Traveling by airplane with a toddler can spark equal parts excitement and anxiety for parents. While the thought of exploring new destinations with your little adventurer is thrilling, navigating airports, airplanes, and security lines with small children often feels overwhelming. But rest assured, with the right preparation, your family’s journey can be smoother, safer, and even enjoyable. Here’s how to make airplane travel safer and less stressful for you and your toddler.

Planning Ahead: A Parent’s Best Friend

When it comes to safe and successful air travel, planning ahead makes all the difference. Before your trip, familiarize yourself with airline policies for families and children. Many carriers offer early boarding for families with young kids, giving you extra time to settle your toddler comfortably before takeoff. Choose flights during your child's natural naptime, if possible, to ease them into sleep during flight.

Don’t forget to reserve seats strategically, aisle seats provide easier access to bathrooms, while window seats help keep curious toddlers engaged with views outside.

Selecting the Right Gear

Bringing the right equipment makes traveling with toddlers safer and easier. A lightweight, foldable stroller is your airport ally, simplifying gate-to-gate mobility. For onboard safety, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recommends keeping your child in a car seat during flights. Not only do they offer additional security during unexpected turbulence, but the familiar seat often comforts anxious toddlers. Our friend Michelle over at @safeintheseat offers some great tips for choosing the right car seat for your airplane travel.

Security Checkpoint Success

Airport security can be intimidating with toddlers in tow, but preparation helps ease the process. Dress your child comfortably in easy-to-remove layers and slip-on shoes, simplifying security screening. Pack snacks, liquids, and baby food in clear, labeled containers, TSA guidelines allow families to bring reasonable amounts of formula, breast milk, or toddler foods through security. Being organized speeds up the process and minimizes stress.

Healthy Habits Onboard

Toddlers touch everything! To minimize germ exposure, pack child-friendly hand sanitizers or antibacterial wipes for quick clean-ups. Wipe down tray tables, seatbelts, and armrests upon boarding. Staying hydrated during flights is essential, carry leak-proof toddler water bottles or request bottled water onboard. Chewing or sipping helps relieve ear pressure during takeoff and landing, so have snacks, drinks, or pacifiers handy.

Keeping Toddlers Engaged and Relaxed

Entertainment and comfort items help prevent boredom-induced tantrums. Pack a variety of quiet, engaging activities like sticker books, coloring pads, or child-friendly headphones paired with educational videos or audiobooks. Comfort objects, a favorite stuffed animal or blanket, ease anxiety during unfamiliar situations. Familiarizing your toddler ahead of time about what to expect can reduce stress and increase excitement.

Embracing the Adventure

Ultimately, safe air travel with toddlers hinges on preparation, patience, and flexibility. While you might face unexpected challenges, a delayed flight, an overtired toddler, remember that every journey is an adventure. With thoughtful planning and the right tools, your family can confidently explore new destinations together, building joyful, lifelong memories. So buckle up, breathe deeply, and enjoy the ride, toddlerhood passes quickly, but the memories from your shared adventures last forever.

–

Written by Josh Whitaker