airport travel with toddler

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Traveling with Children

All passengers are required to undergo screening. However, TSA has developed modified screening procedures for children who appear to be 12 years old and younger. TSA officers will consult parents or the traveling guardian about the child’s screening.

TSA standard screening procedures apply for children 13 years and older. Carry-on property of all passengers, regardless of age, must be screened. All passengers who alarm will undergo additional screening.

Children with Medical Conditions, Disabilities, or Mobility Aids

Inform the TSA officer if the child has a disability, medical condition or medical device.

Let the TSA officer know if your child is able to walk through the metal detector or needs to be carried through the metal detector by a parent/guardian. You may carry your child through the WTMD. The TSA officer will not remove your child from their mobility aid, wheelchair or scooter.

Request Assistance

TSA Cares provides information to passengers with disabilities, medical conditions and those that need additional assistance to better prepare for the security screening process. Call  TSA Cares 72 hours prior  to traveling with questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint. You may also call to request assistance at the checkpoint.

Liquid Formula, Breast Milk, Toddler Drinks, and Baby/Toddler food (to include puree pouches)

Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters are allowed in carry-on baggage and do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag. Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) are considered medically necessary liquids. This also applies to breast milk and formula cooling accessories, such as ice packs, freezer packs and gel packs (regardless of presence of breast milk). Your child or infant does not need to be present or traveling with you to bring breast milk, formula and/or related supplies.

Inform the TSA officer at the beginning of the screening process that you are carrying formula, breast milk, toddler drinks and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) in excess of 3.4 ounces. Remove these items from your carry-on bag to be screened separately from your other belongings. TSA officers may need to test the liquids for explosives or concealed prohibited items.

It’s helpful to the officers when formula and breast milk are in clear, translucent bottles and not plastic bags or pouches. Liquids in plastic bags or pouches may not be able to be screened by Bottle Liquid Scanners, and you may be asked to open them (if feasible) for alternate screening such as Explosive Trace Detection and Vapor Analysis for the presence of liquid explosives. Screening will never include placing anything into the medically necessary liquid.

TSA X-ray machines are not harmful to food or medicines. However, if you do not want the formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) to be X-rayed or opened, please inform the TSA officer. Additional steps will be taken to resolve alarms. You or the traveling guardian will undergo additional screening procedures, to include Advanced Imaging Technology screening and additional/enhanced screening of other carry-on property.

Ice packs, freezer packs, frozen gel packs and other accessories required to cool formula, breast milk, toddler drinks and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) – regardless of the presence of breast milk – are also allowed in carry-ons, along with liquid-filled teethers. If these items are partially frozen or slushy, they are subject to the same screening as described above.

Passengers requiring special accommodations or concerned about the security screening process at the airport may request assistance by contacting  TSA Cares  or by phone at (855) 787-2227.

Screening of Children’s Items

• Place all carry-on baggage such as children's toys, bags and blankets on the X-ray belt for screening.
• Strollers, umbrella-strollers, baby carriers, car and booster seats and backpacks must be screened by X-ray.
• Place items in the stroller pockets or baskets, in a carry-on bag or on the X-ray belt for screening.
• Equipment that does not fit through the X-ray machine will undergo a visual/physical inspection by TSA officers.

Screening Technology

Walk-Through Metal Detector

Children able to walk through the metal detector without assistance may do so separately from their parent or guardian. If they alarm, children are allowed multiple passes through screening technologies and may undergo other procedures to resolve the alarm to reduce the need for a pat-down. Infants and small children may be carried through the metal detector. Should the alarm sound, additional screening is required.

Advanced Imaging Technology

If your child is able to remain standing in the required position for 5 seconds, he or she may be screened through the advanced imaging technology. If a child 12 and under goes through the machine and alarms, they have an opportunity to go through again or the TSA officer may use other procedures to resolve the alarm to reduce the need for a pat-down.

You may not be screened by this technology when carrying an infant or child.

