Baby On Board? 15 must-have items for your carry on bag.

Flying with a Baby

One of the best tips for flying with a baby has to be to ALWAYS CARRY-ON. Pack your bags carefully because they have to contain everything you need to get through your trip. I’m not saying don’t check bags – personally, I’d rather overpack than be underprepared when it comes to traveling with a baby. A strategically packed carry-on bag will make your flight as smooth as possible and you’ll need all the resources you can at 40,000 feet. What’s inside your carry-on bags will vary from family to family but some items will be universally helpful.

When flying with a baby or toddler, diaper bags don’t count as a carry-on item or as your personal item. This means if you needed the space, you could bring a laptop bag (personal item), a carry-on suitcase AND a diaper bag. When my babies were young, I only ever bring a diaper bag and a wheeled carry-on because I traveled with 2 babies, and I’m not an octopus. Still, you might want to take advantage of that policy. Once my babies were older, they each carried their own small backpack, but we are getting off-topic. So, Let’s assume you are traveling with 2 bags for now.  The Carry-on Bag is where you want to pack all your larger and backup items. The Diaper Bag is for your must-have and frequently accessed items – this one place underneath your feet if possible for easy access throughout the flight. Once you reach cruising altitude you can remove items from your carry-on bag and place them by your feet. Here are 15 items you’ll be glad you have on board.

Carry on packing list: Flying with a baby

1.) The backup clothes bag

Bring a full change of clothes for each person. That includes you. No one wants to be stuck on a 10-hour flight covered in …. well, anything. Place the change of clothes into a gallon-sized freezer ziplock bag or a travel-sized wet bag. When you need to change clothes, the soiled ones go in the bag after the clean clothes come out. All of this will stay in your carry-on bag in the overhead. BTW, this wheeled carry-on bag is fabulous for traveling with littles who can sit up unaided.

2.) Snacks 

Did you know you can bring sandwiches and fresh/dried fruit right on through TSA? You can pack a whole lunch box! This snack spinner is a great option to carry on the plane. You may be required to remove and show any food items you are flying with, but there is no limit to how much you can take. Just make sure to eat all your produce on the plane if you’re flying internationally (or to Hawaii) to avoid issues upon arrival.

Do avoid liquids, jellies, and yogurts unless they are in a sealed packet. Liquid baby food pouches and water, for example, can be brought through if you are flying with small kids, but you’ll probably have to go through additional security screening, so think about whether that is worth it to you. I suggest carrying an empty sippy cup through security to get through quickly and then filling it on the way to your gate.

If your baby is on solids, you cannot have too many snacks. Bring your child’s favorite healthy snacks along with a few treats in case things go south. (Once my toddlers were old enough, I always carried a “desperation lolly” or two). Check the ingredients to ensure you aren’t introducing any new foods on the plane.

3.) Diapers & Wipes

I know rocket science, right? I like to use overnight diapers on planes because I hope my baby sleeps for most of the flight. There can be a lot of turbulence, causing the seatbelt sign to be on for an extended time or long lines making it difficult, so you want something that can hold up. Because the bathrooms and changing tables are so small, I like to keep diaper-changing supplies in a separate small bag to bring into the bathroom. I would also suggest bringing 1-2 disposable diaper changing pads in case the changing table in the airport or on the plane doesn’t seem as clean as you’d like. Eco-friendly diaper disposal bags are also a must for stinky diapers as a courtesy to others.

4.) Scarf

Wide, thin scarves or shawls are the Swiss Army knives of traveling parents. They’re a makeshift blanket or car seat cover for a baby. Taking tourist site photos? Throw a scarf on, and you’re wearing a whole new outfit. Breastfeeding? You’ve got a cover. Spit-up on your backup outfit? Cover that spit-up!

5.) The lovey

I first learned what a lovey was while watching Jane the Virgin. Yes – I did wear it inside my bra for a day to help my kids self-soothe at naptime – no judging, it worked. If you are unfamiliar with the term lovey, it is a security or transitional object that helps young children transition from dependence to independence. Many children will end up choosing one themselves between 8 and 12 months, but you can offer one of your choices sooner (say, one that’s machine washable and easily stuffed into a suitcase). After doing some research (1), I discovered that loveys are very beneficial while traveling. Loveys are soft and cuddly, which is comforting on its own. Your baby’s scent and the scent of their room will remind them of home. On the plane, and throughout your travels, it will become the one object of permanence and familiarity. Pro tip: Buy an extra lovey if your child is very attached. That way you have a spare at home for the off chance that its lost or damaged.

