Facing My Flight Fears (and Yours Too)

Confession time: I haven’t actually flown with a baby or toddler yet. Not because I don’t want to—but because, somewhere along the way, I developed a solid case of claustrophobia thanks to stress. Fun, right?

The last time I was on a plane was before I had kids, back when my biggest travel concern was whether my carry-on fit the liquid restrictions. But now? Now, I’m gearing up for a future of frequent family travel, because I refuse to let fear (or tiny humans) hold me back. Plus, let’s be honest—when you’re flying with kids, you probably won’t even have time to worry about your own fears.

If you’re prepping for your first flight with a baby or toddler and wondering how the heck you’re going to survive, buckle up (literally). Here’s what you need to know to make the journey as smooth as possible.

1. Lower Your Expectations (Like, Really Lower Them)

Forget Instagram-perfect travel moments. Your main goal is survival. If you board that plane with a baby and land with a baby (and not, say, a feral gremlin), congratulations! You’ve won.

Your kid will cry at some point. People will give you looks. And you will question why you thought this was a good idea. Just accept it now, and you’ll already be ahead.

2. Choose Your Flight Wisely

• Red-eye flights? Maybe, if your kid actually sleeps well.
• Midday flights? Solid choice—avoids nap-time meltdowns.
• Short layovers? No, just no. Give yourself time to regroup and run toddler energy out.
• Direct flights? Always. No need to add extra opportunities for disaster.

3. Pack Like a Pro (or Like a Paranoid Prepper)

You might think you only need a few essentials. Cute. You’re adorable. Here’s what you actually need:

• Diapers/Wipes – Double what you think. Airplane blowouts are real.
• Snacks – Toddlers survive on snacks. Bring ALL the snacks.
• New Toys & Surprises – Something they haven’t seen before = instant distraction.
• Extra Clothes (for Both of You) – Because "travel-sized disasters" are a thing.
• Plastic Bags – For dirty diapers, gross clothes, and regrets.
• Tablet/Phone & Headphones – Judge me all you want, but Cocomelon saves lives at 35,000 feet.

4. Master the Art of Takeoff and Landing

Tiny ears + air pressure changes = potential meltdown. Avoid ear pain by:

• Breastfeeding/bottle/pacifier for babies.
• Lollipops, gummies, or a sippy cup for toddlers.
• Dramatic yawning (and hope they copy you).

5. Embrace the Aisle Seat

Window seats might seem fun, but you will need easy bathroom access for emergency diaper changes, restless toddler laps, and escaping judgmental seatmates.

6. Ignore the Haters

Some people think airplanes should be a child-free sanctuary. Guess what? Kids exist. They paid for their seat just like everyone else.

Yes, be courteous. Yes, do your best. But if someone sighs loudly because your baby dared to exist? Not your problem. Offer them a big smile and carry on.

7. Prepare for the Unexpected

Something will go wrong. Expect it.

• A diaper explosion? Probably.
• A random toddler tantrum? Absolutely.
• Losing your mind mid-flight? Almost guaranteed.

The secret? Stay calm. Laugh it off. No flight lasts forever, and you will make it to the other side (possibly with a few new gray hairs, but still).

Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This

Flying with a baby or toddler isn’t exactly a vacation, but it’s also not the nightmare your brain is making it out to be. You’ll handle it because you always do.

And hey, if all else fails, there’s always in-flight wine. 😉