Flying with a baby can feel overwhelming—from figuring out what to pack to getting through security with all the gear and hoping for a smooth nap at 30,000 feet. And between the schedules, the unpredictability, and the sheer amount of stuff… It's a lot.
After countless flights (and a fair share of in-air mishaps) with my kids, I’ve learned a thing or two about making traveling on a plane with a baby easier. That’s why I’m sharing my top hacks to help you stay prepared, keep your baby comfortable, and let you actually enjoy the journey.
The prep that makes all the difference
There are a million travel tips out there for traveling with a baby—but here’s the thing: you simply can’t predict everything. Even in the comfort of your own home, babies are going to baby! The key? Focusing on what matters most for a smooth trip for you and your little one.
Before you get overwhelmed by packing lists and worst-case scenarios, ask yourself:
- What’s the goal of this trip? A relaxing getaway? Visiting family? Exploring a new city? Your prep should match the kind of trip you’re taking with a baby in tow.
- How long are you traveling? A quick weekend trip vs. an international flight with multiple layovers = very different levels of planning.
- What will make travel days easier? Worry less about what might happen—most of these situations will be out of your control anyway—instead focus on what will definitely make a difference (more on that below).
Lean into a traveling mindset shift
Traveling with a baby isn’t always smooth, but, IMO, it’s still so worth it. The change of scenery, the family memories, the little moments you’ll always remember—it all outweighs the inevitable hiccups. What helps me most is letting go of perfection and rolling with whatever comes your way. Focus on your mindset before you even arrive at the airport, trust me. Here’s how to set yourself up for a trip that feels good (even with a few surprises):
- Try visualizing your trip and the overall feelings you want—excited, calm, flexible
- Build in buffer time for everything (honestly, at least 20-30 minutes to everything you do)
- Expect a few hiccups (a missed nap, unexpected turbulence during a feeding)
- Remember everything is a phase
- Shift your mindset: the goal isn’t a “perfect” vacation, it’s making memories together
It won’t all go according to plan, but it will be worth it. You’ve got this.
Hack #1: Upgrade your diaper game
Flying with a baby is hectic enough—the last thing you need is a mid-flight blowout or a leaky diaper at takeoff. I’ve literally tried all the clean diaper brands—Dyper, Millie Moon, Pampers Pure, Freestyle, you name it—Coterie is hands down the most absorbent. They don’t just soak up liquid, they stay dry to the touch, inside and out.
The snug, comfortable fit helps prevent leaks and blowouts, which means fewer in-flight disasters and less stress during long travel days. Bonus: better overnight sleep on trips and less baby laundry to pack.
Try Coterie Diapers for your next trip or use them every day like me!
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Hack #2: Wear your baby through airport security
Once you’ve checked in, wearing your baby through airport security is the easiest option (I'm in love with my Artipoppe). Babywearing frees up your hands so you can manage all the stuff and keep your baby close when there's so much energy around. Plus your stroller will need to be manually scanned, and your car seat has to go through the x-ray machine, so they’re not really practical options to set your baby down during this part of the process.
Hack #3: Pre-fill bottles or pack pre-measured formula
Feeding on a flight is easier when everything is prepped ahead of time. TSA allows breastmilk, formula, and puree pouches through security, so take advantage. Pack pre-measured formula in a dispenser and bring an insulated water bottle with warm water to mix bottles mid-flight. If you’re bringing pumped breast milk, store it in a cooler bag with ice packs.
Even if you're exclusively breastfeeding, having a prepped bottle can be a lifesaver—if your partner is traveling with you, they can take over a feed, giving you a break to eat, rest, or just not be the default parent for a moment. Plus, it’s a great backup for any just-in-case moment.
Hack #4: Stick to your routines (as much as you can)
Stick to familiar routines and comforts—bring your baby’s favorite blanket or book to help them settle.
And one of the best ways to make flying with a baby easier is to plan flights around their sleep schedule when possible. For longer trips, overnight flights can align with bedtime, making it easier for them to sleep. For shorter flights, aim for nap time so they can rest in the air.
Even if it’s not perfect, keeping some consistency means less overtired fussiness and an easier travel day.
Hack #5: Pack a “just-in-case” bag for easy access
It can be tempting to pack the kitchen sink when you're flying with a baby, but try to stick with the basics. And the best thing is to keep a separate, small pouch in your carry-on with essentials you might need quickly: think an extra onesie, a burp cloth, pacifier, travel-size wipes, and a few diapers. This saves you from digging through your whole diaper bag mid-flight.
Hack #6: Pack the changing pad
Airplane bathrooms are tiny and not always the cleanest, so having a compact, wipeable changing pad makes diaper changes way easier. And it gives you a clean surface no matter where you are—the plane, airport floor, or even your lap in a pinch.
Hack #7: Stash a few large gallon ziplock bags
These come in handy for storing soiled clothes, dirty diapers, or half-eaten snacks. They take up no space in your bag (put them in that just-in-case bag) but come you’ll be so glad you have one or two to grab for all kinds of travel messes.
Hack #8: Bring a few new (or forgotten) toys
With babies, so much of the new environment will keep them entertained—the seatbelt buckle, the safety card in the seat pocket, even an empty cup from the drink cart. So don’t overpack a ton of toys. Instead, bring a small stash of surprises to pull out when needed.
Crinkly toys, a new board book, or a suction toy that sticks to the tray table are all great options. Even toys they haven’t seen in a while can feel new again. Don’t worry so much about packing to occupy them for the whole flight—just long enough to head off a meltdown when they start getting restless.
Hack #9: White noise is your friend
Sometimes, you’ve got to pull out all the tricks when flying with a baby—especially when it’s time for them to settle. A portable sound machine, a white noise app, or even a playlist of calming music can help block out airplane noise, cabin conversations, and any overhead announcements.
Babies are used to sleeping with background noise, and keeping that consistency in-flight can make a big difference.
Hack #10: Save your bottle or pacifier for takeoff and landing
The pressure changes can be rough on little ears. Sucking on a bottle, pacifier, or even a snack pouch during takeoff and landing can help relieve discomfort.
If your baby uses a pacifier, a pacifier clip is clutch—the last thing you want is it falling on the airplane floor mid-ascent. And if your baby refuses to suck? Try offering a few sips of water.
Making baby travel work for you
Flying with a baby isn’t without its challenges, so I’m always looking for ways to make it easier for the whole family. And while you might see lists with 30+ tips for traveling with a baby, TBH, that’s just overwhelming. Sticking with a few really solid hacks for stress-free travel with a baby makes it so much easier to actually remember them and follow through. And that means smoother flights, fewer surprises, and maybe even a moment to breathe out a sigh of relief and to sip on a warm coffee, knowing you've covered all you can.
And if you're looking for more hacks for stress-free travel with a baby or toddler, be sure to check out my guides for all the travel essentials for your baby and your toddler, the 15 best places to travel with a baby in the US, plus my tips for traveling internationally with kids.
One thing I won't change is that every trip moving forward, I’ll definitely be packing my Coterie diapers for a hassle-free experience and I've got a code for you.
Get 20% off your purchase of Coterie Diapers with code: NEWMODERNMOM
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