Top Tips for Flying with a 1-Year-Old

Do you have air travel coming up with a 1-year-old toddler? If so, you're in the right place! I'm a mom of 4, a travel blogger, and a proud survivor of dozens of flights with toddlers.

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, walk around, and explore, but they have very short attention spans and can do absolutely nothing to be helpful.

Not to mention, 1-year-olds are free if you fly with them on your lap, which is very tempting. But it’s also 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 believer 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.

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Before You Fly

Let’s go through some of the frequently asked questions parents want to know before they get to the airport.

Should I book a seat for my 1-year-old?

Your one-year-old does not need their own seat. 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 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.

For a long-haul flight, booking your toddler their own seat might be a good idea if it's in the budget.

The closer your child gets to age 2, the more comfortable you and your child will be with that extra space. However, I’m willing to put up with discomfort to save money, so it will depend on your budget, the flight length, and whether you want your child in their car seat on the flight.

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 have forgotten to do this until the DAY OF my flight, and it was fine. I wouldn’t recommend that, but there you go.

Also note that for international travel you will need to pay an infant fare even for a lap child.

What should I do about a car seat when I’m flying?

Option 1: Bring A Car Seat on the Plane

Should you bring a car seat for your 1-year-old? According to the Federal Aviation Administration, an approved child restraint system is the safest place for young children on a flight.

However, this is a personal decision, and several things may factor into your decision. If you're going to use a car seat when you arrive at your destination, and you have the budget to book an extra seat, you may consider bringing an FAA-approved car seat on the plane for your child.

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.

If you travel often, buy a car seat specifically for air travel. For a 1-year-old, the Cosco Scenera Next is lightweight and narrow, making it a great option for traveling families.

We had a tall toddler that quickly grew out of the Cosco Scenera Next, so we found the Safety First Jive 2-In-1 Convertible Car Seat to be a better option for us.

To get the car seat through the airport we attach the car seat to a luggage cart and roll it like a suitcase.

If you are going to use a child restraint system (car seat), it must be FAA-approved (you can find that on a sticker usually located at the base of the car seat). The flight attendant will also likely remind you that car seats must go in the window seat so as not to block other passengers in.

Tip: If you did not book a seat for your child and want to bring your car seat on board, ask the gate agents if there is an empty seat on the flight. If there is, they may allow you to bring your car seat on board. If not, plan to gate-check your car seat in a car seat protector bag.

Option 2: Rent a Car Seat Upon Arrival

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?

You won’t need their ID to get through security if you're taking domestic flights.

For international flights, you will need a passport for your 1-year-old.

If you are flying with a lap infant you will need a document that proves your child is under 2 and eligible to be a lap infant. This could be:

a copy of their birth certificate
their passport
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.

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, it's helpful to familiarize yourself with the airline's 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 drink formula, breast milk, 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, breast 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 snacks for the baby like 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. 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.

According to the TSA (Transportation Security Administration), a breast pump can go in your carry-on bag or your checked bag. I always preferred to carry it on the flight in my diaper bag so I didn't risk losing it!

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:

You need a reliable travel stroller. We LOVE our Zoe Tour+ since it’s lightweight, easy to maneuver, and easy to fold up with one hand. Use my link for $15 off your first order - no code needed!
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.
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.
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:
- headphones (both plug in and wireless)
- snacks for you
- gum or mints
- a book or tablet with pre-loaded entertainment or ebooks
- lip balm
- pain reliever in case of a headache
Snack bag for baby with:
- Puffs
- Pre-cut fruit or veggies
- yogurt bites
- Cheerios
- fruit pouches (use these tops to avoid messes when baby squeezes the pouch)
- 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).
Sippy cup for milk (and consider a sippy cup tether to avoid losing your cups!)
Water bottle to fill up after you go through security
1-2 lightweight books (I like the indestructible ones)
Maybe 1-2 toys. Honestly…they won’t keep the kid’s attention for long, but it might be a temporary distraction. Here are a few small ones that won’t take up much space in your bag:
- Fold-up busy board
- This toy leash that suctions to the tray table. They won’t be able to drop their toys on the floor.
- Tape or sticky notes
- Water Wow books for older 1-year-olds
- A sensory toy
- A calculator or remote control from the dollar store. Seriously.
Bring a change of clothes for both you and your baby in case of an accident, sickness, or lost luggage.
Don’t forget infant pain relievers or teething remedies. You don’t want a screaming toddler ruining the flight for you and everyone else.
Bring a lightweight muslin blanket for getting your child to sleep (plus a pacifier or any other sleep aids you use)
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.
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 unless I plan to use it on the flight. Then I put the baby in the baby carrier, roll the stroller to security, then fold it up to put it 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 rolling 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 of 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 your child is 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 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 the entire flight so you can watch your show or take a nap, you will likely 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, and tuck them in.

Bathroom Visits

A bathroom visit can be a distraction for a few minutes if you’re desperate. Take the baby with you and take your sweet time changing them, washing hands, etc.

For a quick diaper change, most airplanes have at least one bathroom with a changing table above the toilet. Be sure to ask the flight attendant which bathroom to use for diaper changes!

Use What’s Available

I’ve always found that my toddler isn’t nearly as interested in the toys I bring as the items 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 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 to bring out the books and toys you brought. Just keep your expectations low that they’ll spend a lot of time playing with said toys.

I would recommend purchasing some new toys from the dollar store or the dollar spot at Target just for the flight. New things might hold your child's attention a little longer than the toys they play with every day at home.

Read my entire list: 55+ Best Airplane Games, Toys, and Activities for Toddlers

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 hear the songs, but your fellow passengers can't.

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), while some of mine wanted nothing to do with screens, which I suppose 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 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 small children is an adventure in and of itself, and you will one day appreciate having the pictures and videos to look back on.

Dealing with Jet Lag

If you're taking a long haul flight and flying somewhere in a different time zone, you and your child might struggle with jet lag. Be prepared with milk and food in your hotel room for middle-of-the-night wakings. Try to avoid screen time in the middle of the night if you can. (Admittedly, sometimes it's all about survival, so do what you have to do).

Try to adjust to the new schedule as soon as possible by getting out in the sunshine during the day, and putting your child down for naps at the normal time. Hydrate as much as possible during and after your flight, as well!