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Airplane beds for toddlers can be a helpful way to get a toddler to actually sleep on the plane. And if you’re planning on traveling with a toddler, you know just how important that is!
A comfortable place to stretch out can be essential in helping a young child to settle down and fall asleep in a new environment.
Enter the airplane bed! There are several different kinds of airplane beds, but the primary purpose of all of them is to extend the seat so that there is more space for a child to lay down.
We’ve personally used many of these options in our own travels with our toddlers. We’ve used our firsthand experience to review the top airplane beds on the market so you can decide which is best for your child.
For helpful tips on getting your toddler to sleep on the plane, see this post and for more helpful travel items, see our ultimate list of toddler travel essentials!
The Best Airplane Beds For Toddlers
There are three main types of airplane beds on the market right now: inflatable footrests, the JetKids BedBox, and the Flyaway Kids Bed. We’ve used extensive research, product reviews, and our own personal experience to compare the features of these airplane beds for toddlers.
You can use the comparison chart below to quickly review some of the main features of these airplane beds, while further down you will find a detailed review of each bed.
Comparison Chart
| Product weight | Size when folded | Size expanded | Maximum weight | |
| Maliton Inflatable Travel Footrest | .8 lbs | 9″ x 10″ | 17″ x 12″ x 18″ | N/A |
| FlyPal Inflatable Footrest | 1.3 lbs | 7” x 3” x 10” | 17” x 11” x 17” | N/A |
| JetKids BedBox | 8.33 lbs | 18.11″ x 14.17″ x 7.87″ | 16″ x 28″ | 77 lbs |
| Flyaway Kids Bed | 2.8 lbs | 10″ x 10″ | 31.5″ x 19.5″ | 110 lbs |
Maliton Inflatable Travel Footrest Pillow
Product Information
- Deflated dimensions: 9″x10″
- Inflated size: 17″x12″x18″
- Product weight: .8 lbs
Best Features
- Quick to set up
- Lightweight
- Compact
- Inexpensive
- Comes with storage bag
Possible Cons
- Blocks access to under-seat storage when inflated
- Tricky to use in bulkhead seating where it isn’t wedged between two seats
First off, we’ll look at the most budget-friendly travel bed option: the inflatable footrest.
Inflatable footrests are a convenient, budget-friendly way to quickly create a bed for your toddler on the plane. By inflating the footrest and placing it on the floor in between your child’s seat and the seat in front, you can extend your child’s seat to make a flat spot for them to lie down.
There are a few different kinds of inflatable footrests to choose from, but one of our favorites is the Maliton.
The Maliton footrest is made up of two chambers which can be inflated independently to give you a height of either 7, 13, or 18 inches. The fully inflated footrest is the perfect height to create a level extension of the seat.
It’s a relatively quick process to blow up the footrest and get the pillow positioned. Unlike some other inflatable footrests, no pump is needed to inflate the Maliton footrest.
The footrest also comes with a drawstring bag for easy storage and transportation. We were pleased to find that the bag was large enough to easily store the footrest again after it had been used and deflated.
And one of the best features of the inflatable travel footrest pillow is the price! This option for a toddler airplane bed is significantly cheaper than the other choices.
At the same time, they don’t have some of the additional features of the other beds. But if you’re looking for a basic, affordable airplane bed for your toddler, the Maliton footrest is a great option.
Note that inflatable footrests are not allowed on all airlines (check the guidelines of the specific airline you are flying) and cannot be placed in the aisle seat.
FlyPal Inflatable Footrest
Product information
- Deflated dimensions: 7” x 3” x 10”
- Inflated size: 17” x 11” x 17” (full height)
- Product weight: 1.3 lbs
Best features
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Two separate pillows for multiple configurations
- Comes with a storage bag
- Inexpensive
Possible cons
- Blocks access to under-seat storage when inflated
- Tricky to use in bulkhead seating where it isn’t wedged between two seats
Another inflatable footrest option is the FlyPal inflatable footrest.
This footrest is made up of two cushions that can either be used separately or connected by Velcro to create one tall footrest. This unique design provides several different configurations that can be used as a footrest, headrest, or travel bed, depending on your need.
The two pillows are also inclined to provide a comfortable angle when used as a foot or leg rest, but can be combined to create a flat surface for a bed.
It’s also compact and lightweight, making it convenient to pack in your carry-on. The footrest comes with a carrying case for easy storage and transportation, although one common complaint is that the zipper to the case breaks easily.
The footrest can easily be inflated within a few minutes and deflated in seconds.
On our list of airplane beds for toddlers, this is a great budget-friendly option.
JetKids BedBox
Product Information
- Product size: 18.11″ x 14.17″ x 7.87″
- Product weight: 8.33 lbs
Best Features
- Multipurpose- seat+suitcase+bed
- Has storage compartment for carry-on items
- Can be ridden by toddler through airport
- Comes with stickers for personalized decoration
- Swivel wheels for easy transportation
Possible Cons
- Higher price point
- Bulky if you don’t need the other features
- Ride-on feature can only be used by older toddlers
As the original airplane bed on the market, JetKids BedBox set the standard for other airplane comfort devices to follow.
