This isn’t about calling out other influencers or being a brat. It’s just another perspective to help you think critically as you plan your next adventure with your littles.
Because here’s the truth: Every family and every itinerary is different.
What works for one might not work for another – and that’s okay!
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Their Tip: “Board the Plane Last With Kids”
“Don’t board early. Let your kids run around the airport until the last minute to burn energy.”
But here’s why I don’t do that:
My Take:
If your airline offers family boarding, take advantage of it! I personally prefer to board early so we can:
- Get our car seats and luggage settled without the stress of a crowded aisle
- Avoid the chaos of boarding while others are already seated
- Create a calm transition from airport to airplane for my toddlers
Yes, we might be on the plane an extra 15–20 minutes. But for me, that time is totally worth it to avoid the stress of rushing, navigating tight spaces, and dealing with confused toddlers mid-boarding.
Their Tip: “Bring Goodie Bags for Passengers Around You”
You’ve probably seen this trend on social media or heard it recommended in parenting forums:
“Make little goodie bags for the passengers sitting near you as a thank you for putting up with your baby.”
My Take: Please don’t do this.
You and your children are not a nuisance, and you don’t need to apologize for being on a public flight.
By handing out goodie bags to strangers just because you’re traveling with young kids, you’re sending the message that your presence is a burden — and that’s simply not true.
You and your family have every right to fly. Babies included.
If you really want to hand out a small token of appreciation, I suggest giving it to the flight attendants instead. They work hard, often go above and beyond for families, and genuinely appreciate thoughtful gestures.
But your fellow passengers? They signed up for public transportation. No goodie bag required.
Their Tip: “Pack a Hanging Toiletry Bag Full of Toys”
This one’s trending lately: Use a hanging toiletry bag filled with toys to keep your toddler busy on the flight. I think it’s a gimmick to get you to shop their affiliate links 😬
My Take: skip it
That toiletry bag takes up a lot of space and it’s bulky. Space is limited and I would rather pack more snacks.
When I travel with toddlers, I prioritize packing light and packing smart. That means I don’t go overboard with toys that:
- Take up precious carry-on space
- Are easy to drop or lose on a crowded airplane
- Often get ignored after 10 minutes anyway
Instead, my go-to “toys” are:
- Thin books (truly underrated and so easy to pack!)
- Activity books or sticker books
- A device for a movie or show
- Travel-sized Magna-Tiles
Their Advice: “Buy a Travel Stroller That Fits in the Overhead Bin”
My Take:
This is a big purchase — and in my opinion, not a necessary one unless you really want it or already have it.
I prefer to gate check my stroller. It’s super simple and saves me from dragging it through the plane aisle.
Fun fact: I didn’t even bring a stroller through the airport when my kids weren’t walking yet!
Instead, I:
- Baby-wear in the airport
- Check my larger stroller system so it’s ready at our destination
When we first flew with our toddler and twins, we only brought a single umbrella stroller for our oldest and baby-wore the twins! We checked the big triple stroller in a protective bag to minimize damage risk.
Quick Reminder:
There is a risk of damage when checking strollers, so use a padded bag for extra protection if that’s a concern.
Their Advice: “Wait to Cruise Until Your Child Is Out of Diapers”
“Skip cruising until your kid is potty trained — they can’t go in the ship’s pools.”
My Take:
Yes, it’s true: Non-potty-trained children can’t go in most cruise pools. But that doesn’t mean you need to wait years to enjoy a cruise vacation.
There’s so much more to a cruise than a tiny, crowded pool.
Most kids don’t care about floating in a pool; they want to play! And many modern cruise ships have splash pad areas specifically for little ones who aren’t potty trained.
You just need to do a bit of research and choose a ship with kid-friendly water features. It’s absolutely worth it.
The Real Advice: Find What Works for Your Family
What works for someone else might not work for you — and that’s okay.
Try new things. Keep what works. Let go of what doesn’t.
You’re not doing travel wrong; you’re doing it your way.
❤️ Final Thoughts From a Mom of Three Toddlers
Traveling with kids is part adventure, part survival; but it’s also deeply rewarding. You don’t need to follow every trending tip to have a successful family trip.
So whether you gate check a stroller, skip the toys, or book that cruise with your diapered toddler — you’ve got this.
💬 What’s a travel tip that didn’t work for you?
Drop it in the comments — your experience could help another parent feel seen and supported.