A screen-free world seems to no longer exist, not even for babies and children. Screens often keep kids quiet for hours. But the World Pediatric Society recommends no screens before age 2. After that, screen time should be limited; hours of watching—even age-appropriate content—can harm a child psychologically.
We followed that recommendation daily. Then we faced an extreme situation: on vacation, I traveled alone with our two kids—Santiago, 4.5, and Franco, 14 months—on a nearly 12-hour daytime flight, plus two hours by train, plus airport time, car rides, and waiting. Nearly 20 hours! Most tips I found said “load your phone and tablet with shows so the kids stay calm.” Was hypnotizing them the only way?
With preparation and knowledge, we stuck to the recommendation. A passenger in front, with his wife, praised how great the kids were (and me too!). I was surprised by their behavior—playing across three seats (one was empty, lucky us!) is not easy.
I packed new toys for both kids. For Santiago: lots of stickers, a spot-the-difference book, a seek-and-find game, a new book from a series he liked. For Franco: push-button toys, spinning propellers, lights on/off, things to attach/detach, build/unbuild. Some toys interested Santiago too. I avoided noisy toys to respect fellow passengers; only one sound book with calm ocean-animal sounds.
They’re used to interacting, so even when Santi did solo activities like stickers, Franco joined and I helped him. We even stuck sticker borders on mom for fun. Anything we stuck on trays and seats was removed afterward. Healthy, fun chaos. Reading time happened for both kids; Franco got restless when we read Santi’s book—normal. Choosing age-appropriate books and context matters and deserves attention.
Santi watched a 1h40 movie (Inside Out) in two parts: one while I walked with Franco, and the second during Franco’s nap, with the movie on my screen as well. Walking with Franco helped him know the space and move—smiling at people and getting smiles back.
Even that short screen time exceeded the 1-hour guideline for his age, so I split it. I like to stay with my child when he watches, to see his reaction, answer questions, or laugh with him (often at the situation more than the joke).
Though we travel often, it was always by land. Santiago had flown once as a baby and didn’t remember. Everything was new. At every stage there were many questions—and a favorite game helped: Seek & Find – Airport. As we passed real elements, I asked him to check the sheet; sometimes he found things before I asked, other times I pointed them out—like the control tower.
Sometimes we had to put the game away and left items unchecked; later we reviewed. The game distracted him, taught him, let us interact, and sharpened his attention—plus the motor benefits of paper and pencil for a 4-year-old.
Our Seek & Find – Airport was the first 100% Fun Trip for Kids game my son tested. It was essential for fun and learning during our airport time. Screens? Only the airport info screens. My phone? Just for photos of life’s delights. Here are some of them.
