How to Handle Long Haul Flights with Babies and Toddlers

I used to think long-haul flights were a test of endurance reserved for ultra-marathoners and people who willingly sign up for reality survival shows. Then I had a baby, and I realized those contestants have it easy.

My son has been to 17 countries by the time he turned two and a half, and we’ve taken him on dozens of 12+ hour flights, including to Cape Town and back to San Francisco, Europe four times, and Asia three times. Through all of that, I’ve learned what works, what doesn’t, and how to get through flights as painlessly as possible.

So, if you’re gearing up for a long-haul flight with a baby or toddler, here’s what you need to know:

Timing is Everything

If at all possible, try to schedule flights that align with your child’s natural sleep rhythms. Overnight flights can work in your favor since the cabin is dark, the plane provides white noise, and there’s a chance (a chance!) your little one will sleep. But also, toddlers have a knack for resisting sleep when you need them to the most, so managing expectations is key.

I always try to get my son into a relaxed state before takeoff. We leave plenty of time at the airport so we’re not rushed and already stressed before we board. We can all eat something, and our toddler can run around and look at the airplanes to tire himself out.

A calm toddler is a sleepy toddler, and anything that simulates a bedtime routine—changing into pajamas, reading a book, dimming the lights—helps cue their brain that it’s time to wind down. It’s not a magic solution, but it increases the odds of getting some rest.

To Layover or not to layover? Personally, after hundreds of flights with my toddler, I avoid layovers as much as possible. The chances of a delayed flight (which has happened to us MANY times) are too high, and I’d rather finish our travel day. That said, some parents swear by breaking up the trip so everyone can get a break from the plane.

Chewing and Drinking During Takeoff and Landing

Little ears are more sensitive to pressure changes, and nothing says “welcome to this 14-hour flight” like painful ears when you’re already tired and potentially overstimulated. The trick? Make sure they’re chewing or drinking.

When my son was younger, we’d offer the binky or bottle for takeoff and landing. These days, to encourage him to sit in his seat during takeoff and landing with his buckle on, we offer his ultimate favorite treat that he almost never gets – skittles.

Chewing and swallowing help regulate the pressure and prevent discomfort.

Keeping them Entertained

How you keep a kiddo entertained will depend on age:

Babies 6-12 months: This was the easiest age to fly in my opinion. They sleep more, are entertained with little toys, and will even think a water bottle is an amazing source of entertainment.

The biggest issues you might run into are to forget that planes can be very dehydrating, so you want to hydrate them more than usual, and make sure they are not hungry. bring more changes of clothes (layers and bamboo are great) and extra absorbent diapers than you can imagine needing, and read more about how to travel with formula, while pumping, or while baby lead weaning (I’ve done it all).

Read more about international travel with 6 month old babies.

Bring a large diaper bag as well. We love the Milk x Whiskey.

Toddlers aged 1-2: This was the age where we weren’t ready to use screens (much), but had a more active and engaged kid who wanted to move, could walk (and run) and who didn’t just sleep the whole flight long.

Restickable stickers might be the greatest invention of all time for traveling parents at this age. My toddler will spend a solid 30 minutes peeling and re-sticking them on the book or window. They’re mess-free, reusable, and don’t require a Wi-Fi connection—an absolute win. Keep in mind they’re rated for kids aged 3 and up as some can pose a choking risk, so only use under close supervision (if at all).

Finger foods are another lifesaver. Check out my list of 20 of the best flying snacks for toddlers.

We loved the Milk x Whiskey diaper bag at this age, and brought along cold oat milk in Stanley jars.

Toddlers aged 2-3: After my son turned 2, he became excited about airplanes and flying, and especially the apple juice he got to have in the air. He was also in his own seat from 2 onwards, which meant we needed to really encourage him to stay put, especially in business class seats where you might have a rough seat configuration.

We’ve managed some flights with no screen time, but after 2.5 especially, we have been much more willing to put on cartoons on long flights and have candy at take off and landing. Most major airlines have dedicated kid’s channels, and some like Cathay Pacific and SAS even have games like Angry Birds. He won’t wear headphones, but so far he hasn’t minded watching Peppa Pig flying back from Costa Rica without sound.

We’re pretty anti-screen otherwise, but on a flight? It’s a useful tool that he seems to only associate with flying. We otherwise do our home life, road trips, and restaurants screen-free.

Read more about flying with a toddler here.

Should You Bring a Flyaway Bed? No.

I tried the Flyaway bed so you don’t have to. Some airlines don’t allow it, it’s a hassle to set up, and if you have a squirmy toddler, it doesn’t always work as advertised. Instead, I’d say if you can swing it, fly business class.

Here’s How We Do Business Class With Miles

Before having a kid, I used to think business class was a ridiculous splurge. Then I took my first long-haul flight with a baby, and suddenly, lie-flat seats felt less like a luxury and more like a necessity. We pay cash sometimes, but we also heavily utilize points and miles.

Read more about how we use points and miles to book business class flights.

The key is to open the right travel credit cards, take advantage of sign-up bonuses, and strategically redeem miles. If you’re flying with a toddler, business class makes a huge difference—you get more space, better food, and the ability to actually sleep (or at least rest without a tiny foot in your ribs).

Final Thoughts

Long-haul flights with a baby or toddler are never easy, but they’re absolutely doable with the right prep. Get the timing right, keep them snacking, load up on stickers, and if possible, use points and miles to make the journey more comfortable. Will it be a perfectly smooth experience? Probably not. But with a little strategy and a lot of snacks, you just might get through it with your sanity intact.

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