What I Wish I Knew Before Flying with My Baby for the First Time

Flying with a baby for the first time? Learn from my experience—what worked, what didn’t, and the must-know tips to make your trip smoother.

TL;DR Version:

• Know What Baby Gear Flies Free – Most airlines allow a free car seat, stroller, diaper bag, and breast pump, but check their specific policies on size and weight limits.
• Plan Flights Around Sleep & Feeding – Booking flights that align with nap times can make travel easier, and feeding during takeoff and landing helps with ear pressure.
• Be Firm on Breastmilk & Formula Rules – TSA agents can be inconsistent, so know your rights and don’t hesitate to ask for a manager if needed.
• Pack Smart & Keep Essentials Handy – Bring extra diapers, wipes, and a change of clothes within easy reach—because blowouts happen!
• Ask for Help & Give Yourself Grace – Flight attendants and fellow passengers are usually happy to help, and giving yourself extra time will make everything smoother

I don’t think I’ll ever forget my baby’s first flight. He was 2 months old and we were heading from Detroit to New York City. How bad could it be, I thought? Well, in some ways, I was right in my expectations, but in other ways, there was a whole lot I wish I knew. Here are some of my hard-earned lessons so you can fly with ease.

1. Not All Baby Gear Flies Free – But Some Does

I didn’t know how much baby gear I could fly for free prior to our first flight. Most airlines will allow you to bring a car seat, which can be checked at the front (we do this most of the time), checked at the gate, or brought on the plane if your baby has their own seat. Additionally, most airlines will allow you to check a stroller at the gate or at the front. Gate typically makes the most sense, as you’ll want it in the airport, but do be sure to check your airline’s policy on the weight of the stroller! Finally, for children under 2, you are able to bring a diaper bag (1 per child for my 2 under 2 friends) and a breast pump. No, these don’t count as your personal items, either! 

2. Book Flights around Sleep

Pro tip: book your flights (if possible) around the baby’s sleep schedule. Flights where the baby sleeps most or all of the time are the easiest for all! 

3. Feed During Take off and Landing

Our neighbor imparted this tip right before we left (and I had no idea about it): feed during take off and landing. However you feed, the sucking will ease the pressure on baby’s ears and keep their tummy full.

4. Know the Rules (And Stick to Your Guns) About Breastmilk and Formula

I’ve heard many a horror story about people having issues with TSA around breastmilk and formula. Know your rights – and stick to your guns about them. If you’re getting pushback, ask to speak to a TSA manager about it. We’ll unpack this one in a whole separate post, too.

5. Dress Smart — Both of You

Footie PJs work really well for traveling with babies. The ones that have removable foot parts are even better! You can always warm them further with blankets and additional layers if needed. For you, I suggest dressing in your best athleisure. This is a near-sporting event, y’all! Comfy shoes and comfy clothes are the name of the game.

6. Pack Extras of the Essentials – and Put Them Within Reach

I love to pack minimally, but with babies, you’ve gotta plan for the worst. In other words, plan for several blowouts. I’d also suggest putting wipes, food, diapers, pacifiers, and other essentials in a smaller bag that you can quickly access during the flight.

7. Bring a Baby Carrier and Stroller

It’s not overkill to bring both a stroller and a baby carrier. I regularly bring both when traveling with my kids and it allows us options to keep everyone happy and comfortable. The carriers can be worn most of the time (except through security and during take-off and landing). 

8. Asking for Help is OK

When I’ve flown by myself, I’ve had to ask for help. Like, think about it… what if you have to pee during a flight? It’s tricky to take baby in with you. Ask a neighbor (most people are super excited about holding a baby) or ask a flight attendant. I’ve even asked for help going through TSA grabbing all of our stuff. You guys… asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of strength! 

9. Get the Right Seat

Depending on your flight, you may want to check into options for which seat(s) might be best for your family. On longer flights, many airlines offer bassinets in certain seats. In other cases, you might want a bulkhead or aisle seat for easy access to bathrooms and aisleways. My preference is always an outside seat! 

10. Give Yourself Extra Time & Grace

Finally, give yourself grace and extra time. Both are essential to maintaining your sanity (for real) when flying with little kids. Things go wrong, toddlers melt, and babies have blowouts. This would probably happen at home, too, so why not go somewhere exciting? And if you’re worried about baby crying on the plane… babies cry. Adults can deal with it! Babies are allowed to exist and be what and who they are. Breathe through it and know that most people aren’t even able to hear through their giant Bluetooth headphones.

Traveling with a baby, especially flying, can be tough. But we believe you’re tougher! You’ve got this.

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