Flying with babies and toddlers can feel overwhelming at first — trust me, I’ve been there. The thought of juggling a diaper blowout at 30,000 feet or calming a cranky toddler mid-tantrum on a crowded plane can be enough to make any parent sweat. But here’s the truth: with a little planning, a few tried-and-true travel tips, and a flexible mindset, it really can be a smooth — and even enjoyable — experience.
Over the years, I’ve learned what works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to flying with little ones. From surviving long-haul flights with an infant to navigating toddler meltdowns in airport security lines, every trip has taught me something new. If you’re gearing up for a family adventure, here’s everything you need to know to feel confident in the air with your babies and toddlers.
Getting Ready for the Trip
Before you even book those tickets or pack your carry-on, a little thoughtful planning goes a long way. One of my top toddler travel tips is to check your airline’s policies ahead of time. Some airlines allow babies under two to sit on your lap for free, while others suggest bringing an FAA-approved car seat for safety — and trust me, having a familiar, contained spot for your toddler is sometimes worth its weight in gold.
Choose the Best Flight Time for Your Family
I always weigh whether it’s better to fly at night or during the day with a toddler. Night flights can be a dream (literally) if your child sleeps well on the go. On the other hand, if your little one tends to stay up, wired with excitement, a daytime flight with planned activities and snack breaks might be the smarter move.
For babies, daytime flights can be easier since they tend to nap off and on anyway. The real trick is to plan flights around your child’s natural sleep or snack schedule when possible.
Pro Tip:
Check if your flight allows early family boarding. It makes getting settled with your gear and kiddos much less stressful.
Packing Essentials for Flying with Little Ones
When it comes to flying with babies and toddlers, packing strategically is everything. I’ve made my fair share of rookie mistakes (like forgetting an extra outfit on a flight to Orlando — spoiler alert: a blowout happened), but now I swear by this carry-on essentials list:
Must-Have Items in Your Diaper Bag or Carry-On:
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Diapers, wipes, and a portable changing pad
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Comfort items: pacifier, lovey, or favorite stuffed animal
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2–3 outfit changes for both baby and toddler (including yourself — spills happen!)
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More snacks than you think you’ll need
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Entertainment: small toys, window clings, sticker books, and a tablet loaded with kid-friendly shows and games
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Antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizer
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A lightweight blanket for temperature changes
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Children’s pain reliever/fever reducer (for unexpected earaches or fevers)
Pro Mom Hack:
Use zippered pouches or gallon Ziploc bags to organize categories (diapers, snacks, toys, meds). This way you’re not digging through a bottomless bag in a cramped airplane aisle.
Understanding Airline Rules and Car Seat Guidelines
A question I hear from fellow moms all the time is: Does a 2-year-old need a car seat on a plane?
Technically, most airlines allow kids under two to sit on your lap. But if your toddler has a mind of their own (and what toddler doesn’t?), an FAA-approved car seat or harness can be a total game-changer. It keeps them safely contained and gives them a familiar seat for takeoff, landing, and naps.
Good to Know:
Many airlines offer family perks like early boarding, an extra carry-on item for baby gear, or priority security lines. It’s worth reading up on those policies before you fly.
How to Stop Toddler Ears from Popping on a Plane
One of the biggest flying challenges for little travelers is dealing with ear pressure during takeoff and landing. I remember one flight where my toddler’s tears set off a chain reaction of sympathetic cries from other babies onboard. Lesson learned!
Here’s what’s worked for us:
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For babies: Offer a bottle, pacifier, or breastfeed during takeoff and landing
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For toddlers: Pack chewy snacks (fruit snacks or licorice), a lollipop, or let older kids sip on water or juice with a straw
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Gentle ear massages and encouraging them to yawn or blow into a straw can also help
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Keep them hydrated throughout the flight — dry cabin air can worsen discomfort
Day vs. Night Flights: What’s Better with Kids?
Ah, the age-old debate among traveling parents. The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer — it depends on your child’s personality and your tolerance for unpredictability.
Night Flights:
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Great if your child sleeps well in unfamiliar places
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The plane tends to be quieter, and it feels like one less day lost to travel
Day Flights:
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Easier if your child resists sleeping in public or gets overtired and cranky
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More predictable wake and snack times
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You can distract with games, coloring, and screen time
Pro Tip: Try a few short flights before attempting long-hauls to see how your child does with different times of day.
Bonus Travel Tips for Moms
Once your bags are packed, a few extra strategies can make your flight smoother:
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Arrive early to navigate security and find a good spot at the gate
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Dress in layers — airplanes are notorious for unpredictable temperatures
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Scope out family restrooms at your airport ahead of time using the terminal map
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Rotate small toys and activities every 20–30 minutes to keep toddlers engaged
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Bring a baby carrier for hands-free boarding and airport walks
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Stay calm — your little ones pick up on your mood. A relaxed parent makes for a calmer kid.
What Is the Hardest Age to Fly with a Baby?
If you’re wondering when it’s most challenging to fly with young kids, most parents agree on two tricky stages:
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Under 6 months: Constant feedings, blowouts, and unpredictable sleep
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18 months to 3 years: Mobile, opinionated, and short attention spans
But here’s the good news — it gets easier. Every trip teaches you something new about what works for your family.
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This, Mama
Flying with little kids might feel intimidating, but it’s absolutely doable with a little prep, realistic expectations, and a flexible mindset. Every flight you take helps you learn what works best for your crew. Whether it’s timing the perfect snack break, discovering your toddler’s favorite inflight activity, or conquering a dreaded layover meltdown, these little wins add up.
And in the end, the memories you’ll make exploring new places together will far outweigh the temporary stress. You’re creating adventures your kids will remember forever — and that’s worth every minute of planning.