7 Important Things to Know When Flying With a Baby

By: Haley Stevens 1/20/25

Flying with a baby can be challenging, but with the right preparation, it can be a smooth experience. Here are the seven most important things to know when flying and traveling with a baby:

1. Book the Right Flight

  • Choose flights that align with your baby’s sleep schedule.
  • Consider direct flights to avoid layovers and extra hassle.
  • If possible, choose seats on the isle if you have a newborn or infant that cannot yet walk or crawl. Then you will be able to stand, rock, diaper change, etc. a lot easier.
  • I prefer to sit in the back rows because I feel like we disturb the least amount of people if the baby does cry.

2. Pack Smart and Light

  • Bring only the essentials in your carry-on: diapers, wipes, a change of clothes, bottles, and pacifiers. You DO NOT want to be hauling around 7 different bags through security if you do not have to.
  • Have a well-stocked diaper bag with easy access to necessities. My favorite hack around this would be having a smaller changing pad/diaper bag that has 3 diapers, a fresh pack of wipes, diaper cream/powder, and an extra onesie. As soon as you sit in your seat, take that out and have it easily accessible. That way if there is a blow-out situation, you aren’t trying to take your huge back pack with you into the VERY small restroom and find extra clothes.
  • Use a baby carrier to keep your hands free while navigating the airport. Generally, this is helpful if your baby is not sleeping at this time. If they are, just know, you will have to take the baby out at security, and you will have to unclip all harness pieces and/or remove the baby from the carrier during take-off and landing. Who likes to wake a sleeping baby?

3. Know Airline Policies for Infants

  • Most airlines allow babies under two to fly for free on a parent’s lap, but check specific rules. You do need to have a birth certificate or passport on you to prove that the baby is under 2 years old, especially if they are close to turning 2 and could look questionably older.
  • Some airlines will allow you to bring a car seat on the flight with you if your baby prefers to sleep in there vs. in your arms. You just have to ask the people at the gate desk if there is space on the plane that would allow for your car seat to take up a seat. This is obviously easier with open seating plans like Southwest Airlines has, but I do always ask this!
  • Familiarize yourself with baggage allowances for strollers and car seats. I have never had an airline where you were not allowed to take a stroller, car seat, diaper bag, or specific travel item for the baby (these are not included in your carry on count/checked bag count). I know this to be true about all the main airlines, but for small planes/international flights, I always like to check ahead.
  • I also prefer to check my car seats at the gate. It is a pain to carry, but if your car seat can click in to your stroller, you can avoid carrying the weight of the baby through the airport and then easily check these at the gate. I do this to avoid lost luggage (A LOST CAR SEAT WOULD BE THE WORST, AM I RIGHT?), have less “tossing” of the car seat itself, and for peace of mind that the seat is with me at all times.
    • When it comes to car seats, make ABSOLUTELY sure that you put them in a carrier case or bag whether you check them at the gate or before security! If you do not, they will get filthy dirty, and they are much harder to carry around without the cases. I have the ones we use linked on my travel page!
    • When going through security, the car seats have to be out of their cases. Save yourself the trouble and have that unwrapped and ready to go before security to save the hassle and time.

4. Prepare for Security Screening

  • Juice and milk are allowed through security with your baby!
  • Formula, breast milk, and baby food are allowed in reasonable quantities beyond the 3.4-ounce limit. If they try to touch the milk or juice, you should absolutely refuse. They can scan/touch the outside of the container, but they SHOULD NOT be touching anything that would touch the baby’s mouth. Advocate for yourself and your baby!
  • You can bring breast milk through if you are traveling alone without your baby as well. Bring it in a cooler with ice packs and do your best to make sure that the milk/ice packs are frozen. That will eliminate security  from having to check every bag of milk.
  • Expect to remove your baby from a stroller or carrier when going through security.
  • Pack liquids in an easily accessible bag for screening. It is a lot easier to through drinks and snacks in a gallon zip lock and then if they do stop your bag for checking, they only need to pull that part out.

5. Manage Ear Pressure During Takeoff and Landing

  • Try to time feedings around takeoff and landing for comfort.
  • Help your baby swallow to relieve ear pressure by breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or using a pacifier. Do this as the plane starts to rise or decline in elevation.
  • Offer a snack if your baby is old enough to eat solids. I give my 3 and 5 year old lollipops now!

6. Keep Your Baby Comfortable

  • If your baby has a favorite toy, keep it handy to soothe them.
  • Dress your baby in layers to adjust to changing cabin temperatures.
  • Bring a small blanket or familiar sleep item for comfort.

7. Be Flexible and Stay Calm

  • Babies can be unpredictable—stay patient and go with the flow.
  • Accept help from flight attendants or fellow passengers if offered. I have literally handed my baby to a flight attendant so I could pee while I was on a flight alone once. Where are they going to go with them while you are in the air?
  • If your baby cries, don’t stress—most people understand. If people do look at you or make comments, IGNORE. As long as you are doing your best, there is nothing more you can do. NO ONE, and I mean no one wants that baby to have a smooth quiet flight more than the parents, so do not stress about others’ opinions or dirty looks. We all get them, and guess what? You will never see those faces ever again after that flight.

With good planning and the right mindset, flying with a baby can be a manageable and even enjoyable experience! Would you like recommendations for specific travel gear or tips for a long-haul flight? Check out my travel page and comment for other questions and recommendations!

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