AUG 13, 2024 4 MIN READ AIR TRAVEL VACATION

Tips for Traveling with a Baby or Toddler

Traveling alone can be challenging, but traveling can become daunting when there is a baby or toddler with you. You probably ask yourself several questions: Can I bring my baby bag on the plane? Do I have the right baby seat to bring on the plane? When's the best time of day to travel with a baby?

Here at PreFlight, we are parents and know the struggles of traveling with little ones. We asked our team members, family, and friends for some of their parent tips to share when traveling.

Plan Before You Pack

Like any trip, you'll need to plan and do a little bit of research. Each airline has different rules for what you can bring on the plane and what you will have to check. You can call the airlines or visit their website to find out what they allow on the plane. Make sure those items fall within the height and width limits they give.

Take the time to research what documents you may need for your baby to travel. Gate agents may ask for your child's birth certificate and immunization records. If you are flying internationally, they will need a passport. Both domestic and international regions may require that your baby have certain vaccinations to enter the area.

Bring Toys and Books to Keep Them Entertained

Toys are an excellent way to keep your baby entertained on the flight. Bring at least 3-4 small toys that fit in your diaper bag and take them out one at a time. Bringing one out at a time will help keep them occupied by engaging with something new. Books are another way to entertain your baby; reading a book may soothe your baby enough for them to fall asleep.

Overpack on those snacks!

If you feel like you’ve packed enough, pack a few more! They will be eaten either by your little ones or by you. It's better to be safe than sorry. Pack empty bottles to get through security so you can refill them.

Consider bringing flavored powdered drink packets for a fun treat. You can make it as a reward when you get on the plane so they have something to look forward to and know what will happen when they get there.

If needed, adjust their sleep schedule 2-3 days beforehand

Depending on when your flight is and how long it will be, try to adjust their sleeping and eating routine so they aren’t as fussy and can adapt more easily to a new time zone or flying time. While this isn’t a fail-safe way to make sure the timing works out, it can help make your trip a little bit easier.

Consider where you sit on the plane

Front seats often offer more leg space for kids to swing their legs without kicking someone’s seat.

Back seats, the back of the plane so you can be close to the bathroom without disturbing other passengers, and you can reach flight attendants faster if you need assistance

Give children the window seat so they can look out the window. This will give them something else to keep them occupied. It also adds additional security if anything falls from the overhead bins.

Note: Check your airlines family seating policy, depending on the airline they will guarantee that families aren’t separated on their flight.

Consider getting that extra seat

While children under the age of 2 can sit on your lap, consider getting them their own seats so you both have space to relax and give them enough space to play.

Noise-canceling headphones

Great for any age, bringing noise-canceling headphones to help with crowded spaces and airplane takeoffs

Download offline games, shows, and music

Consider not using the tablet leading up to the flight for a few days; that way, their attention is more focused on the plane.

For babies, consider downloading white noise or long form videos that offer calm music and slight movement (example) to help them calm and not overstimulated.

For toddlers, download their favorite shows, games, and download drawing apps so they can doodle.

Comfy Clothes in Layers

Everyone wants to be comfy on long plane rides; consider letting them wear PJ’s at the airport

Invest in a collapsible stroller

Try to travel as light as possible. There are many types of foldable strollers, and by investing in a good one, you can save yourself the stress of trying to get it on the plane or having it damaged as a checked item.

Babies: Bring a Car Seat

Some parents opt to bring a car seat with them on the plane. The car seat must be FAA-approved; most seats meet the standards and will have a sticker on the side. You can check the manufacturer's documentation if the car seat does not have a sticker. It's a good idea to bring the documentation if an agent asks about the seat.

Having a car seat has many pros, such as extra storage. You can put extra diapers or a swaddle in the car seat. It will give you the flexibility to put the baby down if holding them starts to strain you. Car seats are also good when walking through a terminal, and on any shuttles you must take.

Note: Make sure to check your airline policies. Each one has different seat widths that affect whether your car seat will fit.

Toddlers: Kids can have carry-ons too!

When traveling with your child, let them have a small backpack that they can carry themselves. Put in some snacks, a few toys, and anything else your child might want. This will give them a sense of responsibility and control over their belongings, which can help them feel more comfortable with everything that's going on.

You can let them pick out some clothes they would like to bring as well.

Toddlers: Talk to them about traveling etiquette

Talk to your toddler about how to walk on moving sidewalks, don’t run too far ahead, wait in lines, go through TSA, and not touch other people’s luggage. Letting them know ahead of time and talking to

What to do at an airport

Airports can be daunting for children. Be patient with them and yourself. The best thing you can do to prepare is give yourself enough time to adapt and to pack effectively.

