Flying with a toddler can feel like a big challenge, but you can make the trip easier and more enjoyable for everyone with some planning and smart tips. This guide will help you get ready and feel confident for your journey through the airport and in the sky. We’ll cover everything from packing the right things and finding fun toddler airplane activities to handling little ears and helping your child rest.
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Preparing for Your Trip
Getting ready early makes a big difference. When you plan ahead, you feel calmer, and that helps your toddler feel calmer too.
Booking Your Flight Wisely
Choosing the right flight is key.
- Think about Timing: Pick a flight that works with your toddler’s usual sleep schedule. An early morning flight might work if your child is used to waking up early. A late flight might be good if they can sleep on the plane. Avoid travel during their usual cranky times.
- Direct Flights are Best: If you can, choose a flight that goes straight to your destination. Stops mean more takeoffs and landings (more ear pressure changes!) and more chances for delays and meltdowns.
- Seat Choice Matters: Think about where you sit.
- Bulkhead Seats: These are the seats behind a wall, like between different parts of the plane or at the very front. They often have more legroom and sometimes space for a bassinet (though usually only for babies, check with the airline). The downside is no seat in front to store a bag under.
- Aisle Seats: These are good for easy access to the bathroom or just getting up to walk around when allowed. The downside is carts and people bumping into you.
- Window Seats: These give your toddler something to look out of. It can be a fun distraction. It’s also harder for them to run into the aisle.
- Buying a Seat for Your Toddler: Airlines let young children under two fly on an adult’s lap. This saves money, but it can be very hard on longer flights. Having their own seat means more space and the ability to use a car seat or travel vest, which is much safer and often helps them sleep better. If you buy a seat, bring their approved car seat (check airline rules).
Packing Smart: The Essential Items for Flying with Toddler
What you pack and how you pack it is super important. You need things to keep your toddler busy, comfortable, and clean. Having a good packing list for flying with toddler will save you stress.
Think about what you need easy access to during the flight and what can go in checked bags. Your carry-on bags are your survival kit.
-
The Diaper Bag/Toddler Backpack: This is your main bag for the flight. Pack it wisely.
- Diapers (more than you think you’ll need – delays happen!)
- Wipes (full pack)
- Diaper rash cream
- Changing pad (travel size)
- Small trash bags for dirty diapers/trash
- Extra change of clothes for toddler (and maybe a shirt for you – spills happen!)
- Pajamas or comfy clothes if flying overnight
- Small blanket or favorite lovey
- Hand sanitizer
- Disinfecting wipes for surfaces
- Small first-aid kit (band-aids, pain reliever/fever reducer for kids, allergy medicine)
- Any needed medications
- Sippy cup or bottle (empty or mostly empty to fill after security)
- Best airplane snacks for toddlers (see detailed list below)
- Refillable water bottle for you
- Small toys and toddler airplane activities (see detailed list below)
- Tablet or phone with downloaded shows/games and headphones
- Small book or two
- Pacifier or something to suck on for ears (if applicable)
- Lollipops or chewy snacks for ear pressure
-
Checked Luggage: Pack everything else here – clothes for the trip, toiletries, bigger items.
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Carry-On Strategy:
- Use a backpack for your main carry-on. It keeps your hands free.
- Consider a small rolling suitcase for some toys, books, or extra clothes.
- Have a dedicated bag (like the diaper bag) that fits under the seat in front of you with the things you need right now or during the flight.
- Put things you won’t need until cruising altitude in the overhead bin bag.
Creating Your Packing List
Let’s break down that packing list for flying with toddler into useful groups.
Bag 1: Under the Seat (Easy Access)
- Diapers & wipes (enough for half the trip + extras)
- Changing pad
- Small trash bags
- Change of clothes for toddler
- Snacks
- Empty sippy cup
- Small toy or book
- Pacifier/teether
- Hand sanitizer/wipes
Bag 2: Overhead Bin (Access During Flight)
- More diapers & wipes
- Second change of clothes (or pajamas)
- Small blanket
- More toys/activities (rotate these)
- Tablet & headphones
- Books
- Meds/First Aid
- Comfort item (lovey)
- Your things (book, phone, wallet, etc.)
Table: Essential Items Checklist
| Item | Under Seat | Overhead Bin | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diapers | ✅ | ✅ | Pack more than you think you need! |
| Wipes | ✅ | ✅ | Full pack |
| Changing Pad | ✅ | Travel size is best | |
| Small Trash Bags | ✅ | For dirty diapers & garbage | |
| Change of Clothes (Toddler) | ✅ | ✅ | Spills happen! Maybe PJs too. |
| Change of Shirt (Adult) | ✅ | Just in case! | |
| Small Blanket | ✅ | Plane can get cold, or for comfort | |
| Lovey/Stuffed Animal | ✅ | ✅ | Comfort item, can be under seat or overhead |
| Hand Sanitizer | ✅ | ✅ | Use often! |
| Disinfecting Wipes | ✅ | Wipe down tray table, armrests, etc. | |
| Small First-Aid Kit | ✅ | Pain reliever, band-aids, etc. | |
| Medications | ✅ | As needed, bring prescriptions too | |
| Empty Sippy Cup/Bottle | ✅ | Fill after security | |
| Snacks | ✅ | Crucial! Bring plenty. | |
| Water Bottle (Adult) | ✅ | Stay hydrated | |
| Toys/Activities | ✅ | ✅ | Variety is key |
| Tablet & Headphones | ✅ | ✅ | Downloaded content is a must |
| Books | ✅ | ✅ | Small, engaging ones |
| Pacifier/Teether/Candy | ✅ | For ear pressure during takeoff/landing |
Remembering these essential items for flying with toddler will make you feel much more prepared.
Navigating Airport with Toddler
Getting through the airport can be a race, but it doesn’t have to be chaos. Here are some tips for surviving plane ride with toddler that start before you even board.
Check-in and Security
- Check-in Online: Do this 24 hours before your flight. It saves time and lets you confirm seats.
- Arrive Early: Give yourselves plenty of extra time. Rushing with a toddler is stressful for everyone. More time means you can take breaks, let them walk a bit, and handle unexpected delays.
- Stroller or Carrier: Bring a lightweight stroller (you can gate-check it) or a baby carrier. A carrier keeps your hands free, especially going through security. A stroller is great for letting them rest or containing them in busy areas.
- Going Through Security: This is often the most stressful part.
- Wear easy-to-remove shoes yourself.
- Have liquids (like milk or juice for the toddler) in a separate, clear bag. Rule 3-1-1 doesn’t fully apply to child nourishment, but show these items clearly to the TSA officers.
- Take electronics out.
- Collapse the stroller to go through the scanner.
- Hold your toddler or keep them in the carrier as you walk through the scanner.
- Don’t be afraid to ask staff for help. They often see parents with young children.
Waiting at the Gate
This is another time that can be tricky.
- Find a Space: Look for an area where your toddler can move a little, away from busy walkways.
- Playtime: Use this time to let them burn off some energy before being seated for a long time. Walk around the gate area, look at the planes, or play a simple game.
- Snack Time: Offer a snack and drink here. A full tummy might mean a calmer boarding.
- Last-Minute Diaper Change/Potty: Do this right before boarding the plane! You don’t want to be stuck waiting for the seatbelt sign to turn off.
On the Plane: Tips for Surviving Plane Ride with Toddler
Okay, you’re on the plane. This is where the real work begins, but with your prep and bag of tricks, you’ve got this.
Settling In
- Boarding: Airlines often let families with young children board early. This is a good idea as it gives you more time to get settled without blocking the aisle. However, it also means more time sitting on the plane before takeoff. Some parents prefer to board later if one parent can keep the toddler busy in the gate area until the last minute.
- Wipe Down: Use those disinfecting wipes from your carry-on to quickly clean the armrests, tray table, and seatbelt buckle.
- Set Up Their Space: Get out the first round of toddler airplane activities and snacks. Have the sippy cup ready.
Toddler Airplane Activities: Keeping Them Busy
This is the secret weapon. A rotating supply of new and engaging things to do will help keeping toddlers quiet on flight. Don’t show them everything at once. Introduce a new toy or activity when the last one loses its charm.
- New Small Toys: Hit a dollar store or toy store before your trip. Small, new toys are often more exciting. Think cars, animal figures, small dolls. Wrap them like presents for an extra reveal moment.
- Sticker Books: Reusable sticker books are great. They can peel and stick over and over.
- Coloring Books & Crayons: Pack a few favorite coloring pages or a small book and chunky crayons that won’t roll away easily.
- Water Wow! Books: These use a water pen to reveal colors and pictures. No mess!
- Window Clings: These stick to the airplane window and can be peeled off and moved.
- Small Building Toys: Duplo blocks (just a few!), magnetic tiles (a few stick to the tray table).
- Play-Doh: Bring a small container. It can be molded on the tray table. Be mindful of tiny crumbs.
- Puzzles: Simple, chunky puzzles with just a few pieces.
- Stacking Cups or Rings: Small, lightweight versions.
- Books: Board books or softcover books. Choose favorites and a new one.
- Tablet/Phone: Download shows, movies, and apps before you leave home. Airplane WiFi is often slow or costly. Make sure you have kid-friendly headphones that are comfortable and fit well. Set screen time limits if that’s important to you, but a flight might be a time to be more flexible.
- Simple Games: “I Spy” (look for colors or shapes inside the plane), peek-a-boo, singing quiet songs, making silly faces.
Keep a few ’emergency’ activities hidden until you really need a major distraction.
Best Airplane Snacks for Toddlers
Snacks are key to a happy toddler (and parent!). Bring more than you think you need.
- Variety is Good: Offer different textures and tastes.
- Easy to Eat: Choose snacks that don’t make a big mess and are easy for little hands to hold.
- Low Sugar: Avoid sugar rushes and crashes.
- Ideas:
- Crackers (goldfish, animal crackers, graham crackers)
- Cereal (Cheerios are a classic)
- Fruit pouches (applesauce, yogurt)
- Dried fruit (raisins, apricots – careful with choking hazards)
- Fruit slices (apples, bananas – prepare just before leaving if possible to avoid browning)
- Vegetable sticks (carrots, cucumbers – maybe less popular but good option)
- Cheese sticks or cubes
- Pouches of yogurt or smoothies
- Small muffins or pieces of bread
- Nut-free granola bars (check airline rules on nuts)
- Cooked pasta shapes (plain)
Pack snacks in small, easy-to-open containers or reusable bags. This makes them accessible and organized.
Handling Toddler Ear Pressure During Flight
Takeoff and landing are often the hardest parts because of changes in air pressure, which can hurt little ears.
- Encourage Swallowing: Swallowing helps to pop the ears.
- Nursing or Bottle: If your toddler still nurses or takes a bottle, offer it during takeoff and descent.
- Sippy Cup: Give them a sippy cup of water or juice.
- Snacks: Chewing or sucking on a snack works too. Puffs, crackers, or fruit pouches are good options.
- Pacifier: If they use one, offer it.
- Lollipops or Hard Candy (for older toddlers): Sucking on these is very effective. Only use if you are comfortable and confident they won’t choke.
- Stay Awake: It’s often harder to manage ear pressure if they are asleep during the pressure changes. Try to keep them awake during takeoff and initial climb, and again during descent.
- Yawning: Encourage fake yawns!
- Talk to Them: Explain what is happening in simple words (“Our ears are going to feel funny, let’s take a drink!”)
If your child has a cold or ear infection, flying can be more uncomfortable. Talk to their doctor beforehand. Sometimes a dose of pain reliever before the flight is recommended.
Dealing with Toddler Sleep on Plane
Getting a toddler to sleep on a plane can feel impossible, but it is possible!
- Stick to Routine (Sort Of): Try to follow their usual sleep cues. If they always read a book or have quiet time before bed, do that.
- Make Them Comfy:
- Dress them in comfortable clothes or PJs.
- Bring a small blanket and their lovey.
- Use a travel pillow or their favorite small pillow.
- If they have their own seat and you brought their car seat, use it – the familiarity can help them settle. Some travel beds or inflatable cushions can create a flat space in their seat (check airline rules!).
- Block Out Light/Sound: Use a window shade or a light blanket draped over them. Kid-friendly noise-canceling headphones can help block out plane noise.
- White Noise: Use a white noise app on your phone at a low volume.
- Rocking/Walking: If the seatbelt sign is off, a gentle walk up and down the aisle or rocking them can help.
- Consider Timing: As mentioned before, timing your flight with their nap or bedtime can naturally help them sleep.
- Flexibility: Sometimes, despite your best efforts, they just won’t sleep much. That’s okay. Adjust your expectations and plan for a tired toddler (and parent!) upon arrival.
Keeping Toddlers Quiet on Flight
This is a big concern for many parents. While you can’t guarantee silence, you can do a lot to encourage calm behavior.
- Manage Expectations: Toddlers are naturally noisy. They babble, they might cry, they whine. It’s okay. Most people understand. Do your best, but don’t stress about every little sound.
- Keep Them Busy: The best way to manage noise is to keep them engaged with toddler airplane activities. A bored toddler is a loud toddler.
- Snack Them: Hunger and thirst lead to fussiness. Regular snacks and drinks help.
- Movement (When Allowed): When the seatbelt sign is off, let them stand up on your lap (carefully) or take a walk to the bathroom and back. Even a few minutes of movement helps.