Screening your Child

• Children 12 and under can leave their shoes, light jackets and headwear on during screening. For AIT screening, light jackets must be removed and placed on the X-ray belt.
• Children will not be separated from their parent/guardian.
• Remove infants and children from strollers and car seats and carry them in arms through the walk-through metal detector.
• Infants may be carried in a sling/carrier (to include lap baby) through the walk-through metal detector or when being screened in a wheelchair, but may be subject to additional screening
• Modified screening procedures are in place to reduce the likelihood of a pat-down.

21 ESSENTIAL Tips for Flying with a Baby or Toddler

Flying with a baby or toddler and afraid everyone on the plane will hate you? You are not alone. When talking to new parents about traveling with children, the most common worry I hear is being “that parent” on the airplane with the screaming baby. As someone who has been that mom, despite all my preparation and attempts to soothe my child, I understand. Follow this list of the 21 best tips for a smooth flight with babies and toddlers!

This website sometimes receives compensation, hosted travel, or products related to blog posts. This article may include affiliate links at no extra cost to consumers. As an Amazon Associate, we earn money from qualifying purchases.

Table of Contents

1. Book a direct flight or one with a longer layover.

As the parent of a baby or young child, it is imperative to keep the number of connecting flights to a minimum. Landing is typically what puts air pressure on a baby’s ears, causing the pain that leads to screaming on airplanes. Plus, less time spent in transit means fewer chances for a mid-flight tantrum.

If you must book a flight with a connection, then schedule extra time on the ground between flights. Two to three hours is probably ideal unless your flight is delayed quite a bit. You don’t want to be running through the airport with a baby, diaper bag, car seat, and other travel paraphernalia.

Layovers are the perfect time for young families to grab some non-airplane food, change a dirty diaper, and most important when flying with a toddler, let your child run free for a while to burn off energy!

For long-haul flights, you might even consider booking a connection with an 8-hour+ overnight layover. This will allow your family to get some rest at a hotel before continuing on to your final destination.

I suggest avoiding red-eye flights if at all possible. This will cut down on jet lag for the whole family.

For your first time flying with a baby, it’s best to book a short flight. This gives you a chance to put some of these top tips into practice and will build confidence before you tackle the long flights required for international travel.

2. Visit the airport restroom before your flight.

Ideally, you want to board the plane with a dry diapered child. Therefore, be sure to hit up the airport bathroom one last time for a quick diaper change before heading down the jetway.

While you’re there, you may want to double up on the diaper cream and put your baby into not one, but two diapers for extra leak protection.

If traveling with a toddler who’s potty training, then of course you’ll want one last potty break, too. A pre-plane bathroom visit means one less trip to the tiny airplane lavatory. (Thankfully, most airplanes do come equipped with a changing table.)

This leads to less work in the air for mom or dad and less inconvenience for those seated nearby. Plus, you never know how long it will be until the “keep seat belt fastened sign” will be illuminated. It’s better to be safe than sorry (and stinky)!

3. Take advantage of pre-boarding.

You may think you should skip the pre-board to ensure spending as little time as possible on the airplane with your child. Think again!

Getting situated on board a flight takes more time with a young child. Flying with a toddler or baby is stressful enough without having passengers behind you sighing as you struggle to buckle in your little darling.

4. Buy a separate airplane seat for your child.

I recommend you book a separate seat for your child, even though lap children under age 2 typically fly free. Not only is providing a baby or toddler with their own seat the safer option, but also it gives your family more room to spread out and relax on the plane. The extra seat will especially come in handy during a long haul flight.

Keep in mind, passengers are not allowed to keep a child in a wearable baby carrier during take-off and landing, for the safety’s sake of both the baby and the adult.

Besides, do you really think it’s a good idea to fly with a lap infant or lap toddler? Snuggling with your baby is fun, but not for hours and hours in a confined space. It makes eating meals in the air especially difficult.

Plus, an active toddler will not want to sit on your lap for the whole flight. Trust me.

Use a baby or toddler car seat or lightweight CARES harness to keep your child safely strapped into a separate seat on the airplane. If you have difficulty buckling the car seat into the airplane, then ask flight attendants for assistance. This is well within the training and expectations of the cabin crew.

