How to travel with a toddler: A guide for your first time

From a vacation to see the grandparents to a beach getaway, traveling with a toddler can be a fun experience and planning ahead can help the process go much smoother. To help you plan your first trip away with your toddler, this guide covers everything you need for an enjoyable getaway. From booking flights to renting a car and researching accommodation, make your first trip unforgettable.

Toddlers can be amazed by flying. From the hustle-and-bustle of the airport to staring out the window watching the airplane leave the ground, they’re sure to find the marvel. As a parent, preparation is key when traveling with your toddler. Here are some tips for flying with your child:

• Choose the right flight and seats
• Give yourself enough time 
• Prepare your child and make it fun 

Choose the best flight and seats

For the best start to your trip, put time into selecting your flights. Here are some general tips for preparing to fly with your toddler:

• Help your toddler become familiar with flying by watching a video about airports
• When researching your flights, opt for non-stops when available
• If that's not possible, look for flights with longer connection times when traveling with small children
• Book flights during your child’s normal naptime
• If your budget allows, consider opting for premium economy or bulkhead, which often include advance boarding
• The back of the airplane is usually closer to the bathrooms and the galley and is often booked last, potentially offering open seats on a less-full flight
• If you and your child travel frequently, consider signing them up for a frequent flier account, though lap children won’t earn miles

How to clear security with your toddler

The Transportation Security Administration uses modified screening procedures for children 12 and younger. During the screen process, families can wear a baby carrier with a younger toddler. 

Things to remember for security:

• Baby and toddler liquids and food are exempt from the 3.4-ounce rule, which includes formula, breast milk, juices, and food pouches
• Cooling packs or freezer packs can be used 
• Use clear containers or original packages 
• Separate food and liquids for additional screening 

The TSA operates a help line for those traveling with children. Passengers can call TSA Cares to arrange special assistance or ask further questions about the screening process.

Consider adding extra time 

Airports are busy places and oftentimes passengers are greeted with lines. From check-in to security, add peace of mind and pad your schedule with additional time, especially when traveling with children and checking items. 

Consider a connection an hour-and-a-half or two after arriving, and if you gate-checked your stroller, this will be the time to return from the cargo hold. 

You can use this additional connection time to find the family bathrooms or the in-airport play area, if available. Even if you brought your travel stroller, you can let your child walk beside you to burn off stored energy.

Arriving at the gate early also gives you time to find a seat. The windows overlooking the airport ramp might be super exciting for your toddler, who can watch the activity. 

Tips for flying with toddlers 

• If your toddler is over 23 months, they need a seat
• Pack some diapers in case of delays or unexpected accidents
• Pack food for your child, especially if they have allergies or dietary restrictions
• Download films to a tablet and consider over-the-ear headphones for older toddlers
• Pack a pacifier for younger toddlers to manage changes in air pressure
• Older toddlers can sip on water bottles or even chew gum as a special treat
• Bring along a comfort item and layers for cool cabins

If you're booking a rental car at your destination, there are a few additional considerations. From picking a family-friendly car to car seats, you can travel easier knowing that you’re prepared.

You'll most likely be hauling luggage on your trip. Most vehicle descriptions will indicate how many pieces of luggage a car can accommodate in its trunk. You can place personal items on the floorboard too, to keep items close at hand. 

Most rental car centers are located on the airport property and use a shuttle service. After gathering your luggage at the baggage claim, like your travel crib, head to the public transportation area of the airport. There you should find the line for the rental car center with most of the international brands. 

Tips for renting a car with toddlers 

If this is your first car trip on vacation with your toddler, preparation will help, from selecting interesting stops along the way to knowing when to take a break:

• Consider bringing your personal car seat for the rental car
• Protective storage bags can be purchased to protect the seat
• Some rental agencies offer car seats for an additional charge
• Pack comfort items for napping in a car seat
• Plan drive time to coincide with nap time
• A family-friendly audio book might be entertaining
• Plan breaks every two to three hours with walks or fun stops along the way
• For evening drives, dress your toddler in pajamas at dinner so they can fall asleep as you continue

Top tip: Before departing on your road trip, consider keeping your diaper bag conveniently stowed. Then consider where you'll change your toddler when the vehicle is packed, like a front seat or in the car’s trunk. 

When it comes to finding family-friendly hotels or vacation rentals, look for accommodations that suit your family’s needs. For example, if you're traveling to an amusement park area, there's usually a large concentration of family-friendly accommodations. 

For families embarking on an adventure vacation, such as exploring a national park, booking a vacation rental or even glamping can be fun. 

