taken out of the app.

Backup Your Playlists

• Save Copies: Keep copies of your playlists and audio files on your computer or cloud storage to ensure you don’t lose them.

Creating your own playlists on Yoto is a fantastic way to customize your child’s audio experience, making travel and daily routines more enjoyable and educational. By following these steps, you can easily set up and manage playlists that cater to your child’s interests and needs. Enjoy!

The post How to Create Make Your Own Playlists on Yoto appeared first on Autism Family Travel Guide.

My Favourite Travel Yoto Cards

As a family that loves to travel, especially with our autistic children, finding engaging and educational content that can keep the kids entertained and stimulated during our trips is crucial. The Yoto Mini has become an indispensable part of our travel gear, thanks to its wide range of cards that cater to various interests and ages. Here, I’m sharing my favourite Yoto cards specifically related to travel, countries, the planet, history, and cultural stories. These cards not only keep our children entertained but also offer enriching educational experiences that align with our family’s passion for exploring the world.

Click here to buy your own Yoto player direct from Yoto, using my referral link. This link will give you 10% off your first purchase, which has to be over £59.99 which is the cost of a Yoto Mini Player. Alternatively, you can click through to this shoppable video I made for TikTok and purchase it there.

Activity Travel Yoto Cards

Around the World

The “Around the World” card is an incredible travel activity that introduces kids to different countries and cultures through fun facts and ends with an interactive quiz. This card is packed with fascinating facts, engaging activities, and stories about various places around the globe. It’s perfect for sparking curiosity and broadening our children’s understanding of the world.

Flags of the World

“Flags of the World” is another fantastic travel activity card that helps kids learn about different countries through their flags. This card includes games and quizzes that make learning fun and memorable. It’s a great way for children to recognize and remember the flags of different nations, which adds an educational layer to our travel experiences. The different flags display on the small screen of the Yoto mini!

Stories from Specific Locations

5-Minute Stories from Around the World

This card offers a collection of short stories from various cultures, making it a delightful addition to our travel library. The stories are perfect for short bursts of entertainment, whether we’re waiting in an airport or on a long car ride. Each story provides a glimpse into the traditions and folklore of different countries, fostering a sense of global awareness and appreciation.

Alex’s Good Fortune

“Alex’s Good Fortune” is a charming story that introduces children to Chinese New Year traditions. Through Alex’s adventure, kids learn about the cultural significance of the holiday, the customs, and the festive activities associated with it. This card is particularly engaging and educational, offering a rich cultural experience through a captivating narrative.

Music Cards Related to Travel

Songs for Little Explorers

“Songs for Little Explorers” is a lively music card that features songs inspired by different parts of the world. It’s perfect for keeping the energy up and creating a fun, musical atmosphere during travel. The catchy tunes and varied musical styles introduce children to different cultures through music.

Child of Nature

“Child of Nature” is a beautiful music card that celebrates the wonders of nature and the outdoors. The soothing melodies and nature-inspired lyrics are perfect for creating a calming environment during travel, helping to relax and entertain our children.

Ticket to Ghana, Ticket to Brazil, and Ticket to Mali

These country-specific music cards are some of our favourites. Each “Ticket to” card features traditional and contemporary music from Ghana, Brazil, and Mali, respectively. They offer an immersive musical experience that transports listeners to different parts of the world, enhancing our travel experiences and fostering an appreciation for global music cultures.

You can shop the “Ticket To Mali” card via my TikTok shoppable video here, or “Ticket To Ghana” can be found here.

Exploring Different Areas of the Planet

Ladybird Audio Adventures: The Frozen World and Rainforests

These Ladybird Audio Adventure cards are a hit with our kids. “The Frozen World” takes listeners on an icy adventure through the polar regions, while “Rainforests” explores the lush, vibrant ecosystems of the world’s rainforests. These cards are filled with interesting facts, engaging storytelling, and immersive soundscapes that make learning about these environments exciting and fun.

Our Planet Series: Oceans, Tropical Rainforests, The Polar Regions

The “Our Planet” series is an exceptional set of cards that delve into various ecosystems. “Oceans,” “Tropical Rainforests,” and “The Polar Regions” offer in-depth looks at these diverse habitats, complete with stunning descriptions and captivating narratives. These cards are fantastic for teaching kids about the importance of conservation and the beauty of our planet.

BBC Series: The Blue Planet 2, The Green Planet 2, and The Frozen Planet 2

The BBC series cards are a treasure trove of information and adventure. “The Blue Planet 2,” “The Green Planet 2,” and “The Frozen Planet 2” take listeners on extraordinary journeys through the oceans, forests, and polar regions. The high-quality audio and engaging storytelling make these cards a standout choice for educational entertainment during travel.

You can find these cards on my TikTok shop here.

