Traveling with kids is an ever-evolving challenge. What worked when my son was a newborn is wildly different from what worked when he was an older baby, a toddler, a preschooler, an elementary-aged kid. Over time, I’ve fine-tuned my approach to packing, learning from plenty of “Why did I bring this again?” and “How in the world did I forget that?” moments.

So, if you’re staring at your suitcase wondering how to pack for an upcoming trip with kids without losing your sanity, you’re in the right place. Here’s my (very honest) guide to help you through it.

First Things First: Packing Anxiety Is Normal When Traveling with Kids

Let’s be real—packing for a trip with kids can feel overwhelming. It’s easy to spiral into anxiety when you think about all the things that kids use daily as well as all the other things that make your life as a mom easier. “How am I going to fit ALL of this into one suitcase?” you wonder. I’ve been there, and I have made THAT mistake.

On my first international trip with my oldest son (to Mexico and Brazil when he was just 5 months old), I brought half of our baby gear. And guess what? We barely used half of it. In fact, there was an entire duffle bag of baby items that went untouched AND cost me money (hello, checked luggage fees). Managing all that extra luggage turned out to be more stressful than helpful.

The real kicker? When I needed something I hadn’t packed (a replacement cord for my breast pump cord that went bust), I found out I could rent an entire pump locally for next to nothing. Lesson learned: Less can be more, and overpacking is just extra stress in disguise.

Why a Perfect “Family Trip Packing List” Doesn’t Exist

I spent years trying to create the “perfect” packing list for traveling with babies, toddlers, and preschoolers – only to change it a little bit with every trip we took. Turns out the perfect packing list doesn’t exist, and here’s why:

1. Every child (and every stage of childhood) has unique needs.
2. Each family has their own routines and preferences.
3. Every trip is different—destination, activities, transportation, and duration of travel all play a role.

What does exist, though, is a perfect packing system. A system you can tweak for any trip to make packing easier. Ready to build yours? Let’s go.

The Building Blocks of a Packing System for Traveling with Kids

When creating a packing system, focus on these key factors:

1. Consider the Trip Context

Ask yourself:

• Will you be flying, driving, or taking another form of transportation?
• How much luggage space do you have?
• How much stuff are you willing to manage on the go?
• How long will you be gone?
• What amenities will you have access to at your destination?
• What’s the weather like where you’re headed?
• What kinds of activities will you participate in?

These answers will help you start to figure out what belongs in the suitcase and what can stay home. And if you are wondering what suitcase to use, this suitcase set and these carry-ons have lasted YEARS of use and abuse by our travel-loving family.

2. Kid’s Essential Travel Needs

Every child’s needs boil down to a few basics – at home or during trips. Make sure you cover these:

Clothing (and maybe diapering) little ones

This is the one category you can save a lot of space on by packing light. Most kids are happy wearing their favorite tops and bottoms on repeat. My rule? Pack 4–6 outfits at most and plan to do laundry if that is not enough for the whole trip. I like to stick to comfortable, daily-use gear. It is important to make sure these are weather- and activity-appropriate outfits. It is OK to bring one “nicer” outfit per child and 1-2 sets of swimming clothes if those will be needed. For outer layers, pack only what the weather demands (and only one type of each kind). Packing cubes are absolute lifesavers – if I can’t fit my kids’ clothes into one cube, I know I’m overpacking.

Two pairs of shoes are usually enough—I like to bring one pair of comfortable walking shoes and one pair of home shoes or sandals. I will bring a third pair if there are specific conditions (like rain or snow) that require it.

If your child is in diapers or potty training, pack enough supplies for the first few days and plan to buy more at your destination. I have travelled with a cloth diapered baby, but I only recommend that for the truly committed cloth-diapering parents out there!

