Flying with Toddlers: 10 Sanity Savers I Never Travel Without

April 14, 2016

I have two young children: Vivianne, 2, and Eric II, 7 months. In fact, my kids are only 17 months apart, so life gets hectic. Amazing and rewarding…but hectic. I have my moments where it’s exhausting and I’ll think, OMG, this is the hardest job ever! Our lifestyle adds to the craziness; it seems like we’re never in one place for long. Since my husband is a wide receiver for the New York Jets, we spend six months out of the year living in New York City. The rest of the time we’re in Nashville (love my southern roots!). On top of that, I’m currently on my U.S. “Lights Down Low” tour, and my children have visited me throughout my time on the road. So, I’ve spent a lot of time flying with toddlers. Because of our adventures, I’ve learned a thing or two about keeping my sanity while en route to (or from) wherever we’re going. It’s all about being prepared and having the right things on hand. So, I always have this stuff in my bag when flying with my toddlers — no matter what.

More Celebrity Mom Essentials:

Flying with Toddlers: 10 Essentials I Never Travel Without

Spritz Pacifier Cleaner

This stuff is a great way to clean their binkies after they fall on the ground.

Photo: Bed, Bath & Beyond
Binky

It helps their little ears when we take off and land.

Photo: Getty
Extra Bottles

Both of my children have had different preferences for bottles. Vivianne loved her Dr. Brown's bottles. Bubby likes anything with a nipple – no preference for him.

Photo: Dr. Brown's
Snacks

Goldfish crackers and Cheerios are favorites. I like to put them in plastic baggies because I think the kids find it more fun to take them out one by one.

Photo: Pepperidge Farm
Coloring Book & Crayons

Coloring books will never get old no matter what generation we live in! It's such a great way to keep them busy while being creative and learning something new.

Photo: Getty
Baby Carrier

We love our Tula Baby Carrier. It lets us use both hands for other things.

Photo: Tula
Extra Blankets

In case their little feet get cold!

Photo: Getty
Change of Clothes, Diapers & Wipes

I always bring a couple different pairs of clothes and socks. I can't tell you how many times one of my kids has pooped their pants and it has exploded from their chin to the bottom of their toes! You will probably lose all of your baby socks by the age of 2, ha!

Photo: Getty
Water Bottles

I prefer Fiji or Deer Park. TSA will let you go through security with these if you have babies, so it is easier than having to stop and buy them.

Photo: Getty
Lysol Antibacterial Wipes

I use them to wipe down seats and my area on the airplane. Kids will touch anything and put things in their mouth and get sick so fast!

Photo: Lysol

Jessie James Decker is our 2016 our April guest editor. The country singer-songwriter, 27, burst onto the music scene in 2009 with her self-titled debut album featuring the gold single "Wanted." In 2014, she released the EP “Comin' Home,” which reached #1 on the iTunes Album Chart, followed by the release of her holiday track "Baby! It's Christmas;" it debuted at #1 on the iTunes Holiday Chart. In 2015, Jessie released the single, "Clint Eastwood,” as well as her latest track “Lights Down Low,” which debuted at #1 on the iTunes Country Song Chart. Jessie is currently wrapping up a six-week U.S. tour.
The stylish southerner also has her own line of swimsuits, Jessie James Decker for Amore and Sorvete, as well as a line of clothing and accessories, Kittenish with Kora Rae. She made her reality TV debut on "Eric & Jessie: Game On" with her husband, New York Jets wide receiver, Eric Decker, on E!. Together, the couple launched the Eric & Jessie Decker Foundation, which strives to better the lives of United States military veterans, at-risk children, and animals.
Jessie divides her time between New York City and Nashville with Eric and their two children, Vivianne, 2, and Eric II, 7 months.