(From a Mom of 3 Under 3 Who’s Been to Hawaii, South Korea, Vegas & More)

If you’re flying with toddlers or young kids, you know it’s more of a logistics mission than a vacation. As a mom of 3 girls under 3, I’ve traveled from Chicago to Hawaii for a month, to Las Vegas, South Korea, and Cancun, all while juggling strollers, snacks, naps, and car seats.

Over time, I’ve figured out which toddler travel items are truly must-haves—and which ones I can live without. Whether you’re a new parent planning your first flight or a seasoned mom looking to streamline your packing, here are my top 10 toddler travel essentials I won’t go without on a plane.

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1. Car Seats — When It Makes Sense

We only traveled with a car seat when we had one child. Once our second was born, bringing multiple car seats on a plane became too much—so we opted to rent car seats at our destination. If you’re traveling with just one child or need a car seat onboard, make sure it’s FAA-approved.

👉 Tip: Use a car seat travel bag to protect it from damage during check-in.

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2. Stroller (Plus Protective Travel Bags)

Depending on your situation, the right stroller is everything. If you’re traveling solo with kids, go for a lightweight, compact option. But when we traveled as a family of five, our Uppababy Vista V2 stroller was a lifesaver—it handled airports and naps on the go with ease.

👉 Don’t forget a stroller bag and car seat bag to avoid damage in transit.

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3. Stokke Foldable Bathtub

Hotel tubs are unpredictable—too big, not clean, or simply not there. We always pack the Stokke Flexi Bath, a foldable bathtub that’s perfect for bathing little ones on the go.

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4. Bottle Warmer (Skip the Hotel Kettles)

You can’t count on hotel kettles—they’re hard to clean and not made for formula. Bring a reliable bottle warmer so you can feed your baby with peace of mind.

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5. Bottle Washing Set (Drying Rack, Brush & Soap)

If your baby still uses bottles, you need a compact drying rack, a bottle brush, and travel-sized dish soap. Trust me—washing bottles in a hotel bathroom without these tools is not fun.

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6. Travel Fan (Especially for Hot Climates)

If you’re heading somewhere hot (like Hawaii or Cancun), a clip-on travel fan is essential. It keeps your baby cool in the stroller or while sleeping.

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7. Portable Bed or Crib (If the Hotel Doesn’t Provide One)

We usually rely on hotel-provided cribs, but in some cases, they’re unavailable or unsuitable. If your child prefers their own space or you’re unsure about crib availability, a portable travel bed can be a game-changer.

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8. Disposable Placemats

Sticky, disposable placemats make meal times cleaner and easier in airports, restaurants, or hotel rooms. Great for avoiding messes and germs when eating out with toddlers.

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9. Portable High Chair Solutions

Many hotels and restaurants abroad don’t have high chairs. I always pack the Inglesina Fast Table Chair—compact, secure, and easy to clean.
👉 Check it out here on Amazon

Other helpful alternatives:

Travel booster seat: Amazon Link

Travel seat harness for toddlers: Amazon Link

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10. Seat Extender for Toddlers on Planes

If your toddler has their own seat on the plane, this seat extender is a game changer. It fills the gap between their seat and the one in front, creating a flat surface for more room to sleep, play, or stretch out—and no more lost toys under the seat!

It takes just seconds to install, and the fabric is both soft and sturdy, so your child can rest comfortably for the entire flight. My kids slept like angels on it!

✅ Seat Extender for Toddlers – Amazon

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Final Travel Tips from a Mom of 3

• Pack backups of essentials in your carry-on.
• Keep routines simple with familiar snacks, bottles, and sleep aids.

Flying with toddlers isn’t easy—but the right gear makes it a whole lot more manageable. If I can fly with 3 under 3, you can too!

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🛍️ Disclosure:

This post contains Amazon affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you—if you click and make a purchase. I only recommend products I truly use and love, especially ones that have helped me survive traveling with three toddlers! 💛

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