Ahoy, adventurous parents! So, you’ve decided to embark on the wild journey of air travel with your mini-me in tow. Well, the first step is taken, but then the thousand and one items in your list is making your head spin. Fear not, fellow wanderers, for you’ve come to the right destination.
You know we have been traveling with our kid long enough to dig deep, learn from mistakes, analyze and compare the best and travel-friendly items, and figure out what to pack when traveling with infants and young children. We have done all the dirty work, so you don’t have to, and now you have access to the real list of items to pack for infants and take with you in your carry-on, to ensure your flight with your baby is smoother than a baby’s bottom.
With the intent of not dumping the goodies like your baby does in their diapers, we have divided the information up into three bite-sized segments or sections, each dedicated to a specific target. Intrigued? Keep reading and get ready to take notes!
Section 1: Mandatory Marvels – The Absolute Must-Haves
So, let’s begin with the most important items that should definitely go in your diaper bag/carry-on. These are your real best friends when traveling with your mini version!
1. Diapers, Diapers, Diapers! (And a Few More for Good Measure)
Let’s face it – babies do the whole bathroom thing… a lot. Pack enough diapers to rival the stock at your local baby emporium. As a rule of thumb, we have always counted 1 diaper for every hour of flight, but then, added an extra one, just for safety! Little A has often had smelly scenarios, but thankfully, we could manage blowouts without much chaos. That’s why we are even more cautious to carry extra diapers.
Remember, Murphy’s Law dictates that the one time you skimp on diapers is the one time your tiny human decides to set a record for the most diaper changes in a flight. You’ve been warned.
2. Wipes – Your Wingman Against the Messy Mayhem
Whether it’s spit-up, spilled milk, or an unexpected diaper disaster, baby wipes are your saving grace. When you pack for infants, these wet wipes are not just for baby bums; they become multi-purpose miracle workers. Consider them your secret weapon against in-flight chaos.
3. Formula or Breast Milk – The Liquid Gold Reserve
If your little one is still on the liquid diet, ensure you’ve got enough formula or pumped breast milk to cover the entire journey. If it’s a really long flight, it’s always a good idea to have access to your swaddle for feeding and breast pump for fresh milk as well, for both you and your baby’s benefit.
Remember, you never know when turbulence might strike, and you’ll want to be prepared for any unexpected delays. At the end of the day, the liquid gold is the best for your prince or princess!
4. A Change of Clothes – Pack for Infants AND Yourself!
Babies are notorious for their uncanny ability to turn any situation into a fashion emergency. Pack a spare set of clothes for your baby and, trust us on this one, a spare shirt for yourself. You’ll thank us later when you’re not sporting the latest in spit-up chic.
As a good rule of thumb, when we pack for infants, we carry 1 set of clothes that are suited for the warm weather, 1 set that’s snuggly and warm, and 1 set of really soft cotton onesies, as you never know when the aircraft cranks up its AC. Also, do carry a light flannel and a soft cap, it helps in making your baby comfortable and that equals to more sleep!
5. Snacks – Because Hangry Babies are No Joke
When you pack for infants on a flight, always carry an arsenal of baby-friendly snacks to keep hunger at bay. Puffed rice, baby food pouches, and teething biscuits are your in-flight companions. Just be prepared for the post-snack clean-up – it’s like a tiny food tornado hit your seating area.
Stay tuned for an exclusive blog post of homemade and store-bought snacks to pack for infants when flying, coming up soon!
6. Travel-Size First Aid Kit – Just in Case
You never know when a tiny mishap might occur. A compact first aid kit with essentials like baby-safe pain relievers, baby rub, band-aids, and antiseptic wipes can be a lifesaver. Consider it your parental superhero utility belt.
While we would definitely take the larger bottles in the check-in, it’s a good idea to have some of these go-to medicines handy and accessible, when you pack for infants heading for an adventure in the skies.
Section 2: Good-to-Have Gems – A Little Extra Love Never Hurt
Now that we’ve covered the essentials, let’s dive into the delightful extras that can transform your journey from basic to boujee (baby style).
1. Baby Carrier – Hands-Free Hugs on the Go
While the airplane aisles might not be as spacious as your living room, a baby carrier can be a game-changer. It keeps your hands free and your baby close, offering a win-win situation for both parent and passenger sitting next to you. When you pack for infants, a baby carrier will become an extra luggage indeed, but best part is, you won’t be charged for it, as it’s a baby essential!
