Surviving Flying with Babies and Toddlers

As the daughter of a travel concierge and an airline pilot, my 3 year old has been on more flights than I can count. As her mom, I’ve definitely figured out some key things that help every flight to be a success… Or at minimum survivable (cause we all have THOSE days). 

(*I've included some Amazon affiliate links to the items that my daughter and I love, to make your day a little easier.)

1. Bring snacks. I know, this one almost goes without saying, but the key here is the strategy. Never bring “new” snacks, unless you fully intend on eating them yourself. Chances are, if I bring a new snack my kid won’t like it AT ALL (I’m looking at you, Welch’s fruit snacks), and they’ll just be dead weight in my bag. Her “normal” snacks always include applesauce and cheese sticks, but I also bring a stash of “special” snacks: something really high-value that my kid loves (in her case, Gluten Free Double Stuffed Oreos). These are what I pull out when I have tried everything else on this list and she’s still upset or wanting to get out of her seat, and they have singlehandedly saved a number of our flights. Now, from experience, try not to pack a BILLION snacks either. The last thing you want is to be traveling home with nearly as many snacks as you left with. 
   
   Note: If your little one is still breastfed or bottle-fed, don't forget to offer them a "snack" upon takeoff and landing. It can make a huge difference in helping them equalize the pressure in their ears. 
   
   
2. Buy bottled drinks. Or bring a bottle to refill when you get past security. Either way, I avoid getting open drinks from the cart on the plane. The reason is, my kid will always come “this” close to kicking my tray table and spilling that little open cup that is WAY too full to start with. That level of anxiety is just not something I need to add to my life or my trip. Also from experience: If you've refilled a water bottle that has a straw... be sure to unscrew it when you get to cruising altitude. Don't just pop open the straw, or your water bottle will suddenly put Old Faithful to shame (which makes for a very cold flight). This Disney-themed water bottle is my daughter's favorite, and it fits perfectly in the side of our Itsy Ritzy Mini Backpack for the Disney parks, as well as our Itsy Ritzy Boss Plus for travel days. 
   
   
3. Activities. I recommend 5-7 small activities, which you hope will hold their attention for about 10min each, plus your electronic babysitter of choice. I love Aqua Art painting kits and Color Wonder sets, along with some of the smaller age-appropriate items from Mini Voyager. The key here is less about WHAT the activities are, and more about how and when you present them. 
   
   In the airport itself, we do everything BUT those activities; we run up and down the terminal, walk around shops, have a snack, etc. That keeps the activities new and exciting for the plane. Once on the plane, I reveal each activity one at a time. As my daughter's interest fades in the first activity, I pull out the next, and so on. When I get to the last activity, I cycle back to the first one. Whenever she completely refuses all activities, I pull out the snacks. Finally, when nothing else is working, I bring out the electronics. How long the cyber-babysitter holds her attention varies, but when she starts to get wiggly again, we start back with activity #1. I have successfully used this method for 12+ hour travel days, so I highly recommend giving it a try!
   
   
4. Know the rules and limits. Whatever phase you're in with your littles, there's often accouterment that is going to be either protected or limited by TSA or airline rules/seat widths, so now is definitely the right time to brush up on your research skills. To name a few: 
   
   Breastmilk, liquid snacks like applesauce pouches (even over 3oz), pumping supplies, and baby wearing through TSA checkpoints are allowed in most cases and will just garner some additional screenings. My favorite way to store breastmilk on-the-go was with the Ceres Chill Storage Container. Check out TSA’s Traveling with Children guide for more specifics.
   
   If your child is in a stroller or car seat, you’ll need to take them out and carry them through the metal detector. When she was under 2 years old, I always preferred putting my daughter in a soft carrier like this one before going through the screening area, so that I didn’t have to move her.
   
   Know that rear-facing car seats and airplane travel beds must be placed in a window seat, as they cannot interfere with being able to get out of the row. The travel beds also cannot be deployed during takeoff and landing. 
   
   The debate on whether to bring a car seat on an airplane is a hot one, so I'll just skirt that land mine and say... If you do choose to bring a car seat, make sure that it has an FAA Approved sticker on it, and be sure to compare the car seat's width with the width of the airline's seat it will be occupying. 
   
   
5. Pack one change of clothes for them and you in your carryon bag. If/when your kid throws up or a diaper leaks, or they spill an entire packet of ketchup on their lap... or YOUR lap... You'll be literally covered. (If you have an infant, I recommend bringing at least 2-3 changes of clothing for them.) Don't forget to bring an extra set of underwear for yourself: unfortunate liquids don't always stop at the first layer of clothing they encounter... Just sayin'. 
   
   
6. Be prepared for delays. Delays, flight cancellations, and lost luggage are an unfortunate reality, but being prepared helps take the sting out of them. As a frequent flier who has experienced more than my fair share of these issues, I prefer to bring enough extra diapers/pull-ups to be able to survive a full second day of travel. Not only am I covered in the case of a flight cancellation, but if my checked luggage gets lost, I know I have a full day in which to arrange for a delivery to my resort. (This is a good practice for baby formula as well). 
   
   Remember #5 from this list? Yep, the change of clothes does double-duty and comes in handy in case you need to spend the night in the airport hotel unexpectedly. I also add my favorite deodorant and our toothbrushes to the same bag. 
   
   
7. Know that sometimes your kids will lose it anyways. You can fly at the "right" times, be prepared with all of the right snacks and activities, ALL of the things... And your kid may still be overwhelmed, tired, and cranky.
   
   Please know first, from the bottom of my heart, that this is NOT a reflection on you as a parent. You're reading this article and so I know you're really trying and you care. Your child is just their own person, and despite occasionally mistakenly thinking we can control them… We can’t.
   
   Secondly, please know that a large majority of the humans on the plane with you are also parents or even grandparents. They GET it and are not judging you. The only things they are thinking are "oh that poor mama" and "I remember those days". Some are even thinking "I wish there was something I could do to help". So if your little one decides they've had enough, and there's nothing left in your bag of tricks... Remember that there's a plane of people sending empathy and well wishes your way.  

I genuinely hope that these tips make your travels a little bit smoother.

Brandi is a Travel Concierge who’s mission is to make mama’s lives easier, from planning and researching, to the trip itself, (because moms deserve to actually enjoy their vacations). Brandi is a former WDW Cast Member, is a foodie (even with an allergy to gluten/wheat), and a former active duty military spouse.