Flying with Toddlers: My Top Tips for a Stress-Free Journey

Flying with toddlers can feel daunting, but with a little preparation, it doesn’t have to be stressful. After several flights with my little ones, I’ve picked up some tried-and-tested tips to help make the journey smoother for everyone. Whether it’s their first flight or they’re seasoned little travelers, here’s what works for us!

Choosing the Right Flight Time

If possible, I always try to book morning or midday flights. This way, we’re traveling when my toddlers are more likely to be in good spirits, or even better—during nap time! Having a well-rested child (or one who sleeps through a chunk of the flight) makes a huge difference.

Getting Through the Airport

For little ones under 18 months, even if they’re walking, a sling or baby carrier is a lifesaver when boarding and disembarking. Most airports don’t return prams until baggage claim, so having your hands free while carrying a tired or wriggly toddler is invaluable.

If you’re traveling with a pram, take it all the way to the gate. It’s a great way to store bags and keep your toddler contained when needed.

Toilets & Nappy Changes

I always do a toilet trip or nappy change right before boarding and again as soon as we land. Airplane toilets are tiny and can be scary for some toddlers, so avoiding unnecessary trips is ideal.

Burning Off Energy Before Boarding

For toddlers who love to run around, we board last rather than first. Letting them burn off energy in the airport—especially in a kids’ play area—means they’re more likely to sit still once on board.

Packing Essentials in the Toddler’s Backpack

A toddler’s backpack should have:

✅ Spare clothes for everyone (accidents happen!)

✅ Nappies if needed

✅ Wipes (great for cleaning hands, faces, and airplane tray tables)

✅ Formula and baby food (you can take these through security even if they’re over 100ml, as long as they’re in your baby bag)

✅ Several pouches of small toys and books

Snacks and Hydration

Easy-to-eat snacks are an absolute must! Avoid anything too messy and opt for fun, fuss-free options like:

• Crackers

• Fruit Bars

• Biscuits

• Fruits like apples

• Mini breadsticks

• Crisps

• Rice cakes

Lots of water is also key, as flights can be dehydrating. For takeoff and landing, give them a dummy, sweets, or a drink to help their ears pop. For younger babies, feeding them a bottle or breastfeeding can help, as the sucking motion naturally relieves pressure. Plus, the combination of a feed and the plane’s motion often helps them drift off to sleep.

Keeping Toddlers Entertained

Let’s be honest—toddlers don’t love sitting still for long periods! I like to prepare small activity packs using reusable food bags, each containing a couple of different little surprises. I bring them out one by one when needed to keep things fresh and fun. Some favorites include:

• Playdough

• Fidget spinners

• Mini coloring books & crayons

• Stickers

• Toy cars

• Suction spinner rattles for smaller toddlers

• Magnetic jigsaw puzzles

• Magic water painting books (a mess-free hit!)

For slightly older toddlers, a tablet loaded with games and films can be a lifesaver, especially on the way home or toward the end of a long flight. I try to save screen time for when they’re starting to get restless.

Managing the Trickiest Stage: 18 Months to 2 Years

This is often the hardest age for flying, as they’re too little to sit still but too big to sleep all the way through. When possible, I let my toddler walk the aisle when it’s safe to do so. A quick stroll up and down can be a great way to reset their mood.

Final Travel Tips

🧥 Pack coats in your main luggage. You won’t need them in the airport, and they’re just extra hassle to carry.

💺 If your toddler is under 2, they’ll be on your lap. Most airlines require you to sit by the window, as that’s where the extra oxygen masks are stored.

💙 Don’t stress! Some fussing is inevitable, but most people are understanding. Focus on keeping your little one comfortable, and the flight will be over before you know it.

Flying with toddlers takes a little extra planning, but it’s absolutely worth it for the adventures that await! Have you flown with your little ones? Let me know your best tips in the comments!