Here are some favorite clothing and diapering items we packed for trips with our kids:

• The Ultimate Diaper Bag: I can’t sing enough praises to this bag and diaper clutch for simplifying life with a baby or toddler and beyond! You can grab one for 15% off using the code CLARICEINWANDERLAND.
• Packing Cubes: These incredibly affordable packing cubes have lasted us 3 years and countless trips! I have 2 sets and they are more than enough for our family of 4. The next level up would be these compression packing cubes that can also save space on your suitcase.
• Travel Laundry Hamper: Because I never escape laundry even while traveling, I like to bring either a foldable laundry hamper or a large wet bag to keep the dirty clothes manageable (this one is a remainder of my cloth diapering days)! Small wet bags are also super handy for travel day messes and beach day wet swimsuits.
• Travel Potty: If you are in the middle of potty training, traveling can quickly become messy. We used and loved two travel potties for emergency moments: check out one and another here!

Kid’s Sleeping Arrangements

Sleeping needs vary wildly between families. Some parents bedshare and need nothing extra. Others have kids who need specific cribs, sleep sacks, sound machines, and blackout curtains. We’ve been both families at different times. I have found that this is one category where it’s worth bringing what you need, even if it ill take up space. A well-rested child makes for a much smoother trip.

Think about how your child sleeps at home and how to recreate that environment on the go. Where you will be staying—hotel, Airbnb, or with friends—will dictate a lot of those choices. Remember that some some types of lodging offer a crib or pack-and-play, and that there are also companies that rent that sort of baby gear.

Here are our tried and true sleep gear for traveling babies and toddlers:

• Packable Crib: our youngest son actually slept on this crib full-time until he transitioned to a toddler bed because it is that good. Plus I know for a fact that it fits inside a large hard-sided suitcase, because it has gone to multiple states and countries with us.
• Inflatable Toddler Bed: once our kids transitioned to beds, they often slept on these beds while traveling and they are amazing.
• Slumberpod: a true sleep saver, we got some serious mileage out of this blackout tent! We used it at home when babies still slept in our room, we used it in hotel rooms so baby could go to sleep and we could still hang out, we used it to help toddler and baby share a room, we used it in campers to help with mid-day naps… we used it SO MUCH!
• Travel Blackout Curtains: if the place you will sleep in does not have blackout curtains, these ones will suction to the window and create a dark environment even in the middle of the day.
• Travel Sound Machine: this rechargeable sound machine is powerful enough to work on any room and the battery will last all night long to keep little ones soothed.

Eating While Traveling With Kids

The age and stage of your child will be crucial here.

For babies under 1 year old, you will need to think about nursing or bottle-feeding essentials. Exclusively nursing moms have very few items they need, pumping moms will need to consider what supplies are essential, and moms that feed formula will need to consider what is available at their destination. One thing is for certain though, you don’t need a million bottles—two or three that you can rotate and wash will do. PRO TIP: check your airline rules to see if they allow you to bring a breast pump bag free of charge and familiarize yourself with the TSA rules for breastmilk and baby formula.

For babies that eat solids and toddlers, pack a few small gadgets that make eating easier. Consider where you will be staying – will you need baby plates, cups, or utensils? Spill-proof snack and beverage containers are your best friends.

If you’re heading abroad, consider foods your child loves that you might not find locally. Are your kids adventurous eaters, or do you need a backup plan? Balance catering to their preferences with encouraging exploration – but always a have a emergency snack you know they will eat.

And don’t forget that each child should always have their own spill-proof reusable water bottle.

