The Really Useful Guide to Flying With A Toddler
This ultimate resource guide to flying with a toddler is jam packed full of information and resources to answer every question you may have for travelling by plane with a toddler.
All the information has been compiled by an ex flight attendant who has flown over 60 flights with her two tots, including ultra long haul flight of over 24 hours!
For the ultimate resource guide to flying with a baby see here. We hope this toddler-friendly guide to flying helps busy parents feel prepared!
This guide covers:
- Useful Flying With A Toddler Tips
- Airplane Activities and entertainment for Toddler
- Toddler Travel toys for your carry-on
- Sleep tips
- Jet lag
- Flying with twins
- Best seats on the airplane
- Car seats abroad and child restraint devices
- Toddler food and snacks
- Breastfeeding and sterilising formula bottles
- Best strollers for toddlers
- Best toddler-friendly airlines
- Tips for solo parents
- Best apps and entertainment
- Travel gear & more
1. Tips For Flying With A Toddler
If you are in a hurry, this post details my very best flying with a toddler tips which includes meals, sleep, the best seats, toys and so much more.
You may have trains or buses to catch to your gate if the airport terminal is large. Leave plenty of time for security.
I’ve found preparing my kids in advance and explaining that teddy will have to through the x-ray machine, but they will have him back does help and reduce the chance of tantrum!
I try and check the airport website and see if there is a family line for passengers with young children, or whether it may be worth buying a priority pass (if available.)
It’s a goof idea to have liquids already in clear ziploc bags to avoid leaks and to whip out quickly for security. Putting a small coloured sticker on the front of each passport can save a bit of time so you know whose is whose.
Generally, if you are travelling with children aged three and under you are allowed to bring liquids over 100ml.
However, the very odd airport may say the age limit is for families travelling with a two year old or younger.
I’ve had a few airports that have let me and other parents take a filled water bottle for a six year old, but this is not common. Usually, this information can be found on the airport website in the security section.
Whether you are flying long haul with toddlers or short haul, it’s a good idea to have a water bottle that you can easily refill at the airport or on the plane so they can easily have a drink when needed.
2. Airplane Activities For Toddlers
Keep boredom at bay with this range of toys and activities, many of which are educational too.
These airplane activities for toddlers are quick and easy to do, with many household items you already have lying around at home.
3. Best Toddler Travel Toys 2025
These toddler travel toys have all been tested on short and long haul flights, and have our seal of approval to keep little ones busy whilst on the go!
4. Tips To Help Your Toddler Sleep On Plane
Getting a toddler to sleep on a plane is bit harder without an airline bassinet, but there are some great tips, including the ‘spare seat trick’ and other travel sleep devices which can help too!
5. Tips To Minimise Jet Lag For Toddlers
Jet lag is tough, and kids usually manage better than us adults, but there are some specific things you can do to help your toddler adjust.
6. Flying With Twins Or A Baby And Toddler? Some Extra Information.
Flying with more than one child can mean a little bit more preparation is needed.
7. What Are The Best Seats On A Plane For Kids? + Info On Baby Bassinets
If you have an older child, a bassinet won’t be possible, but there is the ‘spare seat trick’ and some other sleep devices which may help your toddler feel more comfortable.
8. Car Seats Abroad: Tips & Information On Taking A Car Seat On Holiday
9. Car Seats & Child Restraint Devices (CRD) On An Airplane
If you are purchasing a seat for your older baby or toddler, then you have a few options about which restraint devices you can use.
10. FAA Approved Car Seats & Airline Approved Car Seats
If you are flying on some airlines, you can use car seats for children over the age of two. BUT rules do vary, depending on which country the airline is based. This guide will help you work out what car seat you can take with you.
11. Toddler Food On Planes |Ordering Baby And Child Airline Meals
It is always best to pack your own food for your under two year old. However, there are a couple of airlines which allow you to prequest a toddler meal at least 24 hours before your flight.
This guide to what food is provided by your airline, will help you decide what food you should pack.
12. Breastfeeding On A Plane Tips | 8 Breastfeeding Tips For Plane Travel
if you are breastfeeding your toddler, these tips will help you be prepared and hopefully be more comfortable too.
13. Breastfeeding On A Plane – Airline Breastfeeding Policies
Airline breastfeeding policies – know your rights!
14. Tips For Flying With Breast Milk
Rules vary if you need to carry breastmilk. Depending on whether you are flying with your toddler or not.
15. How To Sterilise Bottles Whilst Travelling Abroad
If you have a long haul flight, it may not be possible to carry several bottles or dummies/pacifiers with you, so you may need to sterilise as you go. These sterilizing tips for travel will help.
16. Best Stroller For Travel | What are their Pros & Cons For Flying?
If you have a transit stop, unless you need to clear customs with your luggage, you will not see your stroller till the final destination. In which case, a compact travel stroller which fits as hand luggage may prove a useful bit of kit!
This guide goes through several options of travel strollers, which will best fit your needs.
17. Which Airports/Airlines Provide Courtesy Strollers?
Did you know some airlines and airports provide courtesy strollers? These are particularly if you are in transit and have a tired toddler to get to the next gate.
18. American Airlines Stroller Policy
Most airlines allow you to gate check strollers, but there are a few exceptions, depending on the size and weight. here is American Airlines Stroller policy.
19. Top Family-Friendly Airlines
There are some family friendly airline and there are some incredible family friendly airlines! Find out which airlines go the extra mile for family travellers.
20. Flying Alone With a Toddler | Solo Parent Air Travel Tips
If you are flying solo with a toddler, this post will help you prepare.
21. Best Apps For Babies & Toddlers
There are some great educational and fun apps to help keep your toddler busy on a plane.
22. Travel Gear Reviews + Kids Travel Accessories
Whether you are looking for travel gear to help the kids sleep, like the travel pillows and mattresses or travel highchairs and travel strollers – this guide lists and compares all our readers favourites.
23. Best Toddler Busy Bags for the Airplane
If you’ve searched for busy bags for travel then you must have a little one who needs their hands occupied on flights or during the various modes of transport that we partake in when embarking on a holiday or vacation as a family.
Busy bags can be key for travelling with a toddler as your stationary newborn is now a little person who is able to walk and share their opinion with you so airplane travel can become a little more difficult!
Some toddler busy bags are available ready-made online so here are a few options for you to choose from and some suggestions below of how to make your own!
Make sure your toddler-friendly carry-on is stocked with all the essentials, including diapers/nappies, snacks and entertainment options to keep your little one entertained and smiling during the check-in process.
Patience is key as you navigate through security checks, so bring along some distractions like favorite snacks and toys to keep everyone happy. Once you’ve conquered check-in and boarding, next up is the flight!
As you settle into your seat, our guide helps prepare a comfortable flight for both parents and passengers alike.
A well-prepared carry-on is a key tip – filled with an array of snacks to keep hunger at bay and distractions like small toys to prevent any mid-flight meltdowns. Need a diaper/nappy change? No problem! Your trusty diaper bag, loaded with extra diapers, makes those inflight pit stops a breeze.
Create a cozy nap space for your little one with a small blanket or a bassinet and their go-to stuffed animal.
You might want earplugs to help you sleep but toddlers don’t really need them – chewing and swallowing helps with air pressure changes for little ones.
With this comprehensive guide, flying with a toddler becomes an adventure rather than a challenge, ensuring a smooth journey for parents, passengers, and, of course, those adorable toddlers in tow.
