Find all the information you need to make your flight with baby a breeze.
Mamas and papas! Need help with lightening the mental load of traveling with a baby? This list should help your airplane travel prep go faster and be less stressful. Bon voyage!
Planning Air Travel
Seats
Children under two travel for free and do not need a plane ticket, but this means they will spend the flight on your lap as they do not get a seat. Most airlines will provide you with an infant lap belt that hooks onto your seatbelt to secure the infant during take-off and landing. If you have a small baby and want your arms free during a long flight, I recommend getting a baby bassinet (see below). You can also ask airline staff at check-in if they can move you to an aisle with free seats so your little one can get their own, making the flight much more comfortable for the whole family!
Baby Bassinet
A baby bassinet is a small bassinet that airlines attach to the bulkhead wall. They are limited in number and are often only available on long flights for infants under 20 pounds. They do not have restraints, so they are best used for children who cannot yet sit up by themselves.
Some companies have an option where you can reserve a baby bassinet online while booking tickets. If they don't, call the airline to see if they can add it to the reservation. Try to select bulkhead seats in advance so you have more of a chance of adding the bassinet option later.
Unfortunately, we have noticed the bassinet reservation information is often not relayed to the airplane staff. We recommend getting to the airport three hours before your flight to speak directly with airline staff to reserve the bassinet and make sure your seating is adjusted accordingly. You can bring along a clean sheet and blanket to use in the bassinet.
If you cannot acquire a baby bassinet provided by the airline but manage to get a free seat next to you, having a portable crib as part of your diaper bag always comes in handy, like with this OTTOLIVES 3-in-1 Diaper Backpack.
Car seats
If you decide to splurge on an airplane seat for the baby, you can use a plane-certified car seat on the plane, which is great for naps! This option doesn't always work for older babies as they are often happier being able to move around. If you wish to check a car seat to use at your destination, you can do so for free at check-in. Most airlines provide a protective cover for a checked car seat, but you can also get your own.
Travel Strollers
Traveling with a lightweight travel stroller can help make your trip much easier. When Léa turned six months old, we always had one with us as carrying the baby can get tiring when running between terminals! It also serves to hang other bags and coats on. Try to get one that folds small and easily fits in the overhead compartment. We've had a wonderful experience with the gb Pockit+ All Terrain Ultra Light Weight Travel Stroller.
Baby Carriers
In addition to a stroller, its also great to have a baby carrier with you to walk around the airport with your little one and have your hands free while boarding. I love the padded and affordable Infantino Flip Advanced 4-in-1 Carrier.
Flight Timing
If you can, try to book a flight that takes place during your little one's nap time or an overnight flight that matches their bedtime. If the flight is a bit later than their usual bedtime, try keeping your little one up as long as possible so they fall asleep on the plane. These techniques work most of the time, but sometimes your little one may be overstimulated and not want to sleep until landing! This is normal! Good luck!
Baby's Travel Outfit
The temperature in airplanes can go from very cold to sweltering, so it's best to dress your little one in layers. A onesie with comfy pull-on pants, a light sweatshirt, and pull-on shoes work well. If you are traveling early in the morning, you can put your little one in their travel outfit before putting them to bed so you can just wake them up and go. Don't forget to pack the extra outfits in your carry-on in case of accidents!
Packing Carry-on
Diaper bag
Even without a ticket, every baby can travel with their own personal item, which is often a diaper bag. In the diaper bag, you can pack a couple of outfit changes for the baby, a backup top for mom and dad, a diaper for every 1.5 hours of flight, a changing pad, wipes, two burp cloths, two blankets (one for the floor and the other to cover them while they nap), and lots of snacks! It's also practical to have disinfecting wipes (for the airplane seats, screens, and tables) and at least four plastic bags to dispose of diapers and store wet clothes in case of accidents. If your baby drinks formula, you can pack a few baby bottles with water and powdered formula travel packs or a filled formula dispenser to mix them with. Also, pack a few essential entertainment items for the baby, like four or five of their favorite books and toys.
Cooler
If you are traveling with a baby, you can carry food, purees, and milk for your little one that go above the maximum liquid limit imposed by the TSA. At the security screening, they will check the cooler's contents to make sure it's legitimate. You can use freeze packs in the cooler, but only if they are mostly frozen upon screening. If they become too soft or slushy before then, they may be confiscated.
In the Plane
Hygiene Precautions
It's recommended to use disinfecting wipes on the armrests, screens and tables as these are rarely cleaned between flights, and there's a big chance your baby will be touching/putting their mouth on everything in sight. Also, if your little one wants to play on the floor, you can put a blanket down to keep them from crawling directly on the plane floor.
Cabin Pressure
Babies' ears are extra-sensitive and can experience pain with the changes in cabin pressure during take-off and landing. To help them in these moments, you can nurse your little one or give them snacks to get their jaws moving and alleviate pressure on their ears.
Diaper Change
There are changing tables in the airplane bathrooms which are super convenient. Space is tight so it best to take only what you need with you, like a changing pad, wipes, and diaper.
Entertainment
In addition to reading your little one books and helping them play with their favorite toys, be ready to carry or walk them down the aisles – it will keep them entertained and tire out those who can walk!
I hope this information makes your travel prep a bit easier! You can do it!
Are there any other tips you would add? Make sure to add them to the comments below!
*Disclosure: I only recommend products I use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post contains certain affiliate links, so I may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on my site at no additional cost to you.
As a flight attendant, I can tell this guide is perfect to enjoy travelling with babies! It's complete and useful.
I wish all parents should read this before flying :)
I learned a lot by reading this! I flew recently with my son and my ice pack had melted and they were very weird about it. I didn't know it had to be frozen! They ultimately let me take it through, but it did delay us because they had to specifically check it. I also had no idea about the baby bassinette. I flew with my son when he was 4 months old and I had to hold him the whole time which was very tiring. I had a front facing baby carrier but when the flight attendant saw me using it, she told me that he couldn't fly in a carrier and that I had to hold him. I…