Here are the gadgets that made it easier to feed little ones during trips:

• Manual Breast Pump: if you pump infrequently and mostly for comfort or emergencies, this small manual pump will help you and won’t take a lot of space.
• Toddler Snack Container: this one is most helpful for clumsy little toddler hands.
• Spill-proof Pouch Spout: turn any pouch into a spill-proof snack using these. Thank me later!
• Spill-proof Cups: reduce the chances of spillage by using these lids to turn any cup into a sippy cup or these ones to make toddler-friendly straw cups. This one is also a great alternative – and has a handle!
• Silicone Bib: While not the most packable bib in the market, these have the benefit of being easy to clean and staying dry even after messy meals (no one needs to be washing and drying bibs on a hotel sink, right?)
• Reusable Water Bottle: these bottles were tried and true travel helpers for our kids – and we didn’t mind plastic as it made them lighter. They also have a metal insulated version though!
• Travel High Chair: if you don’t want to be stuck feeding a baby or toddler in your lap for the duration of your trip, consider these. We have used this model and this model successfully for several trips.

Getting Around During the Trip

How will your kids get from point A to point B safely? If your child is still using a car seat, you will need access to one. I personally do not compromise on safety even if my destination has lax car seat laws. So the big decision here is whether to bring your own, borrow one, or rent. Each option has pros and cons (you can read more about them in this article I wrote about flying with a toddler). PRO TIP: If you are traveling abroad, make sure you have a locking clip (I forgot that once and that was a big mistake).

For sightseeing, think about whether you will need strollers and carriers. How old is your child? How much can they reasonably walk around, and how fast? Even older kids can struggle with covering the distances adults do while exploring new destinations. Do you need a rugged stroller for trails or a lightweight one for quick trips on paved surfaces? Is your baby carrier suitable for the size of your child and the destination’s weather? Consider what works best for your famly and the specific situations you expect to face.

Here are the best products we have used to transport our kids in countless trips:

• Best Infant/Toddler Car Seat: This is the perfect travel car seat! Fits babies up to 2 years old, easy to install, compact, FAA-approved, weights 7lbs, and is easy to clean!
• Most Affordable Forward Facing Seats: We used this seat when our oldest not quite 30lbs yet and this one when he reached 30+ lbs. Both are affordable, easy to install, FAA-approved, and lightweight.
• Most Portable Forward Facing Seat: the price tag on this seat is steep but if you are a frequent traveler willing to splurge, it might be worth it!
• Best Booster: we love this booster because the back detaches. It fits inside the plane storage compartment, installs using LATCH, and cleans up easy.
• Best Solution for Traveling Light: this vest can be used with kids aged 3 and older (depending on their size). It fits inside a small bag and is perfect for families that will use Taxis/Ubers at their destination.
• Car Seat Dolly: This is one of my most well-loved travel items and has sadly been discontinued years ago. You might find it on eBay or Facebook Marketplace. This dolly straps a car seat so securely it effectively turns it into a little stroller that you can push all the way to the boarding gate.
• Car Seat Bags: an alternative way to carry your car seat through the airport is by using a backpack bag. These will keep your car seat clean and dry, and range in prices from basic to deluxe.
• Travel Stroller: You can definitely bring your regular stroller (and even a rugged jogging stroller) on your trip. But if you are looking for portability, here is an affordable option and a super-compact option!

3. Kid’s Travel Entertainment

You do not need to bring entertainment for the duration of your trip itself (as there will be plenty of things to do and see), but please consider bringing a few things to amuse kids during the actual travel time. Long flights or car rides are prime meltdown territory!

What you bring will depend on the age and stage of your child. Babies will be amused by anything you hand them, including plastic cups and airplane leaflets. Older kids will likely want to relax with their electronic devices or a book. The real challenge is with the kids between the ages of 18 months and 5 years old.

For our toddlers and preschoolers, we like to pack a mix of books, toys, and screen-time options. Bonus points for “new” toys your child hasn’t seen before—they’re like kryptonite for boredom. You know your child best, and what will hold their attention the most.

