I travel quite a bit for my job with ESPN, but packing for a trip and navigating an airport alone didn’t prepare me for doing it with two little kids. Earlier this year, when I traveled with Reese and Jack, I got all this stuff to try to keep them entertained on the flight. But I doubted any of it would work!
It turns out some things were lifesavers while others were total flops. Since then, I’ve picked up a handful of tips for flying with a toddler that really work (at least for me). Here are my top 10 travel hacks for moms flying with young kids.
1. Pack a bag of things to do.
My go-to travel bag includes Jack’s First 100 Words Book and an iPad loaded with Reese’s favorite shows. Sometimes, I’ve also tossed in sticker books, Play-Doh, and crayons. The key is bringing activities that will hold your child’s attention. And that can change rapidly! So, I pack a mix of familiar favorites and a couple of new-to-them surprise items.
2. Bring snacks, snacks, and more snacks.
I love a good snack. So, I never board a plane without a variety of them. Our current favorites include Sun Chips and bananas, but whatever works for your kids is perfect. I try to avoid giving Reese and Jack super-sugary treats on a flight. (Although, I’ve been known to sneak on my favorite candy to give myself a treat.) Something chewy for takeoff and landing helps with ear pressure, too.
3. Board early (or last), depending on your child.
For longer flights, we take advantage of family pre-boarding to get settled without feeling rushed. But here’s a tip that’s saved us on shorter flights: If your child is extra wiggly like Jack, consider boarding last. Less time confined on the plane before takeoff means fewer opportunities for meltdowns. It’s one of those tips for flying with toddlers that all moms need to know.
4. Carry on a comfort item (but not the favorite one).
A stuffed animal or snuggly blanket can calm little kids in busy airports, while waiting on the tarmac, or on a bumpy flight. But don’t bring the irreplaceable favorite, just in case it gets left on the plane. Pack the backup blanket or second-string stuffed animal instead.
5. Dress your child for easy potty breaks or diaper changes.
On travel days, I dress Reese and Jack in comfortable layers with elastic waistbands and skip the overalls, belts, or complicated buttons. Easy-on, easy-off shoes make those mid-flight potty breaks (or diaper changes) so much simpler, especially when you’re trying to balance in an airplane bathroom the size of a shoebox.
6. Choose seats strategically.
Book a window and aisle seat in a row of three if possible. Middle seats are often last to fill, and you might get lucky with extra space. When traveling with little ones, request a bulkhead row for additional legroom.
7. Download shows, music, and apps ahead of time.
Airplane Wi-Fi isn’t always reliable (or free), so download shows, music, and apps ahead of time. The night before we travel, I make sure Reese’s iPad has her favorite shows. One of my best tips for traveling with toddlers is downloading a few new, special shows your child hasn’t seen before. The novelty factor buys you extra minutes of engagement when you need it most.
Oh, and when you’re making your packing list, be sure to include portable chargers.
8. Pack a mini first-aid kit.
I like to bring along band-aids, baby wipes, children’s pain relievers, and saline spray for stuffy noses. Other first-aid tips for flying with a toddler I’ve picked up include packing child-friendly anti-nausea medication or ginger chews.
9. Let your child burn energy before boarding.
Find an empty gate area and let your little ones run around before boarding. I always try to scope out a less crowded corner of the terminal where Reese and Jack can move their bodies before being confined to a seat. My daughter can hold an impromptu dance party literally anywhere. So, if you run into us in an airport, we just might be dancing like no one is watching.
10. Stay flexible.
This might be one of the most important tips for flying with a toddler. Delays, spills, meltdowns, mishaps… They all happen. So, stay flexible. I’ll never forget when Jack decided the airplane floor was the perfect place to sit during a long flight. That’s definitely not what I planned, but it’s what kept him content. So, I let him play at my feet.
When you travel with your little one, take deep breaths, embrace the unexpected, and keep your sense of humor—it’s the secret to staying flexible when travel plans go sideways (or head to the floor).
What are your best tips for flying with a toddler?
