What to Pack for a Flight With a Toddler: My Carry-On Packing List
After 20+ flights with my kids, I’ve learned that when it comes to flying with a toddler, less is usually more.
I used to think I needed to pack an entire bag of toys and activities to keep my child entertained on a flight. Now that I’ve flown with my kids everywhere from short domestic trips to long international flights, my packing list has gotten much simpler.
At this point, I bring the things I know we’ll actually use, plenty of snacks, and enough backup supplies to handle the things that could actually derail a travel day.
Here’s what I actually pack for a flight with my toddler.
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My Toddler Carry-On Packing List
For the plane, I usually bring my diaper backpack. Depending on whether I’m traveling alone or with my husband, I may also bring a personal tote or just wear a small crossbody and consolidate everything else into the backpack.
I try to keep as much as possible under the seat in front of me. The last thing I want to do is get up and dig through an overhead bin every time my toddler wants a snack.
Here’s what I typically pack:
Diapers or pull-ups, if needed
Wipes
Changing pad
Backup outfit for my toddler
Backup shirt for me
Bentgo lunchbox
Pouches and plenty of snacks
One or two small toys
A book
Any medicine we might need during the trip
It sounds like a decent amount written out, but it all fits pretty easily into one backpack when I’m thoughtful about what I bring.
Snacks Are Probably the Most Important Thing I Pack
If you’re flying with a toddler, bring more snacks than you think you need.
I pack things I already know my toddler will eat rather than using a travel day to experiment with something new. I usually bring pouches, individually packaged snacks and a Bentgo lunchbox filled with familiar foods.
Having a real lunch packed has been especially helpful on longer flights. Airport food can be unpredictable, and even when food is available on the plane, there’s no guarantee my toddler is going to want it.
I’d much rather know I have a few reliable options with me.
I also bring a water bottle and fill it once we’re through security.
Yes, I Bring a Tablet
Before my son was really interested in screen time, I barely packed entertainment for him. Babies can be surprisingly entertained by everything happening around them on an airplane.
Toddlers are a different story.
Now I bring an Amazon Fire tablet and toddler headphones. I download shows or movies before we leave so I’m not relying on airplane Wi-Fi.
I don’t feel the need to avoid screen time on a travel day. A flight is one of those situations where my normal routine goes out the window. If watching a movie keeps my toddler happy for part of the flight, I consider that a win.
I’ll usually bring a book and maybe one or two small toys too, but I don’t pack an entire bag of activities.
I Don’t Bring a Million Toys
This is probably one of the biggest ways my packing has changed after flying with kids so many times.
I used to think I needed lots of little toys, activities and surprises. In reality, they take up space and don’t necessarily keep a toddler entertained for very long.
I’d rather have a couple of things I know my toddler likes, plus the tablet.
There’s also plenty happening on an airplane. Looking out the window, opening and closing the shade, watching the flight attendants and exploring the seat can all buy you time.
You don’t need to bring your entire playroom.
Always Pack a Backup Outfi
Even if your toddler has been potty trained for a while, I would still bring a complete change of clothes.
Spills happen. Accidents happen. Someone gets airsick. A water bottle leaks.
I also pack a backup shirt for myself. This is one of those things you probably won’t need most of the time, but you’ll be extremely happy you have it if something happens.
If your toddler is still in diapers or pull-ups, bring more than you think you’ll need. Travel delays are unpredictable, so I never pack exactly enough for the scheduled travel time.
Bring Any Medicine You Might Need With You
I don’t put essential medicine in my checked luggage.
If there’s something I might reasonably need during the travel day, I want it accessible. The same goes for anything my kids absolutely need during the first day of the trip.
Checked bags get delayed. Flights get canceled. Travel days become much longer than expected.
I keep the essentials with me and check almost everything else.
What I Put Under the Seat
Anything I think I’ll need during the flight goes under the seat in front of me.
That usually means snacks, water, wipes, diapers or pull-ups, backup clothes, the tablet and headphones, and a couple of small entertainment options.
I don’t want to be opening the overhead bin every 20 minutes, especially if I’m traveling alone with my kids.
Keeping the bag organized helps too. I like knowing exactly where the snacks, wipes and tablet are rather than digging through a giant bag while someone is melting down.
What I Don’t Pack for My Toddler
After a lot of flights, I’ve become much more selective about what earns space in my carry-on.
I generally skip bulky toys, lots of books, elaborate travel activities and anything I can easily buy at my destination.
I also don’t bring a separate carry-on suitcase filled with kid stuff unless there’s a specific reason I need it.
My goal is to have everything we need for the flight and enough essentials to get us through an unexpected delay without carrying half our house through the airport.
How I Pack When I’m Flying Alone With My Kids
When I’m flying alone, I simplify even more.
I want my hands as free as possible, so I usually wear a backpack rather than carrying a shoulder bag. If I bring a purse at all, it’s usually a small crossbody.
I also try to check our main luggage.
Could I save time at baggage claim by carrying everything on? Probably. But I’d much rather wait for a checked bag than drag multiple roller bags through an airport while managing a toddler.
When I’m traveling with my husband, we have a little more flexibility because there are two adults to carry everything.
My Biggest Advice: Don’t Overpack
The more I’ve traveled with kids, the less I bring.
You need enough diapers or pull-ups. You need wipes. You need food. You need backup clothes. And once they’re old enough, you probably want some entertainment.
Beyond that, you really don’t need as much as you think.
I’d rather move through the airport with one organized backpack than spend the entire travel day managing bags full of things we never use.
After 20+ flights with my kids, that’s probably the biggest thing I’ve learned: pack for the problems that would actually matter, and leave the rest at home.
Traveling With a Baby Instead?
Packing for a baby is a little different, especially when you’re bringing bottles, formula and more diapering supplies. If you’re traveling with a younger baby, read my Flying With a Baby Packing List for exactly what I bring in my diaper bag.
You can also check out my list of What Medication I Pack, Best Travel Gear for Flying With a Baby and Best Travel Products With a Toddler for the gear I’ve actually found worth bringing on family trips.
