Flying with a Toddler: Our Honest Survival Guide
After 30+ flights with Edison before age two, we've learned what actually works — and what's just Instagram-worthy nonsense.
Let's be real: flying with a toddler is not glamorous. It's snacks, screen time, and praying the person in front of you doesn't recline. But it is absolutely doable — and with the right prep, it can even be fun.
Book the right seat
Window seat for toddlers who love to look out. Aisle seat for parents who need to make 11 bathroom trips. We always book one of each and let Edison choose on boarding day.
The carry-on that saved us
One dedicated toddler bag: snacks in the front pocket, a change of clothes in a ziplock, two small toys, and one tablet loaded with offline shows. That's it. Resist the urge to overpack — you'll be carrying it.
Timing is everything
Red-eyes work brilliantly for some families. For us, early morning flights align with Edison's natural wake time and he's in good spirits. Avoid flights that cut directly into nap time if you can.
Edison's pro tip: bring a lollipop for takeoff and landing. The sucking motion helps with ear pressure and buys you 10 minutes of bliss.
Edison
Chief adventure officer, Edison Explores. Toddler. World traveler. Snack enthusiast.