Here are a few favorite entertainment options that have worked for our family:

• Toys: Keep it simple. Toddlers can be just as entertained by a plastic cup as they are by actual toys. If you do bring a few toys, make sure they are small, lightweight, quiet, and can hold your kid’s attention. Use the novelty effect, either by getting a few new toys or bringing out some old favorites. Here are some toys our children have enjoyed:
  • Suction Cup Spinner Toys: these are the best for younger toddlers.
  • Fidget Toys (for older toddlers): we have loved spinners, monkey noodles, and pop tubes!
  • No-Mess Crafts: Wiki Stix, sticker books, Water Wow Books.
  • Games: this magnetic puzzle will keep pieces from going everywhere, and so will this memory game.
  • Magnetic Toys: These are meant for kids aged 3+ but we started enjoying them earlier with careful monitoring. They are some of my kids’ favorites – especially these and these.

• Books: Only bring books if your child loves them. My kids lose interest quickly, and books tend to be bulky. If you do bring some, stick with light paperbacks over heavy board books.

• Electronics: If your family limits screen time, that’s totally fine! However, a tablet loaded with shows and games or a Yoto Player with some favorite cards can be a lifesaver, especially for older kids. Plus, if your toddler has limited access to screens at home they will be MUCH more enticing during your flight. Just don’t forget the headphones (and practice using them before the flight!).

4. Health & Safety While Traveling with Kids

Don’t forget these essentials:

• Medications: I only bring prescription meds and don’t stress about over-the-counter ones. They’re usually cheap and easy to find wherever we go. That said, if it gives you peace of mind or if you’re traveling somewhere with limited access to medications, bring small amounts of what you might need—pain relievers, fever reducers, and antihistamines are solid choices. And don’t forget proof of medical insurance! If you’re heading abroad, double-check that your coverage extends to your destination. Travel insurance that covers medical emergencies is always a good idea.
• A Basic First-Aid Kit: I don’t go overboard here—just a few essentials to handle minor mishaps. Fun Band-Aids and antibacterial cream alone solve 90% of my kids’ “emergencies.” I also carry liquid tears in case of sand or dust getting in their eyes. And if we’re traveling somewhere cold or dry, I toss in some Vaseline and ChapStick too.
• Sunscreen & Bug Spray (If Applicable): You can probably buy these at your destination, but if you have a brand you love, bring it. Especially if you’re traveling abroad, where ingredients and availability might be different. No one wants to spend the first few days of vacation hunting down sunscreen that doesn’t smell weird.
• Important Documents: I’ve personally never been asked to show my kids’ birth certificates while traveling, but having a copy just in case doesn’t hurt. If you’re going abroad, make sure your kids have valid passports (and visas if required). Some countries have strict rules about minors traveling with only one parent—you might need a notarized letter from the non-traveling parent giving permission. Always check the entry and exit requirements before your trip. A little research now saves a lot of stress later!

Pack Smarter, Not Harder

Here are a few more tips to streamline packing:

• Start Early: Checking the basics one week before your trip will save you last-minute panic. It is especially helpful if you are traveling to a destination where the weather is different from your home (when I fly from Alaska to Brazil I need to make sure my kids still fit their summer clothes and shoes). This is also when I usually notice if I need to purchase any last minute items and gives me plenty of time to shop for them and order them online.
• Pack Multipurpose Items: A muslin blanket can double as a nursing cover, swaddle, or picnic blanket. A foldable packing tote can carry your items to the beach and swimming pool but also act as an extra carry on in a pinch. A travel flat iron can also curl your hair!
• Think About Your Layers: For varying climates, layers are easier to pack than bulky coats. Be smart with your choice of fabrics: merino wool is self-cleaning and doesn’t need to be washed frequently, bamboo is temperature regulating in cold and hot weather, dry fit clothes will air dry quickly.
• Embrace Laundry: If you’ll have access to a washer and dryer, pack fewer clothes and wash as you go. If you will not have access to a laundry, make sure you pack some items that can be easily handwashed – kid clothes are notoriously easy to clean on a hotel sink if need be.
• Accept Imperfection: Forgot something? Chances are you will be able to buy, borrow, or rent it at your destination. It will be OK!

