Need the best tips for flying with a toddler?
Look no further! We’ve been traveling with my daughter since she was 6 months old. To date, we’ve flown to multiple cities in the U.S. and international destinations like Turks & Caicos, Lisbon, and Rome.
Through it all, we’ve learned some invaluable tips on how to travel with a toddler that I’m thrilled to pass along.
Read on for what to do on your next adventure.
19 Top Tips for Flying With a Toddler: Before the Flight
I know it can be overwhelming but with some pre-planning, flying with your toddler becomes easier with every trip you take. Just follow these tips:
1. Pack Snacks
This one is probably a no-brainer but I’ll go one step further – pack all of the snacks you think you could possibly need, and then add some more.
Toddlers are notorious for their snacking habits and their love of snacks is absolutely ideal for the plane. Snacking is an activity that passes time, gives parents a little rest, and helps to ease ear pain.
All that said, you want to make sure you have enough. Especially if you’re on a longer flight and your littles don’t want the flight meal that’s provided.
Here are some of my daughter’s favorite, healthy packaged snacks that we take:
- Once Upon a Farm Puffs
- These are made from sorghum which I now prefer to Serenity’s cassava-based puffs.
- Organic Horizon Whole Milk Boxes
- These are shelf stable.
- Mary’s Gone Crackers
- Bonus – the salt can help to combat nausea.
- Fruit Pouches from GoGo Squeez Organic Apple or Pumpkin Tree Organics
- These are both shelf stable.
- Skout Organic Bars
- Once Upon a Farm Tractor Wheels
- These are new and my kiddo is obsessed – something about eating a “cookie” made in the shape of a wheel is simply spectacular to her. I’m so here for it!
- BEAR Fruit Rolls
If you prefer to pack whole foods, my go-tos are below. Packaged items are generally easier for travel but these foods also work well:
- Peanut butter & jelly sandwiches
- FYI, you can opt for honey as a healthy swap for jelly but keep in mind that it’s safest for those 2 years and older.
- Apple slices
- Bananas
- Avocados
2. Pack an Easy-to-Access Bag with Essentials
Now, what to pack besides snacks?
Below are my main items that I pack in an accessible place – usually my backpack or my daughter’s if she’s bringing it.
As you pack, consider the below and also think through your toddler’s schedule. What will they need at the time of day that your flight departs?
Here are my easy-to-reach must-haves:
- Pajamas
- If your flight is at night.
- Headphones if you’re offering screen time or podcasts
- Extra pull-ups or diapers
- Baby wipes
- Extra set of clothes
- Child’s pillow
- If you have the space, take it for your little’s comfort and familiarity.
- Child’s toothbrush and toothpaste
- For routine’s sake, if your flight is at night.
- Air pressure aids
- Cotton balls? Fruit pouch? Lollipops? Whatever you think will work, pack it.
- Babyganics wipes
- You can use these to wipe hands in a pinch but also to clean up spills and disinfect seats/food trays (I hate the alcohol dense wipes they give on the planes to wipe down seats. If they hurt my nose, I can’t imagine how my kiddo feels).
- Water bottle
- Toddler seat belt or car seat
- Your little’s lovey
- Kids Dramamine
- Plastic ziplocs for soiled pull-ups/clothes
- Swaddle
- This can work across age groups. I’ve used a swaddle for my toddler to create a hammock bed for her using hooks on the front seat!
- Extra straw or cup (or whatever your child sips from)
- Engaging toys
- Choose just a few, try not to overpack here.
3. Set Expectations
Now that you’re all packed, what’s next?
One practice that we’ve found immensely helpful is to talk our toddler through the travel plans before they begin. Her understanding grows with each trip so even if you’ve done it once, I highly recommend doing it before each vacation planned. Our little ones pick up on new tidbits each time.
I usually talk my daughter through some of the items we’ll do before we even get to the airport – like packing and which of her things we should take.
Then, I talk her through airport highlights: going through security, getting pre-flight wiggles out, and waiting to board the airplane.
I end with what to expect on the flight – a mix of the good and bad (potential discomforts like ear pain and how we’d address them). By this point she’s pretty excited and raring to go!
4. Transition to Pull-ups from Diapers
Thankfully, we’d transitioned fully to pull-ups well before some of our longer travels.
If you can’t say the same, I highly recommend doing so before your first long trip with your toddler. Or, at the very least, be prepared to use pull-ups just for the flight portion of your trip.
Pull-ups are much more airplane friendly…or should I say, airplanes are much more pull-up friendly?!
The thing is, most babies can’t even fit on the extremely small airplane changing tables, let alone toddler-sized humans. Pull-ups allow for much easier changing than diapers on planes. Consider swapping!
5. Download Shows
If you’re offering screen-time on your travels, make sure to download shows for your kiddo in advance.