5. Follow FAA and American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations.

If you boarded a plane and were informed that your safety belt was broken, I’d bet you’d balk. Why put your child at risk?

FAA Guidelines

When it comes to flying with babies and toddlers listen to the advice of the Federal Aviation Administration . The FAA website says, “Did you know that the safest place for your child on an airplane is in a government-approved child safety restraint system ( CRS ) or device, not on your lap? Your arms aren’t capable of holding your child securely, especially during unexpected turbulence.”

“Did know that the safest place for your child on an airplane is in a government-approved child safety restraint system ( CRS ) or device, not on your lap?” Federal aviation administration

They continue, “The Federal Aviation Administration ( FAA ) strongly urges you to secure your child in a  CRS  or device for the duration of your flight. It’s the smart and right thing to do so that everyone in your family arrives safely at your destination.”

American Academy of Pediatrics

The American Academy of Pediatrics agrees that securely buckled in a seat is the safest way for every passenger to fly.

“The safest possible thing is for everybody to be restrained,” said Ben Hoffman, president-elect of the  American Academy of Pediatrics in this Wall Street Journal article about the dangers of lap-babies on airplanes (in which I am quoted!).

6. Save money on flying with a baby or toddler.

I know it’s more expensive to book a seat for your baby or toddler and this may limit your travel capabilities. For good reason, it’s important to find ways to save money when traveling with kids .

Air travel tickets can be one of the most expensive parts of travel. Why pay full fare? Thankfully, there are a few fabulous websites that can help you save money on your next flight.

Aggregate travel websites, like  Kayak  or  CheapOAir , provide an easy way to check pricing for multiple travel providers at one time. Keep in mind that some airlines, like Southwest Airlines, may not be included on these search sites. You can often bundle your travel options by booking flights, hotel, and rental car all together to take advantage of discounts.

My favorite way to save on air travel is Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights). They send email alerts when prices drop to destinations from your selected airports. It’s free to do, too. For even more savings, enroll in their Premium Membership. Believe me, you’ll save more by booking one discounted flight than you’ll spend for an entire year of Premium Membership. ($49/year in June 2023.)

7. Gate check baby gear.

At no additional charge, most airlines allow parents and caregivers to gate check bulky baby gear like strollers and car seats. Simply request gate check tags from the gate agent at the airport. This does not count against your carry-on baggage or luggage allowance in the United States, either.

Attach one tag to each item and deposit it at the bottom of the jetway. Be sure to fold strollers before boarding.

Gate checked items will typically be waiting for you in the same spot at your destination when you disembark. Sometimes, though, they must be retrieved from baggage claim. Check with your airline before your flight regarding their gate check policy and baggage allowance policy, especially for travel in European countries or other international travel.

8. Rent baby equipment for travel.

If you choose to use a CARES safety harness, you will still need an approved car seat for use in motor vehicles during your vacation. To lighten your load during airplane travel and avoid baggage fees, consider renting baby travel gear . You can have a travel stroller, crib, car seat, high chair, booster seats, and more delivered to your destination.

These items can be brought to you wherever is most convenient — the airport, hotel, or grandma’s house. This service is available in locations around the world for traveling families.

9. Keep your baby or toddler buckled.

Buckled snugly into a car seat or other approved restraint is the safest place for a baby or toddler on an airplane, especially in case of unexpected turbulence. Your child is used to being secured in their own car seat the entire time during trips to the store or zoo. He or she knows to stay in this “special seat,” and if you’re lucky, your child doesn’t question this.

Of course, the time may come when you need to unbuckle your youngster for a diaper change, potty break or to stretch those little legs — especially during a long flight.

Once your child tastes sweet freedom, though, you might struggle to get him or her back into the seat. An infant will often want to stay in your arms for the whole flight. Meanwhile, a newly walking toddler may want to run up and down the aisle nonstop. Therefore, it’s best to stay securely fastened as long as reasonable.

10. Bring double the baby necessities.

Bring twice as much formula, diapers, bottles, baby food, and healthy snacks on the plane as you think you will need. If your plane becomes severely delayed or canceled, you will thank me.

