Preparing to Travel
- When is it safe?: If possible, it is best to wait to travel with a baby until after eight weeks or so. Travel carries increased risk of infection and the possibility of an illness that causes a fever. If a baby goes to the hospital under 8 weeks with a fever, they will likely do a spinal tap to rule out a bacterial infection. If you wait, they would be able to avoid this invasive procedure. *With declining vaccination rates, some doctors recommend waiting longer for air travel as your baby can be at higher risk of catching measles on a plane. Talk to your pediatrician about the rates of infection in your area*
- Pick flight times with sleep in mind: If possible, fly around your baby’s nap/bedtime. Early mornings are usually calmer at airports.
- Direct flights > layovers: Less disruption to the daily schedule.
- Seat choices:
- Lap infant (under 2): You don’t need a ticket, but you’ll hold your baby the whole time.
- Extra seat with car seat: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a car seat for kids under 40 pounds on airplanes.
- According to an analysis of flying risk completed by Emily Oster, the additional protection offered by a car seat (from a fall during turbulence or during a crash) is extremely small. If buying an additional seat is too expensive and would deter a family from flying in favor of driving, cars are more dangerous than airplanes.
- Checked Items: Most baby-related items check for free! Take advantage of the free checked item and pack extra diapers, clothing, toys inside your stroller to save on luggage costs.
Packing Checklist (Carry-On)
Think in terms of: eat, sleep, clean, comfort.
- Feeding:
- Formula/breast milk (TSA allows extra liquids for babies)
- Bottles, nursing cover if you use one, burp cloths
- Sleep & comfort:
- Favorite blanket, small lovey, pacifiers
- Baby carrier (for walking the terminal hands-free)
- Clean-up:
- Extra diapers + wipes (more than you think!)
- Changing pad + plastic bags for dirty clothes
- 2–3 outfit changes for baby, 1 for you
- Gear:
- Stroller + car seat (both can be gate-checked for free)
- Light muslin blanket (also useful as a cover, burp rag, or shade)
At the Airport
- Security: Baby food, milk, and formula are exempt from the usual 3oz liquid rule. Just declare them.
- Boarding: Families with young children usually get early boarding. Take it—it gives you extra time to settle in.
- Stroller/car seat: Gate-check both so you have them in the airport but don’t carry them on.
During the Flight
- Takeoff & landing: Offer breast/bottle/pacifier. Sucking helps relieve ear pressure from the changes in altitude.
- Keep baby close: A soft carrier keeps your arms free although you usually can’t wear the baby during takeoff/landing.
- Diaper changes: Airplane bathrooms have fold-down changing tables but it is a VERY tight space, so leave your diaper bag behind. Just bring1 diaper and some wipes to make it easier.
- Entertainment: For infants your face, voice, and a rattle or small toy are enough. You could also bring a soft book or a teether.
- Stay calm: Babies cry. Travel by definition is just people navigating around each other to new locations. Babies are people. Don’t get too stressed about your baby’s noises.
After Landing
- Car seat/stroller pick-up: Gate-checked items are usually waiting right outside the aircraft door or at baggage claim.
- Re-settle baby: Take a few minutes to feed or change before leaving the airport.
Random Tips
- Pack a mini diaper bag: (1-2 diapers, wipes, small cream, changing pad) so you’re not digging through the whole bag mid-flight.
- Ask for help: Flight attendants can be very helpful to parents traveling with little ones.
- Lower your expectations: The goal is to get from point A to point B, not perfection.