Holiday Travel with Young Children: Tips for Comfort, Health & Joy
Holiday travel with young children can feel especially overwhelming—but with preparation and realistic expectations, it can still be a positive and memorable experience. As pediatricians, we’re often asked how to keep children comfortable, healthy, and safe while traveling. These practical tips are designed to help families travel with confidence and make the most of their time together.
Plan With Your Child’s Needs (and the Holiday Rush) in Mind
Young children thrive on routine, and the busy holiday season can easily disrupt it. Try to plan travel around your child’s natural rhythms whenever possible. Flights or long drives that align with nap time or bedtime are often easier and more peaceful. Avoid overscheduling activities—one or two main plans per day is usually enough to keep everyone happy without leading to burnout.
Before the trip, talk to your child about what to expect. For toddlers and preschoolers, simple explanations and pictures of planes, hotels, or your destination can reduce anxiety and increase excitement. Preparing them with books, videos, or pretend play about traveling can also build familiarity and ease transitions.
Pack Smart for Crowded, Busy Travel Days
Your carry-on or day bag should function as a travel health and comfort kit. Be sure to include:
- Extra clothes for your child (and one for you)
- Diapers, wipes, or spare underwear
- Familiar snacks and a refillable water cup
- A favorite comfort item (blanket or stuffed animal)
- Basic medications (acetaminophen or ibuprofen, if age-appropriate)
- Disposable bags for dirty clothes or trash
- Hand sanitizer or sanitizing wipes
Layered clothing is helpful, as temperatures can change quickly during travel—from chilly airports to warm cars or overheated planes. Having everything organized and within reach reduces stress and keeps you better equipped for surprises.
Keep Little Bodies and Minds Comfortable During Busy Travel
Extended sitting can be hard for young children. Build in movement whenever possible—walking in the airport, stretching, or short breaks during road trips can make a big difference in preventing crankiness.
For entertainment, bring a mix of familiar and new activities:
- Books, stickers, crayons
- Small toys or puzzles
- Downloaded shows or games for offline use
Spacing activities out over time helps keep children engaged longer and reduces screen fatigue. If you’re flying, board the plane early to settle in—but be ready with distractions for delays.
Help With Ear Pressure, Waiting, and Transitions
Changes in air pressure during flights can cause ear discomfort, especially for babies and toddlers.
- Babies may benefit from nursing, bottle-feeding, or a pacifier during takeoff and landing.
- Toddlers and older children can sip water or eat a snack during descent to help equalize pressure.
Plan extra time for transitions—security lines, boarding, bathroom breaks—everything takes longer with young children. Try to stay calm, keep your tone reassuring, and remember that a little preparation goes a long way.
Flying with a baby for the first time? You’re not alone. From packing to takeoff, even seasoned parents have questions. The American Academy of Pediatrics offers this helpful guide on flying with a baby, including practical tips for keeping your infant safe, soothed, and healthy while in the air.
Support Sleep and Routine During Holiday Gatherings
While sleep schedules may shift, keeping familiar bedtime routines can help children adjust and feel secure. Reading the same book, singing a favorite lullaby, or using a white noise app can provide comfort in a new environment.
When booking accommodations, look for family-friendly features such as a kitchenette, separate sleeping space, or cribs and bed rails. These can make bedtime smoother and help children settle more easily in an unfamiliar setting.
Holiday Travel Mindset: Flexibility Over Perfection
Traveling with young children is rarely perfect—and that’s normal. Expect some disruptions, stay flexible, and focus on safety and connection rather than a flawless schedule. Often, the most meaningful memories come from the simplest moments—a snack shared at the gate, giggles in the backseat, or a quiet cuddle in a new place.
Final Thoughts
Holiday travel with young children can be joyful, meaningful, and memorable. With thoughtful preparation, attention to routines, and realistic expectations, families can focus less on stress and more on connection. Traveling during the holidays doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. Often, it’s the shared moments—messy, loud, and imperfect—that children remember most.
