Flying with a Baby: Must-Have Essentials for a Smooth Journey


Traveling with a baby requires preparation, but having the right essentials on hand can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth and comfortable flight. Here’s everything you need to pack for a stress-free trip with your little one.

Traveling with a baby requires preparation, but having the right essentials on hand can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth and comfortable flight. Here’s everything you need to pack for a stress-free trip with your little one.

1. Diapering Essentials

  • Diapers: Pack enough for the flight, plus a few extras in case of delays 
  • Wipes: Travel-sized wipes for quick and easy cleanups.
  • Changing Pad: A portable, foldable pad for convenient diaper changes.
  • Diaper Bag: A well-organized diaper bag with compartments to keep everything accessible.
  • Diaper Rash Protection: bébé Bottoms™ Diaper Rash Crème Spray provides a mess-free solution for preventing and soothing diaper rash and is TSA compliant 
  • Plastic Bags: For dirty diapers, soiled clothes, or trash.

2. Clothing & Comfort

  • Extra Clothes: Pack at least one change of clothes for both your baby and yourself in case of spills or accidents 
  • Blanket or Swaddle: A cozy blanket for warmth and comfort during the flight 
  • Jacket or Sweater: Lightweight layers are great for temperature changes.

3. Feeding Essentials

  • Breastfeeding or Formula: Bring enough milk or formula for the entire flight, plus extra for unexpected delays. TSA allows formula, breast milk, and juice in quantities over 3.4 ounces, but they must be screened separately. If breastfeeding, a nursing cover can provide privacy if desired.
  • Bottles: Carry extra bottles if formula feeding or pumping.
  • Baby Food & Snacks: Pack easy-to-eat, non-messy snacks if your baby is eating solids. 
  • Bottle Warmer / Cooler Bag: To help keep milk at the right temperature.
  • Burp Cloth: Essential for wiping up any messes after feeding.

5. Entertainment & Soothing Items

  • Toys: Small, quiet toys to keep baby entertained without disturbing fellow passengers 
  • Teething Ring: If your baby is teething, a teething toy can provide relief.
  • Pacifiers: Helps soothe the baby and is great for relieving ear pressure during takeoff and landing.

6. Health & Safety

  • Baby Sunscreen & Lotion: For babies older than 6 months, choose a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and water resistance. Look for products containing titanium dioxide or zinc oxide for adequate protection.  
  • Hand Sanitizer & Wipes: For quick cleanups, especially when handling baby items.
  • Baby Thermometer and Acetaminophen: A small, travel-friendly thermometer is useful in case your baby isn’t feeling well, and FeverAll® Infants Strength Acetaminophen Suppository fever-reducer. 

By preparing ahead of time and packing smart, you can make flying with your baby a more enjoyable experience. Safe travels! ✈️👶

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References:

Baby Can Travel (Brewer, C.). (n.d.). Travel with a baby. Baby Can Travel.

https://www.babycantravel.com/travel-with-a-baby/

BabyCenter. (n.d.). Best family vacations for babies. BabyCenter.

https://www.babycenter.com/family/travel/best-family-vacations-babies_41001900

Chicago Tribune. (2023, December 25). Ask the pediatrician: Flying with a baby. Chicago Tribune. https://www.chicagotribune.com/2023/12/25/ask-the-pediatrician-flying-with-a-baby/

HealthyChildren.org. (2018, August 30). Travel safety tips. HealthyChildren.org. American Academy of Pediatrics. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/on-the-go/Pages/Travel-Safety-Tips.aspx

Hoecker, J. L. (2024, January 5). Air travel with infant: Is it safe? Mayo Clinic.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/expert-answers/air-travel-with-infant/faq-20058539

Jefferson County Post. (2023, November 20). American Academy of Pediatrics: Tips for traveling with young children. Jefferson County Post.

https://jeffersoncountypost.com/?p=60379

McCarthy, C., & Shu, J. (2024, May 22). Flying with baby: Parent FAQs. HealthyChildren.org. American Academy of Pediatrics. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/on-the-go/Pages/Flying-with-Baby.aspx

Parenthood Adventures. (n.d.). Places in the world to travel with a baby. Parenthood Adventures.

https://parenthoodadventures.com/places-in-the-world-to-travel-with-a-baby/

The Bump. (n.d.). Tips for flying with a baby. The Bump.

https://www.thebump.com/a/tips-for-flying-with-baby

Transportation Security Administration. (n.d.). What can I bring? TSA.

https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/all