Everything You Need to Know About Flying with a Baby

There’s no way around it—flying with a baby is intimidating. Whether it’s your first flight or your fifth, taking your baby on a plane can feel pretty overwhelming and leave you with a lot of questions.

We’re here with answers. We’re breaking down some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to babies + air travel, plus sharing the best (and most helpful) products to make your time in the friendly skies a little bit easier.

Flying with Baby FAQ

Can you bring breast milk or baby formula on a plane? What about baby food pouches?

Yes. (Phew!) Although the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has pretty tight restrictions on what can and can’t make it past security for adults, those rules don’t apply to children 12 years old and younger.

Formula, breast milk, juice and other liquids (a sippy cup filled with water, for example) are permitted in “reasonable quantities” through the security checkpoint. Same goes for gel teethers and baby food in cans, pouches or jars. Ice packs, freezer or gel packs and other accessories needed to cool formula or breast milk are also OK.

These items don’t need to follow the usual liquid restrictions and don’t need to be in a quart-sized bag. As you approach the security line, you’ll want to remove these items from your bag and inform the TSA officer that you’ll be bringing them through so they can screen them separately.

Check out the “Traveling with Children” section of the TSA website for a full rundown of rules and procedures. And please note that these rules apply to domestic U.S. flights only; if you’re traveling out of the country, you’ll want to do some research around international travel regulations.

Do you need to buy a plane ticket for a baby?

Not if your little one is under the age of two. Most airlines allow lap babies under two years old to fly free on domestic flights alongside one paying adult. (But always double check with your airline to make sure.) Whether or not you’re comfortable with flying with your baby on your lap, however, is a matter of personal preference.

Does a baby need a car seat on a plane?

Technical answer: no. Longer answer: it depends on your comfort level, but we think so.

It’s much safer for your baby to ride in a car seat on an airplane rather than on your lap. Both the Federal Aviation Administration and the American Academy of Pediatrics agree and strongly recommend buying a ticket for your baby and bringing your car seat on board. That’s because anything not secured has the potential to bounce around the cabin in the event of an emergency, or even severe turbulence. Securing your little one in a car seat while flying is the best way to ensure their safety.

If you do purchase a ticket for your baby and bring along a car seat, you’ll need to make sure that it’s FAA-approved. Look for a sticker on your seat that reads, “this restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft.”

Do you need to bring identification for baby when flying?

If you’re flying domestically, no. TSA does not require children under 18 to provide ID when traveling with a companion within the United States. However, if you’re flying with a lap infant, an airline may ask you to present proof of age. A birth certificate, passport or immunization record will do the trick.

If you’re traveling internationally, your child will need a passport.

Can you bring your stroller on a plane? Does a stroller count as luggage? A large stroller cannot be brought onto a plane—it needs to be checked either with your luggage or at the gate. Some travel strollers fold up small enough to fit into the overhead compartment, in which case it’s fine to bring them on board. (They may or may not count as luggage, though, so be sure to check with your airline.)

We recommend gate-checking your stroller. Your little one can stay in their stroller all the way to the door of the plane; just ask a gate agent to give you a tag beforehand so you can tag it before you board and retrieve it after you’ve deplaned.

How do you change a diaper on a plane?

Patience, dexterity and a little bit of good luck.

We kid, we kid. (Um…sort of?) Changing your baby on a plane isn’t ideal, but it’s definitely doable. And while we recommend always doing a quick diaper change before you board, sometimes nature calls and you’ll be forced to change your little one’s diaper in-flight.

The best place to change your baby’s diaper on a plane is in the bathroom. Ask your flight attendant which bathroom is equipped with a changing table, and bring along a portable changing station stocked with everything you might need.

Tips for Traveling with Baby

There are a few things to keep in mind when you’re traveling with a little one in tow that will make everyone’s trip a little bit easier.

• Get organized. Now isn’t the time to toss a few things into a bag and hop on the plane five minutes before takeoff. Make a packing list of everything you think you’ll need, and keep the essentials like wipes, diapers, snacks and a change of clothes close at hand. (We recommend a change for you and your little one!) Build in plenty of extra time to get to the airport in case anything comes up like an unexpected diaper blowout.
• Get the right gear. Try a backpack-style diaper bag and a baby carrier to keep your hands free. Invest in a travel stroller if you think you’ll be traveling frequently enough to justify the cost. Keep a portable changing pad on hand for quick changes on the go.
• Help with air pressure. Babies can have a tough time with air pressure changes on planes. Sucking can help, so consider feeding your little during takeoff and landing and keep a pacifier on hand if your little one takes one.
• Keep ‘em busy. A few simple activities go a long way in keeping little ones, especially older babies and toddlers, entertained on a plane. Bring along some favorite toys and books, and hit Pinterest for creative plane activity hacks like DIY busy boxes, lacing cards, window clings and more.

Packing List Must-Haves for Flying with Baby

Our favorite travel essentials will go a long way in making air travel easier on you—and your little one.