Toddler Airplane Essentials: Toddler Carry on Packing List

Toddlers are at a fun age, when everything is new and exciting. But we all know their attention spans can be shorter than a goldfish! While the thought of flying with toddlers might feel a bit daunting, we’re here to make sure you have all the toddler airplane essentials to breeze through your flight.

Think of this as your go-to guide for tried and true travel gear for toddlers. Not every single item will be a win with your kiddo, and that’s okay! You’ll narrow down your own toddler airplane essentials soon enough. Pick a few things from each category that you think will be a hit, and let’s get packing!

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Must-have gear for flying with a toddler.

For more in-depth advice on managing the journey from start to finish, including takeoff and landing tips, check out our guide on flying with a toddler.

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Toddler Entertainment for Flying

Poppin’ Pipes: these crinkly toys are surprisingly engaging and scrunch down super small, making them perfect for the carry-on!
Travel-friendly Montessori busy board: a fantastic way to keep little hands busy with buckles, zippers, and more.
- The pages on this soft busy board can be removed, so you can save some pages for after a nap on long flights. We like to save the page with the felt sticks for restaurants.
New & familiar books: story time is always a winner in our house! Pack a couple of thin board books (no paper cuts and easy to pack). Consider a book about babies in other cultures or one about flying machines – just like the one they’re on! Search and find books, like a Bluey one, can add an extra layer of fun.
Reusable sticker books: these sticker books are the BEST because they can be used again and again, and the stickers won’t stick forever where they shouldn’t!
Activity books: get a wipe-clean activity book! These reusable books provide endless entertainment. We love this Travel Activities version, or the Airport Activities version is very on topic, too!
LCD writing tablet: colorful drawing without the worry of lost crayons or marker mishaps!
Mess-proof coloring books: Water Wow books are perfect for traveling. Just fill the brush with water after takeoff and let your toddler “paint” – the color disappears when it dries for endless fun!
Suction cup toys & fidget spinners: if you have a window seat (which is safest!), these toys can stick to the window for some engaging play. Try toys that stick to themselves, or fidget spinners that stick to the window.

💡 Pro tip: keep separate toys that only come out on the plane. This makes the toys special, keeping toddlers more engaged (and everybody happier). Find more toddler flying tips here!

Screen time when flying with toddlers

Screen-time rules can bend a bit in-flight (it’s a great last resort!), just ensure you’ve downloaded shows you’re comfortable with.

Tablet with downloaded shows: bring your (charged) Fire tablet pre-loaded with educational shows, or even old cartoons. For my toddler, anything with a puppy or a kitty will do.
Toddler headphones: a set of over-ear toddler headphones that limit volume are perfect for tablets, or even listening to podcasts and music.

💡 Pro tip: Most international flights (and those to Alaska and Hawai’i) have seat back screens – put on the map and let those little fingers explore!

TSA Approved Snacks for Toddlers on Plane

Variety is key: Bring some familiar snacks and a couple new things to keep things exciting. Offer snacks proactively to help avoid meltdowns.

Puree pouches: a convenient and easy snack that doesn’t fall under the TSA 3.4 oz liquid rule! Consider a variety pack with veggies like Happy Baby or protein-rich options like Serenity Kids.
- Go the sustainable route and mix your own in these reusable pouches! I’ve used juice and yogurt (shaken really well) as a simple mix that will keep little tummies full, and can easily be made while traveling.
Toddler-favorite melts & bars: Yogis from Happy Baby and Amara Smoothie Melts are always a hit in our house. I’ve always got some That’s It bars in my purse, and veggie straws and Annie’s snacks are reliable go-to’s.
Fresh fruit & veggies: Cut up soft fruits like bananas, grapes, or melon. For some veggies, try carrot chips or cucumber spears. A small container of berries is also a fantastic option, or even olives if your toddler likes salt.
Mini muffins: Does your toddler get a bit overwhelmed with a full size muffins like mine? If so, this silicone mini muffin tin is a game changer! Make muffins or even egg cups to bring on your departure flight.