The Bedbox is a multipurpose product that can make traveling with kids a whole lot easier. Not only does the BedBox become an airplane bed, it also doubles as a suitcase and a convenient way to transport your child through the airport!
The BedBox is equipped with wheels on the bottom so that children can ride on top while the suitcase is being pulled. Swivel wheels in the front provide maneuverability while a thick strap becomes a sturdy handhold for your child. Obviously, this feature would only be safe for older toddlers who are able to balance and securely grip the strap.
The suitcase portion of the JetKids BedBox is a place to store your child’s airplane activities, snacks, and other items. It is sized as a carry-on luggage and can fit under the seat in front or in the overhead storage bin when not in use.
To create a bed for your child, the lid can be extended upwards and a mattress folds out of the top to create a large flat space for your child to lie down or just extend their legs comfortably. It can (and should) be used with the airplane seatbelt.
It also come with stickers your child can use to decorate their BedBox!
The JetKids BedBox provides a lot of extra perks, but it is obviously not the most compact option if you are only looking for the bed feature.
It’s also the most expensive of all the options reviewed here. But then again, you are getting more features for the price.
JetKids BedBox can be used on most airlines, but you can find a list of approved airlines here.
Flyaway Kids Bed
Product Information
- Deflated size: 10in x 10in
- Inflated size: 31.5in x 19.5in
- Product weight: 2.8 lbs
Best Features
- Comes with carry bag and pump
- Wipe-clean surface
- Comfortable inflatable mattress
- Side bumpers prevent toys from falling
Possible Cons
- Higher price point
- Heavier than the inflatable footrest
The Flyaway Kids Bed is a creative solution for enabling young children to sleep comfortably on the plane.
Using a small pump, the bed can quickly be inflated into a spacious mattress for your child in just 90 seconds. And it’s compact enough to fit into a backpack or diaper bag.
Cleverly designed with separate inflatable compartments, the bed can be adjusted to fit any airplane seat based on how much you inflate the top compartment.
The bed also makes a great surface for kids to play on by providing more room for them to move around and preventing their toys from dropping to the floor.
The side bumpers help secure your child (and any items they might be holding), while the wipe-clean surface makes cleaning up those inevitable in-flight spills a breeze.
The Flyaway Kids Bed is permitted on most airlines. For a complete list of airlines that accept the Flyaway Kids Bed, see this link.
We’ve used the Flyaway Kids bed on multiple flights and our children have found it to be very comfortable.
Be sure to check out our Flyaway Kids Bed article for our full personal review!
Common Questions About Airplane Beds for Toddlers
What are toddler airplane beds?
Toddler airplane beds are products that are used to extend the seat on an airplane, making a flat space for a child to lie down. These products are compact and lightweight, making them convenient for plane travel.
There are a few different kinds of airplane beds for toddlers, which you can see in our review of the products above.
Are airplane beds allowed on airplanes?
The answer is that it really depends on the airline. Most airlines will allow you to use airplane beds as long as they comply with safety standards.
However, there are some airlines that do not allow airplane beds. Check your airline’s specific policies before your trip.
And in the end, it comes down to the discretion of the flight crew on your plane. We have never been asked to put an airplane bed away when we’ve used one.
Can my toddler sleep on the airplane floor?
No, toddlers can’t sleep on the floor of an airplane. Not only is it dirty and unsanitary, it’s just not safe.
Toddlers need to be wearing a seatbelt while seated in case of turbulence, even while sleeping. A child on the floor is not securely fastened and can be thrown into the metal sides of the seats or flung across the floor should turbulence arise.
Do you need an airplane bed for traveling with a toddler?
You don’t need an airplane bed to travel with a toddler, but it might make your flight a more relaxing experience for everyone.
Some children do really well sleeping in a car seat, and in that case, using a car seat might be the best option for your child. The downside to a car seat for long flights is that they can’t move around or spread out. And it’s really not all that comfortable for them to be in the same position for so long.
You can also have your child try to sleep on the airplane seat alone, but this isn’t usually the most restful sleep and often they will wake up after a short period of time. And I’ve found in my personal experience that since they can’t lie flat they usually end up lying on mom or dad’s lap. Which really isn’t great when you have to sit still the whole flight so as not to wake them up and can’t get up if you need to go to the bathroom.
And while it’s true that these beds can be expensive, if you’re planning on traveling a lot with your children it’s probably worth the price.
It’s really up to you and what you think will work best for our child, but airplane beds can definitely be a sanity saver on a long flight with a toddler.
Tips for using toddler airplane beds
- Your child has to have their own seat in order to use an airplane bed. For toddlers under 2 you will either need to purchase a seat for them or hope that there is an empty seat available. We’ve had a lot of success getting an extra seat for our toddlers when we didn’t purchase a ticket for them, just ask at the gate before you board to see if that’s an option.
- Be sure to wait to set up the airplane bed until after the plane has reached cruising altitude. The bed should not be set up during taxi, takeoff, or landing for safety reasons.
- Be discrete when you’re setting up the bed and you’re less likely to have a situation where you’re asked not to use it.
- If you’re asked to take down the bed, be respectful towards the flight crew and recognize that they’re just trying to ensure the safety of your child. In the end, it is up to the flight crew to determine if an airplane bed can be used.
- Open up your bed at home before your flight to make sure it works and to practice using it with your child. This ensures that you know how to use the device on the plane and gets your child familiar and comfortable with the product before the flight.
- Position your child so that they can wear their seat belt, even after they fall asleep. This will help keep them safe in the event of turbulence. Your child’s head should be oriented towards their seat and their feet towards the seat in front of them.
- Airplane beds cannot be used on aisle seats. You can use two toddler airplane beds next to each other as long as neither of those seats is an aisle seat (for example, a window seat and middle seat in a three-seat configuration or two middle seats in a four-seat configuration).
Do we recommend using an airplane bed when flying with a toddler?
After lots of experiences on long flights with our toddlers, both with and without airplane beds for them to use, we would definitely recommend an airplane bed for anyone traveling with a toddler.
It’s true that it is one more thing to bring with you, but for me, the benefits far outweigh any inconvenience. I know the stress of being on a long flight with a grumpy toddler who won’t sleep, and I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.
I love knowing that my toddler has a nice cozy place to cuddle up and actually get some good sleep. And I’m able to have my hands free and maybe even read a book or get some sleep myself! What a miracle!
Another huge benefit is that if your toddler sleeps better they will arrive at your destination much more rested, which is a great way to start your trip.
All in all, I find toddler airplane beds to be worth the investment for a smoother flight for myself and my toddler. It also helps that we travel a lot, so over time the investment really pays off.
What if your plane doesn’t allow airplane beds?
The reality is that some airlines don’t allow the use of travel sleep aids like airplane beds. By doing a little advanced research, you can try to book through an airline that does permit travel beds. However, if this isn’t possible or if for whatever reason your flight crew doesn’t allow you to use your toddler airplane bed, don’t panic.
We’ve also had many overnight flights without travel beds and have survived just fine. While it is somewhat less convenient, it is still possible to have a successful sleep experience without one of these sleep aids.
If you know in advance that you can’t use an airplane bed, you might consider bringing your child’s car seat on the plane with you. The car seat will provide them with a reclined place to lay back and get some sleep. If your child is easily able to fall asleep in their car seat in the car that might indicate that this would be a good option. Some kids don’t sleep well in their car seat and in that case you’ll probably want to plan for something else.
Another option is to bring a baby or toddler carrier for your child and attempt to get them to fall asleep while you walk them up and down the aisle. If you have a nursing cover, you can place it over them to provide a dark, cozy place for them to sleep.
Once they are asleep in the carrier you can sit down and either keep them in the carrier or try to have them lay on their seat/your lap. This worked really well for us with our first two kids, but our third child was not interested in this option at all. So once again, this will depend on your child and how easily they fall asleep in the baby carrier.
If all else fails, just try to get your child to lay down on their sit and put their head on your lap. Sometimes we’ve had success with having our child watch a movie or listen to music while they do so to give them a reason to lay still and let their sleep catch up with them.
And if they don’t fall asleep (we’ve been there too…), just keep reminding yourself that the flight won’t last forever!
Other helpful sleep products
In addition to airplane beds for toddlers, here are a few other sleep products that can come in handy when flying with a toddler.
Travel blanket– A blanket helps to create a cozy space for your child and keep them warm on an often chilly plane. This travel blanket is warm and comfortable but packs down into a lightweight, compact case perfect for travel.
Lovey- Bring your child’s favorite lovey or stuffed animal from home to create a familiar sleep environment.
Nursing cover– A nursing cover is useful if you’re still nursing your toddler, but we’ve also often used ours as a cover to block out the light and create a darker sleep environment.
Portable toddler bed– If you need a bed for when you arrive at your destination, there are a lot of great options. See this post for a review of the best portable toddler beds for travel.
Final Thoughts
When planning a long flight with a toddler, a good sleep solution can make or break your trip. A tired, grumpy toddler is not a pleasant experience for anyone on the plane.
These airplane beds for toddlers can be so helpful in ensuring that your toddler has a cozy spot to snuggle up and get some sleep. And hopefully, that means that you can get some rest too!
Other posts you might be interested in:
How to Get a Toddler to Sleep on the Plane (Tips that work!)
The Best Portable Toddler Beds for Travel!
The Best Car Seat Travel Bags to Simplify Your Travel!
