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How to fly with a baby without losing your cool (or your mind)

March 15, 2024 • 4 min read

If you’re craving a long-distance vacation, but worried about the logistics and hassle of traveling with a baby, don’t sweat it! We’ve taken countless collective trips with babies in tow, and we’re here to share our tips and tricks that will help you pack with confidence, ace the flight, and enjoy your time away together.

Points of interest

TSA Precheck™ is a game changer for family travel
Bring portable sleep aids like a lap pillow, blanket, and lovies on the plane
Choose a family-friendly destination with lots of parks and walkable streets

A baby is being held by her mom while holding hands with her older sister.

1. Order your baby’s passport on time

When your little one is flying within the U.S., they usually won’t need their own ID until they’re 18 — but flying with your baby overseas does require a passport. You’ll need to fill out their passport forms, and two parents or guardians will need to appear in person with the child. Processing times are currently up to 11 weeks according to the U.S. Department of State, so plan on knocking this off your list many months before you plan on traveling.

2. Take advantage of TSA PreCheck™ and Global Entry

If you already have TSA PreCheck™, children under 12 can use the expedited security line with you at the airport. Global Entry can make getting through customs even faster at your destination, but the kids will need to sign up for this as well. Each membership requires an online account, a $100 payment, and an in-person interview.

3. Choose a family-friendly destination

According to Airbnb data, some of the most booked international destinations for families are Paris, London, Barcelona, Madrid, and Rome. North and Central American destinations like Key West and Costa Rica are well worth the extra effort to get there as well. One of the advantages of traveling at this age is that kids have access to a lot of budget-friendly perks, like free entry to museums.

Pro-tip: Rent a home in a local neighborhood

Yes, it’s fun to be in the heart of it all — but it’s also often noisy and overpriced. Getting a vacation rental just outside the city center is the perfect way to find calm and quiet after a day of traveling with your baby.

An open-air balcony provides the perfect sunset view.

Entire villa in Playa Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

4. Be mindful about your carry-on

Babies are not light packers, despite their diminutive size. So plan ahead to optimize your carry-on and personal items to fit all the gear and supplies you’ll need to get through the flight. Here’s a short list of essentials:

infant carrier/car seat
diapers, wipes, cream, and a foldable change mat
bottles, formula (if needed), and finger-food snacks
teethers, soothers, or pacifiers
a change of clothes (for baby and you)
bibs and burp cloths
favorite baby toys/lovies
laundry bag/ziplock
blanket and lap pillow

Check out our family travel carry-on guide for more ideas for the whole family.

5. Make a plan for plane feedings

Know exactly how — and what — you’ll feed your child on the plane. Overseas flights are generally at least 6 hours minimum from the U.S., and possibly much longer, so you’ll likely need to plan for several meals.

For breastfed babies

The benefit of breastfeeding while traveling is that you don’t have to bring any gear except yourself, but the downside is that you have to comfortably feed your baby in a plane full of strangers. Here are a few tips to make mid-flight feedings easier:

reserve a window seat — it’s more private
wear your most comfortable and accessible nursing shirt and bra
use a nursing cover if you prefer
bring a change of clothes for both yourself and the baby

Bonus: Nursing (or bottle feeding) during take off and landing is a great way to help little ears get through the change in air pressure.

For bottle-fed babies

If your baby is formula fed or if you are pumping you’ll need to bring your supplies on board. Breastmilk and liquid formula can go right through the security checkpoint in the U.S. (ideally in clear bottles) though it requires some additional inspection.

Snacks and solid food

If your little one is on solids, be sure to bring some snacks and foods they like in your carry on and feeding accessories they’re comfortable using (like a familiar water cup). Squeeze pouches, whether homemade or store bought, are wonderfully convenient for travel.

An infant, her older sister, and their dad play in shallow beach waters.

6. Set yourself up for in-flight sleep success

If you’re traveling with a lap infant, be sure to bring a lap pillow since they’ll be sitting, sleeping, and wiggling on you for the duration. Check with your airline before booking, as some offer baby bassinets in bulkhead seats that attach to the wall in front of you. If you’re booking a separate seat for your child, they can snooze and play in their car seat.

Pro-tip: Head to the back of the plane

Some parents prefer the back of the plane, as it puts you closer to the restrooms, the engine noise is basically a gigantic white noise machine, and there are usually more families seated near the back.

7. Get ahead of jet lag

Hopping time zones is never fun. To bust jet lag try working lots of natural sunlight into your plans for the day following travel, factor in some nap time for everyone, keep yourselves hydrated, and get moving as much as possible. Melatonin can also be a helpful sleep aid if you’re having trouble kicking the lag. For an in depth guide, check out our jet lag tips for long distance family travel.

8. Try a practice trip first

Long-distance trips can be a little daunting even when you’re not traveling abroad with your baby. It can help if your big trip isn’t your first trip together so you can get a sense of what you’ll need while you’re away — and give your baby the chance to practice sleeping somewhere else. A local staycation at a vacation rental in your city or a short plane trip to see a relative are great ways to get your feet wet.