Traveling with little ones can feel more like a mission than a vacation. As a mom of three, I’ve learned (the hard way) that preparation is everything when you’re hitting the road or flying the skies with toddlers and babies. Whether it’s your first trip as a parent or you’re a seasoned traveler with a diaper bag full of tricks, here are 5 game-changing travel hacks to make your journey smoother and a little more peaceful.

1. Unpack in Seconds with This Smart Clothing Trick

Hack: Use IKEA’s SKUBB drawer organizers inside your suitcase
👉 Find it here

Instead of packing clothes loosely or in zip bags, I place each child’s outfits (and even my underwear) into one of these collapsible boxes. Once we arrive, I take the whole box out and slide it right into the hotel drawer or closet—done in under 2 minutes. No rummaging. No mess.

2. Pack ALL the Snacks (and a Couple of Toys)

You really can’t overpack snacks. I always bring an assortment of easy-to-eat, non-messy favorites. As for toys, we bring two per child—one tried-and-true favorite and one brand new toy they’ve never seen before. The surprise factor works wonders when we need a distraction on the go.

3. Don’t Stress the Mess—Just Spray It

I’m not too picky when it comes to kids getting messy (because, let’s be honest, they will). But my clothes? That’s another story. Between spit-ups, sticky hands, and flying crumbs, moms need backup too. I swear by Miss Mouth’s Messy Eater Stain Treater—a miracle spray that gets rid of almost any stain on the go. I keep a mini bottle in our carry-on.

4. Master the Art of the Carry-On

Each adult gets one backpack or carry-on. In mine, I keep only the essentials for the flight: diapers, a thin outerwear, wipes, bottles, and emergency snacks. Anything extra—like backup formula, another outfit, or even extra shoes—goes into another bag that’s stored in the overhead bin. No clutter under the seat = more legroom and sanity.

5. Break the Screen-Time Rule (Just This Once)

Yes, we’re usually strict about screen time. But a peaceful flight with toddlers? That’s priceless. Before we travel, I download 1–2 shows or movies that my kids absolutely love. Some planes don’t have screens, and others only have grown-up content. A quick episode of “Cocomelon” or “Bluey” can work magic during takeoff, landing, or unexpected delays.

---

Bonus Tip: Don’t Aim for Perfection

Traveling with young kids is not going to be flawless—and that’s okay. Your toddler might have a meltdown. Your baby might blow out their diaper mid-flight. But with a little preparation (and a whole lot of grace), you’ll make it through and maybe even enjoy the ride.

Tag your travel buddy and share your best mom hacks for traveling with kids in the comments below!

---

📌 Save this post for your next trip and follow me for more mom life hacks, Amazon must-haves, and family travel tips!