Packing Tips for Babies and Toddlers: A Parent’s Travel Guide

“When things go wrong — when there’s dirt and paint and scrambled eggs and crumbs (so many crumbs) everywhere, when he’s falling asleep off schedule or ahead of schedule or behind schedule… —  I inflate my lungs, release the air, relinquish control and remind myself (sometimes through gritted teeth), ‘I’m a chill mom.’”

— Carly Riordan, lifestyle influencer and mom of two

About to fly with a baby or toddler? Congrats on entering the complex world of traveling parents, where carry-ons double as diaper bags and airport snacks are more for bribery than hunger.

Whether it’s your first flight with a 6-month-old or time to herd your toddlers to Disney, one constant of traveling with the kids will always hold true: preparation is everything. This guide covers packing tips for babies, packing tips for toddlers and how to survive a long flight, all with your sanity (mostly) intact.

A solid packing list is your best defense. Babies may be tiny, but they require a lot of stuff. And toddlers? They need less gear but more entertainment (and snacks... endless snacks).

Before you start loading up the suitcase, check your airline’s rules. Most allow a diaper bag in addition to your carry-on, and many let you gate check a stroller and car seat for free. Flight duration matters, too. Short hop or cross-country trek, you’ll want to plan for naps, feeding windows and any airport downtime that might turn into a tiny tantrum opportunity.

Let’s break it down by age group, because travel essentials for babies and toddlers aren’t exactly the same.

Baby Travel Must-Haves

• Diapers & Wipes: Pack more than you think you’ll need. You won’t regret it!
• Bottles & Formula/Breast Milk: TSA allows you to bring them, even over 3.4 oz. Just declare them.
• Burp Cloths & Bibs: Multiples, because babies are always ready to spit up.
• Onesies, Pajamas & Layered Outfits: Plan for blowouts, spills and temperature swings.
• Lightweight Stroller: Stick with something easy to fold and gate-check ready.
• Portable Changing Pad: Beat diaper changing lines, messes and uncertainty with your own changing station.

Toddler Travel Must-Haves

• Snacks: The holy grail of travel peacekeeping. Think crackers (Goldfish, pretzels and anything you can get a lot of mileage out of), little baggies of their faves and non-melty treats.
• Favorite Games, Toys and Books: No light-up toys with obnoxious music, please. Always try to be considerate of other travelers!
• Toddler Headphones & Tablet: Download plenty of shows and games ahead of time, and come ready with toddler-safe headphones.
• Portable Power Banks for Recharging: A great back-up to avoid the boredom or meltdown that might ensue when the tablet dies mid-Bluey-episode.
• Spare Clothes (Yes, For You Too): Toddlers are messy and generous about it.
• Collapsible Booster or Travel Car Seat Harness: Makes rideshares and rental cars easy and comfortable for your little ones.
   

Comfort & Entertainment

Airplane cabins weren’t designed with babies in mind. Dress your child in layers so they’re comfy whether the cabin feels like an Antarctic chill or toasty sauna. Bring a blanket and a comfort plush and rotate entertainment every 20 minutes like a Vegas variety show.

For ear pressure during takeoff and landing, have babies nurse or suck on a pacifier and give toddlers a chewy snack to keep those little jaws moving.

Safety Essentials

When traveling with a baby or toddler, sanity is important, but safety is non-negotiable. Bring:

• Childproof Harness or Baby Carrier: Especially helpful during boarding, bathroom runs and late-to-the-gate sprints.
• Anti-Bacterial Wipes & Hand Sanitizer: Because your kids are going to be touching everything. And we mean everything. Just make sure your hand sanitizer is stored in a TSA-approved 3.4 oz (or smaller) container.
• ID Bracelets or Tags: Tag your kids just like you would with your luggage (one is a lot worse to lose). Include all your contact info — and potentially the contact info of a trusted friend or relative — just in case you get separated.
• Labeled Bags: Make sure your diaper bag and car seat are clearly marked.

Pack like a pro by keeping daily-use essentials (snacks, wipes and your little one’s stuffed best bud) in your carry-on where they’re easy to grab mid-flight. Use clear zipper bags or packing cubes to sort items by category or by kid if you’re traveling with more than one.

Pro Tip: Always pack multiples of whatever you really, really need — like bottles or pacifiers. Because the universe just loves to deliver a challenge.

The night before your trip, line up snacks, toys and travel documents like you're prepping for a heist. Let someone you trust know your travel plans ahead of time. And if you want to win even more parent points, download a white noise app or lullaby playlist for in-flight sleepytime.

Don’t forget, family-friendly perks DO exist. Many airlines offer early boarding for families, and some have kid-friendly security lines to make the whole experience a little less chaotic.

You’re Ready for Takeoff

You packed the bags, wrangled the gear and somehow managed to find that elusive missing sock. You’re officially ready to fly! And if you’re flying through Ontario International Airport (ONT), you’ve got a few extra perks in your corner, like quick security lines, superstar staff and airport shops in case you forgot anything (because there’s always something, isn’t there?). Make sure to take advantage of our family-friendly amenities like hydration stations and nursing rooms. And if you’ve got some time to pass with the kid before takeoff, the California Science Center at ONT is a perfect escape.

So go ahead — save this checklist, share it with your crew and show those seasoned travelers that parents with kids can pack light(ish), fly right and still make it to the gate without breaking a sweat.