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Travel

3 Hacks For Flying With A Toddler

NEW MODERN MOM

6/18/24

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Written by:

Barbara Mighdoll

This post is in partnership with No Reception Club. I only endorse products I believe in and use myself.

Taking trips with my kids is hands down one of the best parts of being a parent. Witnessing their excitement as they explore new places or taste exotic foods makes me feel all the feels. But let's be real, traveling with kids, especially two young toddlers, can be a real challenge. And when it comes to flights, there are a lot of extra details to consider . . . and A LOT of extra stuff to pack too. 

Since we're big travelers, I've become somewhat of a pro at traveling with kids. I've learned lots of things the hard way, but I've also stumbled upon some genius solutions too. Here are my top three tips for making flights with toddlers a whole lot easier.

1. Pack No Reception Club’s Getaway Bag with all the things

Let's start with the No Reception Club Getaway Diaper Bag which has accompanied our family on over 30 flights as our personal item on the plane. Traveling with toddlers is pure chaos, and every little bit of forward thought and organization can make a big difference. 

If you've ever attempted to use a regular diaper bag for a family trip, you understand the struggle all too well. Picture this: you're on a plane, frantically rummaging through the endless abyss of your diaper bag in search of that pacifier. Clothing is spilling out, Cheerios have gone astray, and you finally find the pacifier covered in grime and crumbs. Been there, done that, and teetering on the brink of a toddler meltdown is no way to start off a family trip. Enough was enough.

The No Reception Club Getaway Bag is the travel bag of my dreams because it's designed to tackle the very challenges of traveling with kids and fits right under the seat. Here's why I love it:

  • It's organized: Since it has three distinct sections, you can organize everything from diapers to entertainment with its unique shelving system. It also has a separate side pocket for items you’ll need frequently.
  • It has instant side access: If you open the main compartment, you'll be able to grab exactly what you need with one hand.
  • It really holds everything: I am continuously shocked by how much fits in this bag. No need to bring along another carry-on to fit those last-minute items. Plus, it even fits our travel potty!
  • It has an emergency compartment: It has a separate, odor-containing, waterproof section for dirty diapers or messy accidents.
  • Hooray for parent pockets: Keep your sunglasses, phone, wallet, and AirPods safe and separate.
  • It’s super comfortable: Even though it holds a ton, the bag is surprisingly lightweight and comfortable. For reference, I'm 5'3″ and it doesn't feel too big on my frame. It has air-mesh padding on the shoulder straps for extra comfort during those long travel days.
  • It keeps your milk and snacks fresh: I love that it has an insulated lunch bag to store perishable snacks or milk. It can attach to the bag or to your travel stroller with the two stroller straps (included).
  • There’s a dedicated laptop pocket: Keep your laptop safe with the 15″ padded laptop sleeve, which is situated in a separate compartment. It also includes zippers to securely latch down chargers.
  • I love its wide luggage pass-through: No struggling to squeeze this over your handle, the extra wide luggage pass-through accommodates larger handles on roller bags.

Get $20 off your purchase of The Getaway Bag with code: NEWMODERNMOM20

No Reception Club The Getaway Bag

2. Use a travel stroller that fits in the overhead bin or foldable scooter

If you’re traveling with a toddler, you’ll need a stroller. Trust me, you’ll need one when your child doesn’t want to walk anymore and you’ll need one when they want to run wild. (Though, I do let my toddler run wild at airports before the flight.) Yes, you can check strollers at the gate, but I prefer not to since luggage handlers aren’t known for being particularly gentle.

Recently, we decided to bring Caden's scooter with us on our flight, and it turned out to be a brilliant idea. With his scooter in tow, he zipped around as we strolled through the airport, letting off some steam and keeping himself entertained along the way.

3. Board the airplane last

Boarding the airplane last might seem counterintuitive, but when you're flying with kids, it can make all the difference. This hack reduces the time your child has to sit and wait before the plane takes off. Your toddler will probably be super excited and eager to get going which can lead to one cranky kid. Boarding last gives your family extra time to burn off any last-minute energy in the airport, or take last-minute bathroom stops before settling into your seat. 

Make travel day easier with No Reception Club’s Getaway Bag

The No Reception Club Getaway Bag isn't just another piece of travel gear – it's a necessity for the traveling family. It’s transformed our travel experiences from stressful to streamlined. It's 100% worth the investment IMO. Trust me, you'll wonder how you ever traveled without it.

Get $20 off your purchase of The Getaway Bag with code: NEWMODERNMOM20

Author

This post may contain affiliate links including the Amazon Associates Program. When you make purchases through links in this post, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.  I only endorse products I believe in.