Flying with little ones can be intimidating, especially when it comes to sleep. Airplanes are noisy, cramped, and full of distractions—not exactly the ideal sleep environment. But with the right strategies, it is possible to help babies and toddlers nap (or even sleep through the flight), making the journey more pleasant for everyone on board.

Whether you're heading home for the holidays or jetting off on vacation, here are some tried-and-true tips to help your baby or toddler sleep on the plane.

Pick the Right Flight Time

Whenever possible, book flights that align with your child’s natural sleep schedule. For babies, that might mean a midday flight that overlaps with their nap. For toddlers, red-eye flights can sometimes work if your child sleeps well at night and can be transferred to new environments while drowsy.

Feed During Takeoff and Landing

Changes in cabin pressure can be uncomfortable for little ears. Feeding (breast, bottle, or pacifier) during takeoff and landing can relieve pressure and calm them down—setting the stage for sleep. For toddlers, sipping water or sucking on a lollipop can help too.

Bring Familiar Sleep Cues

Pack lightweight sleep essentials to recreate their bedtime routine on the go:

• A favorite blanket or sleep sack

• Their usual pacifier or comfort object

• A small stuffed animal or lovey

• Their sleep playlist or white noise on a phone or portable sound machine

Familiarity helps signal to your child that it’s time to wind down—even at 35,000 feet.

Dress for Comfort and Layers

Planes can be warm one moment and freezing the next. Dress your child in soft, breathable layers that are easy to remove or add. Footie pajamas are a great choice for babies, and toddlers may prefer comfy sweats or leggings.

Create a Sleep-Ready Environment

Even if your child doesn’t have their own seat, you can still make a sleep-friendly setup:

• Use a baby carrier or wrap to hold them close and upright while you walk or rock them.

• For lap infants, request a bulkhead seat with a bassinet (available on some long-haul flights).

• For toddlers, consider bringing a travel pillow, inflatable footrest cushion, or JetKids BedBox to create a more comfortable lying space (check with your airline for what’s allowed).

Stick to a Shortened Bedtime Routine 

You won’t be able to do bath time at 30,000 feet, but you can replicate other key elements of the bedtime routine. Read a short book, turn down distractions (headphones, dimmed lights), offer a snuggle or lullaby, and then let them drift off.

Consistency helps trigger the brain’s “sleep mode”—even in new environments.

Time it Right

Try to get your child tired—but not overtired—before sleep. If your baby is overstimulated and cranky, they’ll fight sleep. If they’re too alert, you may need to help them wind down with quiet time or rocking before attempting a nap.

Use White Noise or Noise-Canceling Headphones

The hum of the airplane can actually help some babies sleep (it mimics womb-like white noise), but sudden announcements or passenger chatter can be disruptive.

• Bring a white noise app or portable machine.

• Toddlers may tolerate kid-sized noise-canceling headphones with soft music or ambient sound.

Plan for Wiggles and Walks 

Sometimes the best way to prep for sleep is to let your toddler stretch their legs. Walk the aisle with them (when the seatbelt sign is off), do a few wiggles in the galley, and then settle back into your seat for wind-down time.

Stay Calm and Flexible 

Travel rarely goes perfectly with young kids, and that’s okay. If your baby or toddler doesn’t sleep exactly when you hoped, stay calm and supportive. A relaxed parent helps create a relaxed child.

And even if sleep doesn’t happen mid-flight, the nap or rest time can still be restorative—and the trip will eventually end.

Conclusion 

Getting babies and toddlers to sleep on a plane takes planning, patience, and a little creativity. With the right tools and mindset, you can help your child rest in the sky—and make the journey more manageable for everyone.

Remember: one tough flight doesn’t define your child’s sleep habits. So take a deep breath, pack your lovey, and trust that you can do this. Sweet dreams and safe travels!