I spent a month in Tuscany with my 2 month old & 2 year old. Here’s how I survived the 24 hour travel time to get there.
This post is in partnership with Coterie. I only endorse products I believe in.
Traveling with a newborn? Intimidating. Traveling with a toddler? Frightening. Traveling with both together? Downright insane.
But guess what? I did it! I spent a month in Tuscany with my two kids, and while the 24 hour trip from San Francisco to Italy wasn’t my favorite part 😬 these 3 travel hacks made it much less stressful and dare I say, an enjoyable part of the adventure.
If you're flying with a newborn and toddler, here's the short version: the right diapers, some necessary movement before boarding, and a bag stuffed with snacks will carry you through. Those three hacks got us through all 24 hours of travel and they're the same ones I'd use again tomorrow.
Hack #1: Pack diapers wisely
When you’re trapped in a cramped airplane seat for 12 hours, a blowout isn't just an inconvenience, it quickly becomes a catastrophe. That’s why your diaper choice is your most critical piece of travel gear.
And the question I get asked most: how many diapers do you actually need for a long-haul flight? My rule is one for every two hours in the air, plus a full extra day's worth for delays. For a 12-hour flight, that's not the place to run short.
Before we left for Europe, I wanted zero doubts, so I put the top brands to the test: Coterie, Millie Moon, Dyper, Kirkland, and Pampers Amore.
Coterie won by a landslide. Here’s why:
- Faster absorbency: Pulls moisture away from skin instantly, preventing travel diaper rash and keeping babies dry.
- Holds more, longer: Holds over 16 oz of liquid, meaning fewer changes mid-flight.
- Total chlorine-free + cashmere-soft: No irritation against newborn skin, even after hours in the air.
The other brands left my baby damp within the hour. Coterie didn't.
When you're flying with a newborn and toddler, a diaper that holds more means fewer trips to that tiny airplane bathroom with two kids in tow (which is truly the overall goal).
The Travel Math on Price: Yes, Coterie costs more. But fewer diapers per day, fewer bathroom trips mid-flight, and less diapers in your carry-on make the math work.
Prep for your next trip: Get 10% off Coterie here (Use Code: EXTRA10)
Pro travel tip: I’ve always packed 3 days worth of diapers in my carry-on and a week’s worth in my car seat bag. Travel drama happens, flights get delayed, and international stores aren't open 24/7.
Hack #2: Let your kids crawl (or run) wild before the flight
Find the emptiest stretch of terminal you can and let them go. Twenty minutes of wiggles, climbing and movement before boarding buys you some extra calm on the plane. Just keep hand sanitizer very handy.
And few things that make it work even better: gate-check your stroller so you can wheel your toddler straight to the jet bridge, then wear your newborn in a carrier to keep your hands free. Time the energy burn for about 30–45 minutes before boarding. This is early enough that they're not melting down at the gate, late enough that the wiggles have subdued a bit before takeoff.
Hack #3: Bring all the snacks
Our bag was filled to the brim with snacks to occupy our toddler. And I highly suggest putting together a fun surprise snack box to keep yours extra busy. Just grab a pill box, fun stickers, their favorite snacks, and some extra special treats (I added peanut butter chips and marshmallows).
The two snack hacks that saved us: pack twice as many snacks as you think you'll need. And as for baby, remember that baby food, purees, and pouches are exempt from the TSA liquid limit, just tell the agent you're carrying them.
Ready to conquer your next family flight?
Flying with a newborn and toddler is 100% doable, it just takes the right prep. Nail your diapers, move before you board, and over-pack the snacks, and you'll be amazed how smooth-ish even a 24-hour travel day can feel.
Coterie is the one thing I won't travel without. Try them for your next trip.
Get 10% off your first subscription order — that's a full month of diapers for $95 with code EXTRA10
I have tons of travel tips for you on the blog. If you're a mom and feeling unsure about traveling with your kids, I'm here for you. Whether you have your sights set on international travel, getting the essentials right for your baby when you're away from home (or your toddler), or how to tackle things like time change, I'm here to tell you it's all doable and well worth it.
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