What to Pack When Traveling With a Toddler: Simple Packing Guide
Flying with a toddler can feel scary and knowing what to pack can feel overwhelming. Between their unpredictability and tantrums, you never know what to expect.
I flew with my baby for the first time when she was three months old. One of the worst things that could have happened did: she pooped through her diaper and up her back!
I was already prepared for the unexpected, so when this occurred mid-air while breastfeeding, all I could do was laugh. This reinforced my mindset: “Things will go wrong, but I can handle it.”
I maintained this attitude every time I traveled with my baby, through potty training, toddlerhood, and now as a young child.
Photo Credit: Theresa Bauman
What to Pack When Traveling With a Toddler: Simple Packing Guide
Having taken many flights with my younger siblings, and now, as a mom, here is a list of everything I bring and how I prepare for a flight with a toddler. But first, lets start with mindset…
Mindset: When Traveling With a Toddler
“Things will go wrong, but I can handle it.”
Just like everyday life with a toddler, there will be tantrums, arguments, and sassiness while traveling.
There will be moments where they are so excited to be going on an airplane, and then the next moment, you peeled their banana wrong and now they’re having a full blown tantrum in the airport food court and you’re feeling self conscious thinking everyone is staring you, secretly hoping you’re not on their flight.
I’ve been there and no amount of preparation makes it any less mortifying. Here are a few things I remind myself in those moments:
- This is normal for toddlers– Tantrums, yelling (even when excited), being loud, and a general obliviousness to other people is totally normal and expected for toddlers. Everyone knows it, even people without kids know it.
Most people are understanding. I’ve had other moms offer to help me during tantrums with my toddler or even just the nod and whisper to me, “I’ve been there, it’s ok”.
- We are all stressed– Traveling brings on stress, good and bad, whether we realize it or not. Early mornings, late nights, new surroundings, the hustle and bustle of the airport…everything that goes into a travel day really messes with our systems. This includes toddlers.
As adults, we mostly know how to handle this stress (mostly…adults throw tantrums too, btw). Toddlers are still learning how to regulate their stress and emotions and when they are so thrown off of their routine, they can’t handle it!
Remembering this when my toddler is having a meltdown before boarding the plane helps me take breath, remain calm, then patiently help my toddler regulate their emotions so we can board the plane. Or calmly pick them up while they are still screaming so we can make our flight.
- I never have to see these people again– The chances of you seeing any of the people on your flight again are slim. Let them think your a bad parent and eye roll their way through the flight.
You are not a bad parent, toddlers are insane, and people who aren’t understanding can F off.
Mentally preparing makes the travel day so much easier to handle. Next let’s go over what I pack to feel prepared and mitigate tantrums.
Photo Credit: Theresa Bauman
What to Pack When Flying With a Toddler
When I travel I love to carry as little as possible. We often travel with only carry-ons depending on the destination and length of our trip.
For Your Toddler
It always feel like you need so much stuff when flying with a toddler but I promise everything listed can fit in a regular sized backpack that can be used as your carry on!
1. Toys/Games
This is my favorite tactic for distraction when I feel a tantrum coming on. I bring along one or two small toys we already have, then I pack one new item that I only bring out if things go sideways. Currently, I’m stocked up on Melissa and Doug Puffy Sticker Play Sets.
One mistake I’ve made in the past is asking my toddler what toys she wants to bring and over packing. In my experience with my toddler, my younger brothers, (and myself as a kid), kids think they need to bring enough toys to entertain themselves. In reality, they are so excited by everything else going on around them, they don’t care about the stuff they packed.
Our bags were so much lighter and our travel days went smoother when I didn’t ask my toddler what toys she wanted to bring and just packed for her myself.
These are my go-to’s (pick 2 to pack):
- Activity book
- Sticker book (with removable stickers)
- Small coloring books with a few crayons
- Water WOW books
- Erasable coloring books with washable markers
- Two small car toys (like hot wheels)
Toys to avoid:
- Loud/noisy
- Sets with loose pieces-chances are you’ll lose something unless they are magnetic or velcro like in an activity book.
- A favorite toy- In case it gets lost, except your toddler’s transitional object.
2. Transitional Object
This is your toddler’s comfort item. It’s usually a blanket or stuffy. Something your child has attached to since they were a baby. Make sure to pay extra attention to this item so you don’t loose it.
3. Tablet
Screen time can be a controversial topic. However it fits into your lifestyle on a daily basis, remember to give yourself grace when traveling. Some families stick with no screens while others allow unlimited screen time.
