7 Tips for Stress-Free Travel with Infants and Toddlers

Dreaming of a vacation but dreading the flight with your toddler? I’ve been there.
The good news? It doesn’t have to be a disaster. Ready to transform travel chaos into calm?
I’ll share personal anecdotes and expert advice in this post.
Say goodbye to travel woes with your tiny companions and hello to a more peaceful journey. Here’s how to hold on to your sanity while traversing the globe with miniature humans.

1)Don’t Pack Like You’re Moving Forever (Pack Like a Pro)

Packing for kids is a careful dance — you don’t want to bring the whole nursery, but you also don’t want to find yourself without an extra onesie when a mid-flight diaper explosion hits. Pack the essentials: diapers, wipes, extra clothes, snacks, favourite toys and a tablet (yes, screen time is survival time). Remember: Less is more — except for snacks and wipes.

2)Master the Art of Distraction

Toddlers are as focused as goldfish. They mainly eat and cry. Stack up on distractions — there are stickers, picture books, mess-free colouring sets and, of course, the magic of Cocomelon on your phone. If nothing else, an empty water bottle can turn into the best toy ever (kids are weird like that).

3)Acknowledge That Meltdowns Will Occur — and Prepare

Let's be honest—at some point, your toddler will determine that this is the exact moment he or she must lose it. Whether their socks are “too sock-y” or you peel their banana wrong, tantrums are unavoidable. Keep your cool, breathe, and have a meltdown survival pack: favourite snacks, comfort items, and whatever pacifier or bottle calms them faster than a Jedi mind trick.

4)Problem 1: Choose Flights Wisely (Or Try)

Red-eye flights may look appealing (they will sleep!), but there’s also a 50/50 chance they will treat the plane as an after-hours playground. Book flights that correspond to nap times, and, if you can, get that coveted bulkhead seat for bonus legroom (or a play area that isn’t the aisle).

5)Snacks: Your Secret Weapon

An empty toddler is a little monster about to go off. Bring snacks — the healthy ones, the fun ones, and emergency chocolate for yourself. Bonus tip: Pack small portions of snacks in different containers. Somehow, eating the same crackers from five different boxes makes it infinitely more exciting.

6)Wear your babies—it’s the ultimate mom power move.

Tugging a stroller through packed airports while chasing a toddler? Sounds like a nightmare. A suitable baby carrier, on the other hand, can be your best pal. It leaves your hands free, makes the boarding process more manageable, and allows your infant to nap while you deal with your older child’s newfound need to bolt off in random directions.

7)Reduce Your Expectations (And Then Reduce Them Even More)

Forget the perfect travel dreams of sipping coffee as your children quietly admire the scenery. Instead, prepare for spilt drinks, numerous potty breaks and at least one existential crisis over a lost teddy bear. The secret? Go with the flow. Prepare for the unexpected, laugh at the chaos, and know this: You will have the best travel stories when your kids are older (and can retain the trip).

Final Thoughts: You Can Do This!

Travelling with an infant or toddler is an adventure. Still, it’s also a journey sprinkled with sweet moments — tiny hands reaching for yours in delight, giggles over ridiculous aeroplane games and discovering the world through their eyes. So, take a big breath, pack those snacks and GET READY to embrace the chaos. You’ve got this! 💪✈️

What is your most humorous experience of travelling with children? Tell me your stories 😆