How to Fly With a One Year Old Baby
Top Tips for Flying with a 1-Year-Old
There's a lot of advice for flying with kids out there, but one of the most frequent questions I'm asked is how to entertain a 1-year-old on the plane.
This is one of the toughest ages to travel. 1-year-olds are just starting to assert their independence. They want to do everything themselves and they want to get down and explore, but they have very short attention spans and can do absolutely nothing to be helpful.
Not to mention, 1-year-olds are still free if you fly with them on your lap, which is very tempting to do. But it's kind of the world's worst experience in life to fly in an already cramped seat with a squirmy toddler on your lap.
I'm a firm believe in continuing to travel even through these uncomfortable stages, so the question is: how do you do it and survive? How do you get through that long flight with a 12-month-old, 18-month-old, or 23-month-old?
I'm not going to say it's easy, but I will share my best tips for making the trip a little simpler and a little more manageable. All you have to do is get through the flight, and then the rest of the trip is usually fine (although still physically demanding).
Here are my top tips for flying with a 1-year-old.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. That means if you click on a link and make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
BEFORE YOU FLY
Let's go through some of the frequently asked questions parents want to know before they even get to the airport.
Should I book a seat for my 1-year-old?
You are not required to book a seat for your child until they turn 2 years old. Until then they can ride on your lap.
However, whether or not you decide to book a seat for your 1-year-old or not is a personal choice. I often don't simply to save money, but I will say that it is much more difficult to manage a squirming toddler on your lap.
There have been a few times that I've purchased an extra seat or had the good luck of a gate agent letting me know that the flight wasn't full and I could use the seat next to me, and it's much easier. In those situations I'll take the car seat on with me.
The closer your child gets to age 2, the more comfortable you're all going to be with that extra space. However, I'm someone who is willing to put up with discomfort in order to save some money, so it's really up to you!
Take Note: For most airlines, you won't be able to book a lap child online. You'll likely have to call or arrange it through a live chat feature. Just FYI, I've forgotten to do this until the DAY OF my flight, and it was fine. I wouldn't recommend that, but there you go.
What should I do about a car seat when I'm flying?
Should you bring your own car seat for your 1-year-old? Again, this is a personal decision. I have always opted to bring our car seat along. If I'm not using it on the plane I gate check it and store it in a car seat protector bag.
This is another money-saving move for me. We have 4 kids, so if we rented car seats for all of them upon arrival it would really add up.
Another option is to buy a special car seat specifically for travel. I'm in multiple family travel Facebook groups, and I often see this car seat recommended for toddlers on a plane because it is lightweight, narrow enough to fit in an airplane seat, and fairly inexpensive.
If you travel often, this might be your best bet. It's a one-time investment that will pay off in the long run.
Finally, you do have the option to rent a car seat upon arrival. Most car rental places will offer car seats as an add-on when you're booking the vehicle.
The pros are that you don't have to lug your own car seat through the airport and you don't have to worry about yours getting damaged by the luggage handlers. In addition, this might be your best choice when traveling abroad to make sure the car seat you use is legal and able to be installed in your rental car.
The cons are that you don't know the history of the car seat you're renting. If you're very concerned about that, you're probably better off renting from Baby Quip with high standards for safety and cleanliness. You can rent anything from car seats to strollers to cribs and beyond. If you're trying to pack like a minimalist, BabyQuip is your best bet.
And if car seats are stressing you out, I would highly recommend checking out Travel Car Seat Mom. This website is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to car seat safety and travel.
What Documents Does a 1-year-old Need to Fly?
Make sure you have a document that proves your child is under 2 and eligible to be a lap infant. This could be:
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a copy of their birth certificate
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their passport
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medical records
I always use a copy of my child's birth certificate and keep it in a plastic envelope with snap closure in my backpack.
You won't need their ID to get through security if you're flying domestically.
If you're flying internationally you will need a passport for your 1-year-old.
What are the airline's policies about checking baby gear?
For as many flights as I've taken with babies and toddlers, I always make sure to read the traveling with kids policy for whichever airline I'm flying.
Most allow you to check things like strollers, car seats, and travel beds for free, and allow you to take a diaper bag on the plane in addition to personal items and carry-ons.
Also, familiarize yourself with their policies about seating families together, whether they offer bassinets on the flight, breastfeeding and pumping policies, and what you're allowed to bring/check for free (like pumps, strollers, car seats, etc).
Can I bring milk through airport security?
Most 1-year-olds are drinking formula, breastmilk, or some other type of milk (cow, almond, oat milk, etc).
You might be concerned about whether or not you can bring that through security with the limits on liquids.
Fortunately, TSA makes an exception for baby milk and formula. They may ask to test a bit of it, and they will also probably test your hands. Make sure you take it out of your bag and let them know you have it before you put it through the X-ray machine.
You can put it in a cooler along with ice packs. Ice packs are allowed, but if they've started to melt and the inside is liquid they might need to test those as well.
This also includes things like snacks for the baby, food pouches, juices, and baby food.
How much are you allowed to bring? The TSA website says "reasonable quantities," so I would avoid lugging a gallon of milk with you or something like that. I tend to take only as much as I need for the trip, plus a little extra in case of delays.
I've pumped, breastfed, used formula, and traveled with cow's milk through security, and never had an issue as long as I let them know what I'm carrying.
What Should I Pack for a 1-year-old?
I have a whole blog post dedicated to packing for travel with a baby, so go ahead and check that out.
But if you're in a hurry and just want the highlights, here are some things I recommend for flying with a 1-year-old:
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Make a diaper & wipe kit and store it in a gallon-size ziplock bag. It will be easy to find and grab in your carry-on, and the bag can double as storage for a dirty diaper or soiled clothes in a pinch.
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Keep yourself as organized as possible. Have small organizers or mini packing cubes for everything so that you can quickly locate important items with one hand.
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Have an "on the flight" kit in a small pouch that can fit in your seat back pocket. This is for things you'll want if your baby/toddler falls asleep in your arms. It should have:
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headphones (both plug in and wireless)
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snacks for you
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gum or mints
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a book or tablet with pre-loaded entertainment or ebooks
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lip balm
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pain reliever in case of a headache
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Snack bag for baby with:
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Puffs
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Pre-cut fruit or veggies
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yogurt bites
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Cheerios
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fruit pouches (use these tops to avoid messes when baby squeezes the pouch)
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a lollipop for if you're desperate (I've done it on a flight by myself with a 1-, 3-, and 5-year-old. No judgment. We do what we have to do).
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Sippy cup for milk (and consider a sippy cup tether to avoid losing your cups!)
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Water bottle to fill up after you go through security
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1-2 lightweight books (I like the indestructible ones)
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Maaaaaaybe 1-2 toys. Honestly…they won't keep the kid's attention for very long, but it might be a little bit of a distraction. Here are a few small ones that won't take up much space in your bag:
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Fold-up busy board
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This toy leash that suctions to the tray table. They won't be able to drop their toys on the floor.
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Tape or sticky notes
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Water Wow books for older 1-year-olds
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A sensory toy
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A calculator or remote control from the dollar store. Seriously.
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Bring an extra set of clothes for both you and baby in case of an accident, sickness, or lost luggage.
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Don't forget infant pain reliever or teething remedies. You don't want a screaming toddler ruining the flight for you and everyone else.
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Bring a lightweight muslin blanket for getting your child to sleep (plus pacifier or any other sleep aids you use)
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Have several empty gallon ziplock bags or plastic bags for trash or soiled items. They take up almost no space and you will be so thankful in the rare situation you need them.
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Finally, don't forget face/hand wipes and sanitizing wipes to keep you, your child, and your space clean!
Check out my Amazon shopping list for flying with toddlers!
AT THE AIRPORT WITH A 1-YEAR-OLD
How to Handle All the Baby Gear at the Airport
My strategy is to drop the car seat off at the baggage drop before I go through security. Then I put the baby in the baby carrier, roll the stroller to security, then fold it up to put through the machine.
After we make it through security I put the baby in the stroller and feed them a snack. I like to fly carry-on only so I'm pushing the stroller and pulling a suitcase. The diaper bag stays in the basket of the stroller.
Once we start boarding the plane I put the baby back in the carrier and gate check the stroller.
If you're traveling by yourself with your toddler, consider something like this for the car seat.
Find a Family Restroom
Always stop at a family restroom before you board the plane. There's plenty of room for your stroller, your suitcases, and all your kids.
It gives you a chance to go to the bathroom before you're trapped on a plane with a lap child and it's also a great time to change your toddler's diaper or pull-up (or let them go to the bathroom if they're potty trained) where there's lots of space unlike the restroom on the plane.
Burn Off Some Energy
Make use of any extra time in the airport burning off some energy. if you have a walker, walk up and down the terminal with them.
If you're at an airport with a kids area (like the Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport), let them climb around.
Strategy for Boarding the Airplane with a Toddler
There are 2 strategies to boarding a plane with a 1-year-old:
1. You can take advantage of family boarding which most airlines offer after the first class passengers. You have plenty of time to unload your gear and get set up before the plane gets crowded. This is also nice on Southwest where there are no assigned seats. The negative to this is that you're voluntarily getting stuck on the plane for a lot longer than you need to be.
2. The second option is to wait until the very last minute to board the plane. Sure, you'll likely accidentally hit a few people with your bags as you try to squeeze through the narrow aisles wearing your toddler in a carrier and lugging all your stuff, BUT, you're reducing the amount of time your child is squirming on your lap.
HOW TO ENTERTAIN A 1-YEAR-OLD ON A PLANE
Let's get something straight before I jump into the suggestions and tips: you will not get to relax on this flight. (Unless you're with a spouse or another adult and you're taking turns being in charge of the baby).
But the sooner you come to terms with that, the better your attitude will be.
If you're expecting your toddler to entertain themselves so you can watch your show or take a nap, you're probably going to end up frustrated.
Come up with a plan or schedule for how you'll entertain the baby. You could try something like: toy, snack, rest/screen, repeat. Save a few special items or snacks for "emergency" situations.
Bring Something for Takeoff and Landing
Just like we chew gum to avoid having our ears pop when the plane takes off and lands, you might want to have something for your child to suck on. A bottle of milk or a pacifier should work just fine.
Sleep
If you can, plan your flight for nighttime or nap time and try to get your baby to sleep for a portion of the flight. I've found for energetic toddlers who don't like to sit on your lap for more than a few minutes, sleep is the easiest way to get through it.
Naturally, this works best when they have their car seat, but I've also rocked a 1-year-old to sleep on a flight. Hold them firmly but gently. They will squirm and try to escape. Lightly bounce them or sing to them or tickle their forehead and cheeks. If you take an evening flight, they usually dim the cabin lights, and the noise from the engine acts like a sound machine.
If possible, try to follow some semblance of your normal bedtime routine. Brush teeth, read a story, tuck them in.
Bathroom Visits
A bathroom visit can be a distraction for a few minutes if you're absolutely desperate. Take the baby with you and take your sweet time changing them, washing hands, etc.
Use What's Available
I've always found that my toddler isn't nearly as interested in the toys I bring as the items that are already on the plane. They love to play with the sick bag from the seat back pocket, the in-flight magazine, empty water bottles, empty cups, and napkins.
Snacks are Your Best Friend
I've already listed a few snack ideas, but just make sure you bring an entire arsenal of snacks. If you're on a longer flight at some point you will enter survival mode where you're just handing tiny portions of snacks to your child at a steady pace to keep them busy. Cheerios and Puffs are great for this - just a few at a time.
Airplane Toys
At some point it will be worth it bring out the books and toys you brought. Just keep your expectations low that they'll actually spend a lot of time playing with said toys. I would recommend a few small cheap toys from the dollar store or the dollar spot at Target.
Try Using Electronics
I don't usually let my 1-year-olds watch screens, but I make exceptions for flights. The only problem is, they're usually not that interested.
If they like nursery rhymes, there are plenty of baby shows on Netflix or Prime Video you can download to your device with baby songs. Try a set of headband headphones like these so your toddler can actually hear the songs.
It's worth a try. Some of my 1-year-olds have done ok with screens (my oldest LOVED Curious George starting at 18 months or so), some of mine wanted nothing to do with screens, which is guess is a good thing.
Also, make sure you've got a good childproof case for your tablet because toddlers are not careful with them!
Sing
As a last resort, I always end up singing quietly to my toddler - nursery rhymes or songs with actions are great so they can play along: 10 Little Fingers, Itsy Bitsy Spider, Head Shoulders Knees and Toes, I'm a Little Teapot, etc.
TIPS FOR YOU
Don't forget about yourself! Think of travel days with a toddler like preparing for a marathon. it's going to be a long day, you're going to be able to move comfortably, you need to fuel up, and you're going to feel very accomplished at the end of the day.
Dress Comfortably
My Nana grew up in London during and after WW2. She always taught my mom and us that you should look your best whenever you travel.
I agree, but I also recognize that I want to be comfortable when I'm traveling with a toddler. For a day flight I've done a maxi dress with bike shorts underneath.
For a night flight, try nice joggers with sneakers and a solid color long sleeve shirt.
I find that as long as I look put together with hair done, a few simple accessories, and a hint of makeup, that does the trick.
Bring Multiple Types of Headphones
You'll need the plug-in headphones if you want to watch a movie on the seat back screen. They don't always have one, and you might not be able to watch with a toddler on your lap, but if your toddler does fall asleep, you don't want to be without these headphones.
You'll also want some wireless bluetooth headphones to watch or listen to something on your own devices. Make sure to download things ahead of time!
Try the SkyClip
I've used the SkyClip to watch a show on my phone or tablet while the baby sleeps in my arms. It gets hard to hold up your device for hours at a time when you only have one hand and can't open the tray table because there's no room. The SkyClip allows you to prop up your phone. It worked for my tablet, too, but it was very precarious and fell a few times.
Document the Trip
Don't forget to take a few pictures or videos of the trip! You might feel overwhelmed in the moment, but you'll treasure those memories for years to come.
Travel with a 1-year-old is hard, but it's worth it!
The more you do it, the easier it will get. Just be prepared, be flexible, have a good attitude, and enjoy the journey. You got this!
Check out my Amazon shopping list for flying with toddlers!
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Emily Krause is a Florida-based travel blogger who writes about exploring the world with kids. On A Mom Explores you'll find best family travel destinations, Disney World tips, and how to make travel with babies and toddlers a little easier.
Emily believes that exploring starts in our own backyards, and adventure can happen anywhere with the right mindset.
How to Fly With a One Year Old Baby
Source: http://www.emilymkrause.com/blog/top-tips-for-flying-with-a-1-year-old
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