They’ll likely have options on board but I have my own toddler show preferences and my daughter has her own favorites that we want to be sure to have on hand.
6. Choose Between a Toddler Seat Belt or Car Seat
I mentioned the seat belt on the packing list above but I want to dig in a bit more.
Babies and toddlers usually fly for free, until they hit the age of 2.
That being said, given increasing incidents of turbulence plus the fact that most toddlers love having their own space, I highly recommend purchasing your little one a seat of their own no matter their age. Especially for long haul flights.
What’s more, because of said turbulence, I am pro seat belt or toddler car seat. They keep our little ones safe and secure.
Trust me, I know the thought of keeping your ready-to-move toddler strapped in is daunting. But with some proactive dialogue, you can make it happen (with occasional breaks from being buckled in, of course).
I’ve explained to my toddler why she needs the seat belt before we even get on the plane and once on the plane. Then I show her my seat belt and talk about how we’re both secured in our seats. It takes time and effort but it’s worth it.
We use the AmSafe, FAA-approved seat belt. You can also check with your airline in advance to see if toddler seat belts are something they provide.
Alternatively, when we were considering a toddler car seat for the plane, we were leaning heavily toward the Cosco Kids Scenera Next DLX Convertible Car Seat. It’s lightweight, FAA-approved, and reviews rate it as highly comfortable.
7. Consider Upgrading
Lastly, a week or two before you depart for the airport, check to see the cost to upgrade your seats to roomier ones.
Toddlers are small but mighty – they LOVE their space. More space also makes naps and sleeping overnight much easier. If upgrading isn’t an option and more room is appealing, consider buying an extra seat.
8. Know your Liquid Allowance for Security
The 3 oz liquid rule does not apply to parents when it comes to drinks/food for their children. This includes milk/breast milk, snacks (i.e., puree pouches), and even juice and water.
I haven’t come across any specific numbers aside from these guidelines from TSA:
- You can bring more than 3 oz of any of the aforementioned liquids in “reasonable quantities”
- Liquids for children should be kept separate from other liquids (i.e., toiletries) for a smoother security checkpoint process
All of this means: Bring what you need and proactively communicate with the TSA agent you encounter.
We’ve gone so far as to ask them not to open our puree pouches for further testing and they’ve obliged. That should be a no brainer on TSA’s end – since pouches have a short shelf-life once opened – but be prepared to voice your needs.
9. Opt for TSA-pre Check
If you have access to it, definitely utilize your TSA-pre Check. It’s a faster and smoother process, especially when you have a little one with you.
If TSA-pre Check is not an option, remember that children under 12 usually do not have to remove their shoes or light jackets – no matter what line type they’re in. That said, this applies to the U.S. and you should be mindful of rules at security checkpoints in other countries.
Note: If you do not want your child to go through any type of scanner, you can voice this to the TSA agent. It will take longer, but they have to accommodate your request.
A supervisor will be paged and your child will be “pat down” while in your arms. The TSA agent may tell you that’s not allowed – push them to talk with their supervisor if they are resistant and you want to avoid scanners.
10. Welcome All Modes of Transportation
Your life and your kids’ lives will be so much easier and more fun at the airport if you’re prepared to embrace multiple modes of transportation.
Whether it’s utilizing airport shuttles to ease the burden of lugging heavy bags, renting a stroller for a tired toddler, or hopping on a moving walkway to keep little ones entertained, these options help reduce the stress of navigating busy terminals.
Each mode of transport offers a practical solution so that you and your family can reach your gate comfortably and on time. By welcoming these resources, you’re also turning the airport hustle into an opportunity for adventure!
11. Scope Out Airport Facilities
Airport play spaces are increasingly common and a fantastic way for your littles to release those pre-boarding wiggles.
These play zones provide a safe and engaging environment where kids can run, climb, and explore, helping to alleviate pre-flight jitters and boredom. They also give you a moment to relax and regroup before boarding.
Do a bit of research ahead of time to learn if the airports in your travel itinerary have play spaces and how you and your little ones can navigate to them.
12. Take your Last Bio Breaks
Shortly before you board, allocate some time for your last bathroom and water refills break! If I have time for nothing else at the airport, I make sure I have time for this.
It will be the refresh you didn’t know you needed. Get one last pull-up/diaper change in a regular sized space. You’ll be so happy you did.
13. Board the Plane Last
This vital but often overlooked step is a lifesaver.
Airlines usually offer families the right to board and settle first but I don’t think this does us any real favors with all of those toddler wiggles.
I know the appeal in wanting to get settled on the plane but I highly recommend forgoing your right to board first.
If you’re traveling with other adults, choose one person to board early and get everything set up (e.g., seat belt, luggage in the overhead bin, etc.) while the other person stays with the kiddos in the boarding area of the airport.
Let your little ones get out any last wiggles and only subject them to their stationery airplane seats when you have to!
