Flying with little ones can feel terrifying, and many parents forgo the trip altogether for the sake of their sanity. With a little planning, you won’t have to lose out on adventures with your baby and toddler.
This book is full of helpful hints gathered from veteran parents. Properly planned, families can have smooth flights. Let’s explore everything you need to know about bringing your baby and toddler on a plane.
Booking the Flight
Choosing the right flight makes a huge difference. Morning flights often work best with young children. Kids tend to be less cranky earlier in the day. Direct flights eliminate the stress of connections with tired children. Flight booking should consider your child’s normal schedule whenever possible.
Airlines have different policies for infants under two years old. Most allow an “infant in arms” option for babies under 24 months. This means your baby flies free on your lap. Some parents prefer purchasing a separate seat for comfort on longer flights. Toddlers over two years require their own seat by law. Request bulkhead seating for extra space if available.
Family boarding privileges exist on many airlines. Southwest offers specific family boarding between A and B groups. Request seat assignments together when traveling with a toddler. Some aircraft have limited oxygen masks per row, affecting seating arrangements. Call the airline directly to confirm all child travel policies before booking. Preparation starts long before you reach the airport.
Packing Strategy
Packing efficiently can make or break your travel experience. Bring only what you absolutely need. Overpacking creates unnecessary stress when managing young children. Think about what you can buy at your destination instead of packing everything.
Create a detailed packing list several days before travel. Separate items into categories: carry-on essentials, checked luggage, and gate-check items. Pack one complete outfit change for each child in your carry-on. Include extra clothes for yourself in case of spills or accidents.
Organize carry-on essentials in clear ziplock bags for easy access. Keep important items at the top of your bag for quick retrieval. Pack more diapers, wipes, and snacks than you think you’ll need. Travel delays happen frequently. Overnight diapers offer extra absorption for long flights.
Consider compression bags to save space in your luggage. Pack familiar items like a favorite blanket or stuffed animal for comfort. Divide children’s items between multiple bags as insurance against lost luggage. Remember that less is more when traveling with infant or toddler companions.
Travel Gear for Flying with a Baby and a Toddler
The right gear simplifies family travel tremendously. A lightweight stroller provides convenience throughout the airport. Many parents prefer umbrella strollers that fold compactly. The GB Pockit stroller folds small enough to fit in overhead bins.
Baby carriers offer hands-free convenience through crowded airports. Soft structured carriers distribute weight evenly for parent comfort. Gate check stroller options give you flexibility during layovers. Most airlines provide protective bags for gate-checked items.
READ THIS BLOG: A Review of Our Disney Fantasy Caribbean Cruise
Car seat options require careful consideration. FAA-approved car seats can be used onboard aircraft. The CARES harness offers an alternative for toddlers over 22 pounds. Car seat travel bags protect your equipment during transport. Some convert to backpacks for easier carrying.
Travel cribs provide familiar sleeping environments at your destination. The Guava Lotus travel crib weighs only 13 pounds. Pack-n-play alternatives fold compactly for travel convenience. Inflatable toddler bed rails convert standard beds to child-safe sleeping spaces. Portable sound machines help maintain sleep routines in unfamiliar environments.
Check-in at the Airport
Arrive early when flying with children. Extra time reduces stress significantly. Online check-in saves time but requires special handling for infant travelers. Most airlines require in-person check-in when traveling with an infant in arms.
Travel documents need careful organization before arrival. Bring birth certificates for domestic infant travel. Passports are required for all international travel regardless of age. Keep documents easily accessible in a dedicated folder or envelope.
Checking luggage simplifies airport navigation with children. Most airlines allow free checked car seats and strollers. Request fragile handling stickers for car seats and other baby equipment. Curbside check-in offers convenience when managing multiple children and bags.
Inform agents about any special needs during check-in. Request early boarding privileges if not automatically offered. Verify seat assignments ensure your family sits together. Ask about empty adjacent seats that might provide extra space.
Security
Security screening causes anxiety for many parents. TSA PreCheck simplifies the process significantly. Children under 12 can accompany parents through PreCheck lanes. This benefit alone justifies the application cost for frequent travelers.
Standard security requires removing children from carriers and strollers. Collapse strollers and place them on the scanner belt. Infants and toddlers walk through metal detectors held by parents. Car seats must go through the X-ray machine like other items.