Most airports will have a map online of the airport that can help you navigate quickly to find the nearest bathrooms, nursing spaces, lounges, and dining locations. Take time before you get to the airport to look through the food options and consider what options there are for your child. If there are multiple options that your toddler would like, narrow it down to a few options and let them choose to help them feel like they have control in the unfamiliar environment.

The Best Time to Travel with a Baby

While there is no definitive answer by experts as to what time of day you should travel, think about your baby's sleep schedule. Naptime is likely the best time for you to book your flight. Babies will probably fall asleep or be calmer during naptime. If you can keep the feeding and sleep schedules consistent, plan your trip around that schedule as much as possible to allow for an easier trip.

Arriving Early

You have always been told to arrive early at the airport; you should heed that advice when traveling with a baby or toddler. Parents may think arriving early at the airport means you will have to entertain the baby for longer, making the experience more stressful. However, giving yourself less time will stress you and your baby more because it will make it challenging to get through certain checkpoints. For instance, with the extra baby gear you must bring, you will take longer to go through the TSA Checkpoint. The positive to having more time is that you can regroup to figure out your next step.

Consider Parking at the Airport

Traveling with a baby means you have a lot of extra stuff. Parking at the airport gives you time to get your luggage together without feeling rushed.

At PreFlight, we're here to meet your family airport parking needs. We offer low daily rates and free shuttle service to and from the airport.

Toddlers: Look for Kid Areas and Lounges

Some airports will have small play places where kids can run around before a flight. Research for your airport to check.

At O’Hare Airport, they have both family lounges with coloring areas in Terminal 2
At Phoenix Sky Harbor, they have a play area in Terminal 3
At Boston Logan Airport, they have 3 at Terminal A, B, and C
If you are a service member, you can have access to USO (United Service Organization) lounges

Toddlers: Create Activities

It’s easy to get bored at the airport, especially when you’re waiting around for take-off or for boarding. So, make games like

Eye spy
Counting luggage or plane rows
Check your airport to see if they have exhibits or art pieces scattered through the airport to explore
Try making a story out of what they see around them
- For example, if they see a dog, ask them questions like
  - What do you think their name is?
  - Does he have friends?
  - What do you think their favorite thing to do is?
Ride the escalator or moving sidewalks to keep them moving
- Let them know they must be careful of others and not to run too far ahead
- Ask kids questions about what’s around them or what they think about what's around them:
- Where do you think that plane is going or coming from?
- What's your guess on what that truck does?
- (If you see a plane with an animal printed on the side) what kind of animal is that? Should we name it?

Check your airline family boarding policies

Depending on your airline, they will let you board early so you can get settled. But be warned, this might mean your kid is stuck up to 45 minutes before the plane takes off. Consider your child’s needs and what works best for your family.

Take turns

If you are traveling with another adult or spouse, take turns keeping kids entertained and distracted so one of you can take a break.

Prepare for take-off

Altitude changes can cause discomfort for kids because they don’t know how to force their ears to pop with the change in pressure. To help them adjust, give them a pacifier, a bottle or drink, or gum or chewable candy (as age-appropriate).

If you are wondering what to bring, Pampers made a great checklist of essentials to help you pack. Remember, traveling is as hard on kids as it is on you. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from airline staff or kind strangers to help you get your luggage on the plane or navigate the airport. Do your best to consider that they might need more attention or be so grumpy that their routine is thrown off. Take breaks from big activities for both you and your kids so everyone can enjoy their trip. There will be big feelings and some growing pains, but you’ll get through it and make wonderful memories on your trip. Take a lot of pictures and happy travels!

Common Questions

Can I bring breast milk, formula, or baby food through security?

Yes, you can! They are considered medically necessary liquids. It must adhere to the 3.4 oz (about 100.55 ml) rule. Anything over that must go into your checked bag. If you are using a freezer bag or any ice packs for breast milk, they are allowed in your carry on as well.

What do I do if I need to pump?

Most airports have designated pump locations or family bathrooms so you can be comfortable. There are

12 locations at Chicago O'Hare Airport
8 at Boston Logan International Airport
12 at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport
10 at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport.

Do toddlers and babies need to go through security?

Yes, if they can walk without assistance, they can go separate from their parents and be carried through metal detectors. A nice perk is that kids under 12 don't need to take off their shoes, jackets, or hats. They are unable to remain in strollers or car seats, so they should be prepared beforehand. But you won’t ever be separated from you.