Must-Haves for Flying with a Baby
If you are new to flying with a baby it can be overwhelming. Even if you are an experienced flyer, flying with a baby is a new learning curve. I know it was for me. After living across the country from my family for years I was a pro at flying on my own and even as a couple. Some people hate flying but I personally enjoy it. However, after I had my daughter flying became a hassle and stressful experience for me. The first time I flew with her, I was so nervous. I remember looking up all the tips about what I should bring and how it would work flying with her.
Once I tackled that first flight, I was put more at ease. If you are a new mom or a parent who hasn’t yet traveled with a baby don’t worry! It doesn’t have to be a huge, scary experience. Knowing the ins and outs of flying with a baby is a huge help. There are a few important items that can help make the whole experience smoother for you. I wanted to share with you what I have found that helps my sanity when flying with a baby. So without further ado here are my personal top essential must-haves when flying with a baby.
Stroller
This is the biggest flying with a baby must-have in my book. No one wants to lug a baby, car seat, diaper bag, carry-on, luggage, etc. through the airport terminal. This goes for toddlers and older kids too. By using a stroller you can put the baby in it and put extra bags under it. It is a lifesaver during layovers going from one end of the airport to another.
The beautiful thing about a stroller is you can take it right through security up to the boarding gate. The attendant’s gate-check it and bring it right back to you at the gate when you exit the plane. It doesn’t count as an extra bag or anything either. Your back will thank you for not carrying the baby all through the airport, you’ll be able to move faster if you have a short layover, and you aren’t chasing the baby around the airport (if they are walking).
If you are bringing your baby’s infant car seat you can click it right into the stroller (if it is one that has that feature) and gate-check both items. No worrying about checking the car seat or it getting lost. The first couple of times I flew with my daughter I brought her stroller/car seat combo and it worked perfectly for us. This past time we flew with both my kids we brought the double stroller and it was a lifesaver yet again! I will never fly with a baby or child without a stroller.
Baby Carrier
If your baby is young and fits into a baby carrier I highly recommend bringing one along. Even if you have a stroller having a carrier as well can be a huge help. When you go through security you will have to take the baby out of the stroller and carry them. Strapping them onto your body in a carrier so that your hands are free will make the security process that much smoother. The same goes for boarding and de-boarding the plane. As previously mentioned, the stroller will get gate-checked so that leaves you carrying the baby onto and off of the plane. If you have a diaper bag or any other carry-on bag it is difficult to bring everything while also carrying a baby, especially if you are flying alone. Strap baby onto you in a baby carrier and you’re ready to go.
Birth Certificate Photo
In most cases infants 2 and under fly for free, but you will need to make sure to bring along a photo of their birth certificate. The first time I flew with my daughter I forgot to pack her birth certificate and it was a huge issue. The attendants told me a photo of the birth certificate would work too. We were able to sort it out but now I make sure to never forget to snap a photo of my kids’ birth certificates before flying, just in case it’s needed.
Pacifier
If your baby has a pacifier make sure to bring it! This was a huge help when I flew with my daughter as a baby. It helped calm her down and put her to sleep.
Pro Tip:
A pacifier is a great aid in getting your baby’s ears to pop during flight. Just make sure they are sucking/chewing on it during take-off and landing. My daughter didn’t fuss once about her ears when flying.
Food
If your baby is breastfeeding flying with them is easier because you don’t have to bring a bunch of extra items along. If they are formula-fed make sure you have enough for the flights. Airports have more flexible liquid guidelines when it comes to a baby’s food (milk, formula, water). They will usually just test it when going through security versus dumping it out. If your baby is eating any table food make sure to bring some plastic baby food containers and/or any other little snacks they like for the trip. My kids were obsessed with Puffs so I always made sure I had at least those on hand when flying.
Pro Tip:
If your baby doesn’t have a pacifier, food is another good option to help their ears pop. I tried to nurse my babies during take-off and landing when I could for their ears.
Toys
Bring toys to help keep your baby entertained during the flight. My daughter loved looking out the window but that didn’t last the whole flight. I always made sure to have toys to keep her busy and distracted. I also tried to make sure that the toys I brought had little to no noise to not annoy other passengers. I would bring books and chew toys, etc.
Favorite Items
If your baby has any favorite items or toys, bring them! And then double-check you have them with you constantly so they don’t get left behind. My daughter had a favorite blanket and doll that comforted her and we always took everywhere with us. If she was unsure of her surroundings or not feeling well those items always helped to ease her mood.
360 Nursing Cover
If you are breastfeeding, bring a nursing cover that works for flying. I had two nursing covers I would use depending on where I was. My favorite was a more breathable cover that wrapped around my neck and only covered the front part of my body. It was not suitable for flying because my daughter would play with it and expose me. I opted to bring along my 360 nursing cover that wrapped around my whole body and it was the best decision I made. That way I was covered from all angles from people in front of, behind, or beside me. It was also very helpful for when my daughter was tired and needed to nap but it was too bright. I just wrapped her under it and she went right to sleep.
Changing Pad
Your baby is inevitably going to need a diaper change at some point while flying. While most airports are very mom and family-friendly they can still be full of germs. Make sure to pack a changing pad you can use for changing your little one in bathrooms while flying.
Diapers & Wipes
Make sure you bring plenty of diapers and wipes along for the trip. You never know when your baby will need to be changed. I always tend to overpack when it comes to these items. It’s better safe than sorry in my opinion. I always bring extra wipes because you can use them for cleaning up messes or wiping things down, not just changing diapers.
Change of Clothes
It’s very helpful to pack a small change of clothes for the baby, just in case of emergencies. Baby’s are messy. They can have poop explosions or spit-up. No one wants to smell those scents the whole time you’re traveling.
Diaper Bag
When traveling with a baby having a fully stocked diaper bag is so important. I fill up the diaper bag with all of the essentials I have listed above and use it as my carry-on. Keeping it with you and easily accessible is so helpful with a baby.
Car Seat
Depending on your destination and situation you may or may not need to bring a car seat with you when flying. We have done all of the options when flying with a car seat. When my daughter was little and in an infant car seat we brought it with us, clipped it into the stroller, and gate-checked it. When my daughter moved up to a big girl car seat we checked it with baggage so we didn’t have to lug it through the airport. And on our most recent trip, we didn’t even bring car seats at all and just borrowed car seats from family friends while at our destination. The choice is really up to you what works best for your flight. Just keep in mind that you will need one at your destination if you are going to be driving around.
Pro Tip:
If you do fly with a car seat make sure to buy a car seat bag/cover beforehand. Whether you gate-check the car seat or baggage check it, having it wrapped in a car seat cover helps keep it from getting all dirty and scuffed up as much.
Ever since flying with kids, I was learned how family-friendly airports are. Changing tables are in most bathrooms, family bathrooms are everywhere, and many airports even have nursing rooms for moms. I used one during a layover the first time I flew with my daughter and it was so nice. Some even have child play areas you can take advantage of during layovers if your kids are old enough.