6.) *Pacifiers

If your baby uses them. Most people recommend babies suck on something during takeoff and landing to reduce ear discomfort. Be sure to use a pacifier clip so it doesn’t fall on the germy airplane floor – because eww. If your child doesn’t take pacifiers, you might want to nurse or feed them during that time. Don’t stress if your baby refuses to either eat, nurse, or take a pacifier – mine usually refuse because they are busy looking around, and it’s never been an issue.

7.) Formula/Breastmilk 

Unless your baby has never had a bottle in their life, I would recommend bringing at least one bottle and a few single-use formula packets or pumped milk if applicable. Planes are new and exciting, and sometimes babies won’t want to be nursed. The stress of, say – a long-haul flight or time changes – can also temporarily decrease your supply, so it’s just nice to have a backup. The final reason is that the safest place for your baby during takeoff and landing (if your baby has their own seat) is buckled into an FAA-approved restraint (2) – usually their car seat. The bottle allows you to feed them while buckled in to relieve any discomfort to their ears. If your baby is on solids, then I would just bring extra snacks and wouldn’t worry about bringing formula.

8.) *Baby B’Air  

If you are flying with a lap baby who can sit up, then the Baby B’air is very handy! It attaches to your seatbelt. In case of sudden turbulence, they won’t go flying off anywhere. Both your hands can be free to eat your own food! I know its the little luxuries in life, right?

9.) Medication 

Bring your and your child’s prescribed medicine in your carry-on. You never want to risk it being lost in a checked bag. Consider bringing Tylenol in case of ear pain. If your child is over the age of 2 (or your Dr advises how to adjust the dose), these single doses Tylenol are best for travel.  Some parents also like to have Benadryl handy in case of allergies, motion sickness, or to mitigate stress for the baby and help them sleep. Just remember to run it past your pediatrician and that it might not be a good idea if your baby has never had it before. Some children have a reverse reaction and become hyper and irritable, which is the last thing you want on a long flight. You can also ask your doctor about giving your baby chamomile tea instead to promote sleep. It is usually approved for six months plus.

10.) *Toys

*For older babies and toddlers. This doesn’t even have to be a toy, it can be something new and interesting. Consider some spinners if you have booked the window seat. Older babies and toddlers will be entertained by buckle toys or a Montessori busy board. You’ll thank me later. If you are traveling with a toddler, see our full list of airplane toys for toddlers. To keep the toys off the ground consider a toy keeper strap.

11.) *Teething item 

If your baby is at a stage where this is helpful. This remote control-shaped one can double as a toy and has a clip to keep it off the floor.

12.) Cleansing wipes

I always carry travel-sized sanitizing wipes in my carry-on bag because planes are gross and babies’ immune systems are generally weak.

13.) *Baby footrest/seat extender  

*For toddlers 1-4 who have booked their own seat. This compact footrest/seat extender can make your toddlers seat much more comfortable.

14.) The Stroller  

The most efficient way to travel with a stroller is to bring it onto the plane. Note that you can gate-check any stroller you want when flying with a baby. Travel strollers are more convenient because they are compact, usually fit through standard security checkpoints (as opposed to being directed to the oversized luggage screening), and you will not need to wait to receive your stroller on the other side. I suggest the baby jogger tour 2 eco as the top choice if you want to invest in a great travel stroller. Other popular options are the gb Pockit Air and the Munchkin Sparrow. Both are less expensive, but they lack good sun coverage and a full recline. They also require two hands to push making it more difficult to navigate an airport with luggage. 

15.) Ear Protection 

To be completely honest, I only had one baby out of three that didn’t refuse to wear their ear protection muffs. That baby slept much better on planes, though, so I highly suggest at least trying a good pair of baby ear muffs.

*Bonus flying with a baby tip:

Dressing Baby for a flight 

Dress your baby in layers. Airplane temperatures vary widely, and young babies cannot regulate body temperatures the way larger humans can (3). Really, no one enjoys being uncomfortable, and keeping them cozy can prevent a meltdown. Bonds Wondersuits are a great option. The two-way zip is very helpful for diaper changes. Also, bring a zip or button-front sweater with a hood and a drool bib if your baby is in a stage where one would be helpful.

So there you have it.  Now pack your bags and get exploring!

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