The last thing you want to deal with is a hungry, thirsty, dirty-diapered baby when flying. This is especially true if you get stuck on the tarmac, circling above a storm, or you must bed down in a hotel room for an unexpected overnight.

11. Dress in comfortable layers.

You may be tempted to doll up your baby in that adorable outfit from your mother-in-law for your flight. But think comfort and convenience first. Choose attire that is cozy and easy to change.

Layers are a must when going from a snowy locale to the sunny Tropics, of course. But layers also help with drastic changes in temperature aboard the plane.

If you get stuck on the tarmac you might be boiling hot, pointing that tiny overhead fan at you and your child. Then, once airborne you might be shivering in your seat.

Wearing layers is also helpful for breastfeeding moms. I suggest wearing a wrap of some sort that can double as a baby blankie, or bringing along a nursing cover .

12. Pack an extra change of clothing for baby and you.

Of course, you will want to pack an extra change of clothes in your carry-on bag for your baby or toddler in case of an unfortunate leak or blow-out mid-flight. Tuck a couple of plastic bags in your diaper bag, too.

A friend of mine did exactly that when flying solo with her baby from California to Europe. Unfortunately, though, she did not pack additional clothing for herself. A leaky diaper left mama sticky and wet for the duration of her long flight. To avoid this inconvenience, toss a compact outfit for yourself into your travel bag, too.

13. Protect your baby’s ears.

Sucking or chewing helps ease ear pain caused by pressure changes in the airplane’s cabin. Bring formula or pumped breast milk onboard. Then you can give your baby a bottle during take-off and landing while junior stays safely buckled.

Keep in mind that breast milk and baby formula is exempt from the 3.4 ounce liquid rule . For formula-fed babies, bring sealed liquid formula or buy a water bottle at the airport to mix with powdered formula.

If your child doesn’t take bottles, then a sippy cup or pacifier works, too. Chewing a cracker or cookie can also help older babies and toddlers.

EarPlanes are wonderful for flyers with sensitive ears. Pop these special plastic earplugs into little ears at the beginning of the airplane’s descent to lessen pressure and pain. Children’s EarPlanes work for kids aged 1+. You might also want to ask your pediatrician to prescribe ear pain drops before your flight with your baby.

14. Don’t forget baby medication.

Make sure to pack any prescription and over-the-counter medicine you might need in your carry-on bag. Liquid medications are exempt from TSA liquid limits .

Be sure to keep them in their original packaging so they are easily identifiable. Infant ibuprofen can come in handy for sore ears and Dramamine for Kids is safe for children age 2+.

15. Focus only on your baby or toddler.

For now, the days of enjoying a magazine, good book, or action movie while onboard a plane are gone. You very well may spend your entire flight placating your baby or toddler. On a positive note, you just might find flying is the best time to concentrate on your baby without external distractions!

This means reading board books over and over and over to your little one. It means buying the right toddler travel toys and actively playing with your child. Maybe it also means spoiling your preschooler with smart device movies and apps, even if you avoid screen time at home.

The bottom line is, you need to keep that baby happy on the airplane using whatever means you can!

16. Pack smart for your flight.

There are so many things to remember to pack when traveling with young children. Before you leave home, print one of our free Family Travel Packing Lists. You definitely don’t want to forget that favorite toy or mommy’s smartphone charger!

Take a look at our Airplane Kit for Babies and Toddlers to see what to pack in your carry-on to keep your little one content in the air, too.

17. Seek out airport play areas.

Provide plenty of opportunities for little ones to play and expend energy prior to take-off. Many airports even offer play areas designed for young children. Check to see if your airport offers a playground here .

Plan to arrive at the airport a little early for playtime. Airport playgrounds also make a great diversion during layovers. Make sure to wash your child’s hands after playing.

With any luck, once you board, your child just might be so tuckered out that it will be nap time!

18. Avoid germs while flying.

Thankfully, airplane filtration systems are effective at removing airborne viruses, bacteria, and allergens from the air we passengers breathe while flying. The air that does not have a chance to run through the HEPA filter, however, can still make your family sick. Plus, the filters are only operational when the jets are on and the plane is in the air.