Traveling can knock your toddler out of their daily routine, and they may seem extra tired. A comfortable space and a nap can help to keep everyone well rested.

Consider the property’s location

Often overlooked – if you're vacationing in a city, a hotel close to dining or a park might work best. This makes quick trips for lunch or a trip to the park easier. 

You should also consider how you'll get around the city, either by public transportation or car rental. If you’re planning on using the metro, you can find a hotel near a station. 

Some locations are best explored by rental car. Parking fees are common at urban hotels, even for self-parking, so research before booking. 

When selecting accommodations for your trip, you can prioritize options with the most amount of space, depending on your budget. Hotel rooms with a pull-out sofa might be a fun sleeping option for your older toddler. 

Tips for traveling with a toddler in a hotel

• Though not guaranteed, try to request a quiet room away from the elevator or at the end of a corridor
• Consider a blackout sleep pod that goes over a travel crib
• A pull-out sofa bed might be a fun place to sleep for an older toddler 
• Unpack on arrival, setting up a changing area if your toddler is still in diapers
• Keep the same bedtime and napping routine while traveling 
• The travel crib can go in the bathroom if it's large enough and ventilated for a quieter and darker sleep environment 

Top tip: If you have a larger family, you can book adjoining rooms or a two-room suite. It's worth considering that adjoining rooms do have their own doors to the outside or the corridor.

Family-friendly hotel features 

Hotels can be the convenient choice for some locations, especially for cities. If your family is arriving late or departing early, a hotel might be a better option with its 24-hour front desk. Here are some features that appeal to families:

• A microwave and a mini fridge in the room 
• A complimentary breakfast 
• An indoor pool or a heated outdoor pool 
• Early check-in or late check-out 

Toddler-friendly destinations in the U.S.:

• Orlando, FL has many theme parks and family-friendly properties
• San Antonio, TX is another top destination for families, with the Alamo and River Walk
• San Diego, CA is a family favorite which offers city lodging and beach resorts

The home-like environment might be best for your trip, especially if you want more private space. Many vacation rentals feature full-service and provisioned kitchens, ideal for meals in as a family.

Vacation rental features 

Choosing a space that feels more home-like might help your toddler settle in faster. When searching for a vacation rental, some popular family features include:

• Added space to nap and play, especially helpful if you have more than one child
• A private outdoor space 
• Basic baby gear like highchairs
• The option to arrange a restaurant delivery 

Top tip: You can pack a baby monitor to keep an eye on your child while in another room.

Toddler-friendly destinations in the U.S.:

• Gatlinburg, TN is close to the Great Smoky Mountains and features cozy cabin rentals
• Estes Park, CO features cabins and vacation rentals in the Rocky Mountains, close to the national park’s entrance 
• Branson, MO is a family favorite with amusement parks and theater productions

By this point in your parenting journey, you know things can get messy and it is best to be prepared. On a travel day, you may consider dressing your toddler in an easy-to-change outfit that can be switched out in a bathroom. 

For the rest of the trip, you can pack outfits that match the weather, favoring cool natural fibers in warm weather and layers in cooler temperatures. Since toddler clothing is small, pack more than you would use in the same amount of time at home.

Toddler packing list

• At least two outfits a day
• Extra shoes plus socks 
• Night light 
• Small dish soap and bottle brush 
• Packable first aid kit, including a thermometer 
• Outlet covers
• Diapers, wipes, a changing pad, and disposable bags for used diapers
• Books, games, and comfort items 
• Tablet with favorite shows downloaded
• A waterproof sheet or absorbent pad if using existing bedding 
• Swim diapers and swimwear

Families with younger children know flexibility is key, but a reminder might be helpful if visiting relatives without young children. Activities can be omitted or rescheduled, but sleeping and meal times are best to stay consistent. 

Tips for organizing your day

• Plan your outings based on your toddler’s energy level
• Add a down day to adjust, especially if traveling far distances
• Keep meal times consistent and pack snacks for in between meals 
• Schedule your most desired activities in the morning, when everyone is fresh
• If your toddler is a good stroller sleeper, schedule a low-key activity after lunch, like a museum visit
• Research playgrounds in the area and surprise your toddler with a play break
• If possible, keep timed-entry attractions to a minimum

Traveling as a family can be a rewarding and fun experience. Adults get to experience a destination through the eyes of their toddler. From a playground near the hotel to a trip to the zoo, toddlers love exploring together as a family. And planning ahead will give you the peace of mind to enjoy your trip together.