Flying internationally with a toddler? Here’s everything you need to know – from booking the right flight and packing smart to surviving long-haul flights with your little one. A complete first-time mom’s guide to traveling abroad with a toddler.
When I booked our first trip to Europe with my toddler, I’ll admit, I was terrified. I pictured meltdowns at 35,000 feet, diaper emergencies mid-flight, and juggling passports while chasing a tiny human through airport security. But guess what? We survived (and even had fun)!
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Are you getting ready for your first international flight with your little one? This guide has everything I wish I knew before flying with a toddler.
What Documents You Need for Flying Internationally with a Toddler
Before you even think about packing, make sure your paperwork is in order.
✅ Child’s Passport: Every child needs their own passport, valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date.
How to Apply: Schedule an appointment at your local post office through the USPS Passport Application Page.
✅ Consent Letter: If one parent is traveling solo, bring a notarized consent letter from the other parent. Some countries need it.
Tips for Booking Plane Tickets for a Toddler
When to Book Flights
If you can, book a night flight. Our overnight trips from the U.S. to Europe were a dream. My toddler slept most of the way both times. The day flights back? Not so much! Try to align flight times with nap or bedtime.
Seat Options for Toddlers
You have two main choices when flying internationally with a toddler:
💺Lap Infant (under 2): They sit on your lap for the flight. It’s cheaper, but less comfortable. We used this option for 4-hour flights to Mexico two years ago, and last year with Lufthansa, plus booked a bassinet for the long flights.
💺Own Seat: More space, safety, and independence. You can also use an FAA-approved car seat on board for extra comfort. We just came back from a trip where she flew with her own seat, and it was a big difference for us this time!
Pro Tip: Choose seats near the window (great distraction) or aisle (easy restroom access).
Booking a Bassinet on Long-Haul Flights
If your airline offers a bassinet, book your tickets, then call customer service right away to reserve it.
We flew Lufthansa and paid $52 each way for a seat next to a bassinet (my seat). Keep in mind that your partner may not be seated with you, if you wait for the check in process. For instance, on our way to Europe, the system assigned him a seat on a different row from mine. Therefore, we asked to move at the available 3 seats row at the end of the plane. Our girl slept on the middle seat.
Keep in mind also to check bassinet’s weight limits. For example, Lufthansa’s bassinets are only for babies under 24 lbs (11 kg).
Baggage Allowance for Toddlers on International Flights
This one varies by airline, but here’s what I learned from experience:
🧳 Toddler with Seat: Same baggage allowance as an adult. For example, at our last flight with Iceland Airlines to Europe, our girl got both carry-on and checked luggage included in her ticket.
🧳 Lap Infant: Usually no carry-on, but Lufthansa gave us one free checked bag (23 kg), which we used for our car seat check-in bag.
🧳 Free Diaper Bag: Always allowed.
🧳 Free Stroller and Car Seat Check-In. We use this option a lot. Check with your airline.
Pro Tip: Protect your gear with a car seat travel bag and a stroller gate check bag.
Dropping Your Stroller at The Plane Gate
Usually, we use our Chicco stroller at the airports and drop it to the staff at the plane gate, just before to board the plane. This way, we carry our kid for faster transfer through the airport, plus use it for our bags.
Receiving Your Stroller at The Airport
During our previous trips to Cancun and Europe (with United and Lufthansa Airlines), we received our stroller right when we landed at the airport. It was handled to us at the exit of the plane.
However, this is not the case with all airports and airlines. At our recent trip to Europe with Iceland Airlines through Reykjavik and Berlin Airports, we received our stroller at the Baggage Claim, as an Oversized/Odd Luggage. We got a little stressed both times that our stroller was missing, but we found our bag later at the mentioned places.
Keep in mind also that if you need to check-in a stroller from the beginning, you may be sent to a different location to drop it off.
Getting Through the Airport with a Toddler
Check-In Car Seat and Stroller
We usually check-in our car seat for free, but keep the stroller until the gate drop off, a lifesaver move.
However, sometimes, it is better to check-in your stroller in the beginning, if you have a short layover like we did on our way back to the States this year.
Going Through Airport Security with a Toddler
Your stroller will go through a separate screening. You can ask TSA for a non-invasive metal detector instead of carrying your toddler through the scanner.
Keep in mind that any plush toys that your kid is holding will also go to the scanner. We got a small toddler meltdown at one of the airports because of this. Before the next flight, I explained to her how the toy should be taken for a check and returned after that. She got it this time and didn’t cry at all.
What Baby Food and Liquids Can You Bring on a Flight
You can bring breast milk, baby formula, water, purees, and baby food in quantities exceeding the standard 3.4-ounce (100ml) limit in your carry-on bag. These items are classified as medically necessary. You can also bring cooling accessories like ice packs or gel packs to keep them fresh. Check TSA website for more information and guidelines.
Nursing Rooms and Kids Play Areas at The Airports
Most of the airports have nursing rooms for breastfeeding and kids play areas. You can look for them at the airport map. They help a lot when you have a long layover or some time to waste before boarding your flight.
Boarding a Plane with a Toddler
Priority boarding can be helpful if you have multiple bags to store, but sometimes it’s better to board last to let your toddler move around longer. We have boarded both in the beginning and at the end, and it depends how your kid is feeling.
Pro Tip: Don’t let them nap at the airport! I learned this the hard way. Keep them active until boarding so they’re tired once you’re in the air.
What to Pack When Flying Internationally with a Toddler
Here’s exactly what we packed in our diaper backpack, and what saved us mid-flight.
Diaper Bag Essentials
✅ 1 diaper per 2 hours of flying (plus extras for layovers) *before potty training. This year, we brought our folding travel potty seat because she is already potty trained. I put an extra pair of underwear in her bag pack, just in case we have an accident.
✅ Changing mat
✅ A few changes of clothes for spills and accidents
✅ Lots of snacks (both familiar and new!)
✅ Small, mess-free toys
✅ Airplane tray table cover
Carry-On Bag Must-Haves
✅ Extra clothes (for both of you)
✅ Favorite blanket or stuffed toy
✅ Extra snacks/meals (especially for lap toddlers)
✅ Optional: Small pillow for sleep
Toys That Saved Us on the Plane
Keeping a toddler busy for 10+ hours requires strategy. Here are our favorites:
✅ Coloring book & Crayons
✅ Play-Doh
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Our Best Tips for Long-Haul Flights with a Toddler
✅ Bring new toys and rotate them throughout the flight
✅ Pack meals and snacks – never rely on airline food
✅ Get a bassinet if your airline offers it
✅ Offer snacks or a drink during takeoff and landing to relieve ear pressure
✅ Expect tantrums and be patient
✅ Don’t stress if your toddler doesn’t sleep right away – they eventually will!
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Final Thoughts
Flying internationally with a toddler is not easy, but it’s 100% doable, and so worth it.
Sure, there were meltdowns and messes, but the memories we made exploring Europe together? Priceless.
If you’re a first-time mom getting ready to travel abroad with your toddler, take it from me – you’ve got this. Pack smart, stay calm, and enjoy the adventure.
Save and share this post with other moms who will fly with their toddler soon. Let us know in the comments what other tips do you have to save us some meltdowns at the airports?
