How do I help my toddler's ears on a plane?

Water through the flight, a bottle, pacifier or nursing for little ones, gum or hard candy for kids over 3, and yawning, KidsHealth suggests.

Can we watch Tella stories on the plane without wifi?

Yes. Tap "Save for offline" on a story before you go, and the words, pictures and narration play anywhere, no signal needed.

Is there a book about a first flight for toddlers?

Tella makes a story instead of a printed book. It stars your child on their own trip, and it's ready the same day on your phone, tablet or TV.

All fears

How to prepare your toddler for a first flight

Talk through the airport, the loud takeoff and the popping ears before the day, and bring something to drink for takeoff and landing.

Custom story for Imani

Imani flies with her family to visit Grandma, yawning to clear her ears and seeing clouds from the plane window.

Yawn Big, Little Ears

Story created for Imani

For little ears, KidsHealth suggests plenty of water through the flight, a bottle, a pacifier or nursing for babies, gum or hard candy only for kids over 3, and lots of yawns.

A social story is one way to picture the new parts before the day: the security line, the loud takeoff, the view from the window. That's why Tella is built so the story stars your child, with the family they fly with and the toy in their backpack.

If the flight is part of a move, there's more on how to prepare your toddler for a move.

An airplane social story video starring your child

Here's how Imani's story goes.

At the enormous airport, Imani holds Mom's hand on one side and Dad's on the other.
The engines roar for takeoff, and Imani holds on to Dad's hand.
When her ears feel funny, Imani yawns the biggest yawn of her life, and they pop.
Above the clouds, Imani spots a cloud mountain out the window.

Watch Imani’s whole story

Questions parents ask

How do I help my toddler's ears on a plane?: Water through the flight, a bottle, pacifier or nursing for little ones, gum or hard candy for kids over 3, and yawning, KidsHealth suggests.
Can we watch Tella stories on the plane without wifi?: Yes. Tap "Save for offline" on a story before you go, and the words, pictures and narration play anywhere, no signal needed.
Is there a book about a first flight for toddlers?: Tella makes a story instead of a printed book. It stars your child on their own trip, and it's ready the same day on your phone, tablet or TV.

Questions parents ask about Tella

Is it more screen time?: You watch it together, and it's about a real day in your child's life. No feed, and every story has an ending.
Is it safe?: No photo needed. See what we keep and who sees it.
Is it really about my child?: Every scene shows your child and your family, not a name dropped into a template.
What does it cost?: Your first story is free. No card needed.
Why not just ask ChatGPT?: See how a Tella story compares.

Updated November 9, 2026.

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Tella Stories: personalized stories for kids