That’s why masks can still provide protection, especially when sitting on the jetway. You might want to mask up if you want to arrive at your destination without illness. Kid-sized masks for older children are a good idea, too.

Ever since my first flight with a baby, I have been bringing antibacterial wipes on airplanes with me. I always wipe down the armrests, seatbacks, and tray tables of my seat and my children’s seats.

You should also bring antibacterial gel onboard the plane. Lather up as needed before you eat or feed your child.

Bring along your own blankets, too. Those blue airplane blankets are rarely (if ever) washed. Eww!

19. Book the right airplane seats.

You could always try an old trick to nab extra space when flying with a toddler or baby. When making your seat selection, book a window seat and an aisle seat in a row of three (or more), hoping no one books the middle seat. If your flight is not full and no one sits in the middle, you just may get extra space for your family.

The best way is to choose a row toward the back of the plane. That’s because passengers are more likely to book seats toward the front of the plane, middle or not.

Don’t count on this, though. Flights are often overbooked with zero empty seats available.

If the flight is fully booked, then you can always offer to switch seats with whoever is seated in the middle. Believe me, the person will be happy not to sit between you and your baby!

Although emergency exit rows are more spacious, keep in mind that children under 15 years of age are not allowed to sit there for safety reasons. Bulkhead seats are a better option and sometimes offer bassinets on international flights.

20. Prepare for airport security.

Airport security is one of the most stressful aspects of flying, especially with babies and toddlers.

Yes, even babies need to go through the full-body scanner or walk-through metal detector at the security checkpoint. Children too young to walk can be held.

If flying without both of the child’s parents, you may need a letter of consent. According to Notarize.com , “A notarized letter of consent will be required for children who travel without one or both of their parents or legal guardians. The letter of consent ensures the legitimacy of the travel consent offered by the accompanying adult.” When traveling solo with my kids, though, I have never been asked to provide this.

If embarking on an international flight, then you will need passports for everyone in the family including your baby. For domestic flights, you can bring along a birth certificate to show proof of age and parental relationship. Again, I have never needed to show this but it’s best to come prepared.

To get through the security line as smoothly as possible, follow these additional tips for airport security with kids .

21. Ignore the haters.

Sometimes, no matter what you do, your baby or toddler is going to cry LOUDLY on the airplane. You can give bottles and snacks, try stories and movies, change diapers, and do everything on this list of tips for flying with babies and toddlers. Still, your child may have a screaming fit in the air.

The most important thing is that you try (and your fellow passengers witness that effort). You have enough to worry about without concerning yourself with all the cranky passengers on the airplane .

Take care of your baby or toddler, and ignore the haters. If all else fails, repeat this mantra, “This too shall pass!” Soon enough, your plane will land safely and your family will be ready to explore together.

Why fly with babies and toddlers?

Flying provides easy access to an array of destination possibilities and certainly should not be avoided just because it may come with a few ups and downs. So book that flight and get ready to experience the world anew with infants, babies, and older toddlers!

Learn more tips for traveling with young children.

For a whole slew of tips for traveling with babies, toddlers, and young children — buy my book !

Before your first flight with your little one, take a look at the best travel toys for babies and toddlers .

Considering a road trip? Read my tips for road trips with babies and toddlers .

To avoid lugging a bulky car seat onboard your next flight, read my review of CARES , a compact FAA-approved safety harness for toddlers and preschoolers.

Save these airplane baby tips.

Be sure to save these tips for future reference. Just pin the graphic above to Pinterest. We hope you’ll  follow Travel Mamas on Pinterest  while you’re at it!

Do you have any questions or additional tips for flying with a baby or toddler? Let us know in the comments below!

Sharing is caring!

Colleen Lanin, MBA, is the founder and editor of this travel blog. She loves sharing tips on doable outdoor adventures, farm fresh foods, fabulous hotel pools, cruise vacations, and more. When she is not traveling the world, she lives in Arizona with her husband and two teens.

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64 Comments

Thoughts on having a connecting flight (4 hr layover) versus a 12 hour non-stop flight for international travel with a baby?

