Long Distance Travel With Toddlers: What You Need
Taking kids across the country or abroad can be daunting. It can also be life changing. Tot Mama of two and American expat, Summer Land, shares her tips for traveling and exploring the world with toddlers.

As an American living in Australia with two kids under five, I’ve had A LOT of practice traveling internationally with babies and toddlers.
Being able to see my friends and family and watching my kids explore the world around them makes the 36 hour door-to-door adventure totally necessary. In an effort to pay it forward, I’m here to share what I’ve learned along the way.
In this article, we’ll go over:
- Mentally preparing for long distance travel with toddlers
- Advice for long distance travel with toddlers
- The best products for long distance travel with toddlers
- Materials and ingredients to avoid in kids products
Scroll down to learn more.
Mentally preparing for long distance travel with toddlers
I think that one of the best ways to prepare for traveling with a baby and/or toddler is to set expectations from the start.
- Accept that their may be tears. (From both you and your child.)
- Accept that you might get a dirty look from a grumpy traveler. (It’s not personal.)
- Accept that their will be sticky hands, poo explosions, and VERY dirty clothing.
- Accept that it’s going to be hard and prepare to work your butt off. You’re going to be singing songs, playing “Ride A Little Horsey” and naming inanimate objects for HOURS.
- Accept that it’s going to probably take you longer than usual to get where you want to go.
Advice for long distance travel with toddlers
Flying?
I may be a worrywart, but I always arrive for an international flight at least 3 hours early.
With the airlines we fly, we’re not always guaranteed a bassinet seat until check-in and even though your baby may not want to be in it – you’re going to want the extra storage space and to be near the other moms and dads. These people are your tribe. So are the flight attendants. They want your baby to be quiet as much as you do so don’t be afraid to ask for a bottle to be warmed up or if they have a banana left over from first class. (Unless you’re in first class and then may I suggest gifting your banana to the toddler in Row 59C?)
When it comes to boarding – I never rush to get on and settled. I use this time to let my kids run off some energy. I also like to talk about what to expect on the plane. If you’re potty training – getting up can be difficult so I’m going to go ahead and just own that I put my toddlers in pull-ups throughout the flight. However, I still ask them if they need to go and encourage them to try.
If your kids are a bit older, they may have an attention span for the inflight entertainment or a tablet. Some parents may worry about the screen light keeping them awake, buy my kids seem to sleep okay. (This also gives me a solid hour to eat my meal in peace!) However, I do know of some pretty awesome screen-free options! (They’re listed below!)
I also recommend bringing more outfits than you think you’ll need.
When my daughter, Daisy, was 11 months old we had an unexpected 10 hour layover at LAX and she wanted to do nothing but CRAWL. The knees of her special travel outfit were black from all the grime on the floor! On that note – also bring a bag for dirty clothes, a bag for garbage, wet wipes, natural hand sanitizer and be sure to wash everyone’s hands at every opportunity. There’s nothing worse than sick kids while traveling.
#TotTip
Before you go – make sure you’re all up to date on your immunizations and everyone is healthy. It’s helpful to pack a thermometer and any other first aid items you might use for a rough night at home.
Driving?
If you’re planning on hitting the open road, try to work your drive times around your toddler’s sleep schedule. I also suggest breaking up the trip.
For example, my mom and I went on a multi-state two week road trip when my kids were 1 and 3. We always tried to leave after dinner and bath and would drive until about 10 or 11pm at night. From there, we’d simply transfer my kids into a hotel room. Note: I would NEVER recommend driving so late alone, but felt safe with my mom driving. By doing the bulk of the driving during their sleep, our days were much more peaceful.
Just like with flying, you’re going to make sure you have plenty of extra clothing, wet wipes, snacks, diapers/pull-ups and entertainment!
The best products for long distance travel with toddlers
While I know you don’t want to add even more to your packing list, I promise that the below products are total life-savers when it comes to traveling with toddlers.
- Travel stroller
- Carrier
- Diaper bag backpack
- Extra outfits, PJs & blanket
- Wipes & diapers/training pants
- Food storage & water bottles
- Toys & activities
- Travel car seat
- Pack N Play (for when you get where you’re going)
Scroll down to see my picks for each!
Travel Stroller
While you may be all sorts of obsessed with your current stroller because it can quite literally hold a case of wine in the under seat basket, chances are it’s not compact enough to easily hop on a plane, in a taxi or on the subway with.
That’s why I’m ALL ABOUT the YOYO 2 travel stroller. Offering the same durability, maneuverability and comfort as a full size stroller, this tiny but mighty option folds into a parcel sized package complete with a carrying strap. Celebrated for fitting in most airline overhead storage compartments, it’s also beloved because it’s car seat compatible, making it suitable for use from birth until 48.5 lbs. Adaptors and accessories sold separately.
Babyzen YOYO 2 Stroller
$549.98
Available in more colors
Babyzen YOYO+ Bag
$89.99
Available in more colors
Baby Carrier
I think the #1 item I used the most with my kids was our Ergobaby Baby Carrier.
This thing is so comfortable, easy to clean and can help you soothe a fussy baby or tote a tired toddler! I love it because it can be adjusted to fit parents of all shapes and sizes and offers front, back and side wearing options.
Ergobaby Omni 360 All-in-One Cool Air Mesh Baby Carrier
$180
Diaper Bag Backpack
Once you have a toddler, you need to be able to have your hands free. That’s why I swear by backpack diaper bags.
