Traveling With A Toddler : The Ultimate Guide With My Personal Experience

Traveling with a toddler—especially internationally—is one of those parenting things equal exciting and terrifying. I am in a long-distance relationship and my toddler and I travel to Korea twice a year. Solo. 12 hours long-haul. At first I was a mess. Now it just give me light flutters.

You’re probably asking:

What should I pack for my toddler on a trip?
What documents do I need to travel with my toddler?
Is this travel with a kid even worth it—or am I setting myself up for disaster?
How to survive long-haul with a toddler? Alone? Or any other trip really.

Good news: This guide has everything you need on Traveling with a Toddler (or will soon have it’s a WIP). Whether it’s your first time traveling internationally with a toddler, or you’re prepping for a weekend road trip, a long car ride, I’ve poured in all the pro-parent tips I’ve learned, gear lists, and airline rules. Everything I know about toddler travel into this ultimate toddler travel guide.

Let’s dive into all the different travel methods:

Table Of Contents

Airplane Travel
1) PLANNING AND BOOKING: PRE-FLIGHT PREP FOR TODDLER TRAVEL
🧳 PACKING & LUGGAGE
👶 TRAVEL GEAR
🎒 IN-FLIGHT WORRIES
4) ARRIVAL AND LAYOVERS
🚗 Traveling with a Toddler On Road Trips
- 🚗✈️🚆 Comparison Table: Flying vs. Train vs. Road Trip with a Toddler
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Airplane Travel

Air travel with toddlers is honestly not as difficult as you might think. It also gets easier with each trip. Once you’ve made it to your seat and survived take-off, you just have to keep your toddler busy.

1) PLANNING AND BOOKING: PRE-FLIGHT PREP FOR TODDLER TRAVEL

Does my toddler need their own seat?

If your child is under 2 years old (on the return flight too!), they can sit on your lap for free with most airlines — like Lufthansa. You’ll get a small toddler seatbelt that clips into yours. The flight crew will show you how.

My toddler hates that belt. So… you might consider getting them their own seat and bringing a car seat for more comfort.

Day or night flight – which is better?

Honestly? Both have pros and cons.

Night flights: If your toddler sleeps — awesome. If not — welcome to Zombie Mode.
Day flights: They might be more active, but at least you’re not half asleep. I prefer afternoon flights. So I am not super tired and my toddler sleeps a good portion of the flight.

Which airlines are toddler-friendly?

I’ve mostly flown Lufthansa. They’ve been great:

Gave us toys
Helped with the bassinet
Super kind with my son

What to pack for a toddler on a plane – Airplane Travel Essentials

I did these exact Airplane activities for toddlers last time. So you might want to pack some of that stuff. The post also has a list on what to pack.

These are the plane toys for toddlers I recommend. I will add some before I fly again.

What documents do I need when flying with a toddler?

Passport (Original!)
Even babies and toddlers need their own passport on international flights. Check the expiration date – many countries require 6 months’ validity.
If your toddler has changed a lot in appearance, it might be invalid even if not expired.
Copies of Important Documents
Print 2–3 copies of:
- Passport (yours + toddler’s)
- Flight tickets
- Insurance
- Any custody/travel documents
Keep one in your luggage, one in your handbag, and one as a PDF on your phone.
Travel Consent Letter or Custody Document
If traveling solo with your toddler:
- Bring a notarized letter from the other parent
- Or a proof of sole custody
  Especially in Europe, border agents often ask for it.
Health Insurance Card or Proof of Coverage
Check it covers emergencies, toddler illnesses, and COVID.
Vaccination Card / Health Documents
Required in some countries. Also helpful in case of emergency abroad.
Return Ticket (for international flights)
Some countries ask for proof that you’ll be leaving again.
Visa (if needed)
Check if your toddler needs a separate visa.
Emergency Contact Info
Have a printed card with:
- Your info
- Baby’s name + birthdate
- Emergency contacts in both home countries
- Your embassy’s number

Should I get a bassinet or extra space?

Yes! I always do.

Call the airline before your flight to request:
- A bassinet. Often they allow bigger toddlers to also use them, even if they exceed weight and height. I saw once a 13kg baby at 75cm use one.
- Extra legroom seats (bulkhead row is gold)

When should I get to the airport?

I go 2 hours early on international flights. The first time I totally underestimated how long it would take and with a baby you often get pre-boarding, so you can go in early. I missed that time and had to board with everyone.
I fly solo with my toddler, and trust me —I always need the time.

Diaper changes
Snack spills
Security lines (ask for fast lane – many airports allow parents with kids!- actually so far all allowed them.)

PS.: Also don’t go too early, on my second time I had to wait an hour before boarding …

Best seat on the plane?

Short flights: Window seat. My son loves to look outside.
Long flights: Aisle seat. You’ll be up a lot — diaper runs, snacks, stretching. Be kind to your neighbor.

🧳 PACKING & LUGGAGE

What should I pack in my toddler’s carry-on bag?