Grace – I am assuming it would be two 6-hour flights + the 4-hour layover? Personally, I’d go for the non-stop flight. Then you can get through it as quickly as possible and avoid an extra landing, which is what causes a lot of pain and screaming for a lot of babies. If you get lucky, your child might even fall asleep!

Hi, those tips are awesome and really helpful! By the way considering transportation laws, lugging car seats can be a nightmare! Did you know that Kidmoto can solve that problem for you? Ditch the car seats when flying with a baby! A life-saver, I promise! 🙂 You can learn more at kidmoto.taxi

The only plane parents I dislike are the ones that don’t seemingly care. Benefit of the doubt is always the best option in daily life. I salute you, plane parents! Keep it up.

Lucas – I agree! As long as parents are trying, I feel so much for them. Most parents really are doing the best they can. On rare occassions, though, I want to say, “Umm…you do know this is YOUR child, right?!”

In my experience on a plane, most parents are NOT doing the best they can(at least, lately). They let children scream, kick seats, or even get up. That is never acceptable no matter how “tired” or “overwhelmed” they are. I’m a parent, too. It’s not that hard. Maybe it’s a generational thing. We didn’t care about playing on phones…sorry, it just nauseates me.

Thank you so much! This is very helpful. We’re getting ready to fly with our toddler for the first time. 😃

You’ll do great, Fel! Enjoy your trip with your little one!

So if you have to travel with an infant under 1yo, they’re too young to use the CARES, do you keep them in their car seat the whole trip, do you somehow secure the car seat to the plan seat?

Hi Merissa – Yes, you can install the infant car seat into the airplane seat using the airplane seatbelt. Here is information and an instructional video from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): https://www.faa.gov/travelers/fly_children/

Does anyone make a padded gate check bag for an infant car seat? It appears that they are all for convertible seats and I’m concerned that it will provide less protection if the car seat does not fit somewhat snugly inside.

L – This one looks pretty secure and padded — gets great reviews on Amazon, too! https://amzn.to/3lZHac4 Good luck!

Unfortunately that doesn’t answer my question, as the link you shared is for a convertible seat bag. I’m wondering if anyone makes one for an infant car seat, which is much smaller than a convertible seat.

Sorry! Won’t you be using the infant car seat to keep your baby safe on board the airplane?

I just wanted to add another tip: Flyaway Kids Bed! It’s perfect for getting our toddler to sleep on the plane & also stops her toys falling on the floor. Much better than having her play on a dirty seat! She sleeps 8 hours and it was a game-changer for us 🙂

Hi Rachel – Thank you for sharing the tip! My biggest concern with this product is that it doesn’t work with infant car seats or toddler car seats. Do you know if it can be used with a CARES harness?

Wonderful tips. Thanks for sharing.

thank you so much for all the tips!!!!! I have been freaking out about flying for the first time with a toddler and your tips about it are so helpful and now i feel i am more prepared about flying with my child!!! I’m defiantly going to pass this along to all my other new mamma’s !!!

Paige – I’m so glad we could help! Best wishes with your flight with your toddler! You’ll do great, mama!

Its great to read this guide. I usually struggle to air travel with my baby, this article really helps for me. Thanks. I’m also a traveller with my baby. I also run a non-profit organisation called “Strong girls foundation” besides.

So glad you like my baby flying tips, Rasi! Congrats on your non-profit foundation!

Great post, with a great round up with tips! I have a 3 year old and these are spot on, a few I’d never thought of!

Thank you for your comment, Catherine! Glad to be of help!

Your post is greatly supportive! I am pinning it and will use so numerous tips for my first tour with my baby.

Sarah – So glad you like our tips! Have a wonderful first trip with your little one!

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16 Tips for Flying With Kids

Traveling with children can be hard. Here, experienced flight attendants and parents share their secrets for flying with kids.

With long security lines, cramped airplane seating, and crowded waiting areas, flying isn't the most pleasant experience for anyone. But for families with young children, it can be downright stressful. As air travel gets more complicated with increased delays, tips for flying with kids are needed now more than ever.

Young children, especially, can have a tough time flying. They have yet to master self-regulation skills that allow them to be patient during delays. They are also more prone to ear discomfort and motion sickness accompanying air travel.

