Tips for Traveling Tots

Hello! If you are getting ready to take a trip with a baby or toddler, then keep reading for some tips!

As of now, my 18 month old son has taken about 20 flights, excluding flights with layovers less than 2 hours. I have lost count of every plane we’ve boarded but it’s a lot, don’t even ask about our 5 flights to get home from Brasil, worst return trip ever. At first, I did not feel qualified to write an extensive travel guide but then I realized, wait I am actually experienced in this now. I usually travel alone with my son, so my goal is to pack as light as possible and keep things stress free.

I think no matter how many times you take a trip with kids, there is still a sense of unpreparedness.

*Note that all links to products here are completely based on my opinion and I am I no way being paid for speaking on them.

Booking the ticket!

• I always try to book flights during nap time or bedtime. So, for me that’s a 1-3pm flight or an 8pm+ flight. I have had flights that were between naptime and bedtime; I tried to hold the nap off until take off and ended with an overtired and overstimulated tiny human.
• If you can afford it, get a separate seat for your child (under 2). Older than two you must pay for it. I have never paid for a seat for my son, but I have occasionally been blessed to have an empty seat next to me and what a relief it is! Not that he stays in the seat the whole time, but it helps with positioning for sleep and comfort. Most car seats are approved for air travel too, so you could buy them a seat and strap them in!
• Window seat is best, followed by the aisle, middle seat sucks; most often the flight attendants will move you if they see you in a middle seat.
• For flights under 5 hours, try to get a nonstop. For flights over 5 hours, I’ve found it’s helpful to break it into two parts (1 layover of at least 2 hours if you can) so you can tire your little ones out between flights. Yes, it will make the trip longer but I personally like to be able to stretch out between flights, use a comfortable bathroom, walk around, and explore the airport, etc. 

PACKING for children

• Firstly, what do they need to get checked in? Domestic flights generally do not require any identification for children under 2 (not sure about after). International flights require passport or birth certificate depending on the destination's law.
• If there is a washing machine available where you are headed, then you can pack lighter. If I take a weeklong trip to my mom’s, where I can wash clothes, then I bring 5 outfits. If there is no washing machine, then I pack an outfit for each day + 30%. So if I am going away for 10 days, I bring 10 outfits +3 more for emergencies. (You can also always sink wash clothes if needed).
• I only bring a few toys for the trip. Generally, the place we're going will have plenty for him to explore and play. Plus any bottles or toys you bring you must understand that there is high chance they won't come back home with you.
• Check the weather at the destination, pack accordingly.

My favorite way to travel is to check one rolling suitcase with both mine and my little one’s clothes. It eliminates the “too many things to carry” problem. Going this route means I can just bring my purse/laptop bag and a diaper bag, a stroller, if applicable. Then my carry on needs to be something I can carry on my back or shoulder (think bookbag or lightweight duffel bag).

Now that my son is at the age where he wants to get up and down constantly and explore, I found that it was helpful for me to have my Hip Carrier. He gets some freedom and I don’t have the strain of carrying him in my arms and hip.

Be aware of airline rules: Every airline I’ve flown, domestic and south American have allowed me to check a 2-piece stroller car seat combo, whether at the gate or during check in. They also allow a diaper bag, snacks for kids, and liquids for kids. They must be in a transparent bottle so they can ensure safety. I had milk in an opaque vessel once and I had to agree to a full pat down for them to let it through.

If you are breastfeeding, yay! It was the easiest time. Pop ‘em on your boob and you’re good for hours.

Diaper bag contents:

• One outfit 
• Enough diapers to cover a change every 3 hours + a full day’s worth. (I highly suggest just buying a pack of diapers when you get to your destination because they occupy unnecessary space in bags)
• A pack of wipes
• A cloth for messes – here’s my favorite Soft Burp Cloths
• Hand sanitizer
• A small Aquaphor or similar moisturizer
• Two small board books - Learning Board Books (he loves going through the animal sounds, talking about vegetables we eat, etc.)
• SNACKS SNACKS SNACKS
  • I suggest bringing a variety. My go to is: a banana, a fig bar, and a fruit/veggie pouch.
  • A bottle of milk & a bottle of water
• A jingly toy
• A hand puppet
• Extra socks
• Attach your neck pillow to it (this pillow comes in handy for sleep positioning).

Stroller or no Stroller?

