What Are the Best Travel Essentials for Flying to Europe With a Toddler?
Yes, we are slightly crazy for taking our two-year-old to Italy for a month, but honestly, it was a month packed full of memory building as a family, and something we can't wait to do again now that we have a second child.
We spent a month in Italy, with our home base in Florence, and took day trips and weekend trips out to nearby cities like Venice and Lucca. We packed everything in backpacks and carry-ons; that's right, no checked bags for a month-long stay with a toddler.
Here are the must-haves we relied on while traveling to Europe with a toddler. Even if you aren't planning a long-haul flight with a little one, these are great investments for family travel near and far. Of course we used in-flight entertainment too, especially when our departure flight got delayed over two hours on the tarmac in Milan. Screen time definitely came in handy.
This snack spinner is a game-changer. We still use it for car rides, but it came in clutch on the airplane and on long train rides while in Italy. It's compact, so it doesn't hold a ton of snacks, but cheerios, blueberries, gummies, and similar snacks fit great. Snacks are always a great distraction for littles on long travel days.
For a little non-screen distraction, pop-its are great. They're truly mindless fun and give little hands some quiet fidgeting. It's also one of those "disposable toys," we once left ours behind at a resort in Mexico and it was no big deal, since they're cheap and easy to replace.
Melissa & Doug Water Wow Books
These books are the gift that keeps on giving. Paxton has the alphabet one, and it's entertained us at home as well as on airplanes. The water dries out and the book can be used again and again; all you need is a little water in the handheld brush.
I really didn't want to be that parent. But for safety purposes, we really liked having the backpack leash. We could throw wipes, a diaper, a water bottle, and snacks into the backpack and strap it on him for a day of exploring museums or parks. This gave him plenty of independence while letting him explore safely. No shame in the leashing-toddler game, y'all.
This is a non-negotiable for me as a mama. This is truly how I survived lots of walking on cobblestone streets, train trips, and day-long travel. We still use this for park days and events where strollers are hard to navigate.
What sold us on this travel stroller was the foldable portability. You can completely fold it down so it fits under the airplane seat as a personal item. It also worked great for day trips, since we could fold it down for the train and pop it back up for navigating cobblestone. And Italy has some serious cobblestone. This stroller survived it. It's not a luxury ride, but it's a great travel stroller for when you don't want to gate-check one on a plane.
Inflatable Footrest Pillow for Travel
While some airlines state they don't allow footrest pillows, we didn't have any issues using this one with United. I was subtle about it and waited until they dimmed the cabin lights, then put Pax in the window seat. He slept great, and I was even able to stretch out and get a few hours of sleep myself. I've used this without my kiddo too, and it could work on longer rides even after your child outgrows a car seat.
Hit up a local toy store for a unique souvenir/toy
When we were in Florence, our first full day we headed to the most amazing toy store. European toy stores have so many wonderful toys we don't have in the States. We found a fun wooden garden game that became a toy we played with over and over during our month-long stay. We didn't have room in our luggage to bring it home, but a toy from a local toy shop at your destination can double as a souvenir to commemorate the trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should you pack for a long flight with a toddler?
Key essentials include a snack spinner, quiet fidget toys like pop-its, reusable activity books such as Melissa & Doug Water Wow books, an inflatable footrest pillow for sleeping, and in-flight screen time for delays or long stretches.
What travel stroller works best for cobblestone streets in Europe?
The Pockit All-Terrain Travel Stroller held up well on Italy's cobblestone streets while still folding down small enough to use as a personal item on the plane and fold for train travel.
Is a backpack leash safe and practical for toddlers while traveling?
Yes. A backpack leash, like the SkipHop version, allows toddlers to safely explore museums and parks with some independence while carrying essentials like wipes, diapers, snacks, and a water bottle.
What's a good baby carrier for walking on cobblestone streets?
A hip carrier, like the Tushbaby, is ideal for navigating cobblestone streets, train trips, and long walking days without needing a stroller.
Can you bring an inflatable footrest pillow on a plane?
Some airlines officially restrict them, but many families use them without issue, especially when used subtly once cabin lights are dimmed. Check with your specific airline before your flight.
Is it possible to travel to Europe for a month with only carry-on luggage?
Yes. This family traveled to Italy for a full month using only backpacks and carry-ons with a toddler, with no checked bags.
What's a meaningful souvenir idea for a toddler on a family trip?
Visiting a local toy store at your destination can double as both entertainment during the trip and a unique souvenir that commemorates the experience.