Flying with a baby, or even just the thought of flying with a baby can be very overwhelming! From making sure you pack everything you need to keeping your baby comfortable and content on the flight can be a little nerve-wracking when it comes to preparing, so today we wanted to share some tips to help make your trip stress-free!
Our first flight with our baby, Frances, was to Banff, Canada for Ellen’s wedding when she was just 3 months (her passport is the cutest thing ever!), and since then Janie and I have flown with our baby girls again when they were 5 months and 12 months. Keeping a list on hand of what we need to bring and how to pack efficiently has made traveling so much easier, so we hope these recommendations can prepare you for a worry-free and smooth travel experience!
LUGGAGE
I highly suggest checking a large rolling suitcase for your child. It is certainly tough to maneuver multiple suitcases and a stroller, so checking a bag specifically for your child is definitely worth it in the long run. Depending on the length of the trip you potentially could share suitcases, but we’ve always brought a separate suitcase for our baby with all the necessities:
- Clothes, pajamas, tights, socks, diaper covers, etc
- Wipes and diapers (tip: bring enough diapers for the first day and send a larger box of diapers to your location OR swing by the local Target if there is one nearby when you arrive – this will save a lot of space in your luggage!)
- Burp cloths
- Toys
- Pacifiers
- A few blankets for tummy time (you can always use hotel towels and hotel blankets too, plus those get laundered daily which is helpful)
- Humidifier if you use one at home – we use this one and love it!
- Sleep machine! – This is the best $23 you can spend. We use this sound machine for home and travel, and I don’t understand why anyone would ever need a bigger one!
- Toiletry bag – these are all of our must-haves:
- Tylenol
- NoseFrida
- Baby shampoo
- Lotion
- Body wash
- Hair brush
- Nail clippers and file
- Baby Monitor – we love this one
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DIAPER BAG
This is the most important bag, since this is all you will have until you get to baggage claim at your location! I always pack this last and double check it before going to the airport. I like to pack a random assortment of things in here because, a baby is never predictable on a flight so you may need snacks, toys, etc. If you’re looking for a great everyday diaper bag, I highly recommend this one!
- Diapers and wipes!
- Burp cloths
- Toys – stuffed animals, teething rings, rattle, etc. The more the better.
- Blanket, socks, and a hat so you can wrap them up tightly in the plane to stay warm
- Two extra outfits
- Pacifier (even if they don’t usually take one, bring one in case their ears hurt)
- Puffs and snacks
- If you’re pumping, don’t forget your pump, accessories and charger! I usually put this in my carry-on bag. I love this one, because it can be cordless!
- Tip: The bathroom in front of the plane usually has a baby changing table, and since the bathroom is tiny take only what you need to the bathroom and not the entire diaper bag
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FOOD COOLER
You are allowed to bring liquid for a baby including breast milk or whole milk. Frances is now on whole milk and I thought I needed to buy it after security, but the airport stores only sold 2% milk. Lesson learned.
- Bring a cooler with ice packs and put the bottles in the cooler too
- If your baby is on purees, bring bag purees and spoons
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STROLLER & CAR SEATS
- If you have access to a Doona, BRING THIS. The Doona is your carseat and stroller, and it makes travelling a breeze. It folds down easily and fits through the x-ray machine, and I would hold my baby and walk through security. I’ve heard of people having their baby in a BabyBjorn carrier, which looks easy too, but the Doona is the way to go. Plus, when you get to your destination you have a car seat with you and don’t have to worry about renting one. You can gate check the Doona (recommend buying a travel bag) and it will be waiting for you when you exit the plane.
- Our baby had outgrown the Doona on our most recent flight, so we took the BabyZen Yoyo which folds up and can fit through the x-ray machine and also in the overhead compartment. It’s super lightweight and we love it. It is surprisingly good with maneuvering over bumpy roads too. It’s a splurge, but it’s our go-to stroller these days for days at the mall or running around town. (We probably should do an entire stroller post – but we also love the UPPAbaby Vista V2 for long walks and it is our favorite to use at home! It seemed a little heavy for the airport, but plenty of people travel with it! If you’re in the market for an everyday stroller, you can’t go wrong with the UPPAbaby).
- If you are travelling without a Doona and need to rent a car seat, Hertz offers free car seat rentals with an AAA membership. Basically, one car rental pays for your entire AAA membership, which is definitely worth it.
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WHAT TO KNOW
As for the flight, I know some people who only book based on nap times and that sounds lovely, but not always doable. Due to covid, I tried to have my husband board first with the majority of the bags and sanitize the seat area, so by the time I arrive with Frances, we are generally settled and don’t hold up the entire waiting process.
We’ve been lucky and haven’t had a baby meltdown on a flight and we’ve always had her as a lap child. Remember to call the airline and add your baby as a lap child and confirm the approved documentation needed, we’ve always used her passport. I always take the window seat so I could breastfeed at takeoff and landing to help with her ear pressure plus it’s a comfy area to rest my arm if she wants to sleep.
Remember, people are generally nice when you have a baby and know you’re trying your best, so don’t worry and you will have a wonderful experience!
Have you flown recently with a baby? If so, we’d love to know your tips in the comments below!
