Ultimate Flying with a Toddler Checklist + Tips

Motherhood
Written By Guest User
Flying with a toddler can be quite an experience if you are not prepared and this post includes the ultimate flying with a toddler checklist + all of the tips you need in order to make the experience as stress-free as possible.

Beware, flying with a toddler is rough! These tips should help but I can’t promise they will make it easy. Just…easier.

Looking for places to travel by plane to with your toddler? I have two awesome posts. One on Cabo with kids and another on Santa Barbara with kids. Both are awesome places to visit with younger kids!
Mother and toddler on the big island, travel hacks with a toddler

Flying with a Toddler Checklist

Flying with a toddler. Just that phrase alone can make you break out in cold sweats. So many unknowns and so many what if’s. If in being totally honest, I was a little worried about Connor’s first flight at almost 3yrs old (to Hawaii) being almost 6 hours long. How would he do? Would he be able to make it that long? Through all my worrying, I finally realized we’ve done road trips from LA to SF which were roughly the same amount of time. I finally got to the point of “here goes nothing”. 

Let me tell you, I don’t know what I was worried about! He did fantastic. But then again, I did plan accordingly. So if you’re like me, and are flying with a toddler for the first time, here are my tips that really made the experience pleasant for everyone involved. 

Here are some toddler travel essentials that have stars next to them on my toddler packing list:

Travel Stroller

There are so many travel strollers, and not all of them make life easier. I’ve officially found the one that makes travel (dare I say) painless and it’s because of the Gb Pockit. One feature that I love is that you don’t have to check and pay for it upon boarding, because it will fit under your seat and overhead. It’s truly amazing, and although expensive, worth every penny. 

Airplane + Travel Car Seat: 

The Cosco Scenera is the best $60 I’ve ever spent and it’s only available at Walmart. This seat is nearly weightless, plus it’s quick + painless to install into the airplane seat. When you get your rental car it’s just as quick to click in. I’m SO glad I went with this seat. 

Why bring a car seat for your toddler? If you are getting your toddler their own seat on the plane (which I recommend) it is a good idea to pack along their car seat for three reasons.

  1. It’ll keep them extra safe

  2. It’ll provide some additional comfort as they are already used to their car seat

  3. It’ll make travel at your location that much easier because you will already have a car seat with you!

Snacks

You simply cannot take a toddler anywhere without snacks. Also, forget the airline’s tray tables and bring your own. 

This snack tray was a huge hit, and I have to thank my friend Sery for lending me hers. It’s a fun game they can play by hitting the button and out pops a snack surprise. I just packed the snacks in beforehand and saved it until take off. 

Also, I do recommend snacks at take off and during landing in case pressure messes with their ears.

Entertainment

I found that Busy Boards, lcd drawing, magnetic bead boards, water wow painting, reusable sticker books were all favorites for Connor. They kept him busy and focused for a big portion of our flight. 

And when everything was exhausted, I brought out the tablet for the last remaining hour of the flight. 

Forget the screen time thing, my friend. It will be your savior. Just remember to download all apps, games, and videos before your trip ahead of time!

toddler on an airplane in the window seat

Other helpful items for your plane ride with a toddler:

Other Small Toys

Travel toys are your best chance for a calm place ride. Here are some of my top picks that my toddler has loved on our long-haul flights!

Baby Carrier

If you are bringing a younger toddler along for a flight, your air travel packing list should definitely include your baby carrier! 

It is very likely that you will have to walk around the airport for a while before boarding and then you have the after-arrival walking. That is a lot for little toddler legs! 

Pack along a baby carrier to make things easy for everyone and give yourself back some extra time while navigating your vacation.

Diaper Bag

This might be an obvious idea when you are packing along young children for a flight, but it has to be mentioned so that you don’t forget! 

Check with your airline because you might be allowed to carry a diaper bag and your own personal carry-on (purse). That way you can pack everything you need easily!

Birth Certificate

The birth certificate is always a great option to pack along when traveling with your young kids, but especially with babies! Make sure it is bolded on your toddler travel checklist and store it in the safest place you can think of.

Sippy Cup

Very important. Bring their favorite sippy cup or one you know they will 100% drink out of. Do not leave it up to chance when traveling with small children. 

There will be a lot going on during the travel day and the best way to make sure they will actually stay hydrated is to bring their favorite cup along.

Remember, though, no liquids through TSA.

First Aid Kit

Make sure you are prepared for the worst but hope for the best. Having a small first aid kit on hand might just save you during your trip.

Empty Water Bottle

This one is a reminder for YOU! Make sure to pack yourself an empty water bottle in order to stay hydrated while traveling. 

This is very important and your best bet to avoid a travel day migraine. Stay hydrated, friends!

Extra Clothes

Never, ever forget the extra clothes for your toddler when traveling. The one time you forget an extra outfit is the time they are going to have an accident. 

Whether you are potty training or still managing diaper changes, make sure you have a full set of extra clothing (maybe even an extra pair of shoes) to be safe.

Best Tips for Flying with a Toddler:

Now that I’ve flown with a toddler multiple times, and once by myself (crazy, I know) I’ve learned a thing or two. Here are my best tips for flying with a toddler to hopefully take the edge off your next flight. 

If you are bringing a travel car seat, make sure you practice feeding a belt through the seat itself before your trip. That way in the very tight space that is your designated row, you aren't anxious about whether or not you can quickly insert the seat into your assigned seat.  

Board last, if you can. If you are flying with a friend or partner, have them load your carryons first and get the travel seat in place before your toddler gets on the plane. This allows for a window of time to get your last potty break in and the wiggles out so you’re not sitting for more than is necessary. This is my biggest piece of advice for an active kid. <

If you are bringing a blow-up toddler bed for the plane, not all airlines allow for this so it might be a waste of money. Call the airline ahead of time to save you unnecessary funds and headaches. 

Slowly, one by one take out snacks and busy toys. Stagger them so you don’t blow through each snack or game and they get tired of everything halfway through a long flight. Keep the surprises coming and it’ll buy you time. 

For potty breaks on the plane, it can be scary. My son hates loud noises so I always tell him “We’re going to pee and it might be loud so cover your ears. Let’s countdown, ready? 3,2,1, did it! Silly, I know, but a lot of kids have noise sensitivity and planes are loud as heck. 

There you have it! Everything you need to bring and need to know before heading out on a plane ride with a toddler in tow for your next family trip.

Traveling with a toddler can seem daunting, but once you truly get the hang of things, I promise it's not as difficult as it seems! And it’s SO rewarding! Have you traveled with a toddler? Give me your best tips! 

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