When travelling with kids, it is imperative that you make this whole process exciting so that they are happy and you are happy too. Your trip will go smoothly based on what you pack in your carry-on for your children.

The most important essential to pack inside your carry-on for kids :

1. Toys & Games – Pack a variety of small, age-appropriate toys and games to keep them occupied. This can include things like colouring books, small puzzles, and action figures. 
2. Snacks – Bring along some of their favourite snacks and drinks to help keep them comfortable during the flight. Remember, these snacks will have to be dry snacks if you are bringing them from home. Liquids will not be allowed through the X-ray machines including water, however there are always water refill fountains in almost all international airports , and drinks can be purchased inside the duty-free area as well.
3. Electronic Tablets, headphones and chargers – Provide them with a tablet or other electronic device loaded with their favourite games, apps, and videos to keep them entertained for hours. I usually preload Netflix shows two days before so they have something to watch while we wait to board….and there usually is a lot of waiting!
4. Writing material – Encourage them to read or to practise writing by providing them with a notebook and pen or pencil. Remember, when travelling with kids, you will need to think about their age-appropriate entertainment and the size of it. Will you be the one carrying this or them? Encourage them to carry their own backpack but remember to not overload as the last thing you want is a tired child lugging luggage around airports.
5. Comfort blanket/snuggle toy – Consider bringing a small blanket or stuffed animal to help them feel more secure and comfortable during the flight. Shorter-flights will not tend to offer blankets and so it’s a good idea anyway to take something similar. Airlines usually blast their air conditioners on full and I’m always cold and 99 percent of the time, my ‘lavalava’ (sarong – i carry this when we travel) always gets pinched by my girls, so this is no-brainer for me to take two. Sarongs are very light-weight and super easy to pack away into a ball in your handbag. 
6. Medical Kit – Always carry decongestant creams such as vapour rubs (Viks), paracetamol that is age-appropriate, thermometer, and chewing gum or lollipops for equalising and decompression during takeoff and landing. 
7. Emergency kit – Biodegradable wipes, a small packet of tissues, tampons /pads, and a spare set of change of clothing and tooth-cleaning kits for all passengers in case of missing luggage at arrival. This has happened to me twice so trust me, you can never be more than ready.
8. Reading material – A magazine for parents or download it on your tablet to read onboard. Preload this a few days so you don’t have to think about it later. 
9. Sleep Kit – Neck-Pillow, comfy socks and eye-mask for parents.
10. Empty large Water Bottle – Refill this inside the duty free area from the free water fountains as you are allowed to take this on board from this point onwards.