Historical & Significant Global Groups

Meet the Ancient Greeks

This card introduces children to the fascinating world of ancient Greece, covering mythology, daily life, and significant historical events. It’s a wonderful way to spark an interest in history and provide context for visits to historical sites.

Meet the Ancient Romans

“Meet the Ancient Romans” is another fantastic card that delves into the rich history of the Roman Empire. From gladiators to emperors, this card covers a wide range of topics that are both educational and entertaining, making history come alive for young listeners.

Meet the Pirates

Who doesn’t love a good pirate story? This card explores the history and myths surrounding pirates, offering exciting tales and historical facts that capture the imagination. It’s perfect for adding a touch of adventure to our travel experiences.

Meet the Ancient Egyptians

“Meet the Ancient Egyptians” takes listeners on a journey through ancient Egypt, exploring the wonders of the pyramids, pharaohs, and daily life along the Nile. This card is packed with intriguing stories and facts that make learning about ancient civilizations engaging and fun.

You can also purchase a Yoto card case via this TikTok shoppable video.

Click here to buy your own Yoto player direct from Yoto, using my referral link. This link will give you 10% off your first purchase, which has to be over £59.99 which is the cost of a Yoto Mini Player. Alternatively, you can click through to this shoppable video I made for TikTok and purchase it there.

The Yoto Mini and its diverse range of cards have become essential for our family travels. Whether it’s through activity cards, stories, music, or educational content about the planet and history, these cards provide endless entertainment and learning opportunities for our children. For families who travel, especially those with autistic children, the Yoto Mini offers a perfect blend of fun and education, making every journey more enjoyable and enriching.

Happy travels and happy listening!

The post My Favourite Travel Yoto Cards appeared first on Autism Family Travel Guide.

Travel toys for babies age 6 months to 1.5 years: 11 fantastic options

Travel toys for babies is a hotly-debated topic in the Travel Mum Facebook groups… I’ve been travelling with my kids since they were babies, the first trip being in 2016 with a baby. I have a lot of experience of what toys to bring for baby when you travel and I’d love to share my experience with you to make your next trip with baby a breeze.

Traveling with young children, especially those on the autism spectrum, can be challenging. Keeping your little ones engaged and comfortable during the journey is crucial. Packing the right toys in your carry-on bag can make all the difference. Here’s a list of eleven toys that are perfect for keeping babies aged 6 months to 1.5 years amused while traveling.

1. Magnetic Cubes

Magnetic cubes are a fantastic travel toys for babies. These colourful, magnetic blocks can be easily connected and disconnected, providing endless possibilities for creativity and learning. They are compact and lightweight, making them ideal for travel. Magnetic cubes help develop fine motor skills, spatial awareness, and problem-solving abilities.

We really like the MagiCubes with different themes, like ocean animals and Paw Patrol. This gives the magnetic cubes a whole new dimension and purpose.

Paw Patrol MagiCubes

Ocean Animal MagiCubes

Coloured MagiCubes

2. Fidget Pop Toy

The fidget pop toy is a sensory toy that’s perfect for little hands. It features a grid of silicone bubbles that can be pushed in and popped out, providing a satisfying tactile experience. This toy is great for soothing and calming children, especially during long flights or car rides. The repetitive popping action can also help improve fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Sylvie has already recognised turn-taking when using this and she is only 1 year old.

Below are links to TikTok shoppable videos I’ve created about the fidget pop square so you can purchase it directly via TikTok shop.

Fidget Pop Square

Please bear in mind I have two TikTok affiliate shops and you could be linked to either one of them (@moustashiio and @themeldrumsworld)

I will try to add more videos soon of different styles and colours of these.

There are many shapes and colours available, this just happens to be the one Sylvie has in her backpack.

3. Fidget Track Toy

A fidget track toy is another excellent choice for travel. This toy consists of a series of interlocking tracks that can be twisted and turned into various shapes. It’s lightweight and portable, making it easy to carry in your bag. The fidget track toy helps develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and spatial awareness. It’s also a great way to keep your child occupied and focused during the journey.

The video below is a video of the fidget track toy on my TikTok with shoppable links to buy the track toys from within the TikTok app. Make sure to open any links on a mobile device as that seems to be the only place TikTok shop works.

Fidget tracks

4. Stretchy Animal

Stretchy animals are fun and engaging travel toys for babies. These stretchy, squishy animals can be pulled, twisted, and stretched, providing a sensory-rich experience for young children. They are lightweight and easy to pack, making them a great addition to your carry-on. Stretchy animals help develop fine motor skills and hand strength while providing a soothing sensory experience.