Thankfully, you can reduce family travel stress with proper preparation and planning. Whether you're jetting off to your relative's house or Disney World , check out these flight-attendant-approved strategies for flying with kids.

Fly View Productions / Getty Images

1. Book an Early Morning Departure

If traveling with toddlers or young children, consider booking an early morning departure. These early flights give you the best chance of avoiding delays at takeoff and landing, says Patrick, one of the flight attendants interviewed.

Airports tend to be less crowded first thing in the morning. Once you get on the plane, "everyone is tired and just wants to nap—kids especially," says Patrick.

2. Save Your Upgrades for Toddler-Free Travel

Traveling in first class with kids can be more stressful than it's worth. A parent named Joanna recounts a travel day with her loud, lively toddler and getting berated by first-class seatmates for the entirety of the flight.

"It's not fair, but you're just going to get more empathy and support with kids in economy," adds another flight attendant.

3. Talk to Your Kids About What To Expect

"My experience is kids do so much better when they know what to expect," says Shireen, a mother of three from Australia who's traveled to the United States several times with her kids. She recommends watching kid-oriented videos on YouTube that go over the entire flight experience, from baggage check-in and ticketing to onboard etiquette and safety.

4. Dress in Layers and Skip Shoes With Laces

Whether you are changing climates or simply dealing with in-flight heat or air conditioning, you can and should be ready for drastically changing temperatures when traveling with kids. Wendy, a flight attendant and mom, suggests you dress your kids in comfortable layers—preferably without buttons, zippers, or anything that could prevent them from getting to the bathroom in time.

The same principle applies to shoes: Avoid laces and opt for slip-ons. "There's the added benefit of getting through airport screening that much faster," says Wendy.

5. Bring Surprises

When flying with a young child, bringing along a new toy that's wrapped to keep the surprise (and add to the experience!) has a few advantages:

• You can use the toy as an incentive to be a good listener and have patience during your journey.
• Promising the toy midway through the flight builds anticipation and helps distract anxious kids.
• Unwrapping a toy can be a fun activity in itself for children.
• The new plaything can create a novel activity to preoccupy a child during the flight.

6. Consider Using a Smaller Stroller

Getting through an airport without a stroller is unthinkable for some parents, so consider switching out your regular-size stroller for a small, compact umbrella stroller or travel stroller . Also, check your stroller at the gate before boarding—the crew will have it waiting for you when you get off the plane.

If you've got more than one little traveler with you, consider a kid harness that can connect you to your child, Wendy suggests. "I was so against them until I saw a woman with three young boys using them in baggage claim. It made so much sense," she says. "Flying is stressful enough. Do what you need to do to protect your kids and your sanity."

7. Pack Just Enough

Flight attendants urge parents to pack essentials for the flight . "Unfortunately, you can expect there to be zero food on a plane that would interest a kid," says flight attendant Lynn. "And we are so limited in what we can offer in terms of comfort items as well."

On the flip side, parents will struggle if they zealously overpack. "Usually, when it's one parent traveling with one or more kids, they'll bring way too much stuff in an attempt to keep their kids happy," Wendy says. "They forget they have to carry all that stuff off the plane with them, along with their kids."

8. Plan Your Packing List

To guard against overpacking while ensuring you don't forget anything critical, consider writing out a full packing list. Star or highlight those items that will need to be packed last minute (like the lovey your kiddo sleeps with or the tablet that's currently charging) so you have a checklist to consult one last time before heading out the door with your luggage.

