What to Pack When Flying With a Baby
What to Pack When Flying With a Baby: Everything You Need on the flight
Flying with a baby can feel overwhelming with sticking to the baby’s feedings and making sure you packed everything. I flew with my baby for the first time when she was three months old. One of the worst things that could have happened did: she pooped through her diaper and up her back! I was already prepared for the unexpected, so when this occurred mid-air while breastfeeding, all I could do was laugh. This reinforced my mindset: “Things will go wrong, but I can handle it.” I maintained this attitude every time I have traveled since and it has really helped me keep my stress levels down while traveling.
Check out What to Pack When Flying With a Toddler
I have taken many flights with my younger siblings, and now, as a mom, here is a guide for what to pack and how I prepare for a flight with a baby. But first, lets start with mindset.
Mindset: When Flying With a Baby
“Things will go wrong, but I can handle it.”
Just like everyday life with a baby, there will be spit-ups, crying, and explosive poop while traveling.
Honestly, The first time I flew with my daughter, I was feeding her and I could feel her poop pooling in the onesie, just above her diaper. My husband and I laughed as he flagged over the flight attendant. (Thats how I learned there are changing tables in the airplane bathrooms! Who knew?) The super kind and helpful flight attendant help me set up the changing table and waited outside the bathroom door with a plastic bag to put the dirty diaper and wipes in. He offered a plastic bag to put the dirty clothes in too, but I had come prepared with a few of my own for dirty clothes!
The best part of this experience was realizing that it wasn’t that much different from her explosive poops at home. I had everything I needed with me, plus an extra set of hands from the flight attendant, and no one else on the plane really even noticed. So, keep these things in mind when mentally preparing to fly with your baby.
- Babies are going to cry, spit-up, and poop. Just like they do at home– You are going to have everything you need with you in your diaper bag! Also, if you forgot something, chances are you can buy one at the airport or at your destination.
- We are all stressed– Traveling brings on stress, good and bad, whether we realize it or not. Early mornings, late nights, new surroundings, the hustle and bustle of the airport…everything that goes into a travel day really messes with our systems. This includes babies. You’ve probably already realized that babies like thier routines, but will change it up on you, just as you think you figured it out! The good thing about babies is, they are easily adaptable and the hum of the plane puts them to sleep.
- I never have to see these people again– If your baby does have a rough time on the flight and cries the whole way through, focus on your baby and not the other passengers. I know it’s hard but remember, you can’t control what other people think and your only job in that moment, is to comfort your baby. Also, most people have noise cancelling headphones now so if that helps, just pretend everyone on your flight has them!
Mentally preparing makes the travel day so much easier to handle!
What to Pack When Flying With a Baby
For Your Baby
Let’s be real, you probably already have everything you need in your diaper bag. Here’s just a few things to double check before you’re good to go.
Diapers
I like to be over prepared in this area. I would pack as many diapers as I could fit in the diaper bag. This is one item I wouldn’t count on being able to buy at the airport. If your flight gets delayed or canceled, you’ll want to have extras. Most likely you will still be able to buy diapers at your destination. I have also stored full packs of diapers in my checked bag to have at the destination too.
Wipes
You can ever have too many wipes as thier uses are endless. Just make sure you’re packing a newly opened pack and/or an extra just in case.
Creams/Lotions
Baby lotions, creams, and butt paste are common to have in diaper bags. Double check that your tubes are 3.4oz or less to be able to take them through security.
Pacifier
Maybe pack two in case one falls on the floor or gets lost. During take off and landing, I typically recommend feeding you baby to help with equalizing thier ears. But if your baby is not hungry, pacifiers are a good alternative.
Teething Toy
Similar to a pacifier, a teething toy is also a good alternative to help equalize your baby’s ears during take off and landing.
Burp Cloths
I usually had an extra 2 burp cloths stored in my diaper bag but when we traveled, I took an extra 4 or 5.
Baby Carrier vs. Car Seat
I loved using a baby carrier while traveling to be able to carry by baby and be hands free. I also felt she was more secure in the carrier as a lap baby while on the plane. If you’re not comfortable with this option, you can always purchase a seat for your baby and bring a carseat to buckle them in safely. Just make sure you have a car seat that is approved for airplanes and is no wider than 16 inches.
For more information on flying with a car seat and regulations click here.
For Both of You
Here are a few essentials for you and your baby and anyone else you are traveling with!
Snacks/Water Bottle – Liquid IV
I make sure to stock up on snacks for me, especially if you are breast feeding, you know how important it is to replenish your body. If you baby is at a point of solid foods, bringing a few teething biscuits or smoothie melts are a good idea.
I always bring an empty water bottle to fill at the airport after security and liquid IV to keep myself extra hydrated since flying can rly dehydrate you.
