Traveling with a toddler can feel overwhelming — but with the right preparation (and gear!), the journey can become smoother and even enjoyable. Here are 10 practical tips for traveling with a toddler, plus recommended products that parents swear by.

1. Choose a Travel-Friendly Stroller

Bulky strollers can be a nightmare when navigating airports or trains. A lightweight, foldable stroller saves space and stress.

Try: Bugaboo Butterfly Ultra-Compact Stroller

2. Pack a Spill-Proof Snack Container

Hungry toddlers = cranky toddlers. A spill-proof snack container keeps food fresh and contained during long trips.

Try: GoBe Kids Snack Spinner

3. Bring Quiet Toys

Keep little hands and minds busy with mess-free toys. Parents on Reddit recommend sticker books, magnetic boards, and busy boards for flights.

Try: Melissa & Doug Reusable Sticker Pad

Try: Wooden Busy Board for Toddlers

4. Use a Mess-Free Writing Tablet

Try: LCD Writing Tablet for Kids

5. Don’t Forget Volume-Limited Headphones

Protect little ears with toddler-safe headphones. These let them enjoy shows or audiobooks without blasting sound.

Try: iClever Kids Bluetooth Headphones

6. Make Plane Seats More Comfortable

For long flights, a seat extender or inflatable footrest can turn a cramped space into a cozy nook for naps.

Try: Inflatable Airplane Bed for Toddlers

7. Carry a Travel Placemat

Meals on-the-go can get messy. A reusable silicone travel mat keeps food off questionable surfaces.

Try: Silicone Travel Placemat

8. Pack Variety for Entertainment

Rotate toys and books to avoid boredom. Activity pads and small games work wonders.

Try: Melissa & Doug Water Wow! Coloring Book

Try: Spot It! Travel Card Game

9. Give Them Their Own Backpack

Toddlers love independence. A small backpack with their toys and snacks keeps them busy and proud.

Try: Skip Hop Toddler Backpack

10. Use Screen Time Wisely

When all else fails, controlled screen time can save the day. Pair a tablet with pre-downloaded shows and games.

Try: Amazon Fire HD Kids Tablet

Recommended Products for Toddler Travel

Here’s a quick list of must-haves parents recommend for stress-free trips (all available on Amazon):

• Bugaboo Butterfly Ultra-Compact Stroller
• GoBe Kids Snack Spinner
• Melissa & Doug Reusable Sticker Pad
• Wooden Busy Board
• LCD Writing Tablet
• iClever Kids Bluetooth Headphones
• Inflatable Airplane Bed for Toddlers
• Silicone Travel Placemat
• Melissa & Doug Water Wow! Coloring Book
• Spot It! Travel Card Game
• Skip Hop Toddler Backpack
• Amazon Fire HD Kids Tablet