What do you dread most about flying with children? For me, one of the toughest challenges is getting my child comfortable and able to sleep. My daughter (Mrs T) gets very distracted by people walking past, the aeroplane noise and the large seats which dwarf her slender frame. She can struggle to get to sleep and I am sure this is the case for many families. But, I recently tried out a new product, the TravelSnug, which could be a bit of a game changer for families who travel.
The TravelSnug is is essentially a large carry-on fleece cushion designed to cocoon your little ones into their seat – making it child-sized rather adult. It is the brainchild of two sisters, Fiona Jackson and Catt McLeod, who wanted to find a solution to some of the issues they encountered after flying frequently between the UK and the U.S with two very young children.
When I first opened the beautifully packaged TravelSnug, I couldn’t get over how soft and ‘snuggly’ it was – and stylish too. It comes in variety different colours (including a fab looking zebra print) but we got a pink camo one – which my daughter and I loved. I think I rocked the look at airport. What do you think?
It is a very light product and easy to carry with a shoulder strap. Mrs T, who is two and a half, insisted on holding it for a bit – and did a pretty good job too. Another year and she’ll be able to carry it herself.
It comes with some simple instructions on how to fit it into the seat so when we got onto our flight from London to Dubai, it couldn’t have been simpler to attach the TravelSnug. I suppose it is a bit like a booster seat but way, WAY more comfy! You simply pass the seatbelt through the loops on each side and, as Mrs T’s was a size 1, it also had a loop in the middle too.
Mrs T really liked sitting on it. She didn’t wriggle around, she sat and watched TV and played with her games and seemed pretty content and very comfortable as the TravelSnug helped keep her snug in her seat during the seven hour flight.
The best bit… she fell asleep! Okay, it’s not a complete miracle worker: on the way out she did need a bit of persuading to nap (we had a day flight on both legs) but on the way home, she was out like a light.
I have no doubt the Travel Snug helped her get comfortable enough to nod off. And it ensured her head wasn’t slumped down on her chest or on the armrest – which is what usually happens! I tilted the seat back and she looked so angelic and rested.
It was a much different story from our last long-haul flight from Chicago to London when we had NO TravelSnug. She ended up sleeping with her head on my lap and by the end of the seven hour flight I had a completely dead leg (and couldn’t go to the loo either through fear of waking her up).
The TravelSnug also comes with a blanket. She was already a bit warm so I used it instead!
The only issue I had with it was folding it back up at the end of the flight. I would recommend getting it off your child’s seat just before you land rather than hurriedly attempting to fold it back up as everyone is disembarking – like I did on the way out. It ended up looking like this.
Fortunately, the lovely ladies at TravelSnug have since given me some instructions on folding it and I have recommended they give them out with the product along with the fitting instructions. They are also going to put a video demonstration on the website. They were very helpful and responded quickly to my queries.
Verdict
The TravelSnug does exactly what it says. It makes your child really snug when they travel! This should relieve some of the dread that can come when flying with young children and certainly ticked a lot of boxes for us. It’s a great solution for helping little ones relax and rest their head on something soft. It’s light, stylish, incredibly soft and easy to attach and carry on (it was not counted as hand luggage). It is also very squashable so easy to store.
The TravelSnug got a few compliments too with people amazed that there was such a product out there. It also provided a bit of a distraction when waiting in queues for immigration… she seemed to amuse herself with it. It would also come in handy if you are sat around waiting for a connecting flight as it will fit onto any seat.
I doubt I would take it on a short haul flight but I think it’s a must-have for families flying long-haul and I would also take it on long train journeys and use the blanket often too.
What I really love about this product is that it is not only designed by British mums but also manufactured in the UK so it really is a homegrown product. I wish them the best of luck with this great new product. I’m looking forward to using ours again…just a shame they don’t do one for adults!
The TravelSnug comes in a variety of different colours and sizes for ages 15 months to around 6 years old. Prices range from £54.99 – £64.99. There is also an option of harness slots for bike trailer use or if your child flies wearing a harness. They are available to buy online at TravelSnug.
I was sent a TravelSnug for the purpose of this review but my opinions are my own.
Michelle Reeves (Bod for tea)
June 5, 2015 at 1:22 pm (2 years ago)Oh this looks fabulous! Definitely going to check this out for when we start flying with the Little Man – over tiredness is the mother of most meltdowns I find. And yep you did rock that look at the airport! Great review.