If you need to bring a car seat to your destination, I suggest using a car seat stroller combo. You can check a 2-piece stroller for free at most airlines. This allows you to push your LO around the airport and have the car seat for your destination.

If you are able to have a car seat waiting for you at your destination (my mom borrowed one from a friend for my visit) then you can bring a regular umbrella stroller or no stroller at all. Most recently, I skipped bringing the stroller and just used the baby carrier and it just gave me one less thing to worry about. If your baby is under 10 months then it is more necessary.

Things to remember if you plan on gate checking your stroller:

• Going through security you need to break your stroller down and send it down the belt. Then you get to open it back up (too much work for me).
• When you get to your gate, you need to go to the desk and have the attendant put the gate check tags on it (1 for each piece).
• Right before you get on the plane you will break your stroller down again and leave it at the door.
• When you get off the plane sometimes you need to wait a few extra mins for them to bring it back up to you. Don’t get off the plane and forget about it!

Things to remember if you plan on checking your stroller at the check in:

• Get a stroller case to protect it, something with padding so it doesn’t get damaged.

Going through Security

This is my biggest hustle moment. I feel like an athlete when I am going through security with a toddler.

• ID and Boarding Pass in my pocket
• My process:
  • Shoes off, laptop out of bag, diaper bag up, book bag up, phone in basket, break down stroller
• With a toddler or baby, they will send you through the older walk through metal detector. You will hold your child out like they just had a poopy explosion. Here is a quickly drawn image for you visual people.

They ALWAYS flag my diaper bag, so just be ready for that.

For the flight:

• Have a few episodes of your shows downloaded on Netflix or pre download the in flight app - most flights now have free in-flight entertainment on their respective apps.*iPhone users should use safari for in flight entertainment to function properly.
• For "behavioral emergencies", I pre-download mickey mouse clubhouse or…dare I say it… Cocomelon, but we are really trying to steer away from that hypnotic brain stimulation
• Get your phone and headphones in an easy access position before you’re stuck cradling your child.
• Having something to suckle (bottle/boob/pacifier) during takeoff and landing can help with the ear popping pain.
• You have the opportunity to board first with a child under 2, but I really think it’s better to wait until the last minute to board so that you both get the most free movement possible.
• When boarding, carry your child in front of your so you don’t knock them into everything.
• My travel outfit is usually a pair of good leggings with nice pockets, a t-shirt, hoodie, and sneakers. My son wears sweatpants & a long sleeve shirt or a footie jammie that zips from the bottom up (you want easy diaper change access).
• Drink lots of water before travel and elevate your legs after travel to help with circulation.

• When your child is acting up, fussing, or screaming, don’t stress. Most people really don’t mind, and if they do, who cares, you will never see them again. When my son screams about wanting to move around, I tell him that we have to be patient and play in our seats. Then I try to offer other activities or a snack.

When it’s time for a break, get up and go to the bathroom. Take your time and enjoy the walk there. The door has a sign to indicate a changing table, most planes have at least one (it is mini size). My routine is: I go in and change him, then play in the mirror for a minute, wash our hands, etc. If you have to go too…well try to avoid that…but you will have to hold your child at shoulder height while you squat over the toilet, and hopefully the plane won’t wobble at exactly the wrong time. Also, the flushing sound will probably scare them. Now that my little man can stand and walk well, I put him in front of me and hold his hands so he doesn’t touch anything and then I do my business.

Activities on the plane (by age)

3-9 months

• jingle toys, hand puppet, texture books, interactive toy (mini piano)
• Sing songs
• Peekaboo & tickles

10 mos. +

• Look out the window
• Say hi to everyone around you (my son spends a good 30 mins each flight “hi” -ing people to death.)
• standing in front of your legs  (only during the no-seatbelt times, safety first!)
• Practice animal noises and body parts
• Sing wheels on the bus/patty cake/recite their favorite story
• Peekaboo & Tickles
• Bathroom break

* If you want extra comfort, there are tons of products to make the flight more comfortable. I personally try to travel with as few gadgets as possible.

Positioning for comfort:

• Use the neck pillow to support your LO’s back if they are laying on you. Don’t get trapped in an uncomfortable position, “I’ll just move after they go to sleep; I don’t want to disturb them.” I always make the mistake of creating a nest with my leg crossed over and on my tip toe so he can be nestled and angled toward me. After 30 minutes it’s agony in my hips.

Thanks for reading! I'd love to hear feedback on which tips were helpful for you!