Flying with a one year old toddler on your lap can be challenging and stressful especially for the first time. After years of traveling with both my kids at different ages and stages I learned many tips and tricks to make traveling with a toddler less stressful and more enjoyable. Here are some of my helpful travel tips for traveling with a toddler on a plane.
The first time traveling on with our toddler on a plane we were so stressed out. She was almost 18 months old and it was flu season, at the beginning of 2020. You can imagine how scary that was knowing what was going on in the world at that time.
Even though our daughter flew for free we had to get her a ticket at each airport when we checked our bags. Make sure you do this when you get to the airport. You can’t go through security without having a ticket for your child.
Here are helpful tips for traveling with a toddler on a plane
How to travel with your toddler
To save money we chose to travel with our toddler on our lap. Children under 2 are FREE if they sit on your lap with most airlines. She did NOT want to sit still but fortunately I was still nursing at the time and the flight was only about 3 hours long so I nursed her to sleep halfway through the flight.
The second time we traveled with our toddler on a plane we purchased a ticket so she could sit in her carseat. It went much smoother.
When to travel with your toddler
If you have the choice and can afford it I recommend paying extra to fly during your toddlers nap time it was 100% WORTH IT! Make sure the departure time you choose is just before your toddlers nap or bed time that way they may sleep during the flight which will make it much easier on them and on you.
I suggest being at the airport at least 1.5 – 2 hours early giving you enough time to check your bags and get through security and reach your gate. You do NOT want to be in a rush in an airport full of people with your toddler.
On our first flight our one-year-old napped on take off, both ways, which gave us time to watch Netflix while she slept. When she woke up I nursed her and she was a happy camper.
Time Zone and Daylight Savings
California is 2 hours behind Texas. At first we tried to keep our daughters schedule the same but eventually she adjusted to the new timezone.
When traveling out of state, internationally, or during daylight savings make sure you are prepared for the time change.
Carseat, Carrier, or Stroller?
The first time we traveled my sister-in-law had a carseat waiting for us. If you don’t want to pay for a plane ticket for your baby or child to sit in their carseat you can check your carseat at the gate. You can also rent a car with a carseat at your destination.
We were so glad we decided to bring our stroller. You can bring your stroller on the plane as long as it folds up. It was so easy to push her around in the stroller rather than carrying her or letting her walk around the airport.
When we travelled with our second child as a toddler we brought our Tula baby carrier to carry her through the airport and plane and had our older child in the stroller. If your baby is smaller or younger, and your back can handle the weight, I highly suggest wearing your baby or toddler until you board the plane.
Adults with children under 2 usually get priority boarding so make sure your arrive at your gate early and listen for the boarding time for families with young children.
If you’re traveling to visit family or friends you can use Amazon Prime have diapers, wipes, and other essentials shipped to their home within 2 days on most items. You can order it before your trip to make sure it arrives on time.
We used Amazon Prime to ship diapers and new clothes to my parents house ahead of time to save room in our suitcase. The best part is we were able to spend more time with our family because we didn’t need to go to the store during our trip.
Groceries
The last time we traveled I had all our daughter’s favorite snacks and foods delivered to our families home with Instacart so we didn’t have to go to the store. You can also have food delivered from restaurants and other essenitals with Instacart.
Sleeping Arrangement
Unless you co-sleep you need to make sleeping arrangements for your one-year-old.
Most hotels have cribs you can use. If not or if you’re not staying at a hotel you can bring a pack n play/ portable crib. If you don’t have one you can ask friends or family if you can use their pack n play. You can also order a portable crib/playyard to be from Amazon Prime and have it shipped to your destination or order a one from the local Target using the drive up option. They will bring it to your car so you don’t have to go in the store.
Ear Pressure
Fortunately our daughter did not seem to have any pain in her ears. Some babies and children have pressure in their ears during take off and landing. If this happens to your child it is recommended to have your little one drink from their bottle/sippy cup, use a pacifier, or breastfeed during these times to prevent or relieve ear pain.
Don’t Be Embarrassed
There was a toddler on the back of the plane who was screaming for his life during landing. We felt so bad for him he seemed to have pain in his ears because he was holding them while he was screaming. His mother was covering his mouth with a paper towel telling him to be quiet because she seemed to be embarrassed.
Instead of worrying about what other people think focus on keeping your baby or child calm and making them comfortable. They don’t understand what is happening. If they are loud it could be because they are scared or in pain.
Toddler Diaper Bag Checklist
- 1 Outfit
- 1 Pair of Socks
- Diapers
- Wipes
- Toddler Cup
- Bottle (if bottle feeding)
- Formula (if formula feeding)
- Book
- Toys
- Lovey/ Stuffed animal
- Pacifier (If still using one)
- SNACKS!
- Sanitizing Wipes
Toddler Travel Checklist
- Outfits
- Socks
- Pajamas
- Changing Pad
- Diapers
- Wipes
- Brush
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Baby Soap/ Shampoo
- Books
- Old Toys
- New Toy
- Lovey/ stuffed animals
- Pacifier (If still using one)
I hope you found these tips for traveling with a toddler helpful. I want to hear from you! Leave your toddler travel questions, stories, and tips in the comments.
Leave a Comment