flying with an infant
tips for baby’s first flight and every flight afterward
By the age of two, my firstborn, Orion, flew on over 40 flights across the US and internationally. We travel frequently and have picked up many tips and tricks for flying with a baby and toddler. No one wants to be that parent with a screaming kid for 2 hours, so these tips should help make your trip more enjoyable. Just remember, kids cry, so if your child is crying on the plane, ask for help. The flight attendants are frequently mothers and will do everything in their power to help. I do want to say I’m proud of you for being brave enough to fly with a baby. There are many fears about viruses, handling all of the luggage, packing the right gear, and so on. I hope this blog helps you feel prepared and excited to travel! It’s way easier and more enjoyable than you would imagine. I would stop doing it so frequently if it wasn’t.
pre-flight (booking, seats, etc.)
checking in
going through security
boarding
TAKEOFF & LANDING
diaper bag packing list
TOYS ON THE PLANE
SNACKS
SOME QUICK IMPORTANT FACTS:
Up until the age of 2, your baby can fly on your lap without paying for them. There is a fee for a lap child if you are flying internationally though. It varies per airline.
There is a changing table in the bathroom of most planes. It’s above the toilet, and you’ll have to unlatch it from the wall to bring it down. Change your baby diagonally, and they’ll fit.
You can take over 2oz. of liquids that are necessary for the baby: milk, food pouches, diaper cream, etc.
You can gate-check your stroller and car seat for FREE. This means you can use your stroller all through the airport and security and leave it by the door of the plane for pickup after you land.
You can only fly with one lap child per row on an airplane, so if you have 2 kids with you under 2, you will have to sit in a different row than your partner.
flying with different ages:
AGES 0-3 months:
Your child will likely sleep the entire flight (hopefully). I try to schedule all of my flight times around their nap, so they are tired and ready to nod off when the plane takes off.
AGES 3 months - 1 year:
It’s a gamble if your baby will sleep or be wide awake most of the trip, so make sure you have lots of snacks and some toys for them to play with.
AGES 1-2 years:
I don’t like putting electronics into baby’s hands, but it really does make a wonderful flight when they can curl up to a 2-hour movie and possibly even fall asleep. Snacks are the most helpful at this age.
AGES 2 years +:
Your child will have to wear a mask during the plane ride, and they will be much more active. Movies, suckers, and little toys will be your best babysitters. Also, they’ll have to be in their own seat, which is great to have more room but gets really expensive purchasing another ticket.
pre-flight info
Make sure your tickets say “lap child” on them or you’ll have to add them at the check-in - which isn’t always easy. Not every seat is equipped to hold a lap child.
Choosing your seat is challenging. I like the window so I have the privacy to nurse and rest against the plane when the baby falls asleep, but I also like the aisle seat to get up for the bathroom without disturbing anyone.
You can choose to fly with your infant on your lap for free or purchase them a seat. I like saving money, but be prepared to be uncomfortable with them on your lap, squirming around during the flight. It is very likely you’ll be able to get a seat with a vacant seat beside it for your baby to sit in. Ask the flight attendant when checking in if there are any seats like that.
If you’re checking a bag, ask the person at the bag check if there are any seats open on the plane that your child can have their own seat. They typically are happy to accommodate. If they don’t, ask the flight attendant on the plane if any seats are available in the last two rows.
Get a bag for your car seat before you check it. It’ll help prevent damage while loading and off-loading.
checking-in
Keep your stroller with you. You can vallet check it at the gate of the plane. You can also take your car seat on the plane if there is an open seat for you. I personally don’t like carrying a car seat through the airport, but it does prevent damage from being checked.
Pay the money to check your bags if you have more than you can carry in both hands. It’ll save so much stress when you are boarding.
GOING THROUGH SECURITY
This will be the most challenging part of your trip (in my opinion). I highly recommend getting TSA pre-check before your flight. It’s the best gift for the holidays! Make sure you have all of your items consolidated into as few bags as possible and that everything has a pocket to fit into. Try not to let your baby have a blanket or stuffed animal in their arms before security. They’ll be sad to have to put it through the scanner. Take a stroller that you can break down with one hand - you will only have one hand free. I like traveling with a baby wrap or carrier so my baby can stay strapped to me the entire time. You won’t have to take it off when going through the metal detector.
boarding
I personally like to board first, but many people like to be the last ones on the plane while boarding. I like to ensure I have space for all of my bags and get comfortable and situated for the flight. You will typically board right after first-class passengers. The flight attendant will announce that people “traveling with children or need more time” can board. Make sure to get a valet tag for your stroller before you start boarding so you don’t hold up the line. Ask the attendant for a tag right when you get to the gate.
take-off and landing
This is typically the part of the trip where pain can occur due to the changes in pressure. The goal is to clear your child’s ears as often as possible. If you’re nursing, try to wait to nurse until you are starting to take off so your baby gets a nice long feed during the accent. If your child isn’t hungry, a pacifier works well too. If your child is older, try giving them snacks, gum, or a water bottle to drink. If they are starting to hurt because their ears won’t equalize, rub the sides of their neck below their ears. This should help alleviate some of the pressure. Also, show your older child how to yawn or open their mouths really big. They’ll enjoy mimicking you and feeling better.
diaper bag packing list
Your diaper bag is considered one of your carry-ons, but airlines are a little more lenient on the size. I like to use a full-size backpack. Also, you are not limited to the number of ounces you can take of baby supplies. You can bring a bottle of milk or an apple sauce pouch that is over 2oz. The TSA will let you bring anything needed for your baby.
Water bottle
Diapers
Wet wipes
2 changes of clothes
Snacks
Pacifier
Muslim blanket
Warm blanket
Nursing cover
Bottle supplies (if not nursing)
Toys
An extra shirt for mom
toys for the plane ride
Don’t get caught up on what toys to bring. 2-3 small toys or cars are plenty for a flight. These are my favorite items that offer hours of enjoyment. Whatever you decide to bring, just make sure it doesn’t have small parts that are easily dropped. Cars are also great to drive over the seats.
snacks
You can’t have too many snacks for a plane ride, and if you run out, the flight attendant will give you more. I like to bring an assortment of options so my kids stay occupied longer. Try not to bring anything that will make a mess or make the seat sticky. Here are my staples: