What to pack in your carryon for an airplane trip with a toddler:
If you’re following me on Instagram, you’re very aware of the fact that H and I travel often. Like, really really really often. I used to try to cram 500 things in my diaper bag until I realized that H didn’t even use most of them and I kept forgetting things I wish I’d had, so now we just stick to the basics and it makes checking in, flights, layovers, the whole shebang so much easier. Having a streamlined diaper bag when traveling with a baby or toddler means much less stress for everyone involved!
What to pack for an airplane trip with kids:
Changing + Diapers:
Because changing diapers is like 70% of parenthood, obviously diapers and wipes are pretty crucial. We cloth diaper at home, but while we’re out of town it’s just not worth packing however many days H would need and having to worry about having a place to wash and dry them as well. I like that the Honest diapers are natural and don’t give H’s sensitive skin a bad reaction and Huggies wipes are my bff with how much they can handle. The one time I forgot to bring an extra outfit for H, you can probably guess what happened, so now I’ll never leave home without one!
- Honest diapers + Huggies wipes
- Backup outfit
- Extra socks
Entertainment:
Now that H is in a super interactive phase, I can’t just count on him sleeping and nursing the entire flight so I have to bring a few things for him to play with. He’s super into channeling his inner Picasso right now, so I’ve started bringing nontoxic (important because he puts everything in his mouth) chunky crayons and paper with us so we can color together. Books are always a hit and can end a tantrum in about 2 seconds. H’s current favorites are Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, Animals (Baby Touch and Feel), First 100 words, and Little Blue Truck. Another instant meltdown stopper is making truck noises while pushing a toy car up and down his arms and belly, so one always stays in the bag.
- Rad Revolution Kids teether
- Crayons + coloring book
- 2 – 3 Books
- 1 – 2 toy cars
Eating:
Even though H still isn’t much of an eater, sometimes he’ll surprise me, so I always have to be prepared with puree pouches and snacks. Messes are always inevitable, so I also make sure to keep a pack of NeatCheeks in my bag for easy face and hands wipe downs with no harsh chemicals and a yummy flavor! Nûby’s Wash or Toss utensils have been and will continue to go on every trip we make. The BPA free plastic is lightweight and small enough that they don’t take up any extra space in the diaper bag, but their Easy Grip design means H can work on his self feeding super easily. I have been really impressed with how durable the utensils are as well – we’ve been using the same 8 forks and 8 spoons for about 3 months and none of them have broken.
I am still breastfeeding, so we never take milk with us, but I do bring water and a cup with us. [FYI: I never have any troubles bringing in a new, unopened water bottle with us. The security technicians ask who it’s for, then take it to test and hand it back when they’re done.] The Munchkin is a favorite for traveling because I never have to worry about leaking due to the No-Spill design. The two handles help H keep a good grip and I love that the straw is weighted. No matter how exactly he holds it, he’ll always have the perfect position to drink from!
- Nûby Wash or Toss™ Feeding Utensils
- Munchkin Click Lock Weighted Flexi Straw Trainer Cup
- Food pouches + crunchy snacks like bunny grahams + cheddar bunnies
- NeatCheeks face wipes
Babygear:
Everytime I see a mom traveling with kids who isn’t baby wearing, I want to go give her a hug. Seriously. Forget the stroller. And forget running after one or more tiny tots. And definitely orget trying to soothe a cranky, overstimulated and over tired baby. Babywearing has been the top thing that has saved my sanity so many times since H was born – especially while traveling. I loved my Solly Baby wrap while H was a newborn, but after about month 3 when the chunk started to pile on, it just wasn’t enough.
I made my move to Soft Structured Carriers (SSCs) and tried the Bjorn (dont judge me, I was a baby wearing newbie), Ergo, Beco, and Kinderpack before settling and falling in love with the LILLEbaby. The lumbar support and extra padding is heaven for marathon wearing and speed walking to your next gate that’s all the way across the airport, and it’s the only carrier I can wear without back pain.
Other things to pack for a plane trip with toddlers:
Regardless of the temperature outside, planes are notoriously chilly so I always bring a light blanket to wrap around him, especially during those magical moments when he gives in and finally falls asleep. Rad Revolution Kids’ striped swaddle is always in my bag because it folds up super small and it can double as a nursing cover / carrier cover as well. I never ever leave home without at least one of my nursing / teething necklaces from The Vintage Honey Shop, even more so when we’re traveling. I cannot say enough great things about them, and usually pack extras in my suitcase as well! One of the final things I bring is Ibuprofen. If H is in pain, and nursing doesn’t quite cut it, it’s a lifesaver – especially during the special h-e-double-hockeysticks that is an overtired and hurting baby on a redeye flight.
- Rad Revo swaddle blanket
- The Vintage Honey Shop necklace
- Infant’s Ibuprofen
What are some of your must-haves for traveling with kids?
What great information! I no longer have a toddler but it is so easy to over pack for carry-on. I always think I will need something and I usually never even open my carry on!! Inspired to downsize now!
This is a great list! My baby H isn't a toddler yet, but this will be a helpful list to refer to later and some of the items are on my packing list for an infant as well. I plan to just buy the water bottle after security, one less thing to deal with, but that's good to know you can bring an unopened one with you.
Great list! My kids are well out of the toddler stage, but we've always traveled regularly with them and I remember the toddler stage being the most challenging since they were the most active and their communication skills were still developing. Books and snacks were a life saver!
Great list!
Great essentials! I don't have toddlers anymore but still it's useful post for me:)
Thank you for the list! We're actually taking a road trip in a couple weeks so the list of toys will really help. 8 hours is a long time in the car.
I am flying for the first time with my 16 month old. I plan on using our Ergo carrier and not a stroller. I'm concerned with what foods are allowed on the flight. He loves puffs and pretzels and Lara bars. Are these things allowed in my carry on? In plastic containers? I see you said you carry an unopened water bottle for your LO. So, your sippie cup is empty and u fill it once you get past security?
Great tips! I always feel like I'm forgetting to pack something in the carryon.
Sounds like you've got it all figured out when it comes to traveling with a little one! 🙂
Great tips! I always have a bag of tricks packed when we travel, heck I bring a bag of tricks along to the restaurant. Keeping your toddler happy and free of tantrums make everyone happy, right? Great post!
What a great article!!! The best thing about mommy blogs is they try it all out and find what doesn't work so you don't have to. Your image is amazing BTW, do you use polyvore to create it?
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Great list! We're big fans of many items on your list too!! Thanks for sharing.
Great picks!!! I've been flying with my daughter since she was a month old! I always tell people it's easy peasy if you are prepared! Lots of entertainment and snacks 😉
Your blog always makes me wish I had a kid because the outfits and pictures are so adorable! (Someday, but not yet!) These are some awesome tips! It's always difficult figuring out what to put in a carry on and I'm sure having a toddler makes it even more difficult. I love how simple you made it!
Just seeing the picture of Chicka Chicka Boom Boom gave me flashbacks to being a kid! Haha, this is a great post though. Totally saving it for when I have a little.
I traveled quite a lot when my twins were younger, and like you, I made sure to be organized and have a to do list of everything we needed. Being organized and knowing what our children's needs are makes traveling less stressful.
This is such a great list! I can remember my first road trip with my babies, they were 5 weeks old LOL It is so much easier when you are prepared.
Great choices! I'm always happy to see what people pack as I've never flown with a toddler before, or any of my kids for that matter! – Jeanine
Great information on what to pack! We don't travel too much…only road trips since we have three boys. I've narrowed it down, and gotten pretty good at what we need to. I LOVE Huggies wipes. They are the best.
Nothing beats when we prepare our kids on a flight. These are very helpful tips for parents that have small kids. My kids are now 12 and almost 9.
Traveling with a toddler is never easy. Thanks for the tips though.
This is a great list of things that are definitely needed.
Most people who buy golf travel cases are somewhere in between the two. They are regular golfers who like to take their clubs with them when they go on vacation, whether it's a long drive or a flight. You need a high degree of protection when flying, since your clubs have to be protected by the rough handling they can get on and off the aircraft. Baggage jockeys are not noted for their soft and careful handling techniques!
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