Flying WITH A TODDLER - tips and packing list

 
 

Do you miss traveling but feel nervous to take your toddler along? Traveling with a little one can be quite intimidating. Since I’m from Germany, and my family and friends live back at home, I travel back pretty frequently. Before turning two years old, my daughter went on six plane trips, five international and one domestic (most of them just her and I). I always liked to make use of the option to have her sit on my lap, instead of getting her an own seat, because it saves a lot of money. While every child is different, and certain scenarios can’t be controlled, I believe that a solid preparation is the key to success. I hope my tips are helpful to create a smooth flight and ease your nerves.

Booking Flight

  • Check flight times: If possible, schedule your flight during todder’s nap or bed time. If it doesn’t work out, don’t sweat it. When traveling, I try to be as flexible as I can because many things are simply out of my control.

  • Book seat in advance: For every international flight, I book a bassinet seat. It’s a small bed for babies that attaches to the airplane bulkhead wall. Not only can you lay your little one down to sleep (max weight and height is different on every airline), you also get more legroom.

    I find the biggest advantage is that you get the seat guaranteed and thus, money well spent! However, even if you don’t book the seat, airlines usually try to give that option to those who travel with infants free of charge.

    Also important to know: The seats with extra legroom don’t have the option to put the armrest up because the food tray is stored next to you. Unfortunately, you lose the option to lay your child down flat to sleep. I prefer the extra legroom, so for me personally, it’s okay.

  • Book a travel insurance: I never used to do this but since I have a child, I am so much more relaxed before and during my trip knowing I have the protection. Kids get sick all the time.

Packing

  • Organize in advance: I find that the sooner I start, the more relaxed I am during the days leading up to the trip. A proper preparation never fails to ease my mind.

 
 

  • Packing List: I always start by updating my go-to packing list that I saved in my iPhone notes. It doesn’t matter if I travel for one night or three weeks. I adjust the list according to my child’s age and needs since certain things change constantly (breastfeeding vs. no breastfeeding, kind of toys, does child crawl, walk…, etc.).

    Please know this is a very detailed list and I only need all of the items when I travel internationally. Before I start packing, I just checkmark the items that I don’t need for that specific trip. I find packing for a trip to be a very individual thing so please only take away what is helpful and important to you.

 

I divide my master packing list between two categories: “to-do-list” and different bags that I bring on the plane. While I usually prefer a minimalist approach, when it comes to traveling with a toddler, I learned that I need everything to keep her busy and fulfilled. This list is also based on the fact that I keep my travel stroller until I get to the gate, so I only carry the bags from the gate to the seat. I am okay with the extra baggage for the short walk.

I have a great diaper backpack that fits a lot of items including a small purse. I also bring a kid’s backpack with her toys along with a food bag. This is all based on me traveling alone. If I have my husband with me, its much easier to divide the bags.

  • Packing List for when my toddler was 20 months old:

To Do:

  • Pick up jacket from dry cleaner

  • Bake muffins

  • Download shows for Lily

Purse:

  • Wallet

  • Passports

  • Covid Mask

  • Air Pods

  • Kindle

  • Food Pouch (toddler)

  • Toiletry bag (contacts, medicine, mints, lip balm)

Diaper Bag:

Toddler’s Backpack:

  • Fidget Toy Cube

  • Pop Fidget Bracelet

  • Dimpl Toy (one of the few toys that my daughter is obsessed with at every age)

  • Small coloring book and pens

  • Stickers, Post-Its

  • Small books

  • Tissues

    Make sure to bring new toys or toys that the child hasn’t seen for at least two weeks

    Download fun apps (i.e. SoundTouch App) and some videos to watch

Food Bag:

  • Water bottle

  • Blueberries

  • Bananas

  • String Cheese

  • Food Pouch

  • Peanut puffs

  • Healthy spinach muffins

  • Sandwiches (for me and toddler)

  • Cliff bar for me

  • Tissues

    Bring food that your child is obsessed with. Snacks keep my daughter always busy!

At the Airport

  • Check in: I find that the airport crew is extremely accommodating when you travel with a child (especially when you travel as a single parent). I check in my luggage but keep my travel stroller.

  • Security: I always carry my child through the detector.

  • Use airport as a playground: I always try to power my child out. Once she could walk, I let her walk as much as possible and explore. Some terminals actually have playgrounds.

  • Before boarding, I change the diaper and put nose spray in her nose to prevent ears from popping during the flight. I drop the stroller off and put my child in my carrier.

  • Boarding: Early boarding for families is possible. Pro: You can get situated before everyone comes in. Con: you are longer in the plane. I prefer to board early.

During the Flight

  • If you have the first row seat, you have to store all of your belongings in the overhead compartment for the departure and landing. Since I don’t breastfeed anymore, I need my child’s staples (water bottle, food pouch, string cheese, cell phone for videos and her favorite toy) for departure. I make sure to have these important items in my small purse that I squeeze between my leg and the armrest.

  • Important: Right before the plane takes off, breastfeed or give your child food, a bottle or a pacifier. It helps with the ear pressure.

  • Food service: If you travel alone and don’t have the seat next to you empty, it will be hard to eat the food provided to you. This is why I always bring my own snacks that can be eaten with one hand.

  • Activities: Go up and down the aisle, get creative with water cups and napkins (when my baby was 12 months old, she LOVED to play with tissue). I don’t bring the favorite toys or phone out unless it is absolutely necessary. You don’t want to play your best cards unless you need them :). While I have stricter rules about screen time and particular foods at home, traveling is an exception. Whatever makes my child happy and relaxed is fair game!

  • Bathroom visits: When I travel alone, I would put my daughter in the carrier to go to the bathroom.

Mindset

Many people ask me how I travel with a toddler because it can be very intimidating. I always say it’s all about your mindset. Here are my thoughts:

  • The memories you make while traveling are always worth the effort. I am always amazed to see how much my daughter grows and changes during every trip. The exposure to other cultures and people is just too exciting to miss.

  • The best advice I got when I was nervous before my first flight alone with her: You are a team! It’s so true! I am with my daughter all the time, we know each other so well, we got this!

  • When I get really nervous and stuck in my mind, I compare my flight to a very challenging work day in the past. I realize that it’s just temporary and I can make it through. It works every time!

  • Don’t worry about other passengers. I know it’s stressful to think that your baby might cry on the plane or kick the seat. Once I get situated in my seat, I am always friendly and apologetic to the passengers around us. If people still give nasty looks, it’s their problem. I try my best to keep my little one calm and frankly, that’s all I can do :).

  • You are probably tired of hearing it but its so true: The more relaxed you are the more calm and at ease your child will be. And when things go crazy, I take deeeeep breaths. The flight is temporary, never forget that…


While I know that every child is different, and travel varies from person to person, I hope these tips helped bring some calmness to the process. I can’t promise that it won’t be challenging at times but you got this! To be honest, the last time of traveled I ran into some issues that were out of my control, and it wasn’t all fun. However, at the end of the day, it all worked out. It was one time out of six, and it was still very worth the time and effort to go on the trip. I always feel incredibly empowered after every flight I take. Believe in yourself and your kid, most importantly, and enjoy your trip! :)

 
 
 
 
Jana AdkinsComment