1. The “Entertainment & Emergency” Bag (under seat)
This is the golden bag — you’ll reach for it 42 times.

Travel-friendly toys → Here are my favorite picks
Diapers (2–5 for the flight)
Travel wipes
Changing mat
2–3 snacks
Sippy cup or bottle
Bib & towel
Mini hand sanitizer
Teddy
Teething toy or pacifier (optional if needed)
1–2 small books
PJs or comfy clothes
Baby headphones (maybe they’ll work this time 🤞)

2. The “Backup Bag” (overhead bin)
This is your insurance policy.

Extra diapers & wipes
Full outfit change for toddler
Change of shirt for YOU (yes, really)
More snacks
Extra water or milk
Any medications
Documents
Nursing cover
Light jacket or layer

Can I bring milk, water, or baby food through security?

Yes! Baby food, water, formula, and breastmilk are allowed — even over the 100ml rule.

Declare it at security
They might test it (they once swabbed my water bottle with a stripe).
Pack in easy-to-reach containers

Are there restrictions on breastmilk or formula?

Nope. You can bring:

Breastmilk, formula, sterilized water
No volume limits (within reason)
Declare it at security
Can be in bottles, pouches, cooler bags. Check with the airline to feel extra safe.

Do I need to pack a change of clothes for myself?

YES, mama.
Once I spilled my meal while catching my toddler mid-fall. Smelled like kimchi for 12 hours.

Bring a clean shirt
Bra pads (if breastfeeding)
Extra undies (just in case your main luggage gets lost)

3 Quick Tips to Pack Light (But Still Bring Everything)

I use a extra big diaper bag – mine is about to fall apart so I consider getting this one on Amazon. It has great reviews, super many compartments and is extra big.
Go for mini versions of everything
Pack multi-use items (muslins = blanket, burp cloth, sunshade)

(I’m working on a full packing list post — stay tuned!)

👶 TRAVEL GEAR

Can I bring a stroller or car seat onboard? Is it free?

Usually yes — and yes!

1 stroller (free)
1 car seat (free)

Tell them at check-in. You’ll leave the stroller at the aircraft door before boarding and collect it again right after landing (unless it’s sent to baggage claim — ask!).

Make sure it’s foldable and airline-approved.

What’s better at the airport: carrier or stroller?

Both.

Carrier on the plane = hands-free naps
Stroller in the airport = saves your back and sanity when they refuse to walk

Use the combo! If one breaks, you have backup.

🎒 IN-FLIGHT WORRIES

How do I keep my toddler entertained and distracted on the plane?

Keeping a toddler busy in a metal tube for hours isn’t exactly a dream… unless you come prepared. I rotate activities — the trick is variety and novelty.

💡 Here are my go-to travel activity guides (you’ll want to bookmark these):

👜 I pack small surprises (stickers, puppets, tiny puzzles) and bring snacks in reusable snack bags.

What If They Cry or Scream the Entire Flight?

Let’s be honest — it’s the fear. But here’s what one lovely stewardess told me:
“Eventually, all babies sleep.” And it’s true.

As long as I stay calm and listen to my son’s needs — food, comfort, boredom, overstimulation — we’ve never had a full meltdown the entire flight. Crying at takeoff or while falling asleep? Here is a parenting book I’d actually recommend:
How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk

How Can I Help with Ear Pressure During Takeoff and Landing?

Ah, the dreaded ear pop. The secret? Swallowing. That’s where breastfeeding, pacifiers, or snacks come in.
I’ve got a whole post breaking it down:
How to Prepare a Toddler for Airplane Takeoff & Landing

Bonus tip: I give a small sippy cup or a pouch snack during both ascent and descent. It distracts and helps with the pressure.

How do you change a baby’s diaper on an airplane?

Find the bathroom with the changing table (usually the outer ones— ask a flight attendant if unsure). I bring a mini diaper kit: 1–2 diapers, wipes, a changing mat, cream. Keep outfits simple ( eg. zip onesies ). Use the fold-down table, there is a trash bin in most planes. Done.

If your toddler is to big for the table, just change on the seat, while your toddler stands.

What Do I Do If There’s a Diaper Blowout at 30,000 Feet?

With calm. And dignity. (Even if you’re dying inside.)

Here’s what I do:

Bring two trash bags – to double bag the smelly stuff.
Pack an extra full outfit (for you, too — I once got puked on in the bus by my toddler. I changed him there, people stared).
Use premium diapers for flights (Pampers Pants are my fave — easier for squirmy little legs).
Know where the bathroom with the changing table is the second you board. Usually, the outside bathrooms have one.

No, we haven’t had a full blowout mid-air (knock on the tray table), but poop? Yep. Still, it’s survivable.

Can I Breastfeed During Takeoff and Landing?

Yes, and I highly recommend it.
When my son was under 15 months, it was the magic trick. Now that he’s older and more curious, he gets distracted, so I also pack a snack and a cup.

Again, check my full takeoff prep post for more tips.

Snacks or Pacifier for Ear Popping?

