Baby Travel Products and Tips when Flying
What are the best baby travel products and tips?
Taking your baby on an airplane can be stressful and unnerving for even the most frequent travelers.
You just don’t know how your baby will react 40,000 feet up in the air.
When my baby was 3.5 months old, I took her on a 5.5 hour plane ride ALONE.
I did a lot of research.
Now that I’ve taken her on many flights throughout her first year, I know proper planning goes a long way to helping you manage airplane travel with an infant.
In this post, you’ll read about:
- The 25 best baby travel products and accessories
- Important tips when preparing for your baby’s first flight
- How to make your airport and plane experience more comfortable
if you make a purchase, I may earn a small commission, at no cost to you.
25 Best Baby Travel Products When Flying
There are 3 sections to this checklist for the best travel products for baby:
- Large baby travel gear to check-in at the counter or gate (e.g. stroller)
- Medium baby travel items to carry on the flight (e.g. baby carrier)
- Small travel baby products to include in your diaper bag for the flight (e.g. diapers)
Baby Travel Gear to Check-In
1. Stroller
You might have a couple of hours and a lot of walking to do in the airport before your flight takes off. Using a stroller allows you to more easily manage.
This Nano Mountain Buggy Stroller is designed for frequent travel.
It’s light baby flight accessory and can be folded down to be placed in most overhead luggage compartments.
This is useful if you have tight layover times and you’re worried about missing your next flight. This stroller includes a shoulder strap and travel bag for carrying and storing.
I like how it reclines almost completely flat and the canopy is large. It also includes a universal car seat adapter so that it can be used for babies as young as 1 month old with a car seat.
My brother has this stroller and loves it for plane trips. He also puts it in his car for use when they’re on the go.
The stroller is expensive, which is the reason I’ve been humming and hawing about it. I might buy it in the near future when trunk space becomes an issue.
When I traveled, I used the Universal Snap and Go stroller. I gate-checked it.
It’s significantly cheaper and lighter than my regular go-to stroller so I didn’t mind if it got a bit banged up (It didn’t in the stroller protector bag.).
I could put my car seat on it, which was useful as I was traveling by myself and could only carry so many items.
Having this car seat/stroller travel system allowed me to more easily maneuver from the car to the check-in desk when I first arrived at the airport. I could push the stroller/car seat while pulling my luggage.
I used this stroller a lot in the first few months of baby’s life. I like how it fits most car seats and is cheaper than having to purchase the one brand and adapter that fits your car seat.
2. Stroller protector bag
If you can’t put your stroller in the overhead compartment, I highly recommend getting a stroller protector bag.
Strollers are expensive. Airline staff are not always careful with how they manage luggage – even fragile items like a stroller or car seat.
Some strollers have their own protector bags designed for traveling.
I used this Stroller Travel Bag. It’s a universal stroller protector bag.
I’ve used this baby flight accessory on multiple flights. It hasn’t ripped and kept my stroller protected and clean.
I know this stroller bag is more expensive, but it’s worth the money!
I know someone who bought the often cheaper red stroller bag and it ripped after the first or second trip and their $500 stroller got damaged!! That’s just not worth it.
3. Car Seat
We brought our infant car seat – the Graco infant car seat. It’s lighter and cheaper than most.
We debated for a while about whether to get an infant car seat or if we could just use a convertible car seat.
Ultimately we decided to get one because we live in the suburbs and mostly commute by car. The infant car seat made it easy for us to bring her in and out of the car without waking her.
If you’re bringing a car seat – whether you’re using it on the plane (more on that below) or snapping it into your stroller – you might want to consider NOT bringing the base.
The base is bulky. When using it in the car or plane, you can just use the seat belt option on your car seat, which is much easier than having to lug the base around with you.
When my daughter was 1.5 and she outgrew the infant car seat, we had to switch her over to a convertible car seat.
When we went on a plane ride, we used our Graco Convertible Car Seat.
It’s much bulkier than the infant car seat and not ideal for traveling.
Technically, you can use this convertible car seat from 4 pounds to 120 pounds – it can be the only car seat you ever use.
It’s more expensive, but if you consider all of the different car seats you have to get at each stage, it might end up saving you money in the long run.
4. Car seat protector bag
Just like the stroller, airline staff might not always be careful with your car seat.