Mealtimes Made Easier

Fun snack containers: like Munchkin Snack Cups or Snack Spinners. A little novelty can go a long way in getting toddlers excited about their snacks. We use the Munchkin Snack Cups all the time (at home and traveling), but save the snack spinners just for flying.
- You may also like to fill a snackle box. Personally, my toddler finds the amount of snacks here overwhelming, so we don’t use them (it’s a lot of snacks to end up on the floor in one swoop).
Spill-proof water cup: like this Munchkin Cup for toddlers. This is the absolute best water bottle for younger toddlers. It helps prevent mid-flight spills, can be used from any angle and keeps that straw clean! (Psst! Open and close the lid before giving to your toddler in flight. The straw tends to become spring-loaded with water otherwise.)
- For older toddlers, this Hydro Flask has more capacity, but is still spill-proof.

Diaper Bag Essentials for Flying

Backpack style diaper bag: a backpack keeps your hands free in the airport!
Washable changing pads: bring a few washable changing pads to ensure a clean surface for changes wherever you are.
Plenty of diapers: while you can likely buy more at your destination, pack enough for the journey, considering potential delays. Overnight diapers are great for reducing changes during your flight. Pull-ups make it significantly easier to change mid-flight, where bathrooms are tiny.
Wet bags: these reusable wet bags are essential for soiled diapers or any spills. Pack a couple pre-loaded with diaper change essentials for quick trips to the tiny airplane bathroom.
Travel potty seat: if your toddler is potty training, this foldable seat with a travel bag can help maintain progress, especially for toilets that are too big for little butts.

💡 Pro tip: Remember to check if your hotel has cribs or offers stroller rentals to lighten your load! You can also explore services like BabyQuip for rentals at your destination.

Organizing your toddler airplane essentials

Clear bags: these clear bags with handles are fantastic for organizing toys and making it easy to find what you need quickly. Plus, they’re TSA liquid approved for your own toiletries!
Diaper bag: having a backpack-style diaper bag with lots of pockets is a fantastic way to organize without buying a bunch of extra gear.

Navigating the Airport: TSA & Airline Rules

Before you get to the gate, you’ll need to navigate security and check-in. Understanding the rules can significantly reduce your travel stress. While it seems daunting, the TSA has specific allowances for families with children.

Liquid Rules for Toddlers: The 3-1-1 rule doesn’t apply to baby formula, breast milk, or juice. You can bring these liquids in quantities larger than 3.4 oz (100 ml), but you must let the TSA agent know for a quick screening. Additionally, you can bring frozen gel packs to keep food cool, as long as they are frozen solid when you go through security.
Strollers and Car Seats: Most airlines allow you to check a stroller and a car seat for free, either at the ticket counter or at the gate. If you decide to bring your car seat on board for your toddler to use, be sure it is FAA-approved.
- For more details on the best options and rules for your trip, read our full guide on flying with a stroller and car seat.

Toddler Airplane Essentials Checklist

Entertainment

Poppin’ Pipes
Travel-friendly busy board
New & familiar books
Reusable sticker books
LCD writing tablet
Mess-proof coloring books
Suction cup toys & fidget spinners

Snacks & Mealtimes

Puree pouches
Toddler melts & bars
Fresh fruit & mini-muffins
Spill-proof water cup
Fun snack containers

Diaper Bag Essentials

Plenty of diapers & pull-ups
Washable changing pads
Reusable wet bags
Travel potty seat (if potty training)

Other Essentials

Tablet with downloaded shows
Comfy toddler headphones
Extra set of clothes for your toddler
Formula dispenser (if needed)

Wrapping it up

Remember, every toddler is different, so tailor this toddler airplane essentials list to what you think will work best for your child. Don’t stress too much about packing everything; a few well-chosen distractions, plenty of snacks for toddlers on the plane, and a well-organized diaper bag essentials for flight can make all the difference. Traveling with toddlers might seem like a big undertaking, but with a little preparation and the right gear, you’ll be making memories in no time.

And if you’re planning a trip by car instead of a plane, don’t miss our comprehensive toddler road trip survival guide for tips and tricks to make the drive a breeze.

Did you find these tips helpful? Know a fellow parent who’s prepping for a flight with their little one? Spread the travel love! Share this post with your friends and family. Let’s help more parents feel confident and prepared for their next adventure in the sky!