Smooth Skies Ahead: Essential Tips for Flying with Toddlers

Flying with toddlers can be a daunting experience, but with a little bit of planning and preparation, it can be a much smoother and more enjoyable process for everyone involved. Here are some tips and hacks for flying with toddlers that can help make the experience a success.

1. Pack smart: Make sure you have everything you need for your child’s comfort and entertainment. Bring plenty of snacks, a change of clothes, diapers, wipes, and any other essentials your child may need. Pack a few new toys or activities to keep your child entertained during the flight. I share some of our favorite airplane MUST HAVES towards the end of this post.

2. Choose the right flight: Consider your child’s sleep schedule and choose a flight that works best for them. Red-eye flights may work well if your child can sleep on the plane. Alternatively, a midday flight may be better if your child is more alert and active during the day.

3. Request special accommodations: When booking your flight, consider requesting special accommodations, such as a bassinet or a seat with extra legroom. These can help make the flight more comfortable for you and your child. In addition, I recommend you check in all of your bags with the exception of your personal carry on and then child’s carry on. I like to take my diaper backpack as my personal carry on and a small child’s backpack with the kid’s activities.

4. Dress for success: Dress your child in comfortable clothes that are easy to take on and off. This can help make diaper changes and trips to the restroom easier. That includes yourself, make sure you are dressed to comfortably navigate the airport and the flight with your child.

5. Bring a stroller: A lightweight stroller can be a lifesaver when navigating through airports. Consider checking your stroller at the gate so you can use it right up until boarding. Once the flight lands, they will have the stroller ready for your inside the tunnel for an easy transition.

6. Prepare for takeoff and landing: The pressure changes during takeoff and landing can be uncomfortable for toddlers. Consider giving your child a snack or a drink during these times to help alleviate the pressure. If you are still breastfeeding, this is a great time to latch!

7. Use technology: Bring a tablet or other device loaded with your child’s favorite shows or games to keep them entertained during the flight.

8. Stay calm: Toddlers can sense when their parents are stressed, so try to stay calm and relaxed during the flight. Bring a few items that help you relax, such as a book or a playlist of calming music.

After you have checked in all your bags and pass through TSA, you can go to a local grocery store inside the airport and buy juice, milk or water bottle to fill up their bottles and sippy cups. Let your child walk around on their own to burn energy. Some airports have playgrounds your child can play in. Make sure your toddler is well fed, changed, and in the best possible mood before boarding the plane.

Let’s talk about some must-haves we absolutely love to take for our toddlers to keep them entertained during a long flight. In my diaper backpack, I like to carry a change of clothes for the kids, snacks, a water bottle or sippy cup, a tablet or iPad with downloaded movies and games, pajamas in case we arrive late and ready for bed, a small blanket, diapers and wipes. In my toddler’s backpack, I include a drawing pad (link on my Amazon Storefront), coloring books and crayons, toys, and their favorite plushies.

Flying with toddlers can be a stressful experience, but with a little bit of preparation and patience, it can also be a fun adventure. By following these tips and hacks, you can help ensure a smoother and more enjoyable flight for everyone involved.