Final Thoughts

Traveling with kids is an adventure in itself. Sure, it comes with logistical challenges, but a solid packing system (designed to fit your family’s needs, your personal preferences, and your specific trip plans) makes a huge difference. Remember, the goal isn’t perfection—it’s to prepare as best you can and roll with the punches.

Happy travels!

Read More:

• First Flight with a Toddler: A Practical Survival Guide for Parents
• Baby Hiking Gear to Simplify Your Adventures
• How to Dress Kids in Winter: Keeping Your Little Ones Warm in Alaska (or Anywhere Else!)
• What to Take Hiking With a Toddler: Essential Gear and Tips
• Can You Hike with a Baby? Absolutely! Here’s How I Did It in Alaska.

The post How to Pack for Travel with Kids: Tips from a Seasoned Adventure Mom appeared first on Clarice In Wanderland.

In this post, I’ll break down how to handle flying with a child between the ages 1 and 3 years old. You know, that stage when they’re walking, exploring, and asserting their independence but also cannot reason or pay attention. While I cannot promise you a stress-free flight, I will share many tips to get you and your toddler through this adventure.

1. Before the Flight

Preparing Your Toddler

Toddlers handle new experiences so much better when they know what’s coming. So, before your toddler’s big first flight, take some time to explain the whole airport and airplane experience. Do this at least a few times and over a few days. Read books, watch videos, and talk through what will happen. Bonus points if you can take a trip to the airport in advance to help them get familiar with the environment. Even seeing the planes taking off can be exciting for them!

Preparing Yourself

Your mindset is key. Remind yourself of why you are traveling with your child. Family travel is hard, but also important – and it benefits your child in so many ways. You can read some research-based reasons to travel as a family here.

Besides knowing what to pack and what to do before, during, and after the flight (more on that below), it’s equally important to get your head in the right space. Here are a few truths to help you through the day:

• Toddlers have good and bad days, just like adults – and that is OK.
• You’re not a bad parent if your toddler melts down mid-flight.
• You and your toddler have the right to travel, even if you’re having a tough time.
• Your priority is your toddler’s well-being, not the opinions of other passengers.

In my experience, most people are mostly kind and understanding. You may feel like all eyes are on you, but trust me—the good far outweighs the bad.

2. What to Pack

When packing, you should weight the convenience an item provides against the effort it will take to carry and manage it. Some decisions are very unique to your toddler and your family. Below are some things that I consider essential for your first flight with a toddler. I also listed some optional items – these can be tricky and you might make different choices depending on the circumstance.

Essential: Toddler-Friendly Food and Drinks

Snacks, snacks, and more snacks: Pack their favorite foods (nutritious snacks and yummy treats) plus extras in case of travel delays. I like to bring several small containers that I hand to my toddler one at a time. I learned this lesson the hard way after my toddler dumped all the snacks on the ground at once.

Leakproof water bottle: Emphasis on leakproof! You do not want water spilled all over your bags, the seat, or your toddler. A quick tip: be careful with bottles that have straws. The air pressure builds inside during takeoff and water might shoot out of the straw when you finally open it. That water might go far enough to hit the passengers around you (ask me how I know that!).

Essential: Dress Your Toddler for Success

Diapers and wipes: Bring one diaper for every two hours of travel time, plus a couple extras just in case. As for wipes, a medium-sized pack should do the trick. Fun fact: sometimes airport security wants to inspect baby wipes, so keep them somewhere easily accessible. Because airplane bathrooms are tiny, you might want to practice a standing diaper change—it’ll make your life easier. For toddlers potty training, consider using pull-ups for peace of mind during the flight.

Extra outfits: Bring one complete outfit for each of you. Messes happen, and you don’t want to be caught without a backup. A wet bag for dirty clothes is also a good idea – we have these and they have lasted us 5+ years!

Warm layers: Airplanes can get chilly – make sure you have some warm layers or a blanket for your toddler to keep them comfortable.