Michelle Reeves (Bod for tea) recently posted…Going with the Flow and rediscovering myself in Provence
admin
June 6, 2015 at 7:19 am (2 years ago)Thanks Michelle!! It’s a really good invention and anything that can help with the tiredness is worth looking at. Xxx
Merlinda Little (@pixiedusk)
June 6, 2015 at 12:30 pm (2 years ago)Amazing and genius! Love the design too and its functions =) #pocolo
Merlinda Little (@pixiedusk) recently posted…Blogcamp Newbie
admin
June 6, 2015 at 3:50 pm (2 years ago)Thanks Merlinda. It’s a great invention xx
Sophie @ Mum, M & More
June 6, 2015 at 7:36 pm (2 years ago)What a wonderful product. We have never been on a plane with M (she is also 2 ½) but are planning on next summer. So this is something i may have to look into getting. Thank you and lovely review! #bigfatlinky
Sophie @ Mum, M & More recently posted…Toddler OOTD; Feeling Fruity
admin
June 6, 2015 at 9:10 pm (2 years ago)Thanks Sophie and all the best for your trip with your little girl! If you want any tips, check out some of my posts on flying with children. Thanks for stopping by. Xx
Becky, Cuddle Fairy
June 6, 2015 at 7:57 pm (2 years ago)What a fantastic product! I’ve never seen that before. Your daughter looks so snug and comfortable on the plane! x
admin
June 6, 2015 at 9:11 pm (2 years ago)Thanks Becky, it’s pretty awesome. Was rather impressed. Xxx
Verily Victoria Vocalises
June 7, 2015 at 9:37 pm (2 years ago)It is about time that a product like this was on the market – what a fantastic thing! It looks SO comfy too. I love that you were able to utilise part of it and good that they listened to your recommendations. Thank you for linking to #PoCoLo x
admin
June 8, 2015 at 5:45 am (2 years ago)Thanks Vic, yes it’s great, isn’t it. They were really open to suggestions on how to improve the experience and love that it’s designed by mums! Thanks for hosting #pocolo
Rosemary Thomas
June 8, 2015 at 5:34 am (2 years ago)Sounds a great idea my daughter be interested for her little ones I’ll have to let her know 🙂 Since we are over in Perth WA we have to fly to get anywhere!!
admin
June 8, 2015 at 5:47 am (2 years ago)Oooh yes well would definitely come in handy. Don’t know of anything else like this out there and was very impressed. Xx
Bron
June 8, 2015 at 8:09 am (2 years ago)Tis looks like an amazing product and so comfy! Your daughter is just beautiful x Bron
admin
June 8, 2015 at 11:24 am (2 years ago)Thank you Bron – so kind. Xx
Five Adventurers
June 8, 2015 at 8:45 am (2 years ago)Fab review, sounds great. We can’t wait to test ours in summer. Lovely pics 🙂
Five Adventurers recently posted…How to save money on a Center Parcs holiday
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June 8, 2015 at 11:24 am (2 years ago)Ah, I look forward to hearing how you get on! Xx
Sally@Toddlers on Tour
June 8, 2015 at 10:30 am (2 years ago)That looks so cozy – I wanted to snuggle in and I think Mr 7 would really enjoy it too (just not in pink 😉 ).
Sally@Toddlers on Tour recently posted…TV Inspired a New Norcia Day Trip
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June 8, 2015 at 7:36 pm (2 years ago)Haha!! Yep, it’s a pretty girlie one! It’s soooo cozy xx
Ting at My Travel Monkey
June 8, 2015 at 3:08 pm (2 years ago)Oh what a brilliant thing! I’ve never heard of this before, so getting me one of these when I get on the plane next! It definitely looks comfy and that was the one thing Monkey wasn’t when we flew last time! Thanks for linking up with #MondayEscapes
Ting at My Travel Monkey recently posted…Monday Escapes #3
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June 8, 2015 at 9:21 pm (2 years ago)It was really comfy so should help Monkey! Thanks for hosting #mondayescapes
Keri
June 8, 2015 at 4:30 pm (2 years ago)What a brilliant product! Now that my two ‘big’ kids are in their own chairs on the plane it is so hard to get them snug with just an airline blanket – this could just be the solution, thanks for your honest review
Keri recently posted…Expat Parenting in Dubai: a Child’s Paradise
admin
June 8, 2015 at 9:23 pm (2 years ago)Thanks Keri! I love that it’s designed by mums who have loads of experience travelling with children x
martyn
June 12, 2015 at 11:18 am (2 years ago)How cool!! Have never taken the boys on a plane but when o do I’ll remember this. Thanks for linking up with us on the #bigfatlinky hope to see you there this week
martyn recently posted…Home School – Maps (A Cheeky Request)
admin
June 12, 2015 at 1:32 pm (2 years ago)Thanks for hosting #bigfatlinky – definitely get a flight booked at some point! xx
Cathy (MummyTravels)
June 21, 2015 at 10:05 pm (2 years ago)What a fab idea – this looks so comfy. Anything that encourages sleep gets my vote too.
Cathy (MummyTravels) recently posted…Reviewed: St Michael’s Hotel & Spa, Falmouth, Cornwall
admin
June 22, 2015 at 3:18 pm (2 years ago)I know! It’s a pretty genius idea. X
Angie
June 22, 2015 at 3:08 pm (2 years ago)Hi Liz – thanks v much for your review! Come across this travellsnug only last night (last minute decision to go – wish I saw your review 2 weeks ago!). Tried to contact the seller but no success – really want to have one for this Wednesday – flying long-haul early Thur with our lil 2 years old !. I sent email and posted on their Facebook but no reply whether they can send one next day! Anyway fingers crossed xx
admin
June 22, 2015 at 3:21 pm (2 years ago)Hi Angie, I am sure they will get back – were pretty swift with me on this email travelsnuguk@gmail.com Good luck, it was posted quickly so hopefully they’ll get back today. Xx