Travel Essentials for Babies: 11 Must-Haves for Airplanes (International and Domestic Flights)
Traveling is one of my favorite things, but for parents (myself included), traveling with a baby can feel daunting.
To help you navigate through the chaos, I compiled a list of baby travel essentials for airplanes.
Now this isn't your normal list of 5 onesies and 20 diapers. These are things that you may not realize you need until you NEED them.
This is a list that I have cultivated over dozens of traveling experiences with my baby and now I pack these items for every single trip we go on together.
Here are the 11 travel essentials for babies you simply can't travel without!
Airports and airplanes are often noisy environments and babies ears are very delicate. Investing in quality soundproof headphones for your baby can make a significant difference, not only will they not get startled or overwhelmed by all the noise, their ears will be protected and they may even sleep better because they can't hear the annoying man coughing 3 seats over. A good pair can reduce noise by up to 20 decibels, which is substantial.
I like these headphones linked above, they go across the forehead so they aren't resting on the fontanel of your babies head and they are great at blocking noise!
Believe it or not, dog poop bags are a travel essential when flying with a baby. Actually I just carry these around in my diaper bag normally, but they are a life saver on a plane.
Beyond being great for quickly disposing of dirty diapers, they also are a great place to store an outfit that your baby has decided to blowout in.
An airplane is not an ideal place to clean a onesie, but you can pop it in one of these bags and tie it off. This ensures that the smell and the poop stay contained until you can deal with it after landing.
These ones from amazon are scented, and come with a dispenser that hooks easily to your diaper bag.
3. Baby Carrier
A baby carrier can be a lifesaver when flying with a newborn or a toddler. It keeps your hands free and provides a familiar, comfortable space for your baby in a new and sometimes frightening environment.
Whether you choose a wrap or a structured carrier, the right option can help you navigate busy terminals and long security lines with ease. You can even get up during the flight and use this to soothe your grumpy baby.
The carrier linked above is my absolute favorite and can work for a child up to 45 pounds! It is a little more expensive, so if you are looking for a more economical version check this one out.
4. Snack Box
Traveling can be emotionally taxing, especially for toddlers. A well-packed snack box filled with their favorite treats can keep them engaged. Ultimately you know their fav snacks but I have included some ideas below.
Aim for healthy options like baby carrots, grapes, and yogurt-covered raisins. Including some fun snacks—like animal crackers—and opt for small snacks like cheerios that they can eat a ton of to distract them for longer periods of time.
This snack box is awesome for traveling and super easy to clean out because of the removable compartments!
5. Suction Cup Toys
Suction cup toys are an excellent way to keep your child entertained during flights. These toys can stick to tray tables or windows, preventing them from falling on the floor and getting dirty.
They come in various shapes and colors, keeping their tiny hands happy and engaged. I would suggest a toy they have not played with before as this will be extra exciting for them and result in longer interest and playtime.
These spinners are so fun and kept my baby entertained.
These suction toys are great as well and work in the bath too!
6. Something to Suck On
During takeoff and landing, the pressure changes can be uncomfortable for little ears. If your baby takes a pacifier, keep that or a bottle handy for your baby to suck on during these times.
When I was breastfeeding, I would always nurse my baby during both takeoff and landing and he never had ear pain as a result.
This simple act can alleviate ear discomfort, making the journey more pleasant for both of you during take off and landing.
7. Tylenol
A cranky baby can disrupt anyone's travel plans. Keep Tylenol on hand, as it can provide relief in case your baby shows signs of ear discomfort that can be caused by the elevation change.
Always consult with your pediatrician before giving any medication during travel.
The one linked above doesn't have any artificial dyes and has worked great for our family.
8. Toy Tethers
Toy tethers are practical for keeping your child's favorite toys accessible. By attaching toys to their seat, you can prevent them from dropping on the floor or getting lost in the airplane's chaos.
This simple item can keep you from chasing down toys and bothering neighbors during the duration of your flight and will ensure that playtime continues uninterrupted.
Airplanes can be full of germs, so having antiseptic wipes handy is advisable. You can clean surfaces like the tray table, armrests, seats and other frequently touched areas. These come in a travel size pack so they fit easily into any carry on bag.
I can't tell you how many times my son has picked up a cold, or something worse after a trip through the airport, so if I can do anything to prevent that I do!
10. An Extra Shirt for Yourself
This is one lesson I have learned the hard way more than once. Pack an extra shirt in the diaper bag for yourself. Babies are messy and when they are your lap child on the plane you will be collateral damage.
Spills and spit-ups are common, and having a change of clothes will help you feel comfortable during the flight. Nobody wants to feel sticky or smell like spit up, especially during a long journey.
11. A Comfort Item
If your baby has a stuffed animal or a favorite blanket, it is crucial to have to have that item easily accessible.
Airports and planes are full of new people and new sounds it can be extremely overwhelming but these comfort items can provide a sense of security and familiarity, especially in such an unfamiliar environment.
Final Thoughts
Flying with a baby may seem overwhelming, but with these 11 travel essentials, you can significantly improve the experience.
Each family's travel style is unique, so feel free to adjust this list according to your needs.
And let me know in the comments what you would add to this list!
Bon Voyage,
The American Gypsy
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