Smooth Skies: Essential Tips for Flying with a Baby
Flying with a baby can feel overwhelming, but with the right preparation, it doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you’re embarking on a short domestic flight or a long-haul journey, a little planning goes a long way in ensuring a smooth experience for both you and your little one. From packing essentials to navigating airport security and keeping your baby comfortable in the air, these tips will help you feel more confident and prepared for takeoff.
Flying with a baby: baby wear at all opportunities
Babywearing is a game-changer when you are navigating the airport with a little one. Keeping your baby snug in a carrier allows you to move through security, handle IDs and boarding passes, and place bags on the conveyor belt with ease—all while keeping your hands free. It also eliminates the hassle of folding and unfolding a stroller at TSA checkpoints and makes it easier to move through crowded terminals. Plus, the close contact can help soothe your baby, making the airport experience less overwhelming for both of you.
For our baby’s first several trips, we brought the Baby Bjorn carrier, which allows baby to face you or face out, and can be used for children up to 40 pounds. This carrier is easy to put on and off by yourself, which makes diaper changes and other times you have to take baby out of the carrier a breeze.
As our son has grown, we’ve opted to move him to a back carrier. We use the LÍLLÉbaby Complete All Seasons Ergonomic 6-in-1 Baby Carrier for our travels now.
If you are using a baby carrier like the ones above, you should be able to wear it through security with your baby in it. We’ve taken our son on 16 flights (and counting), and not once have we not been able to wear him in the carrier through the metal detector.
It’s also good to know that many airlines will not let you keep the baby in the carrier during takeoff and landing. We have been advised by flight attendants that we will need to take the baby out of the carrier and hold him during these times. Aside from these times, you can safely baby wear on the plane and if you need to walk up and down the aisles.
Flying with a baby: what you can bring through security
Bringing milk, formula, or baby food through security is easier than you might think, thanks to TSA exemptions for traveling with infants. Liquids like breast milk, formula, and juice are allowed in quantities over the usual 3.4-ounce limit and do not need to fit in a quart-sized bag. You’ll just need to inform the TSA agents at security, and they may conduct additional screening, such as testing the liquid or swabbing the outside of the container. To make the process smoother, pack these items in easily accessible bags or containers and be prepared to take them out for inspection.
If you’re bringing breast milk or formula, going through security can take longer, so make sure you’re accounting for additional screening in your timeline. We’ve had situations where they have to call special agents to screen the milk if it can’t be scanned effectively by those at the gate. Calling an additional agent took some time, but luckily we’d planned ahead.
Keeping our baby’s milk cool has been a breeze thanks to this Yeti Cooler, which we pair with these ice packs. For most of our flights, particularly our domestic flights, we’ve been able to load up the cooler before leaving home and still have cold milk at our destination. If you’re worried about keeping your items cool, go to Starbucks, an airport restaurant, or a lounge (if you have access), to request ice to fill up the cooler.
Flying with a baby: what to dress the baby in on a flight
When dressing your baby for a flight, comfort and convenience are key. We recommend opting for short-sleeve bodysuits paired with lightweight pants, as they make diaper changes much easier than a full pajama onesie. This simple outfit allows for quick access during changes, which is especially helpful in cramped airplane restrooms. While we like to bring a sweatshirt along just in case it gets chilly on the plane, we’ve found that our baby typically stays warm enough in his short-sleeve bodysuits and pants. This way, your little one can enjoy a cozy and comfortable flight, making the journey smoother for everyone involved.
Flying with a baby: boarding the airplane
A smart strategy for boarding is to have one parent board first with the bags while the other stays off the plane with the baby until the last possible moment. This allows the first parent to get settled, stow carry-ons, and set up the space without juggling an impatient baby. The airlines we’ve flown with allow families with children under 2 to board first, so this means we don’t have to worry about having overhead space and can ensure our items are near us on the plane.
Keeping your little one out of the confined airplane environment for as long as possible minimizes fussiness and restlessness before takeoff. Once it’s time to board, the second parent can bring the baby straight to an already-prepared seat, making the transition smoother and less stressful for everyone.
