Flying with a baby or Toddler: sleep tips and how I survived our first flight to Menorca

Traveling with a baby or toddler for the first time is terrifying. I remember vividly the days leading up to our first flight with our little one to beautiful Menorca. I was filled with anxiety: What if my child cried the whole time? What if we annoyed every other passenger on the plane? What if I forgot something vital?

We chose Menorca as our first holiday abroad as a family of three because of one key reason: the flight was short – under 2.5 hours. It felt like a manageable introduction to flying with our toddler. Far enough to feel like a proper getaway, but short enough that we wouldn’t be trapped mid-air for too long if things went sideways.

Spoiler alert: We survived. In fact, we did better than survive ­– we actually enjoyed the journey (mostly). And now, with a little hindsight and a lot more confidence, I wanted to share what worked for us and a few tried-and-tested tips to help other parents flying with their baby for the first time – especially when it comes to getting your little one to sleep.

The worry is real (and totally normal)

The fear of flying with a baby or toddler is completely valid. You’re taking a small human, with unpredictable moods and needs, into a confined space, thousands of feet in the air, with dozens of strangers. No pressure, right? 

When we boarded our flight to Menorca, my heart was racing. I had a change bag that looked like I was moving house, a baby carrier strapped across my chest, and a two-year-old who was thankfully happy (for now). The key to making it all feel less overwhelming? Preparation and mindset.

My top tips for flying with a baby or toddler (and helping them sleep)

1. Time the flight around naps or bedtime

If you can, try to book your flight to coincide with your child’s usual nap time ­­– or if it’s a longer flight, consider an overnight departure. Babies are creatures of habit, so flying during their natural sleep window makes it much more likely they’ll rest during the journey.

For our Menorca trip, we chose a mid-morning flight which lined up nicely with his nap. He drifted off shortly after take-off and I finally exhaled. For long-haul flights, I’d definitely recommend flying overnight if possible (we did this when we flew to Dubai the following year). Pack pyjamas, do a mini bedtime routine and settle in for as much rest as you can get.

2. Feed during take-off and landing

Whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle feeding or offering a dummy ­– this can help reduce pressure in your baby or toddler’s ears. We timed a feed for take-off, and it made a huge difference. Our little one stayed calm and settled as the plane ascended, and I breathed my first sigh of relief.

3. Bring familiar sleep cues

Babies and toddlers thrive on routine. I packed our usual sleep associations: a small muslin that smelled like me, his favourite dummy and a white noise app on my phone. Recreating elements of his bedtime routine made it much easier for him to relax and drift off.

5. Pack smart (but don’t overpack)

Yes, you’ll need nappies, wipes, bottles, spare clothes (for your little one and you), and toys – but keep things organised. Use zip pouches to separate items and make the change bag easy to navigate with one hand. I also packed a small roll-up changing mat, which was a lifesaver in the tiny airplane toilet. We also found those suction cup spinners for the areoplane window were perfect for keeping our toddler entertained. 

6. Allow extra time

From security checks to boarding queues, everything takes longer with a baby or toddler. Arriving early gave us buffer time and lowered our stress levels. Bonus: many airports offer family-friendly fast-track lines – check before you go! London Gatwick is brilliant for this. I also recommend doing a last-minute nappy change before you board, and find your seats last. This means you don’t have to spend any longer than you need to on the plane.

7. Embrace the contact nap

A lot of areoplanes have a bassinet – but if there are lots of babies travelling on the same flight, you might not have access to one. My little guy was too old for a bassinet and thankfulky, was happy snoozing on my chest. I leaned back, cuddled him close and actually managed to relax. It was far from glamorous, but it worked.

What I learned from our first flight

By the time we landed in Menorca, I realised something important: babies and toddlers are resilient. Yes, there might be tears. Yes, people might glance your way if your child cries. But most of the time, people are kinder and more understanding than we fear. And they’re often super helpful! We had lots of offers from people – from carrying some of our bags to holding our son.

Most of all, I learned to trust my instincts and give myself grace. You’re doing something brave and exciting – creating new experiences with your little one. That’s something to be proud of.  

Final thoughts: you’ve got this

Traveling with a baby or toddler is a learning curve, but it’s also a beautiful opportunity to make memories together. You’ll figure out what works for your little one, and every flight gets easier – honestly! We gained a lot of confidence after our first trip. Following our holiday to Menorca, we braved a 4.5-hour flight to Lanzarote, then a 7-hour flight to Dubai the following year. And guess what? It was absolutely fine!

Need personalised support?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, unsure how to approach sleep, or simply want a gentle, supportive plan that works for your baby or toddler – I’m here to help. As a gentle baby sleep expert based in Surrey, I offer 1:1 sleep support for families locally and worldwide through virtual consultations. My responsive, child-led approach provides practical guidance that never involves leaving your little one to cry it out.

Whether you're looking for trustworthy infant sleep advice, helpful baby sleep tips or compassionate guidance through tricky naps, travel or night waking, we can create a plan that brings you confidence and calm.

Book your free discovery call, and let’s take the next step together toward better sleep for the whole family.