Flying with a baby: Real Tips for Stress-Free Air Travel
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Traveling with a baby is no easy feat. It’s tough not knowing what to expect as a first-time parent—and it doesn’t necessarily get easier once you’ve got more kids in tow. Juggling a baby (or two!) and air travel can be overwhelming, but I’ve learned a lot through experience, and I’m here to share what’s helped us the most. This post covers:
Here are the best tips I’ve picked up along the way:
1. Work Around Your Schedule
No one knows your baby better than you do. For some families, flying during nap time is the sweet spot. When our oldest was a baby, flights during his usual nap window worked like a dream—he slept soundly and we even got a moment to breathe.
Our youngest, on the other hand, couldn’t care less about nap time on a plane. He was too fascinated by the people, lights, and sounds. It’s important to remember that even the best-laid plans can be delayed or disrupted, so while scheduling flights around naps or feedings can help, flexibility is key (more on that later).
2. Have Support
Traveling with another adult is ideal. I’ve been lucky to fly with my husband or parents most times, and having an extra set of hands makes everything easier—carrying bags, juggling baby needs, managing the unexpected.
That said, I’ve also flown solo with an infant, and even with an infant and a three-year-old. It’s challenging, but doable—and so worth it. If you’re flying alone, try to line up help for check-in and pick-up. Having someone assist with bags at departure or meet you at baggage claim can take a huge weight off your shoulders.
3. Use Travel-Friendly Gear
Most of our baby gear leans toward travel-friendly because I like being out and about with the boys. If you have bulkier items, it might be worth investing in more compact or lightweight versions. Here’s what I recommend (all photos are direct links):
Car Seat
You can rent them at many destinations or ask family to keep one on hand if you visit often. Here are some options to take with you:
The lightweight Maxi-Cosi is a great option and adjusts as baby grows.
I personally skipped the Doona—it’s super popular but heavier and I prefer less gear attached to the car seat. That said, many parents swear by it.
Stroller
We’ve loved the Mockingbird stroller with the second seat kit. We use it daily at home and pretty much take it on on all of our travel. Here are a couple of light weight travel stroller options. Just know that whatever stroller you bring will probably come back a bit banged up.
I use a lightweight stroller similar to this Ingenuity brand, which folds easily and can be carried like a backpack.
This one even folds down to its own backpack carrier and looks like nice storage in the bottom.
Car Seat/Stroller Travel Bags
Airlines sometimes provide travel bags, but they’re usually flimsy. We invested in sturdier ones with wheels and backpack straps—worth every penny. Bonus: you can pack extra items like diapers or dirty laundry in them. If you are unsure how much use you would get out of these, I suggest only purchasing a car seat bag. Strollers are easy to get check as is with most airlines. Here are a couple of good options:
Baby Carrier
Game-changer. It keeps your hands free and baby close, especially helpful in busy areas or stroller-unfriendly spots (like our time in New Orleans). I love Ergobaby for support and comfort—the Embrace for newborns and the Omni Classic for older babies. If you want something with a little more style, check out Wildbird.
This is Ergobaby’s Embrace Cozy Newborn carrier. I used it so much during travel and around the house during those early days.
This one is Ergobaby’s Omni Classic. You can purchase it in a cotton or mesh fabric. You are able to use it from birth up, but can hold baby in varying positions.
If you are looking for a little more style, but still good support, Wildbird is your answer! Comes in so many pretty colors.
Travel Crib/Pack ‘n Play
We’ve used a Graco Pack ‘n Play for both boys—budget-friendly, easy to carry, and they’ve both slept well in it. If blackout sleep is a must, look into the SlumberPod, though we’ve personally never needed it.
This Graco one allows baby to be positioned higher up or low, depending on how big they are.
If blackout sleep is important to your baby during travel, invest in the SlumberPod and don’t stress about any sleeping arrangements.
Travel Sound Machine
If your baby sleeps with white noise, bring a travel sound machine. We pack our Hatch (this is the best one, utilizing a cord and battery easy for travel or any issues such as power outages) for bedtime, but also keep a smaller one handy for naps on the go. Honestly, the airplane hum itself can work wonders!
I have loved using this Hatch Go for travel and being out and about. I love that it’s the same brand as the one we use for nighttime so I can use the same settings my baby loves.
Here’s another travel friendly option that is more budget friendly.
Diaper Bag
Comfort and organization matter. I’ve loved this one—it has padded straps and tons of pockets to keep things tidy and accessible.
Available in so many colors and has two material options based on your needs and style!
4. Have a Plan of Action
Before kids, it was easy to “wing it.” With a baby, not so much. Know where your boarding passes are, add your baby as a lap child ahead of time, and double-check any connections. A little prep goes a long way in reducing stress.
5. Be Flexible
This might sound like a contradiction—but planning and flexibility can go hand in hand. Flights get delayed. Naps happen earlier (or not at all). If your schedule gets thrown off, give yourself grace. If baby naps in the terminal instead of the plane, roll with it. Have feeding supplies and a few toys ready for in-flight entertainment just in case.
6. Know TSA Guidelines
The TSA has exceptions for baby items like formula, breast milk, and baby food. Check out the official TSA website for the latest rules and helpful info [HERE].
Pro Tip: If you are using formula, fill up an insulated bottle with warm water before leaving for the airport. The water bottle keeps the water warm all day for mixing bottles and you’ll be able to take it through TSA. I use this insulated bottle hack every day I leave my house, I fill it up and bottles will be warm and ready whenever baby is hungry!
7. Focus on Your Family
You’ll meet all kinds of people when flying with a baby. Some will offer help, others… not so much. Thankfully, we’ve had more positive interactions than negative.
Just remember: your child has every right to be there. Babies, toddlers, and kids belong in public spaces—and the more they experience travel, the more they learn how to navigate it. Try not to let the grumpy stares get to you. Most of the time, it all goes far more smoothly than you feared.
Traveling with a baby can feel overwhelming, but it’s also such a gift.
Final Thoughts
Traveling with a baby might feel overwhelming at first—and yes, it does take more planning, patience, and flexibility—but it’s also incredibly rewarding. You’re creating core memories as a family, even if they don’t remember the details. You’ll remember the cuddles on the plane, the baby giggles in new places, and the pride you feel after making it through your first flight together.
Every baby is different, every trip is different, and things won’t always go perfectly—but that’s okay. The memories, the little wins, the adventures—they’re all worth it. I hope these tips help you feel a bit more prepared and a lot more confident as you head off on your next journey.