Photo Credit: Theresa Bauman
We allow unlimited screen time while traveling but, she can only use it while on the plane. Of course, there are exceptions, like if the flight is delayed and we’re sitting at the terminal for a while.
Or like this one time it was just me and my toddler and we had a layover during nap time, she was over tired and upset over everything so I gave in and let her walk around the airport with her tablet to avoid a meltdown.
If you use a tablet, don’t forget to pre download movies, tv shows, and games so they can watch offline and pack the charging cord in your carry on.
4. Headphones with Aux Cable
I know Bluetooth headphones are much easier because you don’t have to deal with the cord but, some flights have inflight entertainment on the back of the seats allowing you to play games and watch movies during your flight.
Some older planes still only connect through aux so you would need headphones that can connect to the screen. We have kid headphones that have both Bluetooth and an aux cord.
5. Potty Seat
Using a foldable potty seat con help your little one feel more secure while sitting on a large public toilet. If you don’t want to bring one, having them sit on the side of the toilet works as well, but I feel like it becomes a balancing act if I’m not holding on to her.
6. Harness
Instead of bringing a car seat, we used a harness to keep her safely buckled in the plane seat. This is not required, just personal preference.
When my daughter was about 17 months old I had read an article about flight attendants wanting to ban lap babies and petitioning, “Every soul should have a seat”. This was after a few incidences of extreme turbulence where lap babies had been injured.
My husband and I discussed our options of bringing a car seat or having our little girl sit in a seat too big with a seat belt not tight enough. Luckily, my grandma found the harness specifically for air planes and we used it until she was almost three.
You can also bring a car seat for your toddler on the plane. Just make sure your car seat will fit by checking with the airline you’re flying .
For Both of You
Here are a few essentials for you and your toddler and anyone else you are traveling with!
Snacks/Water Bottle – Liquid IV
I make sure to stock up on snacks for both me and my toddler and maybe even have extra for the flight back. I always bring an empty water bottle to fill at the airport after security and liquid IV to keep hydrated.
There is kids liquid IV that I sometimes use. I have to watch her closely with it though because it tastes like juice so she chugs it and then has to potty A LOT and has even had an accident from it.
It’s a delicate balance of making sure your toddler stays properly hydrated but not too hydrated that they have accidents!
Bonus Tip! Smoothies are a great airport meal (or travel meal in general). They generally a healthy option filled with fruits and veggies and can help with constipation which is also common during travel.
Hand Sanitizer/Wipes
Public spaces are germy. Wipes are especially a good idea if you or your toddler has a food allergy. Wiping down the airplane seat and tray table before they sit down could save them from an allergic reaction.
If you are traveling with someone with a food allergy, don’t forget to pack Benadryl and two Epi-Pens.
Photo Credit: Tour Guide
Scarf
Using a big scarf is sometimes necessary when traveling to certain places. A lot of European churches require you to cover your shoulders before entering but if your traveling in the summer its too hot to walk around in sleeves all day.
Large scarves are very versatile and can be used for a lot of things. On the airplane, it can be used as a blanket for you or your toddler!
Change of Clothes/Wear Layers
I wear layers because airplanes are cold but I regularly travel from cold weather to warm weather. I also bring a change of clothes for me and my toddler just in case! For obvious reasons, in case my toddler has an accident, but also just in case of other spills.
When I was about 10, I was sitting next to my 2 year old brother on a plane and he spilled orange juice all over me. I did not have a change of clothes. According to my dad, this was karma coming back around because I spilled juice in his lap on a plane when I was about 2!
Other Things to Consider
A couple more details to think about while traveling.
Picture of Birth Certificate
It’s always a good idea to have a picture of your passport. I usually just take a picture on my phone and save it and have one printed copy as back up when traveling internationally.
When traveling with minors, TSA may ask for extra identification so it’s a good idea to at least have a picture of your child’s birth certificate on your phone. I’ve never needed it but I have it just in case.
Baby Gear – Stroller, Car Seats, Ect…
Bringing a stroller will mostly depend on your destination and what you will need while your there. Also, the needs of each family are different.
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How to Deal with Tantrums
Tantrums are inevitable. Your toddler is excited, over stimulated, stressed, tired… traveling is a lot on the body and the subconscious for any age, but I promise it is so worth it!
Since you know tantrums are going to happen, remember to keep the mindset “Things will go wrong, but I can handle it”
“But how?!?” Your asking!
First Remain Calm
When you notice a beginning of a tantrum, offer them a snack. Most likely, they are hungry and/or tired.
If it is at all possible to get them comfy for a nap, either in a chair or on your lap, try it, but don’t push it.
Chances are they are overstimulated and overwhelmed by all the exciting things going on.
Next Step
Try to play with your toddler with one of her toys. If that doesn’t work and the tantrum starts gaining momentum, pull out the secret new toy you packed.
I swear by this approach and has saved me quite a few tantrums.
Photo Credit: Theresa Bauman
When the Secret Toy Doesn’t Work,
And trust me sometimes it may not. Use your best judgement on what is best for you and your toddler.
You may need to give in to something. For me this was the time I let my toddler walk around the airport with the tablet watching a show. Or giving in and buying the sushi she absolutely needed because the lunch I packed wasn’t good enough.
Full Meltdown
If your toddler does combust into a full blown tantrum, and yes I’ve been there, just pick them up and handle it how you normally would with love and calmness.
Just remember, to focus on you and your toddler in that moment and as hard as it is, forget about the other people around you.
Chances are they don’t care as much as you think. And when you do calm your wailing toddler, tell yourself they are thinking, “That mom did such a great job handling that tantrum! What a good mom!” Because you are, or dad (if you’re a dad reading this)!
You’re Not Starting “Bad Habits”
If you’re afraid of starting bad habits like your toddler thinking “If I act like this I can get what I want” it won’t. My toddler’s tantrums have typically been different while traveling because she’s in a new environment and stressed out.
If you have an older toddler/young child, you can calmly explain to them that travel is a special circumstance. You might need to remind them if they bring it up again, “But mom that one time…”
“Yes, that was a special circumstance because we had a long day at the airport”.
Travel days are special circumstances for you too, so remember to also treat yourself!
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Layovers
I’ve found layovers to be prime time for tantrums! You’ve already flown on one flight so the excitement is over. Now you’re either waiting around, or rushing to next flight.
If you have a short layover – making sure you have enough snacks packed or maybe even a sandwich is super important. You may not have time to stop for food so just focus on getting to your gate.
If you have a long layover – take the time to look around and find a good place to eat a meal or get a snack. Then explore the airport a little!
Some airports have a kids play areas. If not, camp out at an empty gate to let your toddler run around a bit.
If it’s close to nap time, get them comfy at your gate and see if they will fall asleep. Again, don’t push it. Chances are, they’ll sleep on the plane. The hum and calmness of a flight does a good job at putting kids to sleep!
Bonus Tip: Snacks During Take Off and Landing
You probably heard the old trick of chewing gum to help equalize your ears during take off and landing. For toddlers and babies, I recommend snacks! It’s the movement of the jaw that aids the ears.
FAQ’s
Here are a few frequently asked questions about traveling with toddlers.
What is the most forgotten item?
The item people forget to pack most is charging cords. While your packing your phone charger, don’t forget to also pack your little one’s tablet charger.
Quick tip: Charge everything the night before and wrap your phone/tablet in the cord so you remember to unplug the the charger in the morning and not just your device!
While you’re charging your toddler’s tablet, is a good time to download those movies and shows. If you’re downloading them on Netflix or other app, check again before your next trip because downloads do expire!
Do I need a car seat on a plane?
It is not required to have your child at any age in a car seat. This is a personal preference and also probably depends on how long your flight is, your destination, etc…
My daughter was a lap baby until she was about 18 months then we used a harness until she was almost 3 and we felt comfortable with her in a seat.
If you want to bring a car seat, check with the airline you’re flying for seat measurements to make sure your car seat will fit.
What are common packing mistakes?
Over packing is a common mistake. I understand wanting to be prepared but that doesn’t mean you need to bring extra stuff like toys that will never get played with.
Ironically, another common mistake is being underprepared. While people are over packing on toys and distractions, they’re forgetting to pack essential back-up items in their carry-ons like a change of clothes for kids and parents.
What not to pack?
Don’t pack loud or noisy toys or toys with lots of loose pieces.
Can I bring snack pouches?
As long as they are less than 3.4 oz. Check with TSA for what foods are allowed through security.
Let’s Recap: What to Pack When Traveling With a Toddler
Flying with a toddler doesn’t have to be overwhelming or scary. I love traveling with my toddler and seeing things through her eyes. Travel days can be a fun experience for both you when you are prepared. If you forgot to pack something, you can probably buy it at the airport or your destination.
And remember – Things will go wrong but YOU can handle it!
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