CJ
Flying with little ones can feel overwhelming, but with some smart strategies, the airport journey doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether it’s your first time or your tenth, knowing how to fly with a baby or toddler makes a world of difference. Here’s your guide to navigating check-in, security, and boarding with ease.
How to Take Large Items Like a Car Seat
Bringing a car seat? Many airlines allow you to check it for free. For added convenience, use a car seat travel bag with wheels or straps to make carrying it easier. If you plan to use the car seat on the plane, ensure it’s FAA-approved. At check-in, inform the staff of your plans and confirm your seat allocation to avoid surprises. Stroller systems are also welcome—you can gate-check them and retrieve them right at the aircraft door after landing.
How to Streamline Security
The TSA has family-friendly policies to help parents with young children. Keep your liquids and baby food in a clear, easily accessible bag, as these are exempt from the 3.4-ounce rule. You can carry breast milk, formula, and baby food through security, but be prepared for additional screening. Typically, they just swab these items to test for chemicals, but there’s always a chance they take a closer look. You’ll still need to remove the electronics and may or may not have to remove your shoes. If you want to save time, consider signing up for TSA PreCheck, which allows you to keep your shoes on and speeds up the security process. This can be a huge help when traveling with little ones.
If you’re traveling with a baby carrier, wear it through security to keep your hands free. If you are using a stroller, make sure you practice collapsing and expanding it a few times before you go on the trip. This will probably need to go through the scanner and you don’t want to be stuck fiddling with it when there’s a line of people behind you!
The person carrying the baby, will be able to walk through the metal detectors, but the other person will probably have to wait for the body scanner. That means you’ll be separated for a moment. It can help to have a plan for who will grab what out of the scanner and where you’ll meet once everyone is through the line.
How to Pass the Time Waiting for Your Flight
Allowing lots of time to check in and get through security will reduce stress when you fly with a baby, but it also may mean you have extra time before boarding. How should you spend it?
From sculpture gardens to shopping malls, some airports may have enough to do that getting there early provides an opportunity to entertain you and your little one before the flight. Many airports also have family play areas where kids can burn off energy before the flight. Check the airports website to find these options ahead of time.
Keep toddlers entertained with snacks and toys, but save something special for on the airplane. For babies, a soft blanket for tummy time or cuddles can be a lifesaver. Look for charging stations to juice up your devices so you’re ready with entertainment if needed on the flight. You can also see what restaurants are at the airport and have a couple in mind where you could go even if its just to grab a snack before the flight. And don’t hesitate to stroll around—movement helps both you and your child stay calm.
How to Make Boarding Easy
Go to the gate well before take off as boarding can start 40 minutes in advance.
Once at the gate you should:
- Use the Bathroom, Change Diapers etc: Wait until the last few minutes to make sure you won’t need the bathroom for a while!
- Gate Check the Stroller: If you used a stroller, head to the counter ahead of boarding. They’ll tag it and put it aside to be gate checked.
- Grab snacks: Get something to enjoy early on in the flight. You can also prep a bottle as needed
- Reorganize: Put the things you’ll need on the flight towards the top of your bag if possible.
Board first, or last. Most airlines offer family pre-boarding, and I prefer to take advantage. Some people prefer waiting until the end to minimize the time they are on the plane. The pros of boarding first are that you have a moment to settle into your seats, organize your essentials, and secure your car seat if needed. I also like to get everything ready to feed the baby right after takeoff.
Have a plan for where to store carry-ons so you can access diapers, bottles, and toys easily during the flight. If you’re flying with a partner, assign roles: i.e. one handles luggage while the other keeps the baby entertained. Finally, be patient with yourself and your little one—everyone around you understands you’re doing your best.
Checklist for Carry-On Essentials
When you fly with a baby, make sure your carry-on bag includes these essentials to keep your little one comfortable and happy during the flight:
- Diapers (enough for the flight plus extras for delays)
- Wipes (multipurpose for diaper changes and cleaning messes)
- Changing pad
- Bottles and formula/breast milk (pre-measured for convenience)
- Snacks (for older babies or toddlers)
- Pacifiers (plus spares, if your baby uses them)
- Blanket (for warmth or as a makeshift nursing cover)
- Change of clothes (for both baby and parents in case of spills or accidents)
- Toys and books (small and lightweight)
- Baby carrier (to keep your hands free)
- Plastic bags (for soiled clothes or diapers)
- Hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to fly with a baby or toddler transforms a potentially stressful experience into a manageable—even enjoyable—journey. With the right preparation, you can breeze through the airport and focus on making memories with your family. Safe travels!