Flying with a Baby: A Survival Guide by Age

Aug 27, 2024

Updated August 1st, 2025 — with new tips now that I’ve done it all: with one baby, two kids, with my husband, solo, jet lagged, and once while wondering why I ever booked that red-eye.

It was time for an update.

We’ve been traveling back and forth between the U.S. and Europe since our first was just 4 months old. Now, with two kids, a 5-year-old and a toddler, we’ve experienced it all: solo travel, red-eyes, layovers, meltdowns, and moments where we truly questioned our life choices. My husband and I now proudly (and humbly?) consider ourselves travel experts.

So here it is, my honest, Bébé Foodie-style guide to surviving flights with babies and toddlers. Based on real trips, real chaos, and real tips that actually work.

Traveling with a Newborn (1 to 5 months): Flying with Your Youngest Passenger

You’ve received the green light from your child’s pediatrician to travel, congratulations! Surprisingly (or not, for the ones who already know) this is not the most complicated age to travel with a baby! It’s actually quite manageable, as long as you are well equipped and flight-ready.

Bassinet: Most airlines are equipped with a baby bassinet. Call the airline ahead of time (the earlier the better) to secure a seat where they can place it. This is game-changing for both you and your baby, you’ll both be able to sleep (even if one of you more comfortably than the other).
Feeding: At this age, babies don’t need solids yet, so all you need is breastmilk or formula. If you’re breastfeeding, great, just make sure you're dressed comfortably to nurse during the flight or while waiting at the airport.
If you’re using formula, travel with at least two baby bottles. You can pre-fill them with boiling water, which usually cools to the perfect temperature by the time you're ready to use them. Anything for the baby is usually allowed in carry-on, so don’t worry about liquids.

Make sure to pack enough formula for the entire duration of the trip plus extra, in case of delays. Most flight attendants will help warm bottles or provide mineral water if needed, just ask early (ideally before your baby is screaming for it) as it may come out too hot to use right away.
Ear pressure: Babies’ ears are sensitive to changes in cabin pressure during takeoff and landing. If possible, offer a bottle during these times to help with ear popping. A pacifier can also do the trick.
Flight timing: Because you’ll need to hold your baby during takeoff and landing, and getting settled takes time, try to book flights that align with your baby’s usual bedtime or nap. That way, you can get them down in the bassinet soon after taking off and keep them close to their routine. That said, at this age they often fall asleep pretty much anywhere, which makes it easier.
Diapers and supplies:
Take enough so you don’t have to worry about running out mid-air:
- At least 5 diapers
- A full pack of wipes
- One or two outfit changes (accidents happen, and usually when the seatbelt sign is on!)
- A swaddle or muslin for warmth, shade, spills, or layering
- Burp cloths
- Ziplock bags for dirty clothes

From 6 months old to pre-walking

Still manageable because bébé doesn’t know how to walk. Trust me, because walking your baby down the aisle 57 times in one flight is WORK. But we will get to that in a minute. You might have already started baby on solid foods. Which means you need a little planning and food to bring with you on the flight.

Flight timing is still your best friend. Aim for a departure before naptime or bedtime. Feed them at the airport so they’re sleepy onboard.
Pack food: Make sure you pack all the food you’ll need for before, during and after the flight. At 6 months, babies don’t snack but later on they do so you want to plan for that. Get pouches, an avocado, bananas… anything easy to pull out and mash with a spoon if needed.
Breastfeeding/formula and supplies: Check out the previous section for newborns. Bébé might still primarily rely on breastmilk or formula so the recommendations on feeding and supplies in the previous section still apply.
Entertainment and toys: You might want to carry a book or two, some toys and your baby’s favorite stuffed animal in case they need to play, to be entertained or comforted.

Flying with a Toddler (1–3 Years): Tips to Avoid Meltdowns at 30,000 Feet

And now… we enter the most intense travel phase.

They walk, they snack, they have big feelings. But it’s not impossible, just different. And yes, more exhausting.

Timing still applies. Still try to fly near naptime or bedtime.
Snacks, snacks, snacks. New ones that your toddler has never seen before if possible. You can choose healthy options. You could try pulling out these crunchy pizza bites out of your magic hat to win 20 minutes of peace.
Little toys: Nothing crazy, it could be a new book, stickers, a distress ball, anything to engage the little munchkin.This KeepEmQuiet site has great pre-made kits.
TV: For older children, allowing some TV time during travel can be a special treat and a welcome break for everyone. It provides a distraction that can keep them entertained for longer periods, making the journey more bearable for both the kids and the parents.
Plan to walk the aisle. A lot. Some people will smile. Others… won’t. Doesn’t matter. You're doing what it takes.

Real Talk & Final Tips

Meltdowns?
They happen. Deep breath. Toddlers pick up on your energy. Focus on them, not the side-eyes. Most people understand. And the rest? Let them deal.

No guilt please:
You are not a bad parent because your child is having a tough time. You deserve this trip. They deserve the experience.
The best thing you can do is stay settled, prepared, and confident, or at least pretend to be. That’s enough.

My favorite hack:
This inflatable seat pillow is a game-changer for long flights. It fills the leg space in front of the seat and creates a flat surface so your baby or toddler can stretch out.
✅ Toddler Airplane Bed
✅ Inflatable Travel Foot Rest

Now that I have two…

It’s chaos, but it’s organized chaos. One needs entertainment. One wants the window seat. I always pack a few extra pouches for the youngest, a little surprise for each kid,and a lotof patience.

Sometimes everything goes according to plan. Sometimes it’s pure mayhem. And sometimes, you land and think, We made it, and it wasn’t even that bad.

And if it was that bad? You still made it.

Final thoughts

Traveling with little ones is never seamless, but it can be doable. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need snacks, a few tricks, and the ability to laugh when it all goes sideways.There’s a reason airline crew remind us to put on our oxygen masks first, then on the kids. As parents, we can’t take care of our babies unless we look after ourselves.

You’ve got this, truly.