19 Top Tips for Flying With a Toddler: During the Flight
Read on for the final tips that will make your trip with your little one a breeze. Or, at least a bit breezier!
14. Wipe Everything Down Prior to Take-off
The last thing you want is for you or your littles is to get sick from the airplane.
With airplane cleanliness declining since the pandemic, you’ll want to make sure to take the extra time to clean and sanitize your space.
I highly recommend the multi-use Babyganics wipes for this over the alcohol-drenched wipes the crew hands out.
15. Put Your Seat Belts on Right Before Takeoff
This might be obvious, but similar to having your kids board the plane last, you’ll want to wait a bit to fasten seat belts if you can.
Have your children get any last movement out and then, buckle yourself and your toddler in one after the other. This way, you can talk them through the ‘why’ again and also point out others around you who now all have their seat belts on.
16. Prep the Air Pressure Aids
Something to ease your little’s potential ear pain from air pressure is essential. It’s uncomfortable for them and stressful for you – try to avoid it the best you can.
Depending on the time of day our flight is, we offer a pouch or a lollipop for the day time, or a shelf-stable Horizon milk box for evening takeoffs.
17. Break Out the Toys
Wondering how to keep your 2 year old busy on a plane? Pack new toys or items they haven’t seen in awhile. Here are my top three toys for toddlers on planes:
Touch and Feel Flashcards – These interactive flashcards are more than just images matched to words – they include questions to engage your little one in conversation and words in multiple languages.
Skillmatics Flashcards – These flashcards grow with your child. Depending on their age and interest, they can be used to learn colors, words, or counting.
Water Reveal Activity Pad – This no mess coloring book by Melissa & Doug is perfect for contained travel entertainment!
18. Schedule Breaks and Switch Off with Your Partner/Co-Traveler
If you’re traveling with another adult, particularly your partner who is sharing the load with the kiddos, try and switch off at regular intervals. While your little one is awake, try to alternate every hour or even 30 min if that’s all you’ve got in you.
This ensures all adults get some brain breaks and time to relax.
19. Encourage Sleep
It may not work out, but if you’re in any position to try and encourage your toddler to sleep – do it!
On long haul, overnight flights, we try to mimic my toddler’s at-home bedtime routine on the plane. We keep it simpler but the main steps are included.
We do the following:
✅Have dinner
✅Read a book/do an activity
✅Pull-up refresh
✅Offer milk
Note: I do not think toddler beds are worth it. They take up valuable packing space and are used for such a short amount of time. Using a swaddle to create a small hammock or just leaning your child’s seat back, respectful to the seat behind them, is the way to go.
Things to Keep in Mind When Flying With a Toddler
Below are some last tips to keep in mind for yourself, not just for your toddler, as you navigate your next flight.
Have grace for yourself:
It’s easy to focus on what we’re doing wrong as parents, but it’s essential when on an airplane with a toddler to focus on what you’re doing right. Take deep breaths, try to focus on the good and what is working.
Flex on your routine:
No sleep on the flight? Don’t stress. Your little one will sleep when you get to your destination.
Also more screen time than usual isn’t the end of the world. You want to make sure you get breaks so you can show up best for your kiddo. If less screen time means you’re short-tempered, that’s not helpful for you or your child.
Don’t stress about messy clothes:
You’ve packed an extra set and that’s the best you can do. There’s no point in stressing more from here. Walking off the plane with a pristine looking toddler is not the goal!
Calm your nerves:
Whether it be mindset reframes or deep breathing exercises – you can use these not only when the going gets tough with your little one but also if there’s a grump giving you a hard time because your toddler is acting … like a toddler.
Repeating, “I’m never going to see this person again” might help you, haha.
FAQ: How to Travel with a Toddler
You are SO ready! Here are some FAQs to seal the deal on your toddler travel plans.
Is it worth it to travel with a 2 year old?
Some say the hardest age to travel with is 2. I say – it might be a little harder but is TOTALLY worth it. I wouldn’t trade the curiosity and joy on my toddler’s face when we travel and explore a new place together for anything.
Do toddlers need special seats on airplanes?
They do not, but if they’re 2 they need their own seat and given turbulence, I highly recommend a toddler seat belt or car seat.
What is the best time of day to fly with a 2 year old?
Night-time or overnight flights are best because you can likely get your toddler to sleep for a longer period of time.
How do I keep my 2 year old calm on a plane?
Try singing their favorite songs or offering them a lovey. Distractions like toys, screen-time, and snacks go a long way too.
Final Thoughts: Helpful Tips for Flying with a Toddler
Trust me, you’re more ready than you think you are for your next flight with your toddler.
It won’t go perfectly – your toddler will probably get upset at times and be impatient. These emotions are normal!
The best you can do is to prepare ahead of time. This will ease your jitters and create more calm for your little one.
Just remember these tips for flying with a toddler and you’ll be good to go.