Airplane
Travel Edit
Essentials for flying
with babies and infants
Airplane travel essentials for babies and infants
Flying with a baby or toddler (0 to 2 years old) is all about keeping your hands free while keeping your little one fed, comfortable and settled. A little preparation goes a long way, so try to secure bassinet seats for young babies and take advantage of early boarding where available. Beyond that, these are the baby and toddler airplane travel essentials we relied on when our kids were little, from feeding essentials and baby carriers to compact strollers that make navigating the airport easier.
Cabin-sized stroller
A compact stroller that folds into the overhead locker is great for carrying an older baby or toddler through the airport. Keeping it with you avoids damage in the hold, but check your airline’s size limits first.
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Baby carrier
A baby carrier for smaller infants keeps your hands free through the airport and on and off the plane, for boarding passes, bags and everything else.
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Organised changing bag
A baby changing bag with separate pods keeps feeding and changing essentials organised and easy to reach. We loved our PacaPod, but there are plenty of affordable, well-organised baby changing bags available on Amazon.
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Essentials pack
A small pack with infant paracetamol, barrier cream, baby wipes and plenty of nappies covers most mid-flight mishaps.
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Child safety harness
Lugging a bulky car seat through the airport was never a success for us. A five-point child restraint is a lightweight, compact alternative designed to help keep young children securely seated on the plane. Note the CARES harness is the only product currently approved by the FAA, so consult your airline before use.
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Baby hammock
A baby hammock, such as the Flyebaby, can make flying with a lap infant more comfortable by providing a cosy sling for your baby to recline in on your lap. Check your airline’s policies before travelling, as use may be restricted.
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Lightweight blanket
Peg a lightweight blanket (muslin works best) over the seat or window to cut out light for sleep and distractions for feeding.
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Feeding accessories
Pack your essential baby feeding accessories, including bottles, formula dispenser, insulated bottle or milk carrier, portable bottle warmer and burp cloths.
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Baby food & snacks
Squeezy baby food tubes and little snacks keep tummies full and little ones occupied. Pack more than you think you need.
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Drop-proof snack cup
A snack cup, such as the Munchkin Snack Catcher, keeps snacks contained and little hands busy for surprisingly long stretches. Cheerios were a favourite in our family and perfect for these cups.
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Pacifiers & steriliser
If your baby uses one, a pacifier helps with ear pressure during take-off and landing. Pack a spare or two, and maybe even splash out on a portable steriliser for those inevitable drops on the airport floor.
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Suction toys
Suction toys stick to the airplane tray table or window, giving babies and toddlers something to play with during the flight. A simple, mess-free way to keep little hands busy and provide a welcome distraction when needed.
View on AmazonAirplane travel tips for babies and infants
Ask about bassinet seats. A bassinet seat gives a young baby somewhere flat to sleep, so ask when you book, as numbers are limited.
Board early if you can. Early boarding, where available, gives you time to settle in, set up your feeding gear and stow your carrier or stroller.
Feed for take-off and landing. A bottle, a breastfeed or a pacifier can help with ear pressure when the plane takes off and lands.
Pack for delays. Bring more nappies, wipes and formula than you think you will need, and a spare outfit for you and your baby.
Check the rules. Policies on formula, expressed milk, strollers and harnesses vary by airline, so check before you travel.
More Family Travel Essentials
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