I highly recommend getting a padded car seat protector bag. Once your car seat is in an accident, it’s not usable.
I got this car seat travel bag and it’s still in good condition after multiple trips.
One tip: If you’re checking in your car seat at the check-in desk, you can put extra diapers, wipes, toys etc. in it if you’re close to the weight limit on your regular luggage.
The weight limit on your car seat bag is usually the same weight limit as your luggage.
Baby Travel Gear to Carry on the Flight
5. Baby carrier
This is an essential accessory at the airport and on the plane, especially if you’re traveling by yourself with the baby.
There will be numerous occasions when you’ll need or want to be hands-free. I’ve noted them below in the last section.
I used this ergonomic carrier because it’s comfortable and can be used with a newborn right away at 7 lbs (no additional infant insert required) up until the baby is 45 lbs.
This baby flight accessory can be adapted for all carry positions including facing the baby inwards and outwards, carrying on the hip or back. You can even breastfeed your baby in it.
It’s ergonomic and has the supported seated position to combat hip dysplasia (I’m not a doctor so you should do your own research on this and decide on a carrier that works best for you.).
Related: If you’re looking to save on a baby carrier, here are tips for babywearing on a budget.
6. Breastfeeding pillow
I have this breastfeeding pillow, which I used for every feeding in the first few months.
I didn’t bring it with me on the plane because I was traveling by myself and thought adding a breastfeeding pillow might be difficult to manage because it’s bulky.
I’ve heard some moms bring the pillow on the plane and say it made their experience so much more comfortable!
If I have another baby and will be flying, I think I’ll just clip the pillow on my stroller so I don’t have to hold it when I’m at the airport.
In addition to helping with breastfeeding, it also operates as both a pillow for you and the baby.
Your baby can sleep on the pillow and you don’t have to hold them the entire flight (of course, you do have to put your arm on them so they don’t roll off).
If you’re interested in bringing the pillow, I’ve heard there is a travel inflatable version which easily fits in your bag, but it’s prone to leaks after a while.
7. Travel diaper bag
If you have a diaper bag, I recommend testing it to see if it can hold all of the items you need for the flight.
Mine unfortunately couldn’t. I wish I would have thought about this scenario before I purchased my first diaper bag.
When planning for my flight, I came across the Ferlin travel diaper bag. It’s great because it:
- Has 18 pockets to keep things secure, separate and easy to locate
- Is a backpack configuration so I could be completely hands-free
- Is gender neutral in color so her dad could comfortably use it
- Has a back pocket so I don’t have to worry about guarding my personal valuables
The Ferlin is my current, everyday diaper backpack and I love it.
But…
If I were to pick now, I would instead select this KidisPro diaper backpack. This bag is very similar to the Ferlin backpack – even down to the comfortable ergonomic straps, BUT it has a laptop/tablet specific pocket. During my maternity leave, I often found myself carrying both my diaper backpack and my laptop bag. Having an all-in-one would be ideal!
Baby Travel Products in the Diaper Bag
8. Diapers and wipes
In terms of quantities, pack for the time duration between leaving the house and arriving at the hotel or place you’re staying at your destination. Account for potential delays.
For example, I packed around 10 diapers and 30 wipes for a 5.5 hour flight when my baby was just over 3 months old.
Having wipes is also handy to clean your hands when you don’t want to use the small bathroom on the plane (you don’t need a separate hand sanitizer). You can also wipe down dirty surfaces.
9. Diaper cream
Make sure you get a travel size diaper cream because plane liquid restrictions will apply to this product.
Here is a travel size diaper cream that’s organic and works fast! I’ve heard if you’re a cloth diapering family, it works with cloth diapers too!
10. Changing pad
There should be a changing pad that came with your diaper bag.
If you don’t have one, I love this Kushies Baby Deluxe Change pad.
It’s better than the one that came with my diaper bag and most changing pads because it’s MUCH LARGER (so your baby can completely fit on it; your baby’s head isn’t partially off the changing pad and touching unclean surfaces). It’s also soft and easily washable.
11. Food and snacks
Bring however much formula, breast milk, juice or baby food you need as these liquids are exempt from the usual liquids restrictions on a plane. Be prepared for delays in the security line as agents might test the formula.
