Travelling with a baby might seem overwhelming, but with the right preparation and mindset, flying with infants can be smoother than you think. Whether it’s your baby’s first short flight or a long-haul journey, this guide is packed with practical tips to help you feel confident and ready for take-off.
Before You Book
- Consult your paediatrician, especially if your baby is under three months or during high-risk illness seasons (RSV, flu, COVID).
- Decide between a lap infant ticket (under 2 years, sits in your lap) or buying a separate seat and bringing a car seat (safer and often more comfortable).
- Choose direct flights when possible and try to match flight times with your baby’s sleep routine; early morning flights are usually the smoothest.
- Avoid short red-eyes (under 6 hours); they often disrupt both your and your baby’s sleep.
- For long-haul flights, request a bulkhead seat and bassinet early; they’re usually free but limited.
- Check airline policies: infant ID requirements, stroller and car seat check-in, formula and breast milk rules through security, and whether family pre-boarding is available.
Documents and Booking
- Declare your infant at booking (lap vs. seat) and pay any required fees or taxes.
- Bring:
- Printed boarding passes (including for the baby)
- Baby’s passport or birth certificate
- Vaccination records (if needed)
- Travel insurance and contact details for your baby’s doctor
- Screenshot or print TSA/airline rules for baby items to show at security.
What to Pack: Essentials
Feeding
- Pre-measured formula (or ready-to-feed) and bottles with slow-flow teats
- Warm water thermos and a USB or battery-powered bottle warmer if baby refuses cold milk
- Bibs, burp cloths, snacks (for older infants), and plenty of pacifiers (store spares in clean bags)
Nappy Changing
- Nappies (one per flight hour + extras), travel wipes, and barrier cream
- Disposable changing pads
- Large ziplock bags (for dirty clothes and nappies)
- Practice stand-up changes—most airline lavatories are tight!
Health & Safety
- Baby medications
- Digital thermometer
- Face masks (for parents)
- Infant-safe sunscreen (if applicable)
- With doctor’s approval, pre-dose infant pain relief 20 minutes before take-off to reduce ear pain
Clothing
- 2–3 baby outfit changes, 1–2 for parents
- Pyjamas for overnight flights, and a blanket, swaddle, or sleep sack
- Dress baby in comfy one-pieces; avoid pants and socks that fall off
Comfort Items
- Baby carrier/wrap (must remove for take-off/landing)
- White noise app or machine
- Inflatable breastfeeding pillow or travel neck pillow
- Familiar sleep item (e.g. teddy)
Gear
- FAA-approved car seat (if buying a seat)
- Lightweight, foldable travel stroller (ideally cabin-approved)
- Use a padded car seat travel bag for gate-checked seats. Pack bulky items inside and consider an AirTag for tracking
- Travel cot or pre-arranged hotel crib
- Collapsible tub and travel-sized dish soap for cleaning bottles
- Battery-powered fan or clip-on stroller fan for hot cabins
- Dress everyone in light layers to adjust quickly to fluctuating temperatures on board
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At the Airport
- Babywear through security for hands-free navigation
- Arrive early to allow for screening of formula or medicines
- Scout out nursing and family rooms in advance (screenshots help!)
- Gate-check your car seat and stroller—confirm they’ll be returned at the gate
- Let baby crawl or stretch on a blanket before boarding
- Change baby’s nappy right before boarding
- Feed or nurse ~30 minutes before boarding to time a final nappy change
- Split boarding: one parent gets on early to settle the seat, the other waits with baby until final call
On the Plane
Feeding & Ears
- Feed (breast, bottle, or pacifier) during ascent and descent to ease ear pressure
- Use slow-flow teats for longer sucking
- Offer sips of water or drip water from a syringe (especially if baby is asleep)
- Avoid feeding during taxi—wait for actual take-off/descent
- Open bottle caps slightly during take-off to avoid pressure-related leaks
Nappies & Hygiene
- Don’t change nappies at your seat—use the loo with a pad or foldable change mat
- Bring a small crossbody nappy bag for quick lavatory runs
- Sanitise tray tables, armrests, and buckles with wipes before settling in
Comfort & Sleep
- Car seats must be installed in a window seat
- Car seat naps give your arms a break—even if baby isn’t in their own seat
- Use the seat extenders for lie-flat options (check airline policy)
- Pause the babywearing during take-off/landing
Entertainment
- Bring soft, silent toys (clip-on preferred), painter’s tape for tray table play, and indestructible books
- Download a few shows/videos as a backup
- Practice baby headphones weeks before the flight—not on the day
Seating and Safety
- Best practice: buy a seat and use a car seat for infants over 6 months
- If travelling with a lap infant:
- Ask for an airline-provided infant lap belt (offered on international flights)
- Consider an inflatable lap pillow to help baby lie flat and reduce arm fatigue
- Extra legroom seats are helpful even if baby’s on your lap
At Your Destination
- Confirm your hotel provides a cot or pack ‘n play; or bring a compact travel one
- Use a blackout setup (e.g. travel curtain) for better sleep
- Book accommodation with separate sleeping space when possible
- Choose a room with a balcony or patio so you can relax while baby naps
- Rotate nap shifts between the partners to avoid burnout
- Buy bulky supplies like nappies and wipes locally to save luggage space
- Rent baby gear via services
- Learn to install your car seat without a base for taxis and ride shares
- Consider a short babysitting break after arrival—ask family, hotel, or book a certified service
Mindset & Sanity Tips
- Stay flexible and calm; things won’t go perfectly, and that’s OK
- Most passengers are kind, especially when they see you’re trying
- Flying with infants is not selfish; your baby has a right to travel too
- Focus on keeping baby happy, not silent or asleep the whole time
- Don’t overpack; carry what’s essential, not everything you might want
- Pack a treat for yourself (chocolate, bath salts) to enjoy when you land
- Optional: bring small sweets or earplugs for neighbours to break the ice
- Don’t hesitate to ask flight attendants for a quick hand—many are happy to help when they can
More Resources for Parents Travelling with Babies
To help you feel fully prepared for your trip from start to finish, here are some additional guides you may find useful:
- Essential Packing List for Travelling with Young Children
- Tips for Baby-Proofing Hotel Rooms and Rentals
- Entertainment for Young Children
- Safety Tips for Travelling with Young Children
- Preparing Young Children for Their First Travel Experience
Happy Travels for the Whole Family
Flying with infants doesn’t have to be stressful. With smart preparation, the right mindset, and a solid packing plan, you can make the journey comfortable for everyone involved. Babies may cry or need a bounce in the aisle—but that’s okay. You’ve got this.