We used the R for Rabbit Upsy Daisy Baby Carrier and vouch for it for a seamless travel experience! For my friends in the USA, a similar and great alternative is the YCDTMY Baby Carrier.
2. Entertainment Galore – Baby Edition
Tiny humans can get bored easily, and a bored baby is a recipe for in-flight meltdowns. When you pack for infants, do consider a variety of toys, books, teethers, and perhaps even a tablet loaded with baby-friendly content. Remember, variety is the spice of life – and in this case, the spice of silence.
We highly recommend the baby spinner toys that come with suction, it really was a game changer for us during flights! Best part is that both amazon.com and amazon.in have them in store!
3. Noise-Canceling Headphones – For the Whole Family
Babies are unpredictable, and sometimes, they just want to let the world know they’re there. Invest in noise-canceling headphones to keep the peace both for your sanity and for the passengers around you. Plus, you can catch up on your favorite podcast without missing a beat.
The Alpine Muffy Baby Ear Protection for Babies and Toddlers and the SNOWIE SOFT® Noise Cancellation Ear Muffs for Kids are great options to explore.
4. Baby Blanket – The Swiss Army Knife of Comfort
The airlines might provide blankets, but nothing beats the familiarity of your baby’s own snuggly blankie. It’s not just for warmth; it’s a comfort item that can turn a potentially stressful situation into a cozy cuddle fest.
5. Foldable Changing Mat – Cleanliness is Next to Baby-Like Happiness
Airplane bathrooms are not known for their spaciousness or cleanliness. When you pack for infants, taking foldable changing mat ensures that your baby’s bum encounters a clean and comfortable surface, no matter where you are. Extra brownie points for the quick setup when turbulence hits.
Section 3: The Forbidden Fails – What Not to Pack for Peace of Mind
Now, let’s talk about the items that might seem like a good idea at first but can quickly turn your high-flying adventure into a turbulence-filled nightmare.
1. Too Many Clothes – Minimalism is Key
While it’s tempting to pack a plethora of adorable outfits, remember that babies are tiny fashionistas with a penchant for mess. When emergency strikes, you wouldn’t want to be drowned into different little attires but never find the one you want! Therefore, when you pack for infants for a flight, stick to the essentials and embrace the magic of mix-and-match. Laundry detergent is your friend.
2. Unnecessary Gadgets – Keep It Simple
Sure, the latest baby gadget might promise to make your life easier, but in the confined space of an airplane, simplicity reigns supreme. We definitely recommend sticking to the basics and saving the high-tech wizardry for your nursery at home, when you would pack for infants.
3. Bulk Snacks – Snack Attack Avoidance
While snacks are essential, packing a month’s supply is a bit overkill. Airlines often provide snacks suitable for tiny taste buds, so save your luggage space for more important items.
4. Heavy Stroller – The Bulky Beast
Unless you’re planning a stroll through the airport the size of a marathon, leave the heavy stroller at home. When you pack for infants on the go, opt for a lightweight, compact alternative that makes navigating the airport hustle a breeze.
Browse our blog post on the 5 Best Strollers of 2024 to get all details about the best features, usability, and budget – up, close, and personal!
5. Too Many Toys – The Overstimulation Struggle
While a variety of toys is great, overpacking can lead to sensory overload. When you pack for infants, stick to a few favorites to avoid turning your seating area into a miniature toy store. Remember, less is more in the world of inflight entertainment.
We recommend the good ol’ rattles, some basic picture or board books, some stuffed animals that your child loves, and that’s about it for your carry-on!
Become the Baby-Travel Master!
So, there you have it – the ultimate guide to pack for infants when heading for airborne adventures with your precious bundle of joy. With the right mix of essentials, extras, and a touch of parental finesse, you’ll be soaring through the skies with a smile on your face and a content baby in your arms. If you need more assistance to learn about packing the right stuff, read our blog post on 5 Baby Travel Essentials: The Ultimate Checklist for 2024.
Happy travels, intrepid parents! May your flights be turbulence-free and your baby’s giggles be contagious.
5 Responses
Your writing voice is so beautiful. I value the guidance you provide. Thank you. ♥️😊
Thank you for your kind words, Madhusmita!