Travelling with Kids: Stress-Free Flight Hacks by a Mom

Originally published: February 18, 2022 | Updated: July 24, 2025

Travelling with kids under 7 can feel like an impossible mission — especially if you’re doing it alone. Long flights, airport chaos, unpredictable sleep, crying babies, picky toddlers — it’s a lot to think about. But trust me, with the right prep and mindset, it can be smooth, even joyful.

I took a 23-hour flight to Los Angeles with my 11-month-old daughter. I was nervous, but it turned out to be a hassle-free experience. Travelling with kids isn’t as terrifying as it sounds — especially if you’re prepared. As a mom who has flown with a toddler multiple times, I’ve found a few lifesaving hacks for flying with kids. And today, I want to share what worked for me so you can breathe a little easier on your journey.

One Month Before – Yes, Start Planning Early!

Make Your List (and Check It Twice!)

Okay, so this might sound boring, but making a list when travelling with kids is a lifesaver! I learned this the hard way during my first family travel experience. Write down everything you need for your baby travel essentials – seriously, everything. Your future tired self will thank you.

Food Planning (Start Early!)

If you’re travelling with kids, especially babies or toddlers, it’s wise to plan their meals in advance. Planning to introduce a new baby food variety during the trip? Try it at least a month before your travel to check for any allergic reactions or taste preferences. This simple step can save you from unexpected food issues while you’re on the go. One of the golden rules of flying with kids is to never force-feed them—keep them hydrated and comfortable.

And if your child is a picky eater, don’t forget to pack their favourite snacks — whether it’s cookies, chocolates, or any comfort food. If you’re carrying fruits, cut them into bite-sized pieces and remove the seeds, as seeds are not allowed on most flights.

Medical Kit Essentials

This is one of the most important parts of travelling with a baby or toddler. Always keep a compact medical kit in your hand baggage, with the doctor’s prescription.

Here’s what I packed:

• Fever syrup

• Colic drops

• Saline nasal spray

• Cough syrup (age-appropriate)

• Diaper rash cream

Reminder: Liquids over 100 ml aren’t allowed. Carry travel-size bottles.

Kangaroo Bag: Lifesaver for Solo Moms

If your child is under 2, invest in a good-quality kangaroo bag (baby carrier). My daughter hated it at first, but I didn’t give up. I carried her in it during evening walks every day before the flight. Eventually, she got used to it.

If you feel your baby still shows discomfort even after training, switch to another brand.

Pro tip: Choose one that suits your baby’s weight and your back. Branded ones may be pricier but prevent shoulder and back pain.

Diaper Bag Must-Haves (Go for Backpack Style)

When you’re flying with kids especially infants, your diaper bag becomes your survival kit. Here’s what I packed:

• 4–5 diapers

• Baby wipes

• Face tissues

• Baby-safe sanitizer

• 2–3 warm jumpers with hoods (cover ears well)

• Mittens + lightweight baby blanket

• One extra outfit for yourself

• Baby’s favorite toy or soft book

• Storybooks or tablets with offline rhymes

• Coloring book & crayons. Most international flights with kids offer a small coloring book along with 3 to 5 crayons. It might seem like a tiny gesture, but it can actually keep your toddler entertained for a couple of hours — a real blessing during long journeys when you’re trying to manage everything else while travelling with kids.

Go for a backpack-style diaper bag. It’s easier to carry, keeps your hands free, and is less likely to get left behind.

On the Day of the Journey

Take a deep breath & relax! You’ve got this. Pat yourself on the back for your courage.

• Double-check the checklist to make sure you have kept everything.

• When you’re taking international flights with children, most flights are either late at night or early in the morning. Don’t stress if your child skips their afternoon nap — it might actually help! In our case, my little one slept through most of the journey, which made things smoother. 😊

Important Documents

Amidst the rush of travelling with children, it’s easy to overlook important things like passports and flight tickets. So, be sure to keep all essential documents in a handbag or an easily accessible section of your carry-on — ideally prepared before you leave the house.

Formula Feeding on Flight?

The secret to flying with kids peacefully? Keep them engaged, fed, and well-rested. No need to carry hot water. Just pack:

• An empty hot flask

• Bibs & formula powder in a separate pouch

• A clean bottle or sipper

Ask the flight attendant for hot water—they’re happy to help!

Don’t Fully Rely on Bassinets

I personally don’t fully trust airline bassinets for babies. While many airline websites state the weight limit as 11 kg, my baby was only 8 kg and they still denied me the bassinet. Thankfully, during our international flight from Abu Dhabi to Los Angeles, the plane was almost empty — barely 15 passengers in the economy class. I was able to grab an entire empty row, laid her down across the three seats, and she slept peacefully while I sat beside her. Sometimes, travelling with kids comes with unexpected blessings too!

Takeoff & Ear Pressure

Also, one of the best baby travel tips I learned was to use a pacifier or offer milk or water during take-off and landing. The cabin pressure change can cause ear discomfort in babies and toddlers. Sucking on something helps reduce that pressure and prevents them from crying or feeling irritated. It’s a small step that makes a big difference during long international flights with children.

Meals in Flight

Most international flights offer kid-friendly meals — think mac n’ cheese, chocolates, French fries — basically, their favorites! You really don’t need to carry much except a few snacks your child loves.

For infants, airlines usually provide refrigerated fruit or veggie purees (they can mildly heat them upon request). My daughter was all in for strawberry puree — but never touched the zucchini one! And that’s okay. Don’t force-feed your child if they’re uninterested — that only leads to a cranky kid, and trust me, a cranky kid means a nightmare in the skies.

If your child skips meals during the flight, it’s not a big deal. Just make sure they stay well hydrated — that’s more important.

Also, check here Best & Healthy Snacks To Carry While Travelling with kids.

Restroom Breaks

One big challenge while flying with kids is managing restroom breaks — for both you and the baby.

• If your baby is still in diapers, try to change the diaper every 3–4 hours. Airplane restrooms usually have a changing table (though cramped!), so be prepared with wipes, diapers, and a disposable changing mat.

• If your child is potty-trained, try to take them every 2 hours, even if they say they don’t need to go. But if your toddler refuses to sit on the airplane toilet, don’t force them. They might feel scared or uneasy in that small, unfamiliar space. Help them feel comfortable — maybe distract them with gentle talk or bring a familiar object — and try again calmly.

Also, don’t hesitate to ask for help from the flight attendants. I still remember when I had to use the restroom mid-flight, and the air hostess offered to watch my baby for those few minutes. That tiny gesture meant the world to me.

Worried About Hyperactive Toddlers?

Traveling with toddlers can be a handful — especially if you have a little one who’s always on the move. If your toddler is particularly active or gets excited in new environments like airports or airplanes, keep them engaged with activities they love. Whether it’s a small coloring book, a favorite toy, sticker books, or interactive apps (with volume off), a bit of pre-planning goes a long way.

Not everyone on the flight will be as understanding. Some passengers may find noisy or restless kids bothersome and may even complain to the crew. But don’t let this stress you. You’re doing your best. Focus on keeping your toddler busy and happy, and consider packing a few quiet travel-friendly toys to make things smoother.

What If the Baby Cries Nonstop?

If you’re traveling and your day is already overwhelming, a baby crying non-stop can feel even more stressful. But remember — a crying baby is simply trying to communicate. When your infant is crying incessantly, it’s often a sign that something is making them uncomfortable. And no one understands that better than a mother.

Start by checking their clothes. Sometimes, small things like tight elastics, sharp zippers, or irritating tags can cause discomfort, especially during long travel journeys with a baby. If the outfit seems suspicious, change it immediately. You’ll often notice that the crying stops instantly if the cause was the attire.

Babies also have different types of cries for different reasons. If your baby won’t stop crying despite being well-fed and changed, check their body temperature to rule out a fever. If that’s fine, it might be colic pain, especially common during travel due to gas or irregular feeding. Try giving your baby some tummy time, and if the crying continues, a colic relief medicine (as per your pediatrician’s advice) can help. These simple baby soothing tips can be a lifesaver, especially when you’re traveling with an infant.

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