Best carry-on packing list for a mom traveling alone with a toddler 13-24 months old

Here’s a real-world, solo-mom–approved carry-on packing list for traveling alone with a baby/toddler 13–18 months old—that sweet (and wild) stage where they’re mobile, opinionated, and still nap anywhere if you play it right. Traveling alone with a 13–18-month-old isn’t about perfection—it’s about preparation, snacks, and flexibility. This list assumes one adult, one toddler, one carry-on backpack.

·      5–6 diapers (even if “almost potty trained”) Use the overnight diapers also size up they hold more!

·      Travel wipes (plus 5–10 loose wipes in a zip bag)

·      Foldable changing pad

·      2 full outfit changes (tops + bottoms)

·      Extra socks (always)

·      Lightweight jacket or hoodie

·      Dog poo bags

·      Spill-proof straw cup or 360 cup

·      Refillable water bottle (empty for TSA)

·      3–5 snack types (variety = power)

·      Silicone or disposable bib or snack catcher

·      Small spoon (for yogurt, airport food)

·      1 comfort item (lovey/stuffed animal better if its new, not the favorite JIC it gets lost)

·      2–3 small toys (cars, figurines, pop-its)

·      Board book or busy book

·      Stickers or reusable sticker pad

·      Phone/tablet with downloaded shows

·      Toddler headphones *to show you attempted to have them put them on

·      Ergonomic toddler carrier (absolute must)

·      Lightweight blanket or muslin

Extras and “your stuff”

·       Fever reducer / teething meds

·       Band-Aids

·       Hand sanitizer

·       Tissues

·       One spare shirt for you

·       Snacks for you

·       Phone charger + power bank

·       Travel documents (passports, birth certificate copy if international) letter from other parent if name is on the birth certificate