Traveling With Toddlers: 13 Expert Safety Tips

Last updated: May 2026

Whether by plane, car or a quick trip to grandma's, traveling with toddlers can be a handful. Traveling with your one or two-year-old can also be magical. Everything is new to them, and you'll see they appreciate the little things a lot more.

With that said, safety should be top of mind before you embark on your journey. That's why we interviewed Laura Coleman, Child Passenger Safety Technician, Nationally Registered Paramedic and mom of two, to give us her top safety tips for traveling with a toddler.

In this article

• 1. Talk to other parents
• 2. Educate your toddler on the area
• 3. Bring a safe car seat
• 4. Plan around vaccinations
• 5. Pack extras
• 6. Keep their routine as normal as possible
• 7. Take a photo of your child before heading out
• 8. Check as much luggage as you can
• 9. Bring exciting toys
• 10. Prepare for air pressure on flights
• 11. Take advantage of pre-boarding
• 12. Schedule your flight strategically
• 13. Childproof your surroundings
• FAQs

1. Talk to Other Parents

Sometimes the best advice comes from those around you. Talk to other parents about their recent experiences and what they wish they had or had done differently when they traveled with their little one. Did they run into any problems? This is a great time to pick their brains about what did and didn't work on their trips.

2. Educate Your Toddler on the Area

Before your trip, find books or videos about traveling and what you may see or do on the trip. Not only will this get them excited about your travel plans, but it will also familiarize them with the area so they don't get lost. During the trip, point out those things to reinforce what they learned.

3. Bring a Safe Car Seat

Car seat safety should be a top priority when traveling. Here are Laura's top car seat safety tips when traveling by car, plane or train.

• If you're road-tripping, make sure your car seat is used and installed properly in your vehicle.
• When flying, your child is safer riding in their car seat due to turbulence, and the car seat can also give them a sense of normalcy. Make sure the seat is FAA-approved for use on an airplane (look for the label that reads "This Restraint is Certified for Use in Motor Vehicles and Aircraft") and verify your airline's policies before you arrive at the airport.
• If traveling by train, most passenger trains do not have seat belts at all, so make sure your car seat is secure and will work safely on the train.
• If taking a taxi or rideshare to your destination, know your state's car seat laws. Most taxis are exempt from car seat requirements, while rideshares typically require you to bring your own car seat. Uber Car Seat is available in select cities if you need an alternative.

4. Plan Around Vaccinations

If you're getting vaccinations before traveling, give yourself at least a week of cushion time. You do not want to add the fussiness and low-grade fever from a vaccination to the list of things to deal with on your trip.

5. Pack Extras

When packing for your trip, pack extras for your toddler and even for you. Plan on delays and assume the worst. You never know if your little one will have an accident on the plane or lose their favorite toy on your journey. If your child wears a diaper, use an overnight diaper or double up to avoid any accidents.

6. Keep Their Routine as Normal as Possible

Toddlers typically thrive under routines because routines give them a sense of security. Try to keep their routine as normal as possible, including meals and naps during your trip. If you're staying in a different time zone, transition gradually to the new time.

7. Take a Photo of Your Child Before Heading Out

One big safety tip Laura recommended is to take a photo of your child at the start of every day on your trip. Not only will this serve as memories to look back on, but it will also be useful in the off chance you and your child get separated. You'll have documentation of what they're wearing to make finding them a lot easier.

8. Check as Much Luggage as You Can

If you're flying, check as much luggage as you can. That way you have fewer items to worry about carrying around (or losing) in the airport.

9. Bring Exciting Toys

Surprising your toddler with a new toy, or giving them their own backpack of toys once they're settled in on a plane, train or car, will keep them occupied for a longer stretch. Look for interactive travel toys that can hold their attention for hours.

10. Prepare for Air Pressure on Flights

Air pressure changes can affect your toddler and cause them to be restless or in pain. If you're traveling with a toddler on a plane, have pressure-easing snacks or a pacifier ready for takeoff and landing. Swallowing helps relieve the pressure in the middle ear. If you have connecting flights, try to schedule longer layovers between flights to allow time to recover.

11. Take Advantage of Pre-Boarding

During boarding, take advantage of pre-boarding so you can get your child settled in before the masses enter. This will give them more time to get comfortable in their seat and settle in with a favorite toy or book.

12. Schedule Your Flight Strategically

Earlier flights often have fewer delays, but later or overnight flights fit into your toddler's sleep schedule. Either way, plan on downtime when you arrive in case a quick nap is needed for you and your child.

13. Childproof Your Surroundings

Always check your surroundings. At your rental or hotel, childproof everything. If you're traveling with other parties, childproof their rooms too. Friends and family members may overlook safety measures because they're not used to having a toddler around.

How To Travel With a Toddler: FAQs

For more expert advice on traveling with your little one, Laura dives into some common questions below.

What Is the Best Age to Travel With a Toddler?

The best age to travel with a toddler depends on your toddler and whether you think they're ready for travel. Every toddler is different and every trip is different, but it's important to remember that toddlers are active and have short attention spans. Either plan around their downtimes or plan to find ways to keep them active. The more you travel with them, the more routine it will become.

What Do I Need When Traveling With a Toddler?

When traveling with your one or two-year-old, make sure to pack the below items:

• A well-stocked diaper bag
• Snacks
• Wet and sanitizing wipes
• Ziplock bags
• Disposable changing pads
• First aid items
• Fever reducer
• Extra clothes (for your toddler and for you)
• If they'll be using an electronic device, kid-safe headphones

Is Traveling Stressful for Toddlers?

Traveling can be stressful for toddlers when they don't understand what is going on and they're out of their normal routine. To help, try to keep their routine as normal as possible and explain to them clearly what is happening.

Is It Worth Traveling With a Toddler?

Yes, traveling with a toddler is absolutely worth it. You'll create special memories to reminisce on for years to come.

Remember that children often mimic the emotions of those around them. No one expects them to be perfect angels while traveling, and no one expects you to be a perfect travel parent. Take a deep breath and find the fun in traveling.

To make your trip easier, make sure you're prepared with the right travel gear. From strollers and car seats to tents and toys for your next camping trip, GoodBuy Gear is your one-stop shop for all the baby and kid gear you need at a discounted price, so you can focus on the more important things in life, like making lifelong memories with your little ones.