Bonus tip! Smoothies are a great airport meal (or travel meal in general). They are generally a healthy option filled with fruits and veggies and can help with constipation which is also common during travel.
Hand Sanitizer/Wipes
Public spaces are germy. Sanitizing wipes (different from baby wipes) are great for wiping down the airplane seat and tray table before you sit down with your baby. Since babies immune systems are still vulnerable, this just adds a little protection and peace of mind.
Scarf or Blanket
Airplanes are generally cold. Even though you can adjust how much air is blowing on you, the plane its self stays pretty cold. Having a blanket is great for keeping your baby warm. If you are worried about packing space, depending on your destination, a large scarf might be more handy.
Using a big scarf is sometimes necessary when traveling to certain places. A lot of European churches require you to cover your shoulders before entering but if your traveling in the summer its too hot to walk around in sleeves all day.
Large scarves are very versatile and can be used for a lot of things. On the airplane, it can be used as a blanket for you or your baby!
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Change of Clothes/Wear Layers
I wear layers because airplanes are cold but I regularly travel from cold weather to warm weather. I also bring a change of clothes for me and two for my baby just in case! For obvious reasons, in case my baby has an explosive poop, but also just in case of a delayed or canceled flight and I’m stranded at the airport or another city.
Plastic Bags
If you do need to change clothes, this is where you’ll put the laundry. I also use them in case I have to do an impromptu diaper change that’s not in a bathroom and not near a garbage. I bring 3-4 so I have extras just in case.
Formula and/or Breast Pump
A bag containing your breast pump and cooler are not counted toward your carry-on and personal item allowance. Formula and breastmilk are considered medically necessary liquids so you are allowed to bring more than 3.4oz, just notify the TSA agent before going through security.
Read more about TSA guidelines for traveling with formula, breastmilk, and baby food here.
Other Things to Consider
A couple more details to think about while traveling.
Picture of Birth Certificate
It’s always a good idea to have a picture of your passport. I usually just take a picture on my phone and save it and have one printed copy as back up when traveling internationally. When traveling with minors, TSA may ask for extra identification so it’s a good idea to at least have a picture of your child’s birth certificate on your phone or a copy. I’ve never needed it but I have it just in case.
Baby Gear – Stroller, Car Seats, Ect…
This will mostly depend on your destination and what you will need while your there. Depending on our destination and if we had layovers affected if we brought a stroller or not. I preferred to wear my baby on my front with a baby carrier and then carry my backpack. My husband would then carry his backpack and the diaper bag.
We used a stroller if we knew we needed one at your destination. A stroller was also helpful at the airport to carry the our bags. Strollers can be checked a the gate for free so be sure to check in with the desk agent when you get to your gate.
There are large stroller bags that you can fit your stroller in when checking it at the gate for a little extra protection for your stroller. I have heard of strollers getting broken or dirty but haven not experienced this myself.
The needs of each family are different, so think about what works best for you. If you want to pack lighter and rent baby gear at your destination, check out BabyQuip!
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How Many Bags Am I Allowed to Carry-On?
This will depend on the airline you are flying so be sure to check thier website before packing. In general, you are allowed to bring one carry-on and one personal item. Since a lap baby doesn’t have a ticket, they don’t get a bag allowance. If you have a backpack for yourself and and diaper bag for baby, that could count as a carry-on and personal item.
Remember a bag specifically for your breast pump and milk cooler do not count as a carry-on and personal item. TSA guidelines here.
Again, double check your airlines guidelines on baggage allowance before you pack. Here is an example from Delta.
Sticking to Baby’s Feeding Schedule
For the most part, you should be able to stay close to your baby’s feeding schedule. the only time you wouldn’t be able to feed would be going through security. Once you get past security you can feed anywhere in the airport and on the plane. If you are breastfeeding, some airports have mommy pods or nursing rooms to provide a more quiet, private place.
When my baby was 7 months old, I flew for a work trip and had to pump regularly. I was comfortable breastfeeding in public but pumping felt different to me. I felt ok with my feeding cover on to pump on the plane but I took advantage of the nursing room during my layover.
Feeding During Take Off and Landing
If you can, feed your baby during take off and landing. The movement of their jaw will help equalize the pressure in thier ears.
If they are not hungry, use the pacifier or teething toy!
Conclusion: What to Pack When Flying With a Baby
Flying with a baby doesn’t have to be overwhelming or scary. You probably have everything you need in the diaper bag anyway. Be sure to double check your airlines baggage rules and car seat regulations if your choosing to bring one. Overall, babies are pretty adaptable and tend to sleep on planes. But remember – Things will go wrong but YOU can handle it!
You might also like:
What to Pack When Flying With a Toddler
Surviving Air Travel With a Potty-Training Toddler