5. Baby Board Books

Baby board books are a travel essential for young children. These sturdy books feature bright, colourful pictures and simple text, making them perfect for little hands. Board books are durable and can withstand the wear and tear of travel. Reading to your child during the journey can help keep them engaged and entertained while also promoting early literacy skills.

One of our favourites has a mirror in the back, Sylvie loves looking in it and making funny faces.

Set of 4 board books about happiness

Just to make you aware, I have two TikTok affiliate shops (@moustashiio and @themeldrumsworld and the links here may take you to either of these).

6. Suction Spinners

Suction spinners are compact, portable toys that can provide hours of entertainment for young children. These toys feature a series of colourful, spinning sections that can be manipulated and rotated. Suction spinners help develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and sensory processing abilities. They are small enough to fit in your carry-on bag and can be easily used during travel.

7. Suction Animals

Suction animals are versatile travel toys that can be attached to various surfaces, such as airplane windows, tray tables, or car windows. These colourful, suction-cup animals can be stuck and unstuck, providing a fun and engaging activity for young children. Suction animals help develop fine motor skills, hand strength, and sensory processing abilities. They are also easy to clean and transport.

Here are some of my TikTok shop videos of the suction toys. We have an animal set, number set and a couple of suction men.

Suction buddies

Suction animals

Suction animals summer activity

Interested in what toys to bring for an autistic child? Read here.

8. Muffik Play Mats in Mini Size

Muffik play mats are small, portable play mats that provide a sensory-rich experience for young children. These interlocking mats feature various textures and patterns, making them perfect travel toys for babies seeking sensory exploration. Muffik play mats are lightweight and easy to pack, making them an ideal travel companion. They help develop sensory processing skills, tactile awareness, and fine motor skills.

I have done a whole article about the mini play mats and you can read that here.

TikTok shop also has these mats available and I really need to make more videos and also buy more types of these smaller mats to show you what is available.

I also see that Muffik recently released keychain sized mats! These would be great additions to a travel backpack or in an easily accessible slot in my travel tote bag.

Mini play mats

I will add more videos of the mats as soon as possible.

9. Yoto Player

The Yoto Player is a child-friendly audio player that can keep your child entertained during travel. This compact device plays a variety of audio content, including stories, music, and educational podcasts. The Yoto Player is easy to use and does not have a screen, making it a great alternative to traditional electronic devices. It helps develop listening skills, imagination, and a love for reading.

We travel with a Yoto Mini, with an added blue jacket for protection. We find the mini to be very portable and versatile – and we especially love the option to make your own playlists and make your own cards. This option has meant that we have been able to make Sylvie her very own Machine Gun Kelly playlist as this is one of the only artists she will settle to! Check this cute video of her even more tiny and rocking out to MGK.

Here are links to my Yoto Mini shoppable videos:

Yoto Mini new cable update

10. Busy Felt Book

A busy felt book is a handmade, interactive book that provides a range of activities for young children. These books feature various textures, buttons, zippers, and flaps that can be manipulated and explored. Busy felt books are lightweight and easy to pack, making them perfect for travel. They help develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and sensory processing abilities. The engaging activities in the busy felt book can keep your child occupied and focused during the journey.

11. Silicone Pull + Pop Toy

The silicone pull and pop toy is a mixture of two types of interaction: pulling and pushing.

Traveling with young children, especially babies or those with autism, requires careful planning and preparation. By packing the right toys in your carry-on, you can ensure a smoother and more enjoyable journey for both you and your child. These eleven toys are not only entertaining but also provide valuable sensory and developmental benefits. From magnetic cubes to busy felt books, each toy on this list is designed to keep your child engaged, calm, and happy during travel. Happy travels!

Don’t forget to upgrade your changing bag game, check out the Wing of Wild changing bag with the ultimate pocket and storage sections inside. Read more about it here.

The post 11 Travel Toys For Babies (Age 6m – 1.5y) appeared first on Autism Family Travel Guide.

David and I have been through so many backpacks between our travels and working in forestry. We have tried so many combinations to find the best family travel backpack for both adults and kids, and this post is really just to give a breakdown of what we have found to be working for us right now (as parents to three kids, one of which is a baby and two of which have autism and won’t carry their own backpacks for any length of time).

David and I have very similar backpacks – they just differ slightly, mostly by colour. I have a beige version of the bag and David has a forest green one.

The best family travel backpack for carry-on with Ryanair, easyJet etc.

Just to mention, these are the backpacks we are using for travelling on budget airlines like Ryanair and easyJet and we use them because they meet the requirements to go under the seat in front. We will soon be taking a number of long haul flights and I plan to upgrade our cabin bags to something better for family travel on long haul flights, because the measurements can allow for bigger bags.

Why we like these travel backpacks

There are a number of features that I wanted from my backpack looking for when I found these bags:

• The backpack has the functionality to have a portable power bank connected from inside of the backpack, and a cable can connect from the outside of the bag to the device to be charged. This was important to me while travelling with autistic children because they rely on device to regulate.
• There is a laptop section in the bag. We often travel with a laptop because we have business stuff that we have to keep up with and it is just easier on a laptop than trying to do it on a mobile.
• The backpack would meet the hand luggage restrictions of both Ryanair and easyJet. Ryanair’s hand luggage measurements are more strict than easyJet – but the bags are suitable for both. These are the two airlines we fly with most often with our children so their rules are most important for us.

TikTok video of this backpack

Some other features that we found with the bag that are helpful are: a waterproof section to store documents away from rain, a passport pocket on the back of the bag that isn’t accessible while the backpack is on, a shoe/dirty clothes pouch in the bottom of the bag, straps to tighten the bag and compress it’s size a little and multiple sections and pockets for storing and organising the bag. You can further organise the inside of the bag using a bag organiser. One of the best features that I didn’t even know about when I bought the bags is that they open out completely like a suitcase making them easy to pack/unpack.

The backpack for kids carry on with Ryanair, easyJet etc.

Our favourite family travel backpack for small children travelling with hand luggage is the Deuter backpacks. The style we have is this small blue one with an animal design. This is a great size for toddler-age kids. The size allows for them to have a number of personal items on them, without making the bag too heavy for them to be comfortable carrying it.

We have had this since Travis was a toddler, as it was recommended to us as the best backpacking bag for small children. I really like that it is actually practical, rather than just an open space inside the bag made of cheap fabric that splits and degrades like most backpacks you can buy in high-street stores.

If you’d also like a recommendation for the best changing bag for travel that we have come across so far, you can click here to find it.

Click here to buy the backpacks via my TikTok store. Just to make it clear, I have two TikTok affiliate stores and you could be directed to either one of them: @moustashiio and @themeldrumsworld.

The post The Best Family Travel Backpack appeared first on Autism Family Travel Guide.

I’m still very much trying to figure out the best bag/case/backpack configuration for our family travels. Each trip varies so much that what makes sense for us on one trip can be completely wrong for another. I believe I have found the best baby changing bag for family travel with a baby, and I do not say that lightly!

Just to make you aware, some links to products will take you to one of my three TikTok stores. I will link the video that fits best to the article so it could come from any one of three accounts on TikTok: Meldrum’s World, Moustashiio or Meldrum’s Gaming World.

Just to recap, or for those who are new here, I am Natasha and I travel with my three children on all different kinds of trips: day trips abroad, weekends away, all-inclusive resort vacations – you name it, we have probably done it. The different trips require different luggage combinations, and I am very much enjoying all of the new bags and backpacks I’ve been getting while trying to figure out what works! I have three children and have travelled now for six years with them, so I have tried out quite a few baby changing bags for travel.

After hours in an ADHD rabbit hole I caught a glimpse of the Wings Of Wild changing bag online and became absolutely obsessed.

Here is why I loved this baby changing bag for travel at first sight 👇

• I needed a changing bag for travel that had a strap to go over my shoulder, as I already carry a travel backpack for myself.
• I needed something that is easy to use, did you see it opens right out like a suitcase?! This is the feature I love the most.
• Since I travel with ADHD I suffer from object impermanence, which means if I can’t see something then it literally does not exist to me. I can pack a bag and then carry it hundreds of miles with absolutely no idea what is inside it, so I wanted something that is easy to organise yet doesn’t hide the contents from me. Being able to see everything in the bag has been a game changer and has made travelling with a baby so much more manageable.
• It needs to fit as a hand luggage bag, meaning it needs to be able to go under a plane seat. This bag is actually far below to size limits for hand luggage. If you really wanted to make the most of your luggage allowance you could put it inside of a foldable bad for the plane and pack the extra space in the bag with anything you want. I show this trick on this TikTok video.
• It needs to be washable and/or able to hide the guaranteed marks and scuffs of dirt that come with a bag being an under-seat bag, a bag that sits on the floor of the bus while I hold my baby, a bag that visits the beach and restaurants with children who have autism and ADHD so move around spilling their food while they eat it. The bag is leather so it is easy to wipe down. I went for the dark colour to disguise all of the dirt it is bound to pick up while we travel. This bag comes in two absolutely gorgeous lighter colours and as a person who always wears black, I can tell you I wanted nothing more than one of the lovely light ones, but I was trying to be practical and plan ahead for those marks and scuffs I know will come. I have found these wipes are the best for cleaning up our travel bags and also for every day life at home.

Follow me on Instagram @autismfamilytravelguide for more tips about travelling with babies and young kids.

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The post Accessible Baby Changing Bag For Travel appeared first on Autism Family Travel Guide.