Essential: Toddler Mid-Flight Entertainment

While entertainment IS essential to keep your toddler content during the flight, bringing all the things IS NOT necessary. Pack only what will bring you and your child the most benefit through your flight.

• Toys: Keep it simple. Toddlers can be just as entertained by a plastic cup as they are by actual toys. If you do bring a few toys, make sure they are small, lightweight, quiet, and can hold your kid’s attention. Use the novelty effect, either by getting a few new toys or bringing out some old favorites. Here are some toys our children have enjoyed:
  • Suction Cup Spinner Toys: these are the best for younger toddlers.
  • Fidget Toys (for older toddlers): we have loved spinners, monkey noodles, and pop tubes!
  • No-Mess Crafts: Wiki Stix, sticker books, Water Wow Books.
  • Games: this magnetic puzzle will keep pieces from going everywhere, and so will this memory game.
  • Magnetic Toys: These are meant for kids aged 3+ but we started enjoying them earlier with careful monitoring. They are some of my kids’ favorites – especially these and these.

• Books: Only bring books if your toddler loves them. My kids lose interest quickly, and books tend to be bulky. If you do bring some, stick with light paperbacks over heavy board books.

• Electronics: If your family limits screen time, that’s totally fine! However, a tablet loaded with shows and games or a Yoto player with some favorite cards can be a lifesaver, especially for older toddlers. Plus, if your toddler has limited access to screens at home they will be MUCH more enticing during your flight. Just don’t forget the headphones (and practice using them before the flight!).

Tricky Travel Decisions: Strollers, Car Seats, and Baby Carriers

How you transport your toddler through the airport is a very important consideration. You are not alone if you are agonizing over this ahead of your flight. Unfortunately, you the only one who can decide what will work best for your family. Deciding whether to bring strollers, car seats, and baby carriers with you can be tricky, so let’s break it down.

Stroller: Bring It or Leave It?

At first glance, you might think a stroller is a no-brainer, but I’d say it’s more of a strong maybe. While it can be a lifesaver in some situations, it can also become just another thing to lug around. Here’s a quick breakdown of the pros and cons:

Biggest Pros

• Helps with Transporting Your Toddler: A stroller can easily get your toddler from point A to point B, especially if they’re the type who gets tired of walking. It will be especially helpful if your toddler can nap on it.
• Storage: Some strollers might offer extra space to stash your carry-on items or personal belongings, freeing up your hands.

Biggest Cons

• Your Toddler May Refuse to Sit in It: The best-laid plans can go out the window when your independent toddler decides they need to walk everywhere. If this happens, you’ll be stuck pushing an empty stroller.
• One More Thing to Manage: Most strollers that are compact enough to be brought onto an airplane can be flimsy and don’t offer much storage. Sturdy strollers are often bulky and can be a hassle to fold up, carry, and stow away. Plus, there’s always the risk of it getting damaged during transport, costing you money and adding to your stress.
• Limited Usefulness in Airports: If if your flight requires lots of quick connections or airport changes, managing a stroller along with luggage and a toddler can quickly become overwhelming.

Ultimately, if you’re a heavy stroller user in your day-to-day life and you know it’ll be helpful during your trip, bring it! Some parents swear by their travel strollers, especially if they’re lightweight and easy to fold. Others swear by their sturdy jogging strollers and their ability to carry everything. On the flip side, if your family uses strollers sporadically, you might be better off leaving it home.

Car Seats: The Big Question

Deciding whether to bring a car seat on your trip is one of the toughest decisions when flying with a toddler. There are several factors to consider, and it really comes down to your family’s travel style and destination. Here’s a quick overview of the key points you should think about.