Formula, breast milk, and juice exceed normal liquid restrictions. Inform TSA agents about these items before screening begins. These liquids require separate screening procedures. Patience helps during this potentially time-consuming process.
Keep your boarding passes and ID easily accessible. Dress children in easily removable shoes if possible. Minimize metal items on both you and your children. Practice keeping your toddler close during this hectic process. Security screening rarely takes longer than 10-15 minutes with proper preparation.
In the Terminal
Use terminal time wisely before boarding. Find family restrooms for easier diaper changes. Complete final diaper changes immediately before boarding. Let toddlers burn energy in designated play areas. Many airports now offer dedicated children’s spaces.
Stock up on water and snacks after passing security. Airport food options provide backup supplies for longer flights. Bottle filling stations offer convenience for formula preparation. Keep children hydrated before boarding to prevent dehydration.
Watch for boarding announcements attentively. Position yourself near the gate for pre-boarding access. Organize carry-on items for efficient boarding. Separate items needed during boarding from in-flight essentials.
Consider airport lounges for longer layovers. Many offer family-friendly amenities and quieter environments. Day passes might be worth the investment during extensive delays. Some credit cards include complimentary lounge access as a benefit.
Boarding
Take advantage of pre-boarding opportunities. Family boarding provides extra time to get settled. Use this time to organize your seating area effectively. Wipe down seats, trays, and armrests with sanitizing wipes immediately.
Install car seats quickly if bringing them onboard. Practice installation before travel day for efficiency. Flight attendants can assist with proper installation if needed. Secure your carry-on items in overhead bins near your seats.
Organize essential items before takeoff. Keep toys, snacks, and comfort items easily accessible. Store your diaper bag under the seat for immediate access. Prepare bottles or snacks for takeoff before the seatbelt sign illuminates.
Gate check strollers receive special tags before boarding. These items return at your arrival gate, not baggage claim. Double-check gate check tags show the correct final destination. Attach identification information securely to all gate-checked items.
Take Off – Flying with a Baby and a Toddler
Ear pressure causes significant discomfort for young children. Offer bottles, pacifiers, or nursing during takeoff and landing. The swallowing motion helps equalize ear pressure naturally. Toddlers can drink from sippy cups or chew gum if age-appropriate.
Create a comfortable environment quickly. Familiar blankets or stuffed animals provide security. Overnight diapers prevent leaks during limited bathroom access periods. Layer children’s clothing for adjusting to varying cabin temperatures.
Engage children immediately after reaching cruising altitude. Start with calmer activities rather than exciting ones. Save new toys or surprises for potential fussy periods later. Introduce activities gradually throughout the flight duration.
Manage expectations about normal child behavior. Babies cry sometimes despite perfect planning. Turbulence may interrupt carefully planned activities or naps. Flight attendants generally offer understanding and assistance with young children. Remember that fellow passengers were once children or parents themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do babies need ID to fly?
Domestic flights typically require birth certificates for lap infants. International travel requires passports for all ages. Always check specific airline requirements before travel day.
Can I bring baby food and formula through security?
Yes, these items are exempt from liquid restrictions. Inform TSA agents before screening begins. These items require additional screening procedures but are permitted in necessary quantities.
Should I buy my baby a seat or fly with an infant in arms?
Short flights under two hours often work fine with lap infants. Longer flights benefit from separate seats for everyone’s comfort. Consider your budget, flight duration, and child’s temperament when deciding.
How do I handle diaper changes in flight?
Most aircraft bathrooms include changing tables. Bring changing pads for cleanliness. Change diapers before boarding when possible. Consider pull-ups for toddlers during flight for easier changes.
What helps prevent ear pain during flights?
Swallowing motions equalize ear pressure effectively. Offer bottles, nursing, or pacifiers during takeoff and landing. Older children can chew gum, drink through straws, or practice yawning techniques.
Conclusion
Even the most experienced parents find it difficult to travel by air with a baby and toddler. Thoughtful preparation is necessary to travel by air with children. Try maintaining predetermined routines while being flexible. The journey is just another way for your family to contribute to a shared experience and memory bank-the trip is part of the experience.
It is a very momentary phase of stress while traveling with younger kids. The adventures you take together will last a lifetime. With each passing flight, both your and your children’s experience gets better. Don’t wait for “the right age” to travel; family adventure awaits.
Shorter flights can be a very small way to gain confidence. Keep track of small victories along your travel experience. Most other travelers will be quite kind and accommodating. Your family deserves to explore.
