Best Baby Carrier for Travel

Whether you're tackling weekend getaways or exploring far-off destinations, when you have a baby, traveling comfortably is a must.

With a maze of rules for airports, planes, and tourist spots, traveling with your children can feel more like a chore than a vacation—and on top of this, there are countless travel baby carrier options to choose from. So, how do you find the best baby carrier for your adventures? Keep reading for more on how to pick the right carrier for you and other top tips for traveling with a baby. 

Table of Contents

• Choosing the Best Baby Carrier for Travel
• Sling carriers for travel
• Hip seat carriers for travel
• Baby Carriers at the Airport (and on Airplanes)
• Can I carry my baby in a carrier through TSA?
• Can you use a baby carrier on an airplane?
• Can I babywear during take-off and landing?
• What is the best baby carrier for airport/airplane travel?
• Other Things to Pack for Baby When Traveling
• Do you need a car seat and baby carrier for air travel?
• Is it better to travel with a baby carrier or stroller?
• Tips for Traveling With a Baby

Choosing the Best Baby Carrier for Travel

Choosing the best travel baby carrier to suit your preferences can make a world of difference. Some baby carriers offer more perks than others, though—when choosing one, compare storage, design, safety, ease of use, and comfort. 

You’ll likely want the most comfortable and easiest baby carrier to use for your lifestyle. So, what’s the best travel baby carrier for you? Let’s explore a few options…

Sling carriers for travel

A sling carrier can be one of the best infant carriers for travel. These top infant carriers are typically made from a cozy, soft, and breathable fabric wrap that you wear over one (or both) shoulders, creating a snug space for your baby right across your middle. Just be sure to wear it correctly to avoid shoulder pain when carrying your baby. 

A sling carrier can mimic that womb-like feeling babies love while keeping your hands free. Sling carriers can be some of the most comfortable baby carriers out there, depending on which product you go for.

Those looking for the best infant carrier might want to explore The Snug! This soft, wrap-style attachment is designed to be used exclusively with the Tushbaby Hip Carrier to offer a hands-free way to carry and cuddle your little one. Simply attach The Snug to your Hip Carrier, place your baby on the seat, wrap the straps over your shoulders to form an X across your back, and buckle up to keep them close.

The Snug can carry your baby face-to-face or forward-facing up to 36 months old, or 45 lbs. Once your infant reaches 12 lbs, The Snug + Tushbaby will quickly become your go-to convertible carrier (it's not suitable for newborn use). Plus, it easily folds up to store in the under-seat storage pocket of the Tushbaby Hip Carrier, making it the perfect travel baby carrier for on-the-go parents.

Hip seat carriers for travel

Tushbaby is one of the best travel baby carriers because it can be used right from birth through toddlerhood. Feed and carry your little one face-to-face in the early stages, and take advantage of additional positions and the open-style design for easy on-and-offs as your child grows. This freedom and support is part of what makes Tushbaby the best toddler carrier for travel, too!

Hip seat carriers aren’t hands-free, but they can reduce the strain that often comes from holding your child or hitching them up your hip—as many parents do, and often. The Tushbaby Hip Carrier makes carrying your child easier by wrapping high and tight above your waist and evenly distributing baby’s weight across your torso, reducing strain on your back, neck, arms, and shoulders. Its practical design provides a secure, comfortable seat for baby, with added storage for diapers, wipes, lotion, snacks, and your essentials. Plus, it’s lightweight and easy to use, perfect for quick on-and-off convenience. We may be biased, but we think our product is one of the best, most comfortable baby carriers around—and the reviews speak for themselves.

With a hip carrier like the Tushbaby, traveling with a baby is a breeze. Want a toddler carrier for travel that’s also a portable nursing pillow? Tushbaby’s hip seat carrier doubles as both! 

Baby Carriers at the Airport (and on Airplanes)

Just getting to the airport can feel like a journey in itself, considering all you need to pack for yourself and your baby: there’s the luggage, the bottles, the toys, the carrier, stroller, and a car seat carrier for airport travel… it never ends. And then, you get to security. To help make your life easier, we’ve answered some common questions about having a baby carrier for plane travel. 

Can I carry my baby in a carrier through TSA?

Luckily, you can often wear your baby in a soft body carrier with no metal buckles or pieces through airport security. Options like the Tushbaby Hip Carrier could be perfect for this.

TSA policy ensures children are never separated from their parents during screening. You can carry your baby in your arms through the metal detector or using an appropriate baby carrier, which may be subject to additional screening. TSA officers are trained to provide extra time and assistance to families with young children, and modified screening procedures are in place to minimize pat-downs.

Wearing your baby offers hands-free convenience, which is ideal when you’re rummaging for travel documents and lugging carry-on bags. It also keeps your baby calm and close, reducing overstimulation and making it easier for them to eat and fall asleep. While most airports are stroller-friendly, many parents find babywearing more convenient while traveling.

Can you use a baby carrier on an airplane?

