Flying with a baby? That’s great… said no parent ever. But fear not—this checklist is your guide to keeping you and your little one as stress-free and comfy as humanly possible at 30,000 feet.
🍼 Breastfeeding & Feeding
- If you’re breastfeeding, you’re already halfway there—feeding on demand makes in-flight life much easier.
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Nurse or bottle-feed during ascent & descent to help with ear pressure.
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Wait until the plane actually starts climbing (~10,000 ft) before feeding, otherwise baby may finish too soon.
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Pacifier works if baby isn’t hungry.
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Turn off the air vent above baby (can blow germs into eyes).
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Pack a breast pump if needed.
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Wear a light down jacket or nursing jumper — can double as a makeshift nursing pillow or cover.
- Consider wearing comfortable nursing clothes for easier access during feeding.
👶 Baby Essentials
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Snacks: pack plenty, but stick to mess-free options like puffs, crackers, or fruit/veggie purée pouches (no spoons needed).
- If you’re giving solids, use a disposable baby bib — pro tip: snag one from an Ikea restaurant and reuse it for your flight.
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New toys (give one at a time): suction-cup spinner, fidget cube, mirror, velcro toys, painter’s tape strips (peel & stick fun), unwrap toys for surprise.
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Disposable diaper kits: 1 diaper + small pad + 3 wipes in a Ziploc.
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Baby carrier/sling (for naps, boarding, rocking in aisle).
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Double diaper up (for nappy diapers) before flight to ease changes on the plane.
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Pull-up diapers for easier change on the go.
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Extra clothes for both baby & parents (accidents happen!).
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Infant meds: Tylenol, nose sucker, teething gel — just in case.
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For mom: pack a spare nursing t-shirt or breastfeeding top in case of leaks or spit-up.
🧳 Packing & Organization Hacks
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Pack light: fewer bags = fewer worries.
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Bright luggage for quick ID at carousel.
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Fanny pack with passport, phone, snacks, sanitizer, pen.
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Seat pocket organizer / zip bag with wipes, pacifier, small toy.
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Carabiners to hang bottles or small kits off seat pocket.
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Trash bag for wrappers/diapers to keep area tidy.
✈️ Seating & Boarding Strategy
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Back of plane = closer to bathrooms & galley + more freedom to move.
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Bulkhead row: request if you want bassinet + extra legroom.
- Aisle vs. window:
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Aisle = easy bathroom runs & pacing.
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Window = more privacy + a play spot.
- If 2 adults:
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One boards at family boarding with gear.
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The other waits with baby & boards last (less “trapped” time).
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Don’t board first — enter last to avoid sitting still too long.
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Book aisle + window (hoping middle stays empty). If filled, swap easily.
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Politely ask flight crew to block empty seats near you.
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If next to a stranger, kindly ask if they’d like to move — attendants often help.
✅ In-Flight Comfort & Convenience
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Rotate toys/snacks every 10–15 minutes for novelty.
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Let baby explore safe plane features: tray table, window shade, lights.
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Use the galley area (when clear) to stand, stretch, bounce baby.
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Extra blanket = floor mat, warmth, breastfeeding pillow, or light blocker.
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Keep low expectations — remind yourself, “This flight is temporary.”
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Wear strong deodorant (stress + baby juggling = sweat).
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Accept help! Crew and even passengers often love to assist.
🛂 Airport Hacks
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Travel stroller or carrier for navigating busy terminals.
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Check bag weights at home — no repacking drama at the counter.
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Gate check stroller if it’s not cabin-approved.
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Let baby nap at regular times (pram, carrier, or bassinet).
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Fill arrival forms in flight (not while juggling a cranky baby at landing).
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Use airline/airport assistance services if traveling solo.
Congrats, you survived (so far). Planes are temporary, meltdowns are inevitable, and yes—a full-on shitstorm may happen. But with a few smart hacks, a sprinkle of patience, and a secret stash of snacks, you might just… actually enjoy the flight.