Sample Airplane Packing List for Young Children

When packing your carry-on for the plane ride, use this list as a starting point:

• Comfort item : Pack one of your child's favorite comfort items in your carry-on for mid-flight snuggles.
• Sanitizer, wipes, pull-ups, and diapers (if needed) : You'll want these critical items within reach at all times during your travels. Consider packing at least one diaper per hour of travel.
• Electronic devices : Make sure that whatever device you're bringing is fully charged and ready to go—and don't forget the chargers for the flight back. Consider pre-loading the tablet or phone with your kids' favorite movies or shows for offline viewing.
• Kid-size headphones : Be sure to follow the basic rules of travel etiquette and pack comfy headphones your little one can wear while enjoying their favorite games or shows. Have more than one kid in tow? Consider investing in a splitter so both can enjoy the show with their own set of headphones.
• Art supplies : A small box of crayons and blank paper can go a long way when it comes to entertaining your toddler on a plane. Mix things up and pack some fun stickers to add to the excitement.
• Plastic bags : You never know when you'll need an extra bag for wet clothes, a dirty diaper, trash, or sick bellies.
• Travel sickness lollipops : There are many brands of lollipops that are specially formulated with tummy-soothing ingredients for kids who get motion sickness.
• Water bottle : Toss an empty clean water bottle into your bag to fill after you get through security. Just make sure that it's leakproof!
• Mess-free healthy snacks : Cheerios, pretzels, crackers, string cheese, and granola bars are good options for keeping little hands busy and bellies full.

9. Be Prepared for Security

When you pack, make sure items that need to be removed during security are easily reached. Keep in mind that traveling with snacks may mean extra scrutiny during the screening process.

10. Prepare for Air Pressure Changes

If your child has recently had an ear infection or a cold, get your health care provider's approval before flying. The change in cabin air pressure may cause ear pain for your toddler.

After passing through security, stock up on enough water for everyone to get through a possible delay and have enough left for the descent, which is often the most bothersome time for ear pressure discomfort. Have your kids drink some water during the last 30 to 45 minutes of your ride. Swallowing helps relieve pressure-change discomfort and hydrates, too.

11. By All Means, Use Pull-Ups

Your little one may have moved beyond pull-ups into big kid underwear, but pull-up diapers are a great resource when flying with a recently potty-trained toddler or young child. "I even use them on my 6-year-old," says Wendy, who adds that it's much less stressful than having to race to the bathroom or deal with an in-seat accident.

12. Show Some Appreciation

Flight attendants love to receive a small gratuity for dealing with toddlers. "Any kind of chocolate found in an airport handed over at boarding, does wonders," says Patrick. Of course, it will have zero effect on the random bad-tempered cabin crew member. But it's a nice gesture nonetheless, particularly when flying during the holidays when most flight attendants will be working and away from their own families.

"It will be so appreciated," he says. "And we will remember you and look out for you. And not only that, you'll probably score a free drink out of it."

13. Seat Kids Away From the Aisle

Aisle seats can be dangerous for toddlers and potentially give them a little too much freedom of movement. For example, little hands and feet can be bumped as people walk by and hot coffee and water may be just within reach as the food and beverage cart passes by.

If you can, seat your child in a window seat, which offers the benefit of a view and puts you between your toddler and any other passengers in your row.

14. Beware of Germs

Children tend to get sick a lot, but you can try to avoid any travel-related illness with some sanitary measures:

• Wipe everything from hands to tray tables with sanitizing wipes when you're getting settled in your seats.
• Don't send your kids to the bathroom without shoes. "The floor is a Petri dish," a flight attendant confides. "You're in the air, things jostle. That's not just water on the bathroom floor."
• Pack hand sanitizer and use it on your child's hands when they can't get to a bathroom to wash with soap and water.

15. Keep Your Composure

There's not much you can do to assuage that passenger who complains the moment your child sneezes or giggles. Just remember: As long as you're trying (and what parent isn't?), you've got almost everyone on your side.

"An adult having an issue with a screaming child is acting like a child as well," offers a flight attendant and mom named Patience. "Don't engage. Just worry about your own child."

16. Choose an Airline With Kid-Friendly Perks

There's nothing a family-friendly airline wants more than happy, occupied kiddos. As such, many leading carriers have all kinds of kid perks to offer their littlest travelers from a wide array of their favorite TV shows and movies to kid-approved headphones and snacks.

Before boarding, be sure to check in with the gate agent about whether the airline offers priority boarding for families with young children. Often airlines call special boarding for families so they can board a little early so you'll have time to settle in. Other great perks to look for are family lounges or airports with areas for kids to burn off some steam during layovers or before boarding.

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