Traveling with Toddlers: What to Pack for Car and Plane Travel to Keep Your Sanity Intact

ByAmy
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Car travel with babies is sometimes unpredictable, but car travel with toddlers … that can be rough. After many, many road trips with our first baby, we thought we were pros. And then that sweet baby who could be occupied with soft books and Spotify playlists turned into a demanding toddler who wanted to do SO MANY THINGS.

And then came the day we boarded a plane with said toddler. And we realized we needed to adjust – both our expectations and our packing list.

Whether you’re hitting the open road or flying the friendly skies, allow me to save you a bit of sanity and share what has literally saved us (from meltdowns, from missed connections, from going insane… all of the above). From snacks to entertainment and sanity saving gear, here’s your go-to guide for what to pack when traveling with toddlers by car or plane.

First Things First: Amazon Prime is Your Friend

This might seem a little far-fetched, but trust me—having an Amazon Prime membership has saved me more times than I can count. Fast delivery before a trip? Essential when you’re trying to get last minute packed and super frazzled. Deliveries sent directly to a hotel or Airbnb while traveling? Lifesaving. Whether it’s forgotten pacifiers or a new pack of crayons, Prime has helped us out of many last-minute scrambles. Just check with the hotel before having packages sent there! If they’re not okay with prime deliveries, DoorDash has also become a good friend in delivering Target essentials right to the hotel.

Alright – so the real question: what to pack that will keep my toddler entertained and not take up an elephant amount of space. Check ‘em out below.

Comfort and Convenience Essentials

For both cars and planes, keeping your toddler cozy and content goes a long way.

  • Snacks & Drinks: Pack a variety of snacks and drinks to keep your toddler occupied on the road. Variety is key! We mix it up with healthy snacks like fruit slices, crackers and cheese, and pouches of yogurt. This is also a time when we give in to some of the “special” snacks that we don’t regularly stock at home. Teddy grahams, baggies of sugary cereal, individual bags of chips are things that really help keep the peace because they make road trips fun and exciting for our kiddo.
  • Toddler Travel Pillow & Blanket: Perfect for car naps and helpful on chilly airplanes. We keep a toddler-sized pillow in the car at all times.
  • Portable Potty or Travel Toilet Seat: A must for potty-training toddlers. For planes, bring a collapsible travel toilet seat topper—it makes a huge difference.
  • Change of Clothes (for everyone!): Spills, accidents, or motion sickness happen. Always pack at least one change of clothes in your carry-on or easily reachable bag.

Entertainment and Distractions That Actually Work

Let’s be real: the goal is delay the meltdown as long as possible.

  • Travel Games & Activities: Think mess-free. Sticker books, writing tablet (highly fought over in our family), water coloring books, and reusable activity pads are winners in both cars and planes. For flights, avoid anything with lots of pieces that could roll under the seat.
  • Favorite Toys & Comfort Items: Bringing a few favorites can help provide familiar comforts and soothe any anxieties during travel. If you do plan to take a super special comfort item with you, I always suggest trying to have a backup at home. That way if you get home from a long trip and realize that teddy was left at grandma’s, you have a back up to pull out and prevent bedtime meltdowns.
  • Audio Books & Music: Huge game changer. Load up a playlist of your toddler’s favorite songs or download audiobooks (have you tried Audible?) for kids to listen to during the drive, providing entertainment and stimulation. Audiobooks have been a game changer for us. Our toddler loves to listen to an audiobook and eat a snack for a good portion of a trip. Our toniebox has treated us well as far as giving the independence our little Cars obsessed dude craves. We absolutely love it. However you choose to do audiobooks,I suggest headphones. For your sanity.
  • Tablet or Screen Time: If you’re open to screens, now is the time. Download shows, games, or learning apps ahead of time, and don’t forget the child-safe headphones. Set it all up before you leave so you’re not dealing with Wi-Fi and logins mid-flight or mid-highway.

Plan for Breaks (And Keep Expectations Low)

For Road Trips:

Plan frequent stops at rest areas, playgrounds, or grassy patches where your toddler can burn off energy. If you’re near a town, a quick trip to a local park can work wonders.

For Flights:

Get to the airport early to let your toddler walk or crawl around the gate area before boarding. Once you’re on the plane, movement is limited—so use up that energy while you can!

Final Thoughts: It’s Okay to Overpack

Whether you’re cruising down the highway or cruising at 30,000 feet, traveling with toddlers is always a bit of a gamble. Pack more snacks, more activities, and more wipes than you think you’ll need. Bring extras of the things that could ruin a day if they go missing (we’re looking at you, Bunny).

You don’t need to be a travel expert—just a well-prepared parent with a few tricks up your sleeve. Remember that the journey is as important as the destination, or whatever that saying is. Scratch that. Remember that there is a destination at the end of this journey, and you will get through it because you are prepared!

So, pack your bags, buckle up (or board that flight), and get ready for an epic adventure with your little explorer. Safe travels!

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