Traveling with Toddlers | Checklist for Packing a Toddler Carryon

Of all the tips for traveling with a toddler, the number one tip, to ensure a hassle-free trip when traveling with toddlers is keeping them entertained. Often when you see people traveling with toddlers in tow they’re overloaded with 1 million things traveling with a toddler after 102 plane rides I have whittled down Noon’s carry-on essentials to this checklist for packing her carryon.

Coloring book/stickers | what toddler do you know that can resist stickers? Do you know what’s even better than stickers, though? A sticker coloring book combo. This book is the most genius thing I’ve ever purchased. In its tiny size, it contains hours of toddler sized fun to be had while traveling. There are stickers and pages where the stickers go allowing you to work on fine motor skills in the air and teach your toddler the names of new shapes and animals. There are also themed coloring pages that correspond to the themes of the stickers. I’ve spent hours working on this book with my daughter on an airplane, she’s also spent hours doing it all by herself. so it’s a win-win.

Crayons | I got these crayon rocks as a baby shower gift from my friend in Australia and put them aside till my daughter was old enough to use them, and I’m so glad I did. They don’t break and they’re the perfect size for tiny hands to grasp, their fun little shape makes them easy to spot and after two years of using these solely on planes when traveling with a toddler we haven’t lost one. If that’s not enough, they were invented by a special needs teacher, the little pebble shape is ideal for teaching the proper way to hold a pencil.

Tips for packing a carryon for traveling with a toddler

Bubbles | Bubbles are a real treat, these bubbles come in spill-proof tumblers which make them perfect for tiny hands. The simple joy that comes from blowing bubbles brings a bit of whimsy to airport terminals. Toddlers and adult travelers alike get a kick out of you flying with them. This bubble solution, in particular, is really easy for kids to blow themselves which decreases the amount of time you’ll be forced to serve as a bubble machine.

Sippy Cup | This cup is a life saver. When traveling with toddlers spills are inevitable but this spill-free cup makes those spills fewer and far between. It’s perfect to snag a drink in the airport but even better to drink out of on an airplane. the stainless steel versions keep drinks insulated and cool for long periods of time and having it on hand when traveling with toddlers cuts down on the number of times you’re offered a plastic cup or straw.

Figurines | We’ve traveled with soft dolls and teddy bears, but to be honest these plastic people make it easy to disinfect when they’re dropped on the ground or placed someplace sticky. Which leads me to one of my most important tips for traveling with a toddler, things must be easy to wipe off. Knowing toddlers, things will be dropped, multiple times while traveling. I also find that traveling with tiny dolls that look like her completely blows the minds of other toddlers and parents alike, they’re great conversation starters and a super simple way to expand the mind of tiny humans. its the newest addition to our checklist for packing Noon’s carryon bag but it is one of my favorite.

Magnetic Building blocks | these blocks are non-toxic and made of wood. The fact that they are magnetic means that they provide hours of uninterrupted fun at every stage of travel. Your toddler can have building fun while waiting at the gate or if you have to pick up the pieces and run to a gate without interrupting their fun. No matter what mode of transportation you are traveling by with your toddler there is bound to be a few bumps along the way, the fact that these are magnetic means when there is turbulence there is no fear of your toddlers’ creation tumbling over. Bring things with easy mobility is one of the best ips for traveling with a toddler.

Electronics to bring when traveling with a toddler

Storyteller | A thirteen-hour flight with a screen 8 inches from your face can make it pretty hard to limit screentime. This screenless interactive story box makes learning fun. We have it set up in French to reinforce her second language, I really enjoy the fact that she gets to direct the stories herself, choosing characters and locations for the stories to unfold in and with hours and hours of toddler fun while traveling.

Headphones | these Headphones fold up small enough to throw in your bag and come in cant miss bright colors that make them easy to spot in transit, read, harder to lose. Air plane headphones are harder to use with tiny ears and most airlines now charge for the use of them. so packing your own set is important when traveling with toddlers.

Tablet/ Tablet Case | Speaking of limiting screentime, unless you’re a magician you won’t be able (won’t want ) to go hours in transit without something to keep your toddler entertained. The day before we travel I check that her tablet is fully charged and good to go. This soft shockproof case with an easy carry handle that doubles as a kickstand mean that your toddlers can be in charge of carrying their own things when you’re traveling.

Powerbank | The last thing you want when traveling with toddlers is for the batteries to die in their favorite device at the last minute. this rugged battery pack keeps the electronics juiced up and ready to go if you need 10 minutes of peace during your 15-hour flight.

Camera | This little camera is shockproof and waterproof, making it all around toddler proof, but it has the functionality of a real camera so that Noon can photograph the work around her. When we get back home it’s always fun sharing a photo of what it’s like traveling with toddlers from a toddlers point of view.

I hope you found these tips for traveling with a toddler helpful. What is a must-have on your traveling checklist for packing your carryon when traveling with toddlers?