7 Must-Haves in Your Carry-On for Airplane Travel with Toddlers

Traveling with toddlers? I get it. It can be a lot. Gone are the carefree days when it was just you and your partner. It can be genuinely exciting to reach the milestone with you can finally take-off with your littles, but between planning, prepping and potty-training, it can also feel like a mountain to conquer. Being prepared is the best way to keep meltdowns at bay and create hope for those happy memories.

Here are 7 airplane‑approved essentials that every parent needs to keep your kids from spiraling (and save your sanity):

1. Noise‑Cancelling Over‑Ear Headphones

Why it’s genius: Blocks engine roar, helps tiny ears cope with pressure changes during takeoff/landing, and delivers calm and quiet moments even without screens.

Mama bonus: It’s like a pacifier for kids that have outgrown them. More quiet moments mean less stares and glares from rubber-neckers two rows ahead.

2. Water or Mess-Free Colouring books

No need to worry about your kiddos colouring on the windows. If you’ve got a little artist in tow, start stocking up on these books seasonally so you always have a few ready-to go. Re-usable sticker-books are great as well for fine motor skills practice: peel-and-place fun that’s mess‑free and endlessly reusable.

Mom win: No loose pieces and zero cleanup.

3. Simple Fidget Toys

Go for medium-sized silicone or fabric fidget items (slides, poppers). Suction-based toys can stick to trays and airplane windows while magnetic connectors have a less chance of falling to the floor. Easy to pack, no batteries required and super silent.

Mom win: Keeps little fingers busy without losing bits mid-flight.

4. Magnetic Drawing Board

Another must-have for kids who love the magic of drawing without the mess. Airline-safe, mess-free and all-in-one which means to loose pens or markers to fall through the seats. Our family loves the attached doodle books from these ones on Amazon.

Mom win: Sometimes it’s just nice to only have to grab ONE thing from your bag to last an ENTIRE flight. This is it, mamas.

5. Lap Activity Tray

A flat, firm surface that clips or sits on the lap—perfect for the sticker pad, fidget toys, or drawing board. Keeps everything contained and easily reachable.

Mom win: These fold out like a book and can easily slide in/out of your bag. Less mess to pick-up post flight and kids feel like they’ve got their own dedicated ‘playroom’.

6. Inflatable Travel Neck Pillow for Kids

Inflatable options like Seat‑to‑Sleep cushion or standard U‑shaped pillow pack small and inflate easily. Seat‑to‑Sleep is airline-approved and helps kids nap upright  .

Mom win: Fewer neck cramps, plus pillow doubles as armrest protector for you.

7. A “Travel Lovey”

I can’t stress the importance of this last item. Before traveling, choose a special lovey just for the trip—a backup in case the fave gets lost. Pick something that’s easy to replace if it goes MIA, and preserves the sentimental one. I speak from experience when I say: don’t let a lost lovey ruin your vacation.

Mom win: Don’t waste valuable vacation time backtracking your steps looking for the bunny your kiddo has had since they were a newborn.

Packed, prepped and ready to go? Here are some other things you may want to consider before the big travel day.

Skip Character‑Sized Kid Suitcases

They’re cute, but take up valuable space, and at what cost when you have two kids or more? One regular-sized carry‑on with compartments does more for less.

Keep Mid-Flight Must-Haves Easily Accessible

Think Beis Weekender or something similar: durable fabrics, outside pockets, easy-open zippers, and a clear view of where everything lives. Chic and mom-approved. Because the last thing you want to be doing mid-flight is juggling on-the-brink-tantrums and trying to find that one toy in the one bag you stored about the seat…three rows down.

Plan for the Airport, Not Just the Plane…

Bring along ride-on seat extensions (like Doona or Shrunty). They strap to your bag and give your tot a ride through terminals. Have a little one that loves to be carried (or maybe that’s the only way you can settle them in a new environment)? A hip carrier (Ergobaby, Tula) is irreplaceable during security lines and boarding.

Above All…Pack Patience

Traveling with toddlers is a whole different ball game. You’ll overpack and forget things. You’ll plan for everything - and still fall short. But with the right gear and a few breathing exercises, you can roll with it. Familiarize yourself with where to find amenities if need be: family washrooms, kid meals, kids meds. And oh yeah, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Airport staff have seen it all and then some. Your child’s third meltdown? A regular Tuesday in their book.

At the end of the day, what matters most is those little moments. A mid-flight contact nap that you haven’t had the luxury of in years, proud creations on the drawing board, excitement over taking off (even if mom is a bit nervous). A little prep protects those memories, and maybe helps you enjoy them too.

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Safe travels, mamas (and papas)!