One thing that has happened to us – when P2 has gone to board and P1+baby are nowhere in sight, the gate agents sometimes ask why he’s boarding early, even if he’s carrying our stroller. I don’t know about you, but most people don’t bring a stroller if they’re not traveling with a child. So from those experiences, P1 + baby will walk up to the boarding area with P2 and then wander around the gate area until everyone else has boarded the plane. While waiting, the parent with the baby will typically do one last diaper change – on shorter flights, this can save you from having to navigate a diaper change in the tiny airplane bathroom.
When you board, ask the flight attendants which bathrooms have changing tables. Not all of them do, so you’ll want to be prepared in the event your baby needs a diaper change on the plane. If you can’t find a flight attendant to ask, look for the baby icon on the door of the bathroom.
Flying with a baby: the best items to bring
Beyond essentials like a cooler with ice packs and a baby carrier, there are a few other must-have items that can make flying with a baby much easier. Packing strategically can help keep your little one comfortable and minimize stress during the journey. Here are some of the best items to bring along for a flying with a baby.
The Joolz Aer+ Lightweight Baby Stroller
The Joolz AER+ Lightweight Baby Stroller is our go-to travel stroller. Weighing just 11 pounds, this ultra-lightweight stroller folds down effortlessly with one hand, making it perfect for navigating airports and boarding planes with ease. Even better, its compact design allows it to fit in most overhead bins, so you can skip the hassle of gate-checking and have it ready to go as soon as you land.
With a smooth ride and a sleek, travel-friendly build, the Joolz Aer+ is an ideal companion for stress-free adventures with your little one. Beyond navigating the airport, this is a great stroller for your destination – it’s folds down to put in a rental car, and we were easily able to navigate public transit in Zurich with the Joolz.
Osprey Poco Changing Backpack
The Osprey Poco Changing Backpack is a must-have for parents on the go, offering plenty of room for all your baby essentials without feeling bulky. One of its standout features is that it stands up on its own, making it easy to reach in and grab what you need—no more fumbling with a collapsing bag while juggling a wiggly baby. With a well-organized interior, comfortable straps, and a durable design, this backpack is perfect for travel days when you need quick access to diapers, wipes, and snacks while keeping your hands free.
Wet Dry Bags
When traveling with a baby, messes are inevitable—but wet/dry bags can be a total lifesaver. These reusable, waterproof bags are designed to separate clean and dirty items, making them perfect for everything from soiled clothes to used bibs and burp cloths. Instead of scrambling for a plastic bag mid-flight, you can neatly tuck away wet or soiled items without worrying about odors or leaks.
Wet/dry bags also come in handy for storing extra outfits, diapers, or even snacks, keeping everything organized in your carry-on. Plus, they’re lightweight, washable, and eco-friendly—an all-around win for parents who want to stay prepared without adding bulk to their bags.
Extra outfits for all family members
When flying with a baby, packing extra clothes for everyone—not just your little one—is a must. Accidents, spills, and blowouts can happen at any time, and the last thing you want is to be stuck in messy, wet clothes for the rest of the flight. A simple outfit change for each family member, packed in an easy-to-reach spot, ensures that if disaster strikes, you can freshen up quickly and comfortably. Whether it’s a leaky bottle, unexpected turbulence spilling your coffee, or a full-on diaper blowout, having backups on hand will keep the journey much more pleasant for everyone.
Even though we now check our main luggage, we always carry on a duffel bag with extra clothes for baby and parents on every flight.
Car Seat for baby
If you’re securing a seat for your baby on a flight, it’s crucial to have an FAA-compliant car seat to ensure their safety and comfort. Our choice is the Graco Contender Slim, which is designed for both car and air travel. This lightweight, easy-to-install car seat offers the necessary safety features while fitting snugly in an airplane seat. Its slim design makes it convenient for families traveling with multiple children, and the adjustable harness ensures a secure fit as your little one grows. It’s a great option because it can be used backwards or forwards facing, and can safely hold children up to 65 pounds.
Bringing an FAA-approved car seat not only keeps your baby safe during the flight but also provides them with a familiar, comfortable space for napping and relaxing in the air.
Pro tip: Make sure you know where the FAA approval is on your car seat. Some flight attendants will ask, and you don’t want to be scrambling and holding people up while boarding.
Toy and Pacifier Straps
Bringing toy and pacifier straps on your flight can be a game-changer for traveling with a baby. These handy accessories help keep your little one’s favorite toys and pacifiers within reach, preventing them from falling on the floor or getting lost during the journey. With a secure strap, you can easily attach toys to the diaper bag or the airplane seat, allowing your baby to play safely without the risk of them ending up in a sticky situation. Plus, having familiar toys and pacifiers close at hand can provide comfort and distraction during takeoff, landing, and any unexpected delays.
Suction cup spinner
Suction cup spinners are a fantastic toy for keeping your baby entertained during flights, and we’ve found that our little one absolutely loves them! These colorful, interactive toys provide endless spinning fun and can help distract your baby during the journey. However, a word of caution: they typically don’t stick well to airplane tray tables, so it’s best to secure a window seat or bring along a sturdy surface where they can adhere.
Flying with a baby: know your carry on rules
When traveling with a baby, it’s essential to know what you can carry on to maximize your packing efficiency. Most airlines allow parents to bring a cooler for breast milk or formula and a diaper bag without counting them against your standard carry-on allowance. Breast pumps also count as medical equipment and should not count towards your bag allotment. This means you can keep your and your baby’s essentials close at hand without sacrificing space for your own luggage.
Make sure to check your airline’s specific policies, but generally, this flexibility helps ensure you have everything you need for a smooth flight. With these allowances, you can travel with peace of mind, knowing you’re prepared for any situation that may arise during your journey.
Flying with a baby: checking bags
Prior to traveling with our baby, we went carry-on only. But with a little one and all the things he needs, that’s not possible for us in this season of life. When traveling with a baby, knowing what you can check for free can help lighten your load and make your journey more manageable. Many airlines allow parents to check a diaper bag and a stroller or car seat at no extra charge, which means you can keep essential items close at hand while minimizing the bulk you carry through the airport.
Additionally, you can often check a suitcase without incurring extra fees if you’re flying with a certain fare class or airline loyalty program. Be sure to check your airline’s specific policies, as they can vary, but taking advantage of these allowances can make your travel experience much smoother and more enjoyable.
Flying with a baby: picking your seat
Choosing the right seat on a flight can make a big difference when traveling with a baby. We typically prefer the bulkhead seats because they offer extra room to stretch out, which is a huge plus with little ones. If we’re not purchasing a separate seat for our baby—since infants can fly as lap children until they’re 24 months—we often book adults in seats A and C, hoping that the middle seat remains unoccupied.
This arrangement allows us to use the middle seat for our baby when our arms need a break, creating a little extra space for everyone. Surprisingly, this strategy has worked out for us several times, making for a more comfortable journey when we have three seats instead of two.
Flying with a baby: don’t stress
Traveling with a baby can feel challenging, but it’s important to remember not to stress—you’re doing the best you can and so is your baby! Babies are absolutely allowed on planes, and most people are gracious and understanding when it comes to young travelers. From fellow passengers to airline staff, you’ll often find that people are more than willing to help or offer a kind smile. Embrace the journey and trust that your baby is resilient and adaptable. With a little preparation and a positive mindset, you can turn the flying experience into a memorable adventure for both of you. Relax, take a deep breath, and enjoy the ride!
Conclusion: flying with a baby
Flying with a baby may seem daunting, but with the right preparation and mindset, it can be a rewarding experience for the whole family. By packing thoughtfully, utilizing helpful accessories, and knowing the policies of your airline, you can navigate the airport and the skies with confidence. Remember to stay flexible, embrace the journey, and trust that both you and your baby are doing your best. With a little patience and planning, you can create wonderful memories and make traveling a fun adventure for your little one. Safe travels!