Things to Consider if You’re On the Fence:

1. Will You Need a Car Seat at Your Destination? If you’re renting a car or will be driving around a lot, you’ll need a car seat. If you’re relying on public transportation you might be able to skip it. While some destinations may have lenient rules for ride-shares or taxis, the safety of your kids should always be a priority.
2. How Will You Get a Car Seat if You Need One? One option is to bring your own, but you may also rent (from a car rental company or a baby gear rental company), borrow from friends or family members, or even purchase an affordable seat at your destination.
3. Do You Want to Bring It on the Plane? While the FAA recommends using car seats for toddlers onboard for safety reasons, you don’t have to. Some parents opt to check their car seat as luggage or at the boarding gate, though that does come with the risk of loss or damage. If you decide to use it onboard, make sure it’s FAA-approved.
4. How Will You Transport the Car Seat? If you’re bringing the car seat onboard, you’ll need to figure out how to carry it through the airport. Consider a lightweight and affordable car seat that may be easier to handle during your trip. Some parents use a car seat travel cart, strap it to their luggage or strollers, or use car seat backpacks.

Why Bring Your Own Car Seats:

• Cost Savings: Renting car seats from rental car companies or ride-shares can add up, and you might not always get a seat that’s the right size. By bringing our own, you can save money and avoid the uncertainty.
• Cleanliness & Safety: You can trust the cleanliness and safety of your own seats. Car seats that belong to rental agencies may look clean, but there’s always a risk of wear and tear.
• Familiarity: You know how to install your car seats quickly and correctly. There’s nothing worse than fumbling with a rental car seat when your toddler is melting down.
• Comfort for the Kids: Your toddler knows their car seat and feels some level of comfort in it, which can be helpful when going through a new experience.

Why Bring Your Car Seats on the Plane:

• Better Containment: On the plane, a car seat keeps your kids securely buckled and less squirmy, which can makes the flight more manageable.
• Improved Sleep: Kids are used to their car and are more likely to sleep on them than on an uncomfortable airplane seat.
• Less Risk of Loss or Damage: Car seats checked with luggage can get lost or damaged. While most airlines will offer you an alternative car seat if they damage or lose yours, it will add to your stress and delay your trip.

What works for our family? While bringing a car seat can feel like a hassle, I personally think it is worth it for the peace of mind it brings me—both in terms of safety and comfort. We own travel-specific car seats that we have taken on dozens of flights. They are affordable, lightweight, and easy to use – we like this one for younger toddlers and this one for older ones. We strap them to this travel cart, which unfortunately has been discontinued, but there are similar ones in the market.

What works best for us may not work for every family. My advice is to think carefully through your travel plans and decide what will make your trip easier. In the end, there’s no right or wrong answer here—just what works best for you and your toddler.

Baby Carrier: Do Toddlers Need Them?

While baby carriers are not as essential with a toddler as they can be with a baby, a carrier may be helpful if your toddler enjoys it. Personally, we relied on baby carriers much more often than strollers. It is one of our primary ways of moving our kids through busy airports, security lines, and tourist destinations. Our carrier has also been key when little ones got tired, anxious, or needed a break.

If your family relies on baby carriers in daily life, bring them. If not, feel free to leave them!

3. At the Airport

Give yourself plenty of time to navigate the process and do your best not to rush. Toddlers like to move at their own pace, and hurrying will only add to everyone’s stress. Here are some tips:

• Arrive early: we like to arrive 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 before an international one.
• Check as much luggage as possible: Even if you’re usually a fan of carry-on-only travel, freeing up your hands when you’re wrangling a toddler is worth it.
• Let them explore: Once through security, allow your toddler to burn off some energy. Many airports have play areas, but even simple things like escalators or big windows can be entertaining.
• Potty and snack break: Before boarding, take one last bathroom break and offer a snack. This will reduce the chances of needing to rush through the aisles mid-flight.
• Gate check any items you need to: if you have a stroller or car seat to gate check, you will want to do that before boarding starts. If you are bringing your car seat into the plane, the boarding agent will also want to inspect it ahead of time.

When Should You Board the Plane With Your Toddler?

There are a few lines of thought here, and no wrong answers.