If your baby is eating solids, you can refer to this list to see what food you can bring.
This is what I brought when my baby was eating solids on a plane ride that was just over 5 hours.
- Cucumbers
- Hummus (or you could just bring chick peas)
- Premade food pouches
- Apples
- Grapes
- Cheese
- Organic rice puffs
12. Bottles or water cup
Check your airport’s policy on how to transport formula (i.e. whether you can bring unsealed bottles on the plane).
If your little one is drinking water, don’t forget your baby’s cup.
13. Utensils
If your baby is eating solids, these are handy.
Not only are they safe for babies to use, they’re bendable. Babies often reach the stage of wanting to feed themselves quickly. As your baby learns to hold a utensil, you can shorten the length or change the angle of it to help and have less spillage!
14. Bib
I’ve found the silicone bibs are great because they can be easily wiped down. I also like bibs with sleeves because they’re light and have sleeves!
15. Snack storage
If your baby is eating snacks, you can bring ziploc bags or small baby storage containers to store them.
It’s also handy to bring a snack catcher so your child can feed him or herself independently. My daughter loves to be able to feed herself with this.
16. Wash cloth
If your baby is eating solids, a wash cloth is useful to wipe your baby’s face, bib and utensils after feeding.
17. Nursing supplies
This includes nursing pads, breastfeeding cream if you need them.
18. Toys
You can bring favorite toys or books. I found it’s easier to bring toys like these Lamaze toys that can be clipped onto something so they don’t fall on the ground.
19. Pacifier
If you use pacifiers with your child, you should consider bringing multiple and have a clip-on so they don’t fall on the ground.
20. Teether
If your baby is teething, don’t forget your teether. You could also use the same above clip-on to affix to a teether.
21. Change of clothes for baby
This is handy in case your baby has a diaper explosion or vomits etc. Don’t forget to include socks.
It might even be worthwhile to include 2 outfits in case you have multiple blowouts.
22. Change of clothes for parents
You’ll want to have this in your diaper bag in case your baby’s waste lands on you or you have milk stain accidents.
23. Blanket
I love these large muslin blankets as they are super versatile and can be used as a swaddle, burping cloth, a nursing cover, a tummy time mat, a changing pad cover, a car seat/stroller cover, general blanket etc.
24. Plastic bags
These are helpful for dirty diapers, used pacifiers and bottle nipples.
25. Larger bags
Larger bags are useful for dirty clothing. I previously used plastic bags for this purpose, but I’ve since bought this Skip Hop Wet/Dry Bag.
It’s got 2 pouches – one for wet/dirty clothes and another for new/replacement clothes. It’s worked well. I’ve heard it doesn’t hold dirty diapers well so I wouldn’t use it for this purpose.
Savings Tip on Baby Travel Products
You can save money on baby travel products by using these 2 FREE resources:
- Amazon provides you with a one-time 10% discount on select items from your registry, 60 days before your child’s arrival date.
- If you are an Amazon Prime member, the one-time discount is 15%! Amazon Prime also comes with 20% off diapers and baby food when you have more than 5 subscriptions. The best part about this membership: 2 day FREE shipping and FREE access to movies, TV shows, music and books. You can cancel your other subscriptions!
There are also FREE 90 day returns on baby store purchases. Get the FREE 30 day Amazon Prime trial here, which you can cancel at anytime.
You can also get a welcome gift box if you’re an Amazon Prime member and meet certain requirements like a minimum spend. Here are the specific eligibility requirements in the US. Here are the eligibility requirements in Canada.
- Before purchasing items on Amazon, go through Rakuten first!
- Companies pay a commission to Rakuten for advertising on their site. Rakuten then shares that commission with you. Depending on the rates, you could get up to 40% of your purchase price back!
- Rakuten is FREE to sign up.
For U.S. residents, Rakuten will give you a welcome bonus of $10 after making your first online purchase of $25 or more.
For Canadians, it’s a $5 welcome bonus for signing up. You can read more about how to use Rakuten here!
