I’ll never forget my first flight as a new mom—my son was just 16 weeks old. It was COVID season and I was equal parts nervous and hopeful. I read all the flying with a baby tips I could find, packed everything I thought we might need (from extra clothes to backup pacifiers), and still felt completely unprepared. Since then, life has taken our family all across the states, Europe, and beyond. My kids passports are filling up with stamps, and I’ve picked up more than a few real-life lessons along the way.

Whether it’s your first flight with your baby or your tenth, I’m sharing the best flying with a baby tips that have truly made a difference for me. From navigating airports with less stress to keeping your little one calm in the air, these tips for flying with a baby are all about helping you hold onto your peace, comfpatience. Let’s get to it.

Related: Joolz Aer: Overhyped or Worth It? Here’s What I Found Out!

21 Flying With a Baby Tips I Wish I Knew Sooner (from a Mom of 2!) 

1. Bring dog waste bags. These are GREAT for blowouts and dirty diapers and keep the stink away.

2. One of the most important flying with a baby tips is this one: breastfeed, give a bottle or pacifier during take-off and landing to prevent ear pain.

3. This is one of my favorite out of all flying with a baby tips because first time I flew without the boppy and had the worst back pain and I was super uncomfortable. SO! Bring your boppy on the plane! Great for feeding and naps for little ones. Helped support my elbow as well while I breastfed. PS: they came out with a travel sized Boppy which is more compact.

4. When bringing a boppy on the plane, keep it in its original packaging when not in use. This will prevent it from getting dirty. It also makes it easier to carry it because it has a handle!

5. My son always got ear pain on landing and would refuse a pacifier or bottle. One day in the tub, he was sucking on the facecloth and it gave me an idea. On the next flight, I brought a facecloth in a Ziplock bag and asked for some ice just before descent. I put the ice in the Ziplock and the facecloth got wet and cold. My son was so distracted sucking on it that he didn’t even notice his ears. Worked like a charm every flight thereafter—and it’s now one of my favorite flying with a baby tips to share with other parents.

Related: 5 Easy Ways to Prevent Toddlers’ Ear Pain On a Flight

6. Bring a toy (or a few) the child has never seen before. For our 10-hour flight, I wrapped a toy I got for Kai in wrapping paper and had him open it on the plane. Here’s a list of 15 travel toys for Babies we’ve used and loved on every trip.

7. Bring an inflatable footrest/pillow like this one for toddlers or for yourself. Not all airlines allow it so make sure to double check!

8. If possible, book your baby their own seat and bring a car seat onboard. It’ll keep them safe, contained, and in a familiar-ish environment—one of the most underrated flying with a baby tips that makes a huge difference. I do understand everyone might be able to afford it but if that’s the case, look into upgrading your seat so you get more legroom! It’s much cheaper.

9. Let the child play with your phone camera. Kai loved looking at himself and what baby wouldn’t! 

10. Changing a baby in a small and cramped bathroom on a plane can be a headache. I always change their diaper BEFORE boarding the flight.

11. ALWAYS bring extra clothes for yourself AND for the baby (in case there’s a blowout). Our son had his very first blowout EVER right before we boarded our flight to France, and my husband had to change into new clothes. 🙂 One of my top flying with a baby tips is to pack a wet bag—it’s perfect for storing dirty clothes when accidents happen.

12. Rent baby gear at your destination. They even deliver to your door! Check out babyquip.com for more information. 

13. Babies under 2 years old fly for free in the states, however, having them in a car seat is always the safest option. Cosco scenera is affordable, light to carry around and is awesome for travel. Here are some things you should know if you choose to fly with a car seat. 

14. Bring their favorite comfort items. For example: if they sleep in a sleep sack at home, then bring it with them. Also, consider bringing some familiar food and snacks from home. These small touches can go a long way in keeping your baby calm—and they’re some of the most practical flying with a baby tips I’ve learned over the years. PS: in terms of snacks…. BRING LOTS OF SNACKS. We brought dry snacks that didn’t make as much mess: cheerios, puffs, pouches etc.

15. Don’t forget to pack important medication and teething remedies if needed. These Camilia teething relief drops SAVED US on the flight to Greece! 

16. You have the option to request a bassinet if you have a long flight or are flying internationally. You have to call the airline and request it ahead of time. It’s first come first serve and there aren’t that many available on each aircraft. If flying business class, they do still have bassinets! Ours was quite small honestly but we still used it for our son. It’s one of those flying with a baby tips that can make a big difference on long-haul flights. ( It definitely did for us). More info on the bassinet and our experience with it here.

17. Bring a baby carrier so you can wear your baby and have your hands!

18. Book a flight during their sleep schedule. Overnight/ red eye flights are the best! 

19. Buy noise cancellation headphones for the flight. There’s a good chance there will be other babies and kids on board and if your little one is finally napping you don’t want them to wake up because of the noise! Also, it protects their ears from damage.

20. Bring wipes to wipe down the seat and tray table so it’ll be free from any germs. 

21. Travel as light as possible because getting off the plane with a baby and luggage is hard, unless you are travelling with somebody else.

Hope my flying with a baby tips help you on your next flight! Feel free to connect with me on Instagram and DM me with any questions =) 

My Top Resources for Traveling Like a Pro

As an experienced traveler with over 6 years of booking and planning trips for my family and over 10 years of exploring the world solo, I have curated a list of the most reliable and efficient websites for travel planning. 

1. Best deals for Flights, Hotels, and Rental Cars: Expedia. 

2. Excursions and Activities: Viator.

3. Free Airport Lounge Access: Priority Pass through Chase Sapphire Reserve gives you access to over 1400 airport lounges around the world.

Amazon Storefront Travel Faves

Don’t forget to visit my Amazon storefront, where you’ll find thoughtfully curated selections of travel essentials. 

1. Traveling with a Toddler

2. Travel Essentials

3. Airport Outfit Ideas

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3. Is Slumberpod Worth It? Honest Slumberpod Review 2024 ✈️

4. 10 Proven and Effective Ways to Pop Your Toddlers Ears on a Plane 👂 

5. Top 3 Easy Ways to Transport a Car Seat Through the Airport 🌴

Melanie is a nurse, a coffee-lovin’ mama of two, and a frequent flier who has visited 17+ countries, lived overseas in Asia, Europe, and the States, and has taken her toddlers on over 30 international flights + even more domestic ones.

With her extensive experience in flying and traveling with her family, she developed a passion for helping parents travel with ease through tips, suggestions, and reviews on her blogs.