Flying With a Toddler for the First Time? Read This Before Your Trip

Air travel is stressful for almost everyone, but it can be especially fraught for parents flying with toddlers. If you're flying with little ones for the first time, you'll want to do as much as you can to make the experience enjoyable, or at least not a hassle, for you and everyone involved.

Plan Ahead: Pick the Best Time to Fly

When you're first planning your trip, try to pick a direct flight at the time of day when your child is at their best. For many parents, this will mean early morning travel, which is also usually a less crowded time. Check our list of airline perks for kids if you're choosing between two airlines – one might have something you could use!

Some families prefer late evening flights when kids may be able to fall asleep on the plane, but this could mean waking your kids up just to get them in a rental car and to a hotel room, which can be more stressful for parents of young kids.

Plan Ahead: Packing and TSA PreCheck

Before you even head to the airport, you'll need to think of all the things you'll need for the flight and the trip. Consider where you're going and how you'll get around when you get there. If you need a car seat or stroller, plan to check those items, or pack lightweight travel versions that you can bring to the gate. If you'll need a harness for your toddler on the plane, buy one in advance and learn how to use it beforehand.

We got approved for TSA PreCheck before our children's first flight. This costs just $78 a person for a five-year precheck and saves a lot of time waiting in line at the airport. Plan on starting this process at least six weeks in advance so you can make sure it's complete for you and your kids before you arrive at the airport.

When you're packing bags, make sure you have an extra set of clothes in carry-on bags for each person traveling. You never know who will be the victim of a vomit or blowout incident and no one wants to sit in dirty clothes in a confined space for hours. Pack a few more diapers and pacifiers than you think you need.

Arriving at the Airport: What to Do Before Takeoff

Get to the airport early. If possible, plan a 30-45 minute buffer time in case you get caught in traffic or need longer than anticipated to get to the gate. If you're traveling with a car seat or stroller, many airlines allow you to check them at the ticket counter or the gate, but see what your airline's policy is before arriving and make a plan.

Try to arrive at the gate an hour before your plane leaves, and during that hour, do one last diaper change. Many airports also have children's play areas, so if you arrive earlier than anticipated, you can always visit that space for a while before boarding.

Getting on the Plane: Set Up for Take Off

While your toddlers are on the plane, you may want to have something to help relieve pressure changes, especially if your children have sensitive ears. Our kids weren't old enough to chew gum on their first flight, but we found that lollipops worked for them.

If your kid is 2 or over and you know they get motion sickness, consider getting Dramamine for kids and giving it to them before the flight. Make sure you know where the barf bags are, just in case!

During the Flight: Entertainment on Hand

Make sure to stow whatever you brought to entertain your kids (or at least keep their minds off the changing pressure and sitting in one seat for a while) within arm's reach. We like having a backpack to stow under the seat in front of us.

Bring coloring books, picture books, small toys or stuffed animals, or an iPad with headphones to help kids stay engaged and quiet. We typically bring at least one new item to make the trip feel special. And as with most parenting situations with preschoolers, make sure you have plenty of snacks on board.

During the Flight: Bathroom Business

If you're traveling with a potty-trained child, make sure they're letting you know far in advance if they need to use the bathroom. You never know when there's going to be a line. If you're on the border, or if you're not sure your kid will let you know in time, use a Pull-Up. Some kids are also scared of the airplane bathroom, so talk about it in advance or find a picture or video so they can see what it's like.

If your kid wears diapers, be aware that changing stations in airplanes are a tight squeeze, and you'll want to make as few trips to the changing station as possible. Try not to feed your kid anything new in the day or two leading up to the trip to prevent any unpredictable digestive issues.

During the Flight: Build the Excitement for the Trip

If you've gotten this far and everyone is still in good spirits, spend some time with your toddler looking out the window and enjoying the views. Talk about all of the fun things you will do during your trip and get them excited about it! You'll only get to go on their first flight once, and hopefully you've planned ahead enough that it's enjoyable.

If it's not going well, keep in mind that many parents have been there before. Do your best to help your kids stay calm, and don't be afraid to accept offers to help. Often, flight attendants can walk kids up and down the aisle or bring an extra drink or snack to ease boredom, or bring a little extra comfort to a toddler who is upset. And don't worry about what other people think – you'll likely never see them again anyway.

When You Land: Make a Plan for the Next Leg of Travel

Celebrate a successful plane trip as soon as you land! Make sure you grab everything you came with from below the seat in front of you and from the overhead bin. Then, be ready for the next phase of travel. If you're traveling with your partner, have one adult go secure the rental car or cab while the other waits for any checked luggage, car seats, or strollers with the kids. Check diapers again before leaving the airport and head on your way to a great vacation!

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