Whether you’re a military wife, single mom, or you’re just going on a trip with your toddler and no one is coming with you, I am here to tell you it is possible to fly alone with your toddler and not completely lose your mind! For the moms who have multiple kiddos while they travel alone– I am eager to learn from you– but for those who only have one like me, here are a few tips to get you through this tricky, and maybe daunting, travel situation.
TIPS & TRICKS
- Download, duh! (anti screen-time moms: look away)
E is allowed to watch some movies and TV shows at home with limits but all rules are thrown out when it’s time to travel alone with her. During our 12+ hour road trips alone that we’ve done and countless flights we’ve taken without D, she is allowed to watch lots of shows. The night before our trip I download whatever she is super into these days plus a couple new shows in case that captures her attention. On Disney+ I download Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Frozen, and The Little Mermaid. On Amazon Prime I download Daniel Tiger. Netflix is where I download new things for when she gets sick of the others. I also have these headphones for her to listen.
- Backpack instead of a tote!
When D is with us I usually bring a tote for toys, blankets and snacks because it’s super easy to tuck under the airplane seat and grab whatever I need. Without the extra hands though, I always opt for a backpack.
Here’s what goes in my backpack:
Side pockets- Clorox wipes in one, Hydroflask water bottle in the other
Smallest front pocket- tissues, hand wipes, sanitizer
Medium pocket- airpods, chargers, extra pacifiers, extra face masks, wallet, my book
Medium pocket #2- changing pad, diapers, wipes, backup outfit for E
Large pocket- small toys, E’s headphones, Amazon Fire tablet, iPad, variety of snacks
- Stroller & stroller covers
Usually when I fly alone with E we are visiting family or friends so we have access to a car seat when we get there. This particular flight, however, we were flying halfway across the country to house hunt for our new military orders. I was planning to rent a car but I felt uneasy about renting a car seat through the company so I brought our backup car seat with us and checked it at the gate. Regardless, I ALWAYS bring our UPPAbaby VISTA stroller whenever we fly.
On the stroller I kept E’s lunchbox and the carseat on the bottom part of our VISTA. Plus I have an organizer from Amazon (linked here) for a cup holder/storage that I use for my phone, drinks, etc. Make sure to bring a cover to go over your stroller so it protects it when they put it underneath the plane. We check the stroller and carseat at the gate so there’s less of a risk of it getting damaged (and so I can use the stroller through the airport, of course).
- Snacks!! Plenty of them and more.
The day before we leave I pour her snacks into ziploc baggies and put all those little bags into a large ziploc to contain the craziness. Examples of dry snacks I pack: goldfish, cheerios, animal crackers, Welch’s fruit snacks, Plum Organics cereal bars. These are my go-to dry snacks because they are easy to eat and don’t make a huge mess. I also buy most of them in bulk anyway so it’s easy to fill up bags.
An option that you don’t need to necessarily do but I always like to have is packing a small lunch box of cold snacks, too. As long as they are “for the kids” TSA should let you through with them. Cold snacks: cheese sticks, applesauce, fruit cups, fruit pouches, yogurt pouches, blueberries, juicebox. I also put spoons and bibs in the lunchbox but you could store those anywhere.
- TSA Pre-check, if you can
If you’re never really flying then TSA pre-check may not be worth your time but if you are flying regularly (with or without a significant other) I would absolutely take the time to do this. Almost every time I fly I silently thank myself for going through the process of getting this done because it is a HUGE time saver and makes TSA way easier. You do still have to run everything through the security belt but you don’t have to take your shoes off or empty your tablet out, etc. Just pile your stuff on the belt, roll the stroller over to the security guard and carry your toddler through the archway. Also, the lines are usually short!
- Plan around nap time, if possible
This one can definitely be tricky but is also worth it if you’re able to. Unfortunately, when we flew this past time I wasn’t able to plan around E’s nap schedule so she took a nap in her stroller while we waited for our rental car after the first flight and then took a brief nap in my lap on the flight home. Luckily, she doesn’t get too out of control if she’s overly tired but there’s always that risk that they will enter terrifying toddler tantrum mode so try to find those flights that work for your little one’s schedule!
- Think it all through & make a plan
You may not be a planner but I promise you, you’ll want to plan for this trip. Make a list of all the items you’ll need for yourself and all the items your little one needs ahead of time. Picture what you do on a regular basis with your toddler (diaper/bathroom, snacks, mealtimes, sleeping, etc.) and how you will execute these during your travels. E sleeps in a travel crib that we love (linked here) whenever we travel so this is an item that I had to figure out ahead of time how I was planning to carry this on my own into and out of the airports. It’s small enough to carry on the plane so when D is with us we do that but desperate times call for desperate measures. For mealtimes, check out the airports to see if there are places that you and your toddler like to eat in case you get delayed or have a layover.
- Keep calm, you’ve got it!
The best thing you can do when you’re stressed out from traveling alone is to try to keep a cool head about everything. Remember that your little one may not completely understand what is going on and even if they do, they may be out of their comfort zone too so try to give them some grace. Be extra patient with them even if that feels impossible.
Don’t hesitate to ask for help, too. You’d be surprised how many people willingly offer to help me at the airport even though E is seemingly fine and I’ve got our routine down. They see a mom, alone, with a little one and A LOT of stuff and usually want to lend a hand. I guess the pity is piled on now that I’m pregnant, too. LOL.
Any other tips that I didn’t include? I’d love to hear other tricks y’all have because I will definitely be flying more with my little one(s)! If you want more details on logistically HOW I navigate the airport and with what items head on over to Flying ALONE with a Toddler Part 2!
Nitsa 