My Top 13 Accessories for Toddler Travel

My son just turned two, and in his short life, he's already racked up an impressive 28 flights to 6 countries. As you can imagine, I've learned a thing or two (or twenty-eight) about what makes air travel with a toddler a little less chaotic and a lot more manageable! Thankfully, I think we've entered into the "Golden Age" of Toddler Travel where our guy can watch a show on the iPad, which is a huge leap from the challenges of flying between 12-24 months.

Here we are at LAX en route to Dublin International Airport...a 10.5 flight! I'm clothed head to toe in travel gear from Aviator USA and loving my TravelPro carry-on luggage, which doubles as a caravan for our little man.

My blog is called Adventure Unabashedly because we embrace the journey, even when it involves toddler meltdowns, ferocious jet lag and looking for pouches wherever you go. You really haven't lived until you've changed a poopy diaper on a wiggly human at 30,000 feet!

Today, I'm sharing our tried-and-true list of toddler travel accessories that have saved our sanity more times than I can count. If you're gearing up for a trip with your own little explorer, consider this your essential packing list.

Fueling the Journey (and Avoiding Hangry Meltdowns):

1. Fruit & Vegetable Pouches: These are an absolute lifesaver. Easy to eat, no mess (mostly!), and packed with nutrients. They're perfect for quick snacks in the airport or on the plane when you can't get anything else. They are also TSA Approved!

   Adventure Unabashedly Recommends: Plum Organics Stage 4 Variety Pack – Toddler’s Taste Adventure & Sunrise Pack ($22)

   
   

2. Snack Cup: A silicone spill-proof snack cup is non-negotiable. It keeps snacks contained and prevents them from ending up all over the floor (or your fellow passengers). My son also enjoyed having his snack cup to enjoy in his carseat during our 769 mile road trip around Ireland.

   Adventure Unabashedly Recommends: mushie Silicone Snack Cup | Spill Proof Food Container for Toddler ($13)

   
   

3. Water Cup: Hydration is key, especially when flying. A good leak-proof water cup means less worrying about spills and more focus on keeping your little one happy. You can easily refill it on the go!

   Adventure Unabashedly Recommendations: Any secure water cup you have!

This is the dream set-up four our 2 year old traveler - water cup, snack cup and iPad with handy holder!

Entertainment & Comfort in the Air:

4. iPad & iPad Case: We don't allow any screen time at home...but anything goes when it's wheel's up! We relax the rules quite a bit when we're trapped in a metal tube for hours. Load it up with their favorite shows, movies, and educational apps. A durable, kid-proof case is essential to protect against inevitable drops and spills. My favorite apps for our guy are Netflix, Disney+ and Minno.

   Adventure Unabashedly Recommends: LTROP Kids Case for iPad Mini 5/4/3/2/1 7.9 Inch Case with Shoulder Strap ($14)

   
   

5. Headphones: Invest in comfortable, child-sized headphones. They'll not only allow your toddler to enjoy their shows without disturbing others but also provide a bit of noise cancellation for them in a loud environment.

   Adventure Unabashedly Recommends: iClever Magic Switch Headphones for Kids ($30)

   
   

6. Novelty Book for the Plane: A brand-new, exciting book can buy you a good chunk of quiet time. Choose one with interactive elements, lift-the-flaps, or interesting textures to keep their attention. This is the one we brought to Iceland!

   Adventure Unabashedly Recommends:

   
   

   

   Anything from the "Block" series has been a huge hit with our guy! There are colorful drawings, interesting scenes and lots of pop-ups.

7. Nighttime Book Light: If you're on an evening flight or dealing with a time change, a small, clip-on book light is perfect for a bedtime story without disturbing other passengers trying to sleep.

   Adventure Unabashedly Recommends:

   
   

Powering Through (Literally!):

8. Power Bank You absolutely do not want your iPad or phone dying mid-flight, especially when it's the sole source of entertainment for your little one. A portable battery charger is a must-have.

   Adventure Unabashedly Recommends: TNTOR 5000mAh Ultra Thin Power Bank Wallet Charger ($40)

   
   

9. Retractable Cords: Tangled cords are the last thing you need in a cramped airplane seat. Retractable charging cords for all your devices are a game-changer for staying organized.

   Adventure Unabashedly Recommends: Set of 2 Multi Charging Cables ($13)

Unexpected Heroes & Peace of Mind:

10. Children's Tylenol: Teething, ear pain from pressure changes, or a sudden fever – you never know what might pop up. Having Children's Tylenol on hand provides peace of mind and quick relief.

    Adventure Unabashedly Recommends: Children's Tylenol Acetaminophen 160 MG Chewable Tablets ($9)

    
    

11. Grandparent: Okay, so you can't pack a grandparent, but seriously, if you have the option of traveling with a grandparent, take it! An extra set of hands, a distraction, and an endless source of love and patience can make all the difference. We're incredibly lucky to have this support of my Mom aka Lady on many of our adventures.

    Adventure Unabashedly Recommends: Your own Mom or Dad :)

    

    I never would have dreamed of taking this little guy 6,000 miles away solo on a plane...but I knew that Lady was waiting with open arms on the other side!

12. Airport Lounge: If you have Priority Pass or are a frequent flier on a specific airline, arrive early to the lounge to enjoy some bites and a bit of relaxation before the flight! We filled up his snack cup with pretzels in the lounge, which have kept him full and happy for a while. There are lounges all over the world. And some of them have playrooms!

    Adventure Unabashedly Recommends: Sign up for Priority Pass (we did through your Chase Sapphire credit card) and stay loyal with an airline, so you can gain the ability to use their airport lounges!

    

    Chillin' with some fries, chicken tenders and Blippi in the Delta One lounge at LAX.

13. Healthy Expectations: Travel won't be the same as it was before you became a momma. Set healthy expectations for yourself, your toddler and any travel partners. There will be more leaky diapers, toddler tantrums, lost stuff and you'll be more exhausted than ever. Be patient. Take deep breaths. Give yourself and your toddler all the love and the grace...you're doing a hard thing!

    Adventure Unabashedly Recommends: Deep breaths, extra snacks and extra hugs.

    
    

Travel with a toddler is an adventure in itself, full of unpredictable moments and unexpected joys. While no accessory can guarantee a perfectly smooth trip, these items have certainly made our journeys a whole lot easier and more enjoyable. What are your must-have toddler travel accessories? Share them in the comments below!