Flying with a Toddler: Your Ultimate Guide to Stress-Free Air Travel

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As a parent, all those cute TikToks of people flying with a toddler feel fake because only you know how stressful it is to travel with kids.

Did I pack enough snacks? Did I forget the pacifier? What if the flight’s delayed, and we run out of diapers? Ugh, why did I think this was a good idea?—You go through every kind of emotion and self-doubt.

But here is a relief: With a little planning, traveling to top destinations with kids can be a breeze.

Tips for Traveling With Your Toddler on a Plane

Coming from a busy mum of a toddler, these pieces of advice are really helpful if you are booking your next flight.

1. Choose Direct Flights to Minimize Airport Navigation

Missed connecting flights and delays during travel are already a hassle, let alone bearing it with a toddler. So, try to book direct flights as much as possible to minimize the stress and anxiety of takeoff and landings. Always take the aisle side, as it will help you handle your strong-willed kid.

2. Pack Plenty of Snacks, Drinks, Extra Clothes, and Diapers

Toddlers on planes get easily bored and cranky as they have nothing to do for several hours. It is one of the major challenges for parents to keep them entertained and busy.

Here is a brief checklist of flight essentials for toddlers:

1. Mess-free snacks (pouches, crackers, cereal) for quick healthy lunches
2. Formula/milk (pre-measured, TSA-approved)
3. Lightweight blanket
4. Plastic bags (for messes)
5. Wipes + portable changing pad
6. New small toys/stickers/books

3. Understand TSA’s Guidelines for Air Travel With Toddler

As a parent of a toddler, you should know the guidelines issued by the Transport Security Administration.

To make the screening process smooth and stress-free:

• Arrive early and give yourself 2+ hours before departure to get enough time for extra screening processes.
• Use dedicated family lanes if possible.
• Fold strollers before reaching the belt, and pack liquids in an easy-access bag.

4. Bring Basic Toddler Medical Kit

Your kid can feel discomfort, pain, or any injury while on the plane as they are sensitive and vulnerable. As a responsible mum, you should always have a small toddler medical kit ready in case of any emergency.

So, when packing plane essentials for toddlers, don’t forget to put these items in your bag:

• Some medications like fever and pain relievers.
• First aid supplies like adhesive bandages, gauze pads, and medical tape.
• Disposable bags
• Hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes.
• Pacifiers or sippy cups to ease ear pressure during takeoff/landing)

5. Actively Do Something for Ear Pressure Relief

Talk to your toddlers about what to expect on the flight, such as ear blockage. Use strategies like promoting swallowing and wearing earplugs. You can also use toys, books, or videos to keep the child calm. Crying can naturally relieve pressure, so comfort your daughters without discouraging it.

6. Schedule Flights Around Nap Time

Make sure you’re familiar with your toddler’s sleep schedule so you can plan your trip smoothly. Some parents try to align flights with nap time, while others prefer flying between naps.

But the truth is, you can’t always predict how it will go with toddlers on airplanes. Trying to get a toddler to nap in a noisy, cramped plane is tough. Even if you do everything right to keep them happy, they might still feel restless the whole time.

7. Be Calm and Patient

Airplane travel with a toddler demands parents to be patient and calm otherwise, they would not be able to handle kids.

Accept that things might not go perfectly. Toddlers are unpredictable, and travel can throw off their routine. Instead of chasing the perfect trip, focus on staying calm and handling whatever comes your way. Make sure you’re well-rested because you’ll feel more like yourself, and it becomes easy to handle kids better.

8. Must Bring Toys, Art Supplies, and Tablets

Kids are naturally highly creative and energetic. They might end up annoying you the entire flight if you don’t keep them entertained and engaged in different activities.

Following are some quick tips to keep your toddler busy on the plane:

• Fill a small bag with new, small toys (stickers, mini puzzles, toy cars). Introduce one item at a time to sustain interest.
• Preload a tablet or phone with toddler-friendly shows, apps, or songs. Download offline content in case of no Wi-Fi.
• For interactive play, you can carry sticker books or reusable sticker pads, busy boards with zippers and buckles, and show them clouds and landmarks from the window.

What to Do When Flying With Your Toddler?

Here is a short recap. This checklist will prepare you to handle your kid’s tantrums while on the flight:

• Pack easy, mess-free snacks to curb hunger and ease ear pressure during takeoff or landing.
• Let them walk the aisle or play some games to burn energy.
• If your toddler sleeps well in their car seat, bring it onboard for familiarity and safety.

Lastly, stay calm—your mood sets the tone!