Traveling with a baby under two can feel like a full on trip in itself but I found with all the right tools, it can make things less stressful. Whether you’re flying for a family vacation or visiting loved ones, having the right baby travel essentials can make your flight smoother for everyone (especially you!). Our flights ranged from 1 hours – 15 hours depending on where we were going to we have done both local and international.
Here are my must-haves for flying with a baby.
1. Lightweight Travel Stroller
A compact, easy-fold stroller is a game changer at the airport. Look for one that fits in the overhead bin or gate-checks easily.
*My pick and what we took to Europe – folds in seconds and is airline-approved.
2. Portable Fan
The last thing you want is to be hot, or a hot baby. The ability to have a bit more control of your air flow especially before a flight.
*My pick and what has lasted the longest
3. Baby Carrier or Wrap
Keep your hands free while boarding and through security. A soft carrier is a lifesaver during naps or when your little one gets fussy mid-flight.
*My pick and what was most loved by my little one was the artipoppe, but we also used this when he was little
4. Portable White Noise Machine
Help your baby sleep despite the cabin noise. A small, rechargeable sound machine can block out distractions.
*My pick and has lasted for such a long time and has been through lots of getting banged up
5. Diaper Bag Essentials Kit
Skip the stress of cramped airplane bathrooms by having a ready-to-grab bag that is waterproof, filled with wipes, diapers, diaper cream, change of clothes, hand sanitizer and a foldable and wipeable mat (I love the vegan leather ones)
*My pick for everything you need
6. Pre-Portioned Snacks + Drink set up
Security-friendly, organized, and quick to access—keep formula, snacks, and baby food separated and labeled. I only nursed at the bottle stage but had bottles of breast milk ready to go and a nursing cover.
*My top picks
7. Seat Additions
For active little ones this was a game changer, we used a carseat once but never used again it was to confining for our little one and took up so much space. And DONT forget wipes for the tray tables and seats.
*My pick if you have an active little one, we never had any issues with flight staff
8. Comfort Item (Blanket or Lovey)
Bring something familiar that smells like home—comfort items can calm your baby during takeoff or naps.
9. Travel Toys & Entertainment
Keep your baby occupied with quiet, lightweight toys that won’t roll away. Think soft books, teething toys, or suction spinners. And DONT forget the little straps that keep things from falling constantly on the ground
*My top picks and the busy books were a favorite
10. Extra Outfit (for Baby and You)
Blowouts, spills, or turbulence mishaps—always pack a backup outfit for both of you in your carry-on. Roll them up in a wet/dry bag to save space.
11. Wipes, Wipes, Wipes
For the seats, tray tables, dropped toys, pacis etc.
*My top picks for all things and for pacis
12. Pre Flight
If you dont have access to a lounge, having a blanket or something can let your little one stretch out before the flight is key, or to cover the carseat or baby while sleeping.
13. Headphones
*My pick – we used when baby was little and also at concerts or sports games
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