If congested roadways and unexpected flight delays aren’t enough to make you rethink travel, the notion of toting along little ones might. Having children is not a reason to stop exploring the world—it’s a reason to start! So, don’t axe your itinerary just yet. While nothing guarantees perfect travel conditions with young children, the tips below have proven successful for my family.
Flying with Infants
Babies 6 months and under are often one of the easiest ages for airline travel. At this age, babies really only eat, sleep and poop, and with a bit of pre-planning, all three are manageable from 30,000 feet in the air.
At the airport:
- Both flying and breastfeeding make moms susceptible to dehydration, so be sure to drink lots of water. Take a reusable water bottle to fill as soon as you get through security. I’m more likely to drink water when it’s cold, so I fill an insulated cup with ice before leaving home. TSA allows ice through security.
- Breast milk and sealed liquid formula are exempt from 3.4-ounce TSA limits. They will be screened separately and swabbed, so give yourself a few extra minutes to get through security.
- Check with the gate agent to inquire about flight capacity. If the flight isn't full, they may allow you to bring baby’s car seat on board, which provides a place to set your infant down (especially helpful if you’re flying solo).
- Use the restroom and change baby's diaper right before boarding the plane. It’s tricky to navigate bathroom breaks during flight, especially if baby falls asleep on you (which is the goal).
Pumping tips for breastfeeding moms:
- If you plan to pump, I highly recommend a wearable breast pump. These smaller, battery-operated devices are easier to pack, eliminate the need for cords and bulky equipment, and are discreet enough to pump at your seat. There are many options available, including a more budget-friendly single cup for pumping one side at a time.
- If you can’t get a wearable pump, the next most convenient option is using a cordless, rechargeable pump or pumping in a nursing room or lactation pod at the airport.
- Most major airlines consider a breast pump a medical device, which means it doesn’t count as a carry-on. Pack your pump separately to save space in carry-on bags for other necessities.
- Pack a pump in a bag that also has an insulated compartment for breast milk. Don’t forget frozen ice packs to ensure safe storage temperatures.
- Don’t bother trying to clean pump parts in a tiny airplane bathroom. Wipe everything down with breast pump cleaning wipes and save deep cleaning for your final destination.
Once on board:
- Babies don't have fully developed immune systems, so it's a good idea to wipe down your seat, tray table and the seat back in front of you with cleansing wipes.
- The back of an aircraft is often less crowded. It takes longer to get on and off the plane, but there’s a better chance of having an open middle seat or a row to yourself.
- Offer a bottle, breast or pacifier during takeoff and landing. Babies don’t know how to pop their ears; this helps ward off discomfort.
Traveling with Toddlers
Everything done with a toddler in tow requires a bit of self-grace, and travel is no exception. Some flights with my kiddo are a breeze; others leave me swearing off travel for the next decade. Here are some lessons we’ve learned along the way.
Travel compact. An umbrella stroller is lightweight, quick and easy to use, and saves space in vehicles and hotel rooms. Many car rental companies offer car seat rental options, so be sure to inquire.
Depart at night. We like to travel at night, even opting for red-eye flights when available. On the day of travel, we stay very active to wear our kiddo down. Then we give him a bath, put cozy pajamas on, and take a blanket on board. Flying at night means your toddler is more likely to sleep while traveling. This holds true for road trips, too. Wait to hit the road until after dinner and bath time (there’s also usually less traffic at night).
Pack surprises. I like to have a few new toys or activities handy, but it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Some of our favorites include Water WOW! and Sticker WOW! on-the-go activity books, suction cup spinners, playdough, mini magnetic tiles and toy airplanes. When we’re not using our bag of travel toys, we share it with friends. They always add a few new items, which is fun to discover on our next trip.
Keep shoes on. As of July 2025, TSA no longer requires shoes to be removed in security lanes.
Expect a mess. Wherever there’s a toddler, a mess is sure to follow. Always have hand wipes with you, and use the airsick bags from the seatback pocket in front of you as a small trash bag.
Skip the gadgets (mostly). I’m a sucker for gadgets and I’ve tried a lot of TikTok “must haves.” Most have been a waste of money and space, but I do highly recommend a car seat tray for road trips. It provides little ones with a desktop for the car, which is great for snacking, activities and playing with toys. Ours doubles as a dry-erase board, which our little guy loves.
Keep calm and ride on. Our son loves his hardshell ride-on suitcase! We still bring a stroller for when he’s tired or when we’re not at the airport.
Avoid sugar. On one memorable flight, my toddler was crying loudly before takeoff when a lovely, well-meaning flight attendant appeared with snack-sized servings of OREOs. Against my better judgement, I let him chow down. While the treat stopped his tears, the rest of the flight was spent trying to quell a sugared-up, overly tired 2-year-old. Never again.
Bring healthy snacks. Pack an array of (non-sugary) snacks your toddler enjoys and put them in a container that allows him to see the entire assortment. Providing toddlers with choices gives them a sense of autonomy and control, and it reduces power struggles. Chewing helps with ear discomfort during airplane ascent and decent. Gummy snacks work well.
Find a balance. I try to leave the tablet as my last resort, but I also believe in picking my battles. Most airlines have options for free games, movies and TV, but if your kid has a favorite, be sure to download it beforehand. Don’t forget headphones! We’ve tried them all; the only pair my son will wear are wired Paw Patrol headphones, complete with puppy ears.
Travel is a wonderful way to make memories with people we love. Enjoy the journey, go with the flow and make the most of each moment. After all, today becomes tomorrow all too fast.
Jennifer Garcia is a freelance writer and award-winning photographer in East San Diego County. When she’s not traveling with her husband and toddler, she’s often thrifting, crafting or baking.