While most baby carriers are approved for use on an airplane, some are better than others for travel. When choosing the best baby carrier for travel, you’ll want to consider comfort and practicality onboard. 

Tushbaby is the best baby carrier for airplanes because it can be used while standing or seated. You can hold your little one face-to-face to soothe or play with them, and easily transition to feeding by adjusting the carrier and laying baby across the seat. It can also be valuable added support if you need to get up and walk the aisles a bit. 

Can I babywear during take-off and landing?

No, the FAA requires babies to be removed from their carriers during take-off and landing. For safety reasons, Mom, Dad, or the babywearer has to remove the carrier. During the remainder of the flight, wearing a baby in a carrier is approved. 

There may be sudden jolts or force during take-off and landing that could cause your body to move. If your baby is in a carrier, the fear is that you may hurt them since you can’t necessarily move them. While some are considered “lap babies” (babies under 2 years old that can be on a lap for the entire flight), the FAA recommends strapping babies into their own airplane seats with a car seat for maximum safety.

What is the best baby carrier for airport/airplane travel?

Before investing in what you think is the best baby carrier for airport travel, you’ll want to ensure it’s airline-approved. Be sure to check with your airline before bringing any kind of carrier on the airplane with you. Remember, depending on the type of carrier you’re using, it will likely have to go through TSA screening, so most parents prefer soft carriers, wraps, or slings since they’re easier to travel with, particularly with younger babies. These are also less cumbersome on an airplane and will probably fit in the overhead bin without issue should you also choose to travel with an FAA-approved car seat.

If you don’t do a lot of babywearing, you should try out the carrier of your choice before the big travel day. As you shop for travel baby carriers, it’s useful to look for ones that don’t have metal buckles or pieces, keep your hands free, and can be worn through security. 

If both parents are traveling, choose an adjustable carrier that both of you can wear. Climate may also come into play when choosing the best travel baby carrier for your journey. Ultimately, safety and comfort will be the main determinants since you’ll want a carrier you can wear comfortably for long stretches. 

Other Things to Pack for Baby when Traveling

Apart from the obvious diapers and clothes, there are a few other essentials that can make your journey smoother. 

Need more storage? Gear up your partner or travel buddy with The Pack, our mini wearable crossbody diaper bag. Pacifiers can also reduce the pressure in baby’s ears during take-off, landing, and cabin pressure changes, so you’ll want to keep them in our chic zippable pouch, The Pod. The Pod can clip onto your carrier, stroller, backpack, or purse to conveniently access pacifiers and petite essentials like earbuds or credit cards.

Whether it's navigating airport security with a car seat or deciding between a baby carrier and a stroller, a bit of prep can keep the stress levels down and the adventure levels up.

Do you need a car seat and baby carrier for air travel?

Generally, it’s recommended that children under 40 pounds travel in an FAA-approved car seat. While it’s advised to bring a car seat carrier for the airport, this can be a little pricey, and some parents just know their baby won’t keep quiet without skin-to-skin contact. When traveling, you’ll want to only bring along the necessities—this may mean both a car seat and a baby carrier in some cases, but at the end of the day, it’s all down to what you think they’ll need. If you’re traveling alone, a baby carrier and a car seat and your diaper bag and your personal travel items…may be too much baggage to handle.

Is it better to travel with a baby carrier or stroller?

It depends on where you’re traveling. In some cases, you’ll likely need a stroller and a baby carrier, but we’ll leave that decision to you. If you’re headed somewhere for a weekend inside, you might not need a stroller, as a baby carrier might provide enough support.

If you’re deciding between one or the other, a carrier is infinitely more convenient—especially one like Tushbaby. With built-in lumbar support for the wearer and a supportive seat for baby, Tushbaby is built to carry your child longer and more comfortably. Five storage pockets help securely stash your stuff without having to bring another bag along, while four carry positions promote bonding and engagement with your baby. Better still, carriers go where strollers can’t—wheels on the beach? No thanks.  

Tips for Traveling With a Baby

Whether it's securing early boarding or using your baby carrier to its full potential, planning ahead will help you and your little one travel like pros. Here are some things to keep in mind to make your journey as stress-free and enjoyable as possible.

• Make use of the airport departure lounge: Some airports have lounges or designated areas for families traveling with babies. Research beforehand to learn more about these lounges before travel day. Your credit cards or other memberships may also get you access to specific areas in the airport. Lounges can provide a more comfortable and private place to wait with your baby. 
• Scope out nursing / breastfeeding areas: Airports are high-traffic areas, and you might feel uncomfortable breastfeeding in these situations. If that’s the case, consider packing a nursing cover or finding a nursing or breastfeeding safe space. Some airports have rooms, pods, or designated areas available, some free of charge.
• Board early: Most airlines allow families with children to board the aircraft first. If possible, get to your gate early so you don’t miss the call. Boarding early and babywearing go hand-in-hand, as it helps to have extra time and support to carry your baby on and get your family situated on the plane.

Finalