I Survived an Airplane Trip With a 2-Year Old Toddler

I survived my first airplane trip with a 2-year old toddler. Flying with a toddler is very different from flying with a baby in terms of challenges. What is the reason behind this? Because toddlers are often highly mobile and impossible to control. At the same time, they are also too young to completely understand instruction or discipline. All these factors make traveling very difficult.  

Going to a nice vacation destination with kids is fun but getting there and back can also be scary and exhausting. 

On a daily basis you try so hard to avoid tantrums in our home, which is perfectly set up with everything you need to take care of a toddler. And now you have to go in a large metal tube with hundreds of strangers and a backpack and do the same?

I was definitely nervous. No, to be more exact, I was terrified of going on the first international flight with my toddler. I dreaded the nasty looks from other people once the kid started crying. I felt bad for potentially spoiling people's flight with my child's tantrums, smelly diaper, spilled food and drinks.

With lots of preparation, I was able to execute my first flight with a toddler quite successfully. Here are some of my tips for flying with a toddler.

Get to the airport early

Travelling with a toddler can be a challenging experience, especially when it comes to getting to the airport on time. To ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience, it's important to arrive at the airport early. Arriving early allows you to have enough time to check-in, clear security, and find your gate without rushing. This also gives you some buffer time in case of unexpected delays, such as traffic or long security lines.

With a toddler in tow, it's even more important to have extra time to handle any potential tantrums or bathroom breaks. Additionally, arriving early gives your child a chance to explore the airport and get used to their surroundings before boarding the plane, which can help to ease any anxiety or fears they may have. Overall, getting to the airport early can make your travel experience much smoother and more enjoyable for both you and your toddler.

So, while arriving 3 hours early is likely unnecessary for a domestic flight, arriving 90 minutes or so before your flight worked for me. It certainly reduces the unnecessary worry of trying to get to the gate on time.   

Get your child his or her own seat

In the U.S. children under the age of 2 fly free if seated in the lap of the caregiver. It can be tempting to hold them on your lap during the flight to save on costs. However, it is highly recommended to get your toddler their own seat for a number of reasons. Firstly, it provides a safer environment for your child in case of turbulence or unexpected jolts. Holding a child on your lap during a flight can be risky as there is no proper restraint or safety equipment in place. Additionally, having their own seat allows them to be more comfortable and secure during the flight, which can help to prevent fidgeting and crying. This can be particularly important on longer flights where your toddler may become restless and uncomfortable.

Having their own seat also gives you more space to store their toys, snacks, and other essentials, as well as allowing you to have a little more space for yourself to stretch out and relax during the flight. Overall, while it may cost more, getting your toddler their own seat is a safer and more comfortable option that can help make the flight experience much more pleasant for everyone involved.

This inflatable foot rest has been amazing for making the plane seat comfortable for sleeping during flights.

Before your flight, use the restroom at the airport

You should try to board the airline with a youngster who is wearing a dry diaper. As a result, make one last trip to the airport bathroom before boarding the plane. 

You might as well double up on the diaper cream and put your baby in two diapers for extra leak prevention, while you are there. This means less work for mom or dad in the plane as well as less inconvenience for others sitting nearby. 

Speaking of diaper creams, Triple Paste is definitely a superior product.

Bring twice as much baby gear as you think you will need

Travelling with a baby or toddler can be unpredictable, and it is always better to be over-prepared than underprepared. This is why it's recommended to bring twice as much baby gear as you think you will need. While it may seem like a hassle to pack more than you think you will use, having extra gear can be a lifesaver in case of unexpected situations.

For example, you may run out of diapers or wipes faster than anticipated, or your child may spill food or drinks on their clothes more often than usual. Having extra supplies on hand can help to avoid stress and panic when faced with these situations. Additionally, having extra toys, books, and snacks can help to keep your child entertained during long flights or car rides. This can help to prevent boredom and restlessness, making the travel experience much more enjoyable for both you and your child.

Overall, bringing twice as much baby gear as you think you will need can help to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable travel experience for everyone involved.

Do not forget about the medication for the infant

When travelling, it is important to ensure that you have all of your prescription and over the counter medications with you in your carry-on bag. This is because checked bags can sometimes get lost or delayed, and you don't want to be without your necessary medication if this happens.

It is also important to keep your medication in their original packaging so they can be easily identified by security officials if necessary. This is particularly important for prescription medication, as some countries have strict laws regarding the importation of medication. Keeping your medication in their original packaging can also help to ensure that you have the correct medication and dosage, and can help to prevent any confusion or mistakes.

Additionally, it is a good idea to bring extra medication with you in case of unexpected delays or changes to your travel plans. This can help to ensure that you have enough medication to last you throughout your trip. Overall, keeping your medication in your carry-on bag and in their original packaging can help to ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience.