Flying Solo with a Toddler: 7 Smart Packing Tips for Moms
Hey mamas! Have you ever flown solo with your baby or toddler? It can be quite the adventure — and let’s be honest, a little intimidating too. Personally, I love a good challenge and any kind of adventure, so I was actually excited to try it! But I know that’s not the case for everyone, and that’s okay. Whether you’re feeling nervous or ready to take on the skies, I want to share what helped me pack efficiently for flying solo with a toddler.
So far, I’ve flown solo twice with our baby girl — once when she was still a baby, and once when she was entering her toddler phase. These 7 packing tips for flying solo with a toddler come straight from what worked for me. If you follow these, you’ll feel more prepared, calm, and ready to enjoy your trip with your little one.
🎥 Prefer to watch instead? Check out my YouTube video: Pack With Me for Flying Solo With a Toddler | Tips for Stress-Free Travel With Kids — it walks through exactly how I packed for our latest trip!
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1. Plan Ahead for Flying Solo with a Toddler
This is true for all kinds of travel — and honestly, for mom life in general. Planning ahead brings peace of mind and helps you feel ready for the adventure ahead. When you’re flying solo with a toddler, that extra bit of preparation can make all the difference.
I recommend starting your packing process at least a couple of weeks before your trip, especially if it’s a longer one. It might feel a little early, but it’s so much better than rushing at the last minute and feeling stressed right before takeoff. Future you will thank you!
2. Pack Light — Fewer Bags, Less Stress
The less you have to manage, the better. When you’re traveling alone with a toddler, your main focus needs to be your toddler — not juggling five different bags through TSA.
Here’s what I took on my last solo trip with our toddler:
- 1 large rolling suitcase – checked right away upon arriving at the airport
- 1 airplane car seat bag – checked immediately as well (easy to carry over the shoulder)
- 1 backpack – my carry-on; a double-strap backpack so I could wear it comfortably and hands-free
- 1 baby/toddler carrier – this was a must for me; it let me carry my little one safely while keeping both hands free
- 1 fanny pack – perfect for boarding passes, my phone, and quick access items (it easily slipped into my backpack when I didn’t need it)
This setup worked beautifully. I checked the heaviest items right away, then moved through TSA and the airport hands-free — baby in front, backpack on back, fanny pack at my waist. Simple and seamless!
If your toddler is older or heavier, a stroller might make more sense. If you bring one, I recommend a lightweight, easy-to-fold travel stroller that you can check at the gate.
3. Pack Smart — Make Sure You Can Carry Everything Yourself
You’ll be responsible for carrying everything, so make sure you truly can. Test your setup before you leave home: can you comfortably manage your luggage and your toddler?
The goal isn’t to bring everything “just in case” — it’s to bring only what you really need so you can move easily and focus on your little one.
🎥 Want to see how it all worked in real life? Watch my vlog Flying with a Toddler | Real Mom Travel Vlog (Week in the Life!) — I share what travel day actually looked like!
4. Stay Hands-Free Whenever Possible
Being hands-free is a game changer. Once you’ve checked your larger luggage, aim to have both hands free while moving through the airport. A baby carrier helps tremendously here — especially during security checks and boarding.
Even if you’re not babywearing the entire time, it’s worth having the option. Toddlers can be unpredictable, and having two free hands when you need them is priceless.
5. Pack a “Diaper Change Kit” for the Plane
Changing a baby or toddler on a plane is no small task — those bathrooms are tiny! The best thing you can do is pack a small ziplock bag with just the essentials:
- 1 diaper
- A small pack of wipes
- 1 change of clothes
Keep it near the top of your carry-on so it’s easy to grab when needed. And if your little one has a blowout mid-flight (it happens, mama!), you’ll have a clean outfit ready and a bag to seal up the dirty one.
6. Pack Your Carry-On Strategically When Flying Solo with a Toddler
Think about what you’ll actually need in-flight and pack with that in mind. For toddlers, this usually includes:
- Favorite snacks
- Small toys or books
- iPad or tablet with downloaded shows
- Pacifiers, comfort items, or loveys
- Favorite snacks
Place those things where you can easily grab them — ideally without digging through your entire bag. A well-organized carry-on can make your flight so much smoother, especially if the plane is crowded.
7. Don’t Stress — Have Fun!
Most importantly, enjoy the moment. You’ve got this, mama! Flying with a toddler solo might sound intimidating, but it’s also a sweet opportunity to make memories and bond with your little one.
When you’ve planned ahead, packed smart, and prepared for the unexpected, you’ll find that traveling solo with your toddler can actually be fun. Embrace it and enjoy the adventure!
Related Travel Posts You’ll Love
If you’re planning a family getaway soon, check out these posts next:
🎥 Psst! Each post includes the full YouTube video so you can watch and read for the full experience!
💬 Your Turn!
Have you ever flown solo with your baby or toddler? Or are you getting ready for your first trip? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
✈️ If you’re a seasoned traveler and have extra tips, please share them too — let’s help all the mamas feel prepared and confident.
📌 Before you go, don’t forget to save this post on Pinterest for easy reference next time you’re packing for a trip with your toddler. It’s always nice to have these reminders saved for later.
Whatever your next adventure looks like, remember: you’ve got this, mama. 💛
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