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Hey there, jet-setting parents!
If you’re like me, you know that traveling with toddlers can be a whirlwind of excitement and chaos all rolled into one adorable package. As a mom on the go and a firm believer in making memories with my little one, I’ve discovered a few tried-and-true snacks and accessories that have saved me from tantrums and tears on countless adventures.
These are some of the best travel-friendly snack essentials for toddlers, and they’ll make your next road trip or flight a breeze!
(PS If you’re flying with a baby and bringing formula for the first time, check out my Ultimate Guide to Flying with Baby Formula!)
TSA Liquid Rules Do NOT Apply to Toddlers
“Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters are allowed in carry-on baggage and do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag. Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (including puree pouches) are considered medically necessary liquids. This also applies to breast milk and formula cooling accessories, such as ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs (regardless of the presence of breast milk). Your child or infant does not need to be present or traveling with you to bring breast milk, formula, and/or related supplies.” Source: TSA
The Ultimate Guide to Traveling with Baby Formula
Quick Snack Packing Tips for Flying
Consider Spoilage:
You are allowed to bring freezer packs to keep food cold, but for exceptionally long travel days, you might want to avoid packing snacks that require refrigeration or spoil easily (like bananas).
Messy Foods:
Know your child! Some toddlers will eat yogurt in peace, while others will end up wearing it. Find that balance between packing what you know they’ll eat and what will save your sanity. Sometimes, that means packing the yogurt and a change of clothes.
Tried and True Foods:
Introduce new foods at home and focus on snacks you know your kiddo likes. This is especially true with allergenic foods you haven’t already introduced.
Go Peanut-Free:
It’s entirely possible that your flight is peanut-free if someone with allergies is on board. I’ve been on a few flights where an announcement is made. The easiest solution is to plan ahead and pack peanut-free snacks to avoid a hangry toddler and to keep your fellow passengers safe.
The Safety Meal:
You can bet your butt that I’m packing as many snacks as will fit in my carry-on, but I also ALWAYS pack a meal (or 2) – just in case. As an adult, I rarely want to eat airplane food. So I can’t really expect my toddler to! And delays happen. I’ll share some of my favorite bento boxes below, but you can pack an insulated container to keep food warm or cold and have a favorite meal on hand.
While I try to pack healthy snacks and meals, you do NOT want a hungry kiddo. Pack whatever you know your toddler will eat, whether it’s chicken nuggets, pizza, pasta, a burger, or whatever!
The Best Travel-Friendly Snack & Food Containers
You can absolutely use whatever you have at home, and a Ziploc bag works totally fine too! I’ve rounded up some of my favorite snack and food containers we use at home and on the road that minimize spills and make meals fun for our toddler!
Spillproof Snack Cups
Let’s start with the basics – spillproof cups are an absolute game-changer when it comes to snacking on the move. These cups are designed to prevent spills and leaks, meaning you can toss them in your diaper bag without worrying about a sticky mess. Look for cups with secure lids and easy-grip handles for little hands. Bonus points if they’re dishwasher safe for easy cleanup!
Snackle Boxes
Next up, we have snackle boxes – the ultimate snack storage solution for toddlers on-the-go. These nifty containers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with compartments to keep different snacks separate and organized. They make snack time fun, serving as entertainment and a solution for picky eaters. Make sure you use a container with BPA-free plastic that is easy to open and close so your little ones can feed themselves.
Bento Boxes
Bento boxes are perfect for packing snacks and meals for your toddler. Bento boxes are divided into multiple compartments, allowing you to pack a variety of foods in one container. Depending on your needs, look for options that have built-in ice packs or insulated containers for hot/cold foods.
Tips for Choosing the Right Containers:
- Consider the size: Make sure the containers are sized appropriately for your toddler’s appetite and portion needs.
- Easy to clean: Look for dishwasher-safe containers or easy-to-hand wash for quick and convenient cleanup.
- Leakproof: Opt for containers with secure seals and lids to prevent leaks and spills.
- Child-friendly design: Choose containers with kid-friendly features like easy-grip handles, colorful designs, and fun shapes to make snack time more enjoyable for your little one.
More Snacktime Essentials for Flying
Disposable Placemats
Disposable placemats are a godsend on any trip—and especially when flying. Use them on your plane tray for playtime or snack time.
Travel Cutlery
I also love packing a fun cutlery set to make meals fun!
Sanitizing Wipes
Airplanes are full of germs! Be sure to wipe down your seat and surfaces as soon as you’re seated.
20 Travel-Friendly Snacks for Toddlers
- Cheese and Crackers: A classic combo that never fails to please.
- Apple Slices: A crunchy and refreshing snack that’s easy to pack.
- Seaweed Snacks: Our little one LOVES these—Costco sells a great bulk pack.
- Amara Smoothies Melts: You can also find these in bulk at Costco.
- Mini Sandwiches: Cut a variety of sandwiches into fun shapes.
- Grapes: Pre-slice for safe snacking and serve in a snack cup.
- Rice Cakes: Light and airy, perfect for on-the-go snacking.
- Puree Pouches: Our toddler still loves Serenity Kids pouches! We love this holder for mess-free pouches.
- Smoothie Pouches: Serenity Kids makes a shelf-stable smoothie pouch that doesn’t require refrigeration. ALLERGEN WARNING: Contains coconut cream.
- Babybel Cheese: These mini cheese wheels are perfect for little hands.
- Snack Bars: A quick and convenient snack option.
- Mini Muffins: Bite-sized and delicious.
- Squeezable Applesauce: A mess-free option for on-the-go snacking.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Pre-slice for safe snacking and serve in a snack cup.
- Snap Peas: Crunchy and sweet, perfect for snacking.
- Mini Bagels: Pair with a cream cheese packet for easy serving.
- Hard-Boiled Eggs: A protein-packed snack option.
- Fruit Snacks: Look for whole fruit options with no added sugar.
- Puff Snacks: These come in both sweet and savory flavors.
- Freeze-Dried Fruit: Crunchy and delicious, perfect for traveling.
So there you have it, jet-setting families! All of your toddler-friendly airplane snack tips to keep your tiny travelers happy and satisfied on your next adventure.
Bon voyage!
Shop My Favorite Travel Snack Essentials!
