Toddler Travel Packing List, Carry-On Essentials & Plane Activities
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After several flights, road trips, and long travel days with Eliana, I finally have a toddler travel packing list that actually works. She’s become such a great little traveler and genuinely looks forward to her entertainment lineup every time we’re on the go.
This guide breaks down exactly what I pack, the toddler carry-on essentials I never travel without, the toddler airplane activities that keep her calm, and the items I leave behind. Everything stays organized inside my Beis Travel Tote, which I’ve used since she was born. It’s chic, compartment-filled, and still has room for my laptop—perfect when traveling with a toddler.
What I Pack on Our Toddler Travel Packing List
Busy Board
This always comes with us. The zippers, clips, and textures keep Eliana entertained during car rides, airports, and flights.
Shop Busy Board
Doodle Board
One of our easiest toddler airplane activities. It’s mess-free, silent, compact, and she scribbles for ages.
Shop Doodle Board
Talking Flash Cards + Audio Device
Great for independent, educational entertainment on planes. One of my top “how to entertain a toddler on a plane” tools.
Shop Flash Cards
A Few Lightweight Books
Two or three familiar board books help Eliana reset when she’s overstimulated.
Lots of Snacks
An absolute must for traveling with a toddler. I bring several small portions to keep her happy during transitions or takeoff/landing.
Shows Preloaded on the iPad
I preload her favorite shows and songs so we never rely on Wi-Fi. Guided Access stays on the whole flight.
Toddler Carry-On Essentials
I carry all of Eliana’s toddler carry-on essentials in my Beis Travel Tote, which keeps everything organized and easy to reach.
- Individually packed snacks
- Two full outfit changes (they’ve come in handy)
- Water bottle + pouch for takeoff and landing
- One comfort item she always travels with
- Wipes, pull-ups, travel diapers
- She isn’t in pull-ups at home, but they’re perfect for travel because she refuses to lie down on public changing tables and airplane changing tables are tiny. Pull-ups allow quick standing changes anywhere.
What I Skip to Keep Our Bags Light
- Too many toys (she only uses one or two favorites)
- Extra stuffed animals
- Large snack containers
- Messy crafts like markers, crayons, Play-Doh
- Shoes with laces (slip-ons only on travel days)
Toddler Airplane Activities That Keep Eliana Entertained
- Rotate activities every 15–20 minutes to keep her engaged
- Use pull-ups for quick standing changes in airplane bathrooms
- Offer snacks one at a time as mini activities
- Walk the aisle when allowed to reset her mood
- Use preloaded shows when she needs a calm, familiar reset
Toddler Travel Tips That Make Flying Easier
- Let them burn energy before boarding
- Change them right before getting on the plane
- Keep toddler items grouped in one tote section
- Use the Beis tote or a backpack for easy access under the seat
My Travel Takeaway
My toddler travel packing list has been shaped by real travel experience, and it’s made every trip with Eliana so much smoother. With the right carry-on essentials and some simple toddler airplane activities, traveling with a toddler becomes manageable and honestly enjoyable. These are the exact items and routines that help us travel calmly and confidently every time.