Currently, we are LOVING this eco option from Jem & Bea. Complete with a travel change pad, wristlet and internal pockets to keep you organized, it’s also super stylish.
Jem & Bea Jamie Eco Backpack
$245
Available in more colors
Extra outfits, PJs & blanket
I don’t know why or how, but toddlers become even messier when on the road! I always advise having plenty of back up outfits. In fact, have an outfit for getting to the airport, being at the airport, sleeping on the plane (x 2) and one for getting off the plane!
The other thing to consider is WHAT the clothing is made of. Because cars and planes can be quite stuffy, it’s best to dress your tot in breathable and moisture wicking fabrics like organic cotton or bamboo rayon.
Does your toddler get cold? Same. Always travel with at least two swaddles and a blanket. They’re fantastic for keeping kids warm and snuggly when they finally do drift off to sleep.
HART + LAND Baby/Toddler/Big Kid Bamboo Long Sleeve Crew Tee
$20
EXCLUSIVE
Available in more colors
HART + LAND Baby/Toddler/Big Kid Bamboo Leggings
$20
EXCLUSIVE
Available in more colors
Kyte BABY Toddler Bamboo PJ Set
$32.99
Available in more colors
HART + LAND Toddler/Big Kid Pima Cotton PJ Set
$50
EXCLUSIVE
Loulou Lollipop Odessa Swaddle
$25
Loulou Lollipop Bamboo Muslin Taco Swaddle
$25
HART + LAND Organic Solid Blanket
$40
EXCLUSIVE
Wipes & Diapers/Training Pants
My daughter stopped using diapers around 2, but when we traveled, I always convinced her to wear training pants JUST IN CASE. I would explain that I trusted her to know when she needed to go, but that she might not have the opportunity.
At the same time, my son was still in diapers. It’s incredible how many more you seem to go through! I don’t know if he was drinking more liquids or what, but pack more than you think! Oh and WIPES. Your need ALL the wipes.
nest diapers
Ranging from $57 to $65
Available in more sizes
nest training pants
Ranging from $52 to $54
Available in more sizes
Coterie 8 Pack of Wipes (56 in each)
$47.95
Food storage & water bottles
Is there anything worse than an overly tired kid? Yes. An overly hungry kid!
Keep your tot cool, calm, collected and well-fed with ample snacks. Try opting for things like fresh cut veggies, rice crackers, or granola. Definitely steer clear of overly sugary processed foods that may result in a meltdown! Also – don’t forget about yourself! You”ll be working HARD so be sure to fill up a water bottle for yourself as well!
The Tot Feeding Sets: On-The-Go
$119
EXCLUSIVE
Zip Top Silicone Snack Container Set of 4
$34.99
Thinkbaby Sippy of Steel
$13.99
PlanetBox Shuttle Stainless Steel Lunchbox
$39.95
PlanetBox Stainless Steel Water Bottle (18.8 oz)
$24.95
Available in more colors
Toys & activities
I guarantee that 2 minutes into your journey, you’ll hear a groan of boredom. Don’t worry – the below toys and activities can help.
All perfect for helping to redirect your tot, they also offer an element of educational fun!
Jaq Jaq Bird Bored Boards – Selfie Boards
$29.99
Includes pack of dustless chalk
Habbi Habbi Starter Set + Reading Wand – Spanish
$99
EXCLUSIVE
Includes headphone jack
Habbi Habbi Starter Set + Reading Wand – Chinese
$99
EXCLUSIVE
Includes headphone jack
Petit Collage Doodle + Draw Elephant
$35
Olli Ella Play’N Pack – Forest
$29.95
Lunii My Fabulous Storyteller
$79.90
Includes headphone jack
Petit Collage Magnetic Dress Up – Superheroes
$24
Petit Collage Magnetic Dress Up – Best Friends
$24
Travel Car Seat
Depending on what type of trip you’re going on, you may need a car seat once you get where you’re going.
The WAYB Pico is a total game-changer and you need to know about it. Incredible safe and comfortable, this wonder chair folds into an easy to carry package!
WAYB Pico Car Seat
$320
Available in more colors
WAYB Pico Travel Bag
$50
Pack N Play
Again, depending on where you’re going (and the age of your toddler), it might be wise to bring a travel crib. We love the Nuna Sena Aire because it’s so easy to open and fold and actually provides comfort!
Nuna Sena Aire Travel Crib
$349.95
Available in more colors
Materials and ingredients to avoid in kids products
When shopping for any type of kids product (shoes, strollers, toys…) selling points like ‘water-resistant fabrics’ and adjustable toy bar may sound dreamy, but the reality could be much darker. It could mean that they’re sprayed with a PFAS chemical and potentially harboring BPA, BPS or harmful phthalates.
At The Tot, we never recommend anything we wouldn’t use with our own family. That’s why we created The Tot Safety Test. Every singly product we have on the site has been reviewed by our Green Living Expert. This means we’ve reviewed third-party testing and certifications.
Here are the main ingredients/materials to watch out for in kids products:
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PVC
-
BPA + BPS
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Harmful phthalates
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PFAS chemicals
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Lead and other heavy metals
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Flame retardants
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VOCS
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Toxic dyes + inks
You can learn more about the ingredients we avoid and WHY by clicking here.
Continue exploring
- Looking for educational toys that inspire creativity and imaginative thinking? Discover The Wonder of Small World Play!
- What We’re Reading: 10 Hilarious Truths You Can’t Warn Parents About