- Talk to Them: Narrate what’s happening, point things out, sing quiet songs together. Your voice can be calming.
- Address the Cause: Is your toddler crying? Are they hungry, thirsty, tired, uncomfortable, bored, or is something hurting their ears? Try to figure out the reason and fix it.
- Use Distraction: When a meltdown seems near, pull out a new toy or a special snack. Use the tablet as a last resort if needed.
- Stay Calm: Your stress can add to theirs. Take a deep breath. You are doing your best.
- Be Kind to Other Passengers: A simple smile or nod to nearby passengers can go a long way. If your toddler is having a tough moment, a quick, quiet apology might be helpful, but don’t feel you need to over-explain or apologize excessively for typical toddler behavior.
Specific Considerations for Flying with a Two Year Old on a Plane
Two-year-olds are in a unique stage. They are more mobile, more independent, but still have limited patience and big feelings. Flying with a two year old on a plane requires tailoring your strategies.
- They Understand More: You can talk to them simply about the trip, the airplane, and what to expect. “We are going on a big metal bird! It will fly high in the sky.”
- Bigger Range of Activities: They can do more complex activities than younger toddlers. Sticker books, simple puzzles, matching games, and drawing are good options.
- Desire for Control: Two-year-olds want to do things themselves. Let them hold their boarding pass (even if you have the real one), choose which snack to eat, or decide which toy to play with next. Giving them small choices can help them feel more in control.
- Testing Boundaries: Be prepared for them to test limits on the plane. Be firm but gentle about rules like staying in their seat when the sign is on.
- Use Their Energy: Take advantage of boarding time and time before descent to let them move. Walk to the bathroom, look out the window at different parts of the plane while standing in the aisle (when safe).
- Communication is Key (for them): They might get frustrated if they can’t tell you what they need. Watch for their cues – pointing, sounds, body language.
- They May Not Nap: Even if they nap reliably at home, the excitement and strange environment might make napping harder on the plane. Again, manage your expectations.
Many tips for surviving plane ride with toddler apply especially strongly to the active, opinionated two-year-old! Patience, preparation, and plenty of distraction are your best friends.
After the Flight
You made it! Here are a few final thoughts.
- Take Your Time Deplaning: Don’t rush to get off. Let others go ahead. Gather your things calmly.
- Stroller/Carrier: If you gate-checked a stroller, it will usually be waiting for you right as you exit the plane. Using it right away can help contain a tired toddler.
- Be Patient: Your toddler (and you!) might be tired and cranky after the flight. Build in extra time for getting luggage and getting to your next stop.
Flying with a toddler is an adventure. It might be messy, there might be tears (yours or theirs!), but it’s temporary. With good planning, the right tools, and a flexible attitude, you can significantly reduce the stress and maybe even make some happy memories.
Frequently Asked Questions
H5 Is it better to fly early morning or late night with a toddler?
It depends on your toddler! An early morning flight might work if they usually wake up early and might go back to sleep. A late flight might work if they can sleep through it like a normal bedtime. Mid-day flights can be hardest if they interrupt nap time without being long enough for them to get proper sleep. Consider your child’s typical schedule and temperament.
H5 Can I bring liquids like milk or juice for my toddler through airport security?
Yes, TSA makes exceptions for medically necessary liquids, including breast milk, formula, and juice for infants and toddlers. You should remove these items from your bag and declare them to the TSA officer. They may be subject to additional screening.
H5 Should I bring a car seat on the plane for my toddler?
If you buy a seat for your toddler, bringing an FAA-approved car seat is highly recommended. It is the safest way for them to fly and can also help them feel more comfortable and secure, potentially aiding sleep. Check your airline’s rules for approved car seats.
H5 What if my toddler cries and bothers other passengers?
Do your best to comfort your child. Offer distractions, snacks, or address potential issues like ear pressure or a dirty diaper. Most people understand that young children can get upset. Focus on helping your toddler, not on what others are thinking. You are doing your best in a challenging situation.
H5 How can I manage screen time limits while flying?
Flying is a unique situation. Many parents choose to relax screen time rules for the duration of the flight simply because it can be such an effective distraction for keeping toddlers quiet on flight. Decide what feels right for your family, but be prepared that a screen might be your best tool in a tough moment. You can always go back to stricter rules after the trip.
H5 How many diapers should I pack in my carry-on?
Pack more than you think you’ll need! A good rule of thumb is enough for the entire flight plus a few extra for unexpected delays or time in the airport before and after the flight. Maybe double what you’d normally use in that timeframe, just to be safe.