Summary of Baby Travel Products when Flying
- Travel-Friendly Stroller: Nano Mountain Buggy Stroller, Universal Snap and Go stroller
- Stroller Travel Bag
- Car seat: Graco infant car seat, Graco Convertible Car Seat
- Car Seat Travel Bag
- Baby carrier: ergonomic carrier
- Breastfeeding pillow, travel inflatable version
- Travel diaper bag: KidisPro diaper backpack
- Diapers and wipes
- Travel size diaper cream
- Changing Pad: Kushies Baby Deluxe Change pad
- Food and snacks
- Bottles and water cup
- Utensils:
- Bib: Silicone bibs, bibs with sleeves
- Snack Storage: snack catcher
- Wash cloth
- Nursing Supplies: Nursing pads, breastfeeding cream
- Toys: Lamaze toys
- Pacifiers, pacifier clip-on
- Teether
- Change of clothes for baby
- Change of clothes for parents
- Blanket: large muslin blankets
- Plastic Bags
- Larger Bags: Skip Hop Wet/Dry Bag
Additional Baby Travel Tips
What should you consider before you book your flight?
When is it safe to travel with an infant on a flight?
Here are some of the factors to consider when planning the ideal time to travel with your baby:
- It’s FREE for babies under age 2 to fly.
- Travel when you’re on maternity leave (if you’re lucky to qualify for maternity leave) so you don’t use your vacation days.
- It’s better to wait to fly until after your baby’s first round of vaccination shots, which is usually around 2-3 months. Newborns have weak immune systems. Before booking your flight, it’s always best to consult your doctor about your baby’s unique situation.
- As the baby will likely not have its own seat and will be traveling on your lap, younger babies are easier to handle as they’re light and mostly feed and sleep.
- Also, older babies might have more of a routine, which makes it difficult to interrupt for flights.
Where is your baby going to sit on a plane?
Your baby can either:
- Sit on your lap (under age 2) for free.
- Sit in a separate seat (with a car seat), but you will have to pay for this, although some airlines offer discounts for these circumstances
- Stay in a bassinet if you’re traveling on a long-distance, international flight that you’ll have to reserve
Check with your airline to confirm your options.
The Federal Aviation Administration mentions that the safest place for your baby is in a car seat.
Many car seats are approved for use on airplanes. Check your manual to confirm! Similar to a car, the seat will have to be rear-facing if the baby is below a certain weight and height.
I’ve only traveled with my baby on my lap. When I needed the break and to be hands-free, I used the baby carrier. It was convenient and comfortable for both of us.
This is a decision that you as a parent will know best how to proceed with.
What can you check in and what can you carry on the plane?
Every airline has their own policy on what you can
- check in at the counter vs.
- check in at the gate vs.
- carry onto the plane
They’ll also have a specific type and number of items that are FREE to check-in.
For example, the flight I went on had 2 free items for check-in. This could be a stroller, car seat, or playpen.
I brought:
- a stroller
- a car seat
I didn’t bring a playpen as we didn’t need one.
I’ve heard from other moms who haven’t brought a playpen on their vacation how in hindsight, they should have.
Their babies were used to sleeping in a certain playpen and it was difficult to manage nap and sleep time because their baby couldn’t adjust to the new sleep area. It ended up messing with their baby’s routine and even when they returned from their vacation, they struggled with putting their baby back on a regular schedule.
I’ve also heard that the playpen comes in handy when you need a safe place to put down their baby who is already crawling or walking.
What time should you book your flight with your baby?
It’s not always possible to do this. If you can, book your flight time when your baby:
- is less fussy
- usually has naps
My baby is the type to grow fussier as the day goes on so I booked a morning flight.
What identification will you need for your baby?
If you’re traveling domestically, it’s always good to bring the baby’s birth certificate. If you’re traveling internationally, you will need a passport for the baby.
If you’re going by yourself, you also might need a letter of permission signed by the other parent.
Each airline has its own identification policy for babies. Check with the airline to confirm.
How can you make your experience traveling with a baby more comfortable?
Use a stroller and gate check it.
When you initially arrive at the check-in desk, ask to gate check your stroller. They’ll give you a gate-check tag for it.
This allows you to use your stroller all the way to the boarding gate. When you arrive at the gate, airline attendants will then place your stroller in the cargo area. When you arrive at your destination, your stroller will be placed right outside of the gate. You can use your stroller from the gate to the baggage pick-up area.