1. The Early Bird: Sometimes it makes sense to take advantage of the family early boarding option so you can get into the plane and get settled before everyone else comes in. It does, however, come with the predicament of what to do with a fidgety toddler while everybody else boards.
2. The Last Call: Sometimes it makes sense to let your toddler use up as much of their energy before the flight by boarding last. The downside is that you might feel pressured to hurry up and you may struggle to find overhead storage near your seat.
3. The Tag Team: A third option is to have one person board early and get settled while the other lets the little one play. This gives you the best of both worlds – if you are traveling with a partner.

Choose whichever option suits you best. You will likely choose differently each time depending on the circumstances.

4. On the Plane

Now comes the hard part. Toddlers can be unpredictable inside airplanes, but there are ways to make it manageable:

• Keep them entertained as best you can: This is where your snacks, toys, and electronics come in handy. Don’t expect downtime for yourself—toddlers need constant engagement at this stage. It helps to let the novelty of an item completely wear out before handing them a new toy/snack/book.
• Prepare for meltdowns: If your toddler loses it mid-flight, take a deep breath and remind yourself that it’s okay. Airplanes are so loud, it is possible most people are not even listening. The flight is just a small part of your journey, and you’ll be at your destination soon enough.
• Accept help: There are more people willing to help a parent with a small child than you might think. Flight attendants tend to be very gracious. Other moms or grandmas in the same flight may also be more than willing to help – if you will only let them step in.

Fly Your Toddler as a Lap Baby or Get Them a Seat?

When flying with a toddler under 2 years old, one big decision is whether to have them as a lap baby or get them their own seat. Here’s some considerations to help you decide what to do:

Lap Baby

Pros:

• Cost-effective: No extra ticket needed, except for some international fees.
• Preference: Some toddlers prefer your lap anyway, avoiding wasted money on a seat they won’t use.
• Contact naps: Easier to make happen if your toddler is used to napping on you.
• Baby carrier option: Frees up your hands (except during takeoff/landing).

Cons:

• Limited space: As your toddler grows, sharing a seat can become uncomfortable.
• Sleep difficulties: Toddlers not used to contact napping might struggle to sleep.
• Tiring: Managing a squirmy toddler on long flights can be exhausting.

Toddler on Their Own Seat

Pros:

• More space for everyone: Extra room for you to spread out or for your toddler to play.
• Safety: You can use a car seat, keeping them secure during turbulence. Make sure you book a window seat for your toddler if you plan to use a car seat!
• Better sleep: Familiar sleeping environment for toddlers used to sleeping on car seats.
• Movement: Allows them to better stretch and stand during the flight.

Cons:

• Cost: You’ll very likely pay for a full ticket, which adds up quickly. Check if the airline offers any discounts!
• Seat refusal: Some toddlers may prefer your lap, even if you’ve bought a seat for them.

In the end, it depends on your toddler’s temperament, comfort, and your budget. Choose what works best for your family!

Final Thoughts

You made it! Whether the flight was smooth or bumpy, you’ve arrived. Toddlers get overstimulated pretty easily, so give them some downtime once you reach your destination. I usually plan a quiet first day to help everyone adjust and recover.

Your first flight with a toddler will likely be memorable, if not for the actual flight, then for the adventures awaiting you on the other side. Traveling with young children is never easy, but with preparation, flexibility, and a positive mindset, you’ll make it through—and maybe even enjoy it!

Read More:

• Hiking With a Toddler: Starting Small and Loving the Journey
• How to Dress Kids in Winter: Keeping Your Little Ones Warm in Alaska (or Anywhere Else!)
• Baby Hiking Gear to Simplify Your Adventures
• Can You Hike with a Baby? Absolutely! Here’s How I Did It in Alaska.
• What to Take Hiking With a Toddler: Essential Gear and Tips

The post First Flight with a Toddler: A Practical Survival Guide for Parents appeared first on Clarice In Wanderland.