The Truth About Traveling with Toddlers (And What I Always Bring)
Let’s be real—traveling with a toddler is not a vacation. It’s a relocation of chaos. It’s bringing a tiny, unpredictable, emotionally unstable roommate with you... to the airport… with snacks and feelings and a bedtime routine that must be followed or else someone ends up crying (usually me).
But I do it anyway. And not because I love pain—because I love memories. And margaritas. And changing the scenery so I can hear “MOMMY MOMMY MOMMY” somewhere new.
So here’s the unfiltered truth about what it’s like—and the gear I never leave home without.
✈️ What Traveling with a Toddler is Really Like
You will carry 98% of their stuff. Yes, even if they insisted they wanted their own backpack. It will be on your back in 12 minutes.
They will poop at the worst time. Usually right as boarding starts. Or right when your Uber pulls up.
You will question everything. Why did you book a red-eye? Why didn’t you pack backup pants for yourself? Why are there so many crumbs in that car seat??
But they’ll also say something ridiculously cute like “This hotel is so fancy, it has TWO beds!” and you’ll melt, take a photo, and forget the part where they screamed for an hour about the airport escalator.
👜 What I Always Pack When Traveling with a Toddler
1. Travel Stroller That Doesn’t Suck
I bring something lightweight but sturdy. The Colugo Compact is my go-to—it folds with one hand and doesn’t make me swear while boarding. I’ve reviewed it here.
2. Car Seat Travel Bag or Strap
If we’re bringing a car seat (and not renting from BabyQuip at our destination) I protect it like it’s royalty. A padded travel bag or those car seat backpacks keep my hands semi-free and my back moderately intact.
3. Change of Clothes... for Both of Us
Not just for blowouts. For yogurt explosions, for seatbelt barf, for “oops I thought that was water.” Trust me—throw in a tee and leggings for yourself. Regret-free parenting. Don’t forget the wet bag (these ones are SO stinkin’ cute) to keep the yuckies away from the clean stuff.
4. Snacks. Then More Snacks. Then Emergency Snacks.
TSA probably thinks I’m feeding a family of raccoons. Pouches, crackers, gummies, suckers—anything that buys silence for 90 seconds is worth its weight in goldfish. This adorable snack bag for travel will keep you passin’ snack in style.
5. Tablet + Headphones
We don’t judge screen time in this house, especially not on a plane. Download shows, load up a few new apps, and make sure they’ve got comfy headphones they’ll actually keep on. (Bonus Tip: you WILL need headphones for school so stock up now)
6. Wipes for Everything
Not just for butts. For hands, faces, armrests, tray tables, and that moment when they decide to lick the window for no reason. I LOVE Water Wipes because they don’t smell like baby powder and they come in smaller packages so they stay wet and don’t get that weird mildew smell.
7. A Comfort Item
Blankie, stuffed animal, pacifier—whatever brings the calm. I always pack a blankie (for me and the kids).
8. Portable Sound Machine
Because hotels are loud, walls are thin, and someone always decides to vacuum the hallway at 9:42pm. I bring the Yogasleep Hushh—it’s a lifesaver.
🧳 Optional (But Sanity-Saving)
Portable booster seat (if your toddler eats like a raccoon on a rollercoaster)
Tiny first aid kit (this one is TSA approved)
Stroller fan if you’re headed somewhere warm (because toddlers are very sweaty)
Final Thoughts (aka Don’t Let the Flight From Hell Scare You)
There will be a meltdown. There will be a delay. There might be pee. But there will also be moments where your toddler gasps at seeing the ocean for the first time, or insists on rolling their own tiny suitcase, and you’ll feel like maybe—just maybe—you’re doing something right.
Traveling with toddlers is never easy. But it’s almost always worth it. And I promise: next time, you’ll forget the trauma and start looking up flights again like the slightly feral, always hopeful, travel-loving parent you are.
