1. Pack More Than You Think You’ll Need – Even for Yourself
Unexpected messes are part of traveling with kids. Whether it’s spit-up, spilled milk, or a diaper disaster, you’ll be glad you packed extra outfits – not just for your child, but for everyone in your travel group. Keep those spares accessible in your carry-on, not buried in checked luggage.
2. Plane Ride? Prepare for Takeoff and Landing
Babies and toddlers often experience discomfort from cabin pressure changes during takeoff and landing. Since they can’t pop their ears like adults, offer them something to suck or chew – like a pacifier, bottle, or a straw cup. For older toddlers, chewy snacks or sippy cups can also help. Time it so they’re sucking just before and during ascent and descent.
3. Bring Comfort Items to Keep Routines Alive
Familiar routines help children feel safe – even in strange or noisy environments. Pack the same storybook, blanket, or cuddly toy you use at home. Brushing teeth with their usual toothbrush or listening to a favorite bedtime song can help them wind down and sleep better, even while traveling.
4. Build a Travel Survival Kit
A small pouch or backpack packed with essentials will become your in-flight lifeline. Include wipes, diapers, a compact changing mat, hand sanitizer, a change of clothes for both child and parent, a thermometer, baby pain reliever, and sealable plastic bags. Add in snacks and toys that are easy to access. Keep it under your seat because you’ll want it on hand.
5. Snack Like a Pro
Snacks aren’t just for hunger! They’re calming, distracting, and even entertaining. Choose items that are low-mess, time-consuming to eat, and maybe even a little fun: breadsticks, raisins, peelable fruit, or a snack mix. Use a snack container with compartments to space things out.
Always check with your pediatrician about appropriate travel snacks based on your child’s age and dietary needs, especially if allergies are a concern.
6. Entertainment = Peace
Screen-free doesn’t have to mean scream-filled. Stock up on light, mess-free entertainment: sticker books, coloring pads with triangular crayons, magnetic toys, or water-reveal pens. Pre-load some shows or audiobooks onto a tablet, and don’t forget the kid-sized headphones. Pro tip: wrap a few tiny toys in paper, like “opening presents”. Doing so mid-flight adds a dose of magic.
7. Use Your Team Wisely
If you’re traveling with a partner or another adult, divide tasks. One handles the logistics (documents, boarding passes, luggage), while the other focuses on keeping the child entertained and calm. Some families board early with bags while the other adult stays behind with the child to burn energy right up to the final call.
8. Take Advantage of Pre-Boarding
Most airlines allow families with young children to board early. Use it. You’ll have time to stow bags, set up your area, and settle in before the aisles get crowded. This is also your moment to chat with flight attendants about anything special you might need: warming a bottle, using a bassinet, or confirming extra seats.
Just don’t forget that all-important pre-boarding bathroom break.
9. Lower the Bar, Raise the Flexibility
Travel days with small kids are rarely smooth. Expect the unexpected: delays, skipped naps, spills, tantrums. Don’t aim for perfection…aim for patience! Keep your plans flexible and your expectations realistic. Focus on keeping everyone fed, safe, and relatively content. The rest is a bonus.
Have a few “reset buttons” ready: a surprise snack, a new toy, or even a short walk down the aisle if traveling by plane. Sometimes just a change of scene helps.
10. You Don’t Have to Be Perfect—Just Prepared
No one ends a long travel day with a toddler feeling camera-ready, and that’s okay. What matters is the thought and care you’ve put in ahead of time. A well-packed bag, a calm mindset, and a few clever tricks go a long way toward keeping the trip manageable. If your child naps, laughs, or even just gets through the journey without a major meltdown? You’ve won.
11. Build in Time for Jet Lag
If you’re changing time zones, expect it to take up to a week for your child’s body clock to adjust. You may see late bedtimes, early wakeups, or surprise naps. Whenever possible, plan a buffer day or two at the start and end of your trip. Keep meals and sleep routines consistent, get exposure to daylight, and try not to overschedule. Be gentle with your child and yourself.
Are you embarking on a journey sometime soon with your little one(s)? Let us know how you’re going to prepare and if you’ve ever used one of these tips. Happy travels!
