My Essentials for Traveling With Kids

When I mentioned that I was working on this blog post, so many of you messaged me and said you’ve been waiting for this. I know that traveling with kids can be really stressful, but I promise that as a flight attendant, I love to have kiddos on the plane. The key is to fly/travel prepared and you will be just fine!

Here, I’m sharing some quick tips and my favorite finds for making airport travel a breeze. Safe travels!

Getting Through the Airport

Now that I have two kids, I find it is easiest to wear Bodie in a carrier and push Presley in a stroller through the airport. I always gate check my stroller (I like to have it through the airport to keep Presley strapped in) and check everything else at check-in (bags, car seat, etc). 

If you’re traveling with a baby under two and can purchase a seat, I would highly recommend doing that. This is a game changer for a long flight (3+ hours) if you’re able to do it. Just be sure to bring the car seat to the gate as well.

Also, one last random but helpful hack: When traveling with a baby that takes a bottle, it’s best to feed them on takeoff and landing to help their ears. 

Gear

Having the right gear will make your airport (and overall travel experience) so much easier. You can do all the planning ahead that you want, but it won’t really matter unless you’re prepared with the right stuff.

Aside from a basic stroller, car seat, and baby carrier, I always like to have Presley pack her own toys, activities, snacks, and tablet in a backpack that’s just for her.

I also am mindful of bringing reusable water bottles for the whole family, which you can fill up once you’ve made it through security.

Travel Stroller

Baby Carrier

Wrap

Travel Toddler Car Seat

Toddler/Infant Travel Crib

Baby Shusher

Toddler Backpack

Bento Box

Water Bottle

Activities

The key is to give your kids something on the plane that they have never seen before. This will excite them and help keep them entertained. Ideally, you’d bring something that they can play with for a while as well as something that doesn’t make noise. 

Here are some of Presley’s favorites…

Amazon Fire Tablet

Wireless Kids Headphones

Drawing Tablet

Sensory Toy

Window Stickers

Craft Toys

Sticker/Coloring Book

Fidget Poppers

Stuffed Animals

Snacks

You can certainly bring food on an airplane, so grab some pretzels and chop some cucumbers, carrots, berries, etc. Stash any fresh food inside of the bento box and throw some additional fun snacks (like the ones below) into your child’s backpack.

Just don’t forget to sanitize your hands before snacking!

Sanitizing Wipes

Freeze-Dried Yogurt Snacks

Baby Food Pouches

Lollipops

Fruit Squeeze Snacks