Travel Checklist

✈️ Checklist for Traveling on Airplanes with Babies & Infants

📝 Before the Trip

✅ Book a direct flight if possible (fewer layovers = less stress).

✅ Choose a baby-friendly airline (some offer bassinets, early boarding, or extra baggage for baby gear).

✅ Check airline policies on lap infants, car seats, and strollers.

✅ Reserve a bassinet seat (available on some long-haul flights).

✅ Pack a diaper bag with all essentials (see below).

✅ Download kids’ shows, white noise, or soothing music.

✅ Arrange transportation (will you need a car seat at your destination?).

✅ Bring necessary travel documents (passports, birth certificates if needed).

🎒 Carry-On Essentials

✅ Diapers & Wipes (enough for the trip + extra in case of delays).

✅ Changing pad (for changing in small airplane bathrooms).

✅ Baby formula/breast milk (TSA allows larger amounts of liquids for babies).

✅ Bottles/sippy cups (pre-fill with water if allowed).

✅ Snacks & baby food (easy-to-eat, non-messy options).

✅ Pacifiers or teething toys (helps with ear pressure).

✅ Extra clothes (for baby & yourself in case of spills).

✅ Blanket/swaddle (for warmth and comfort).

✅ Favorite toy or stuffed animal (for comfort).

✅ Baby carrier (for hands-free movement through the airport).

✅ Plastic bags (for dirty diapers or soiled clothes).

✅ Hand sanitizer & disinfecting wipes (for surfaces & hands).

✅ Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones (for both baby & you).

🛏️ Checked Luggage Essentials

✅ Car seat (check for free or use on board if FAA-approved).

✅ Collapsible stroller (some airlines allow gate-checking).

✅ More diapers & wipes (enough for the entire trip).

✅ Baby-friendly detergent (for washing clothes on longer trips).

✅ Baby monitor (if staying in a hotel or Airbnb).

✅ First aid kit (baby fever meds, thermometer, band-aids).

🚨 At the Airport & During the Flight

✅ Arrive early to allow extra time for security & boarding.

✅ Use a baby carrier for security screening (strollers often need extra checks).

✅ Feed during takeoff & landing (breastfeeding, bottle, or pacifier helps with ear pressure).

✅ Keep baby entertained (toys, books, or screen time if needed).

✅ Ask for help—flight attendants can warm bottles or assist.