Having this gear to use all the way to the gate allows you to be more comfortable and move quickly through the airport because
- you don’t have to hold your baby
- all of your carry-on items (e.g. purse, carry-on bag, baby carrier and stroller/car seat protector bag(s)) can be placed in the stroller compartment
Gate checking also minimizes the amount of damage that can be done to your items in transit.
Use the baby carrier.
The baby carrier comes in handy many times throughout your airport and plane experience.
Here are a few examples of when you can use it because you need the extra hands while still carrying your baby.
- you’re going through security and you need to place and then pick up all of your items on the conveyor belt for scanning
- you drop off your stroller at the gate and need to place things in the overhead compartment or under your seat when you get onto the plane
- you need to use the bathroom on the flight and be hands-free
The baby carrier also comes in handy when:
- your baby is sitting on your lap on the plane and you just need a break from holding him/her
- your baby gets fussy – whether you’re waiting at the gate or in the plane – and you want to comfortably rock him/her back and forth
Use the bathroom at the gate.
Using the bathroom on the flight can be difficult to manage with a baby – especially if you’re traveling by yourself. Use the family bathrooms at the gates before and after the flight.
Board the plane early.
When you get to the gate, they have a pre-boarding call for families which allows you to board the plane earlier than other passengers.
Boarding the plane early is advantageous because:
- you get first access to the overhead storage compartment
- you can comfortably take your stroller all the way to the gate, put your stroller in your stroller bag if applicable, and get seated
If you don’t anticipate needing to place items in the overhead bin, there are also good reasons to wait until all of the passengers have boarded the plane before boarding.
The approximately 30 minutes that it takes for everyone to board the plane is time you could be spending outside of the plane as opposed to confined in a cramped seat with a fussy baby.
Babies get bored quickly so spending less time overall on the plane will make things easier for you.
If you’re lucky enough to travel with someone and have a lot of carry-on items, that person can board the plane first and then you can bring the baby on board the plane at the end.
If you’re traveling alone with a baby, do what you think is best.
Another factor to consider is if you’re the type of person that doesn’t mind placing the diaper bag underneath the seat in front of you.
If you don’t mind placing all of your carry-on items underneath the seat in front of you (perhaps you even prefer to have them there for easy access), it doesn’t matter if you board the plane at the beginning or at the end.
If you prefer to keep the area underneath the seat in front of you clear (place the diaper bag in the overhead bin), board the plane early. To make it easier for yourself, I highly recommend taking the toys and snacks out of the diaper bag and place them in the elasticized area where the plane emergency card is stored. That way you’ll have access to it if your baby gets fussy.
Sit in an aisle seat.
Between diaper changes and fussiness, you might have to get out of your seat often. It’s helpful to sit in an aisle seat so you don’t have to crawl over other people every time you need to walk up and down the aisle.
If your baby is a mover and you worry about arms and leggings getting hit by passengers or carts zooming by or you don’t feel comfortable nursing in the aisle, then you might want to consider the window seat.
If it’s not a full flight, you could also ask the check-in agent or flight attendant if there’s an extra row or seat available.
Sit towards the back of the plane.
You’re closer to the washroom if you need to make frequent diaper changes.
There’s also more white noise towards the back of the plane to help your baby sleep better.
Feed the baby during takeoff and landing.
This is the BEST tip I was given before I went on my first flight with the baby.
If you’ve ever been on a flight, you’ve probably noticed babies screaming during take-off and landing. This is because babies don’t know how to relieve the pressure build-up in their ears.
If you give them breast milk, the bottle or a pacifier during these times, the swallowing motion will help your baby’s ears to pop and clear.
Limit the items you bring to the bathroom on the plane.
If you have to change your baby’s diaper on the plane, just bring the new diaper and wipes as the bathroom space on the plane is tight.
Ask for help.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Whether it’s for getting your luggage down from the overhead compartment or putting your stroller in a protector bag, people are happy to lend a hand.
Related Baby Travel Products When Flying Articles:
- Tips for Family Travel on a Budget
- Free Baby Stuff
- 6-12 Month Essentials for Frugal Parents
- 0-3 Month Baby Essentials for Parents on a Budget
- What I actually brought to the Hospital
- What you absolutely need in your Diaper Bag
- Postpartum essentials: What new moms NEED
- Baby Clothes Checklist: Essentials from 0-3 Months to First Year
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