Why choose? Do both.

I offer a pacifier and a snack — sometimes one works better than the other.
And honestly? Snacks are also mini peace treaties in toddler world. Win-win.

What If My Toddler Throws a Tantrum Mid-Flight?

Tantrums have triggers — tiredness, overstimulation, hunger, boredom.
I’ve learned to get curious, not furious.

And if they do scream? Breathe. You’re not alone. The world won’t end.

If you want to dig deeper, I recommend the book
How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk
It’s a game-changer — and it’s often under $10 on Amazon. Totally worth it.

How Do I Handle Nap Time on the Plane?

My sleepy-flight secrets:

Let them run wild before boarding. If there’s an airport play area? Use it.
Keep their bedtime routine: PJs, teeth brushing, cuddles, story. I even whisper, “Time to sleep now” like we’re home.
Bring a baby carrier or harness. I rock/sway my toddler to sleep in it. Yes, people watch. Yes, I don’t care.
Headphones? Tried. He rips them off. Still bring them. Maybe one day they’ll stay on.

Tips and Tricks I Use

Help with take-off & landing: This is what I did the last times and it worked really well. I share how I protect my baby’s ears on a plane. My pilot hubby gave some recommendations too — like the “bing” sound that happens right before take-off.
Preorder special veggie food: Your toddler can eat more and you get food before everyone else.

4) ARRIVAL AND LAYOVERS

What Should I Do During a Layover with a Toddler?

Honestly, I haven’t had a super long layover yet (lucky me!), but I’ve noticed that many airports now have designated kid zones or indoor playgrounds.
My plan? I always ask at the information desk if there’s a play area. Some airports are surprisingly toddler-friendly.

Will My Stroller Be Waiting at the Gate or Luggage Carousel?

It depends on what you request at check-in.
If you ask for your stroller to be gate-checked, it’ll usually be waiting for you right after you exit the plane.

How to Help Your Toddler with Jetlag

Get sunlight ASAP – Natural light helps reset their little internal clocks. Go outside, even just for a stroller walk.
Stick (loosely) to your routine – Bath, PJs, bedtime story. Even if the timing’s off, the familiarity calms them.
Offer snacks at local meal times – Their body clock is confused, but food helps signal “okay, this is lunch now.”
Be kind to yourself – Some nights will suck. You might be up at 3 AM eating banana slices with your toddler and wondering about your life choices. It’s a phase. You’ll both adjust within 2–5 days (on average).

Common Parent Questions

Do 2-year-olds fly free? – Only on domestic flights (lap child). Most international airlines charge 10% of an adult fare.
How strict are airlines about 2-year-olds? – Very. At age 2+, they must have their own seat and wear a seatbelt.
Can I bring milk for my 3-year-old? – Yes, declare it at security.
Do strollers fly free? – Yes, most airlines let you gate-check for free.
What is the hardest age to fly with a baby? We’ve flown from 6 months and I feel it get’s harder each time. Flying and prep gets easier, but now my toddler can run around and sleeps less. Compared to 1.5 years ago.

🚗 Traveling with a Toddler On Road Trips

My biggest nightmare. My toddler gets car sick just like me and daddy. Until we get on the highway I worry the whole time.

Busy board inspiration (maybe you can make a small one)
Long car ride activities
Drive during nap time if possible
Tips on how to help your toddler with car sickness (coming). Cool air, no strong smells, NO MILK are my quick tips.

I’ll build this part out in the future. Stay tuned. Here is a free car travel checklist, click for download and similar content:

🚗✈️🚆 Comparison Table: Flying vs. Train vs. Road Trip with a Toddler

Feature / Method	✈️ Airplane	🚆 Train	🚗 Road Trip
Best for	Long distances, international trips	Scenic travel, less security hassle, car sick toddlers	Flexible stops, shorter regional trips
Stress Level	😅 Low (super helpful staff)	😊 Medium (more space to move, hard to move the luggage if you are alone)	😅For me super high (depends on distance and toddler)
Toddler Freedom of Movement	⛔️ Limited, book extra leg space!	✅ Moderate	⛔️ The seat my son’s biggest enemy, you can take stops
Entertainment Options	Toys, other passengers	Window views, toys, passengers	Busy Bag
Packing Restrictions	🎒 Strict (TSA limits, carry-on rules)	🧳 Light restrictions	🧺 Unlimited (pack as much as car allows)
Nap-Friendly?	💤 Yes (with prep)	💤 Yes (gentle motion helps)	💤 Yes (schedule around nap time)
Toilet Access	🚽 Restroom available	🚽 Yes, easier than plane	🚫 Only during stops
Budget-Friendliness	💸 Varies by route and airline	💵 Often cheaper than flights	🪙 Gas + food = moderate cost
Parent Energy Required	🔋 High (constant supervision)	🔋 Medium (less stress boarding)	🔋 High if your toddler gets car sick (low if kid naps)
Recommended Age Range	6 months (once your kid can sit)	Any age	Any age (car seat required)