Essentials for Traveling with Baby via Airplane

Traveling with your baby can be exciting and intimidating. For a smooth and successful trip, you’ll need to prepare ahead of time and be sure you have all the items necessary. You will also want to be sure that you’re not overpacking. Today, we want to share our tips for traveling with baby via airplane along with a list of essential items to pack and what to leave behind. 

A Few Tips for the Trip: 

• Airlines do not require children under the age of two to sit in a seat of their own. You can sit them on your lap and forego paying for an extra seat if your child is small enough. 


• If you’re flying internationally, you’ll need to be sure that your baby has a passport. Keep in mind that when you bring your infant to apply for a passport, both parents and legal guardians must be present to sign the passport application. If this is not possible, a notarized Statement of Consent form signed by the absent parent or guardian is necessary. If you’re a single parent, you’ll need to provide evidence of that. You can learn more about getting your baby a passport here. 


• Try to feed your baby during the takeoff. This will help to pop the ears and reduce any discomfort. 


• You may be familiar with the TSA requirement that all liquids need to be less than 3.4 ounces in a carry-on bag. However, breast milk and juices are exempt from this rule. TSA also allows ice packs and freezer packs for frozen baby food. Any breast milk, juice or frozen packs may need to be tested by TSA. 


• Feed baby during takeoff as it will help the ears to pop. 


• Pack one diaper per hour of travel time. 


What to Pack: 

1. Travel Stroller - We love this lightweight travel stroller that comes with a bag. 


2. Travel Car Seat – This travel car seat is convenient because it folds up into a wallet-sized pack that’s easy to transport. It can easily fit into your backpack or purse. 


3. Travel Crib – We recommend this light travel crib that folds down into a compact carry bag. It’s also mesh, making it easy to clean. 


4. Sleep Sack – We love this sleep sack made with 100% cotton fabric. It’s also recognized by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute as “hip healthy”. 


5. Packing cubes - Packing cubes are very useful for consolidating smaller items. You can also designate certain cubes for specific items, such as toiletries or feeding items, for ease of access. We love this set of six packing cubes that comes with a laundry and shoe bag. 


6. Diaper changing pad - This diaper changing pad is fully padded and still easily folds to fit in a purse or diaper bag. 


7. Diaper bag/backpack - There are so many diaper bags and backpacks to choose from, but our favorite is this diaper bag with a changing station, foldable crib and USB charging port. It also has 15 pockets, with two of the pockets being insulated and two waterproof. 


8. Silicon bibs – On-the-go eating and drinking can get messy. Keep your little one clean with these silicone baby bibs that come with an adjustable fit. 


9. Wet-dry bags - Want to stop worrying about diapers and wipes and dirty clothes while traveling? Use a wet bag to forget the mess until you get home. We love these cute patterned waterproof wet bags that are reusable. 


10. Insulated food jar - Keep food and drinks warm or cold with an insulated food jar or cup. We love these stainless-steel cups that come with a spork (spoon/fork). 


11. Neck wallet – When you’re trying to manage your baby, diaper bag, stroller, suitcase and more, it can be difficult to have easy access to important items, such as your I.D. or credit card. A neck wallet streamlines the process by making your personal items more accessible. We love this one that can be hidden under clothes and holds your phone, passports, cards and more. 


12. Portable white noise machine - Even small noises can wake your little one while in transit. We love this portable white noise machine that masks noises that may disturb your child. 


13. Sanitizing wipes - Easily kill germs and bacteria with sanitizing wipes. We love these travel packs of 20 wipes that easily fit inside a purse or diaper bag. 


14. First aid kit - A travel first aid kit is important to have on hand for any scrapes or sudden illnesses that may occur. We love this first aid kit that includes bandages, antibiotic packets and ibuprofen. Also, don’t forget to bring Colic Calm for nearly instant relief of colic, gas and reflux. 


15. Stroller Clips - If you’re walking quickly across the airport and don’t want to lose a blanket or toy, clip it to the stroller with a stroller clip. We love these clips that come in packs of four. 


16. Baby dish soap - You may need to clean your baby’s pacifiers, bottles or other items while traveling. That’s where baby dish soap comes in handy! We love this pack of three baby dish soap that’s perfect for travel. 


17. Silicone table mat - Keep baby’s tray clean on the plane with a silicone table mat. We love this mat that has four adjustable tethers to attach toys and pacifiers. This will keep baby’s items off the ground and germ-free. 


18. Spill proof sippy cup - If you’re traveling with a toddler, you’ll want to make sure you have a spill-proof sippy cup for a mess-free experience. We love this set of two toddler cups that’s dentist recommended and easy to clean. 


19. Lightweight baby blankets - Of course, you’ll need blankets for your baby’s travels. We love this pack of seven flannel blankets that are 100% cotton. 


20. Travel toys - Keeping your little one busy and occupied is the name of the travel game. Travel toys are important for this reason. We love this 2-in-1 suction cup toy with colorful beads. 


Of course, you will need the small day-to-day items as well, such as diapers, wipes, pacifier and formula, but these are the airplane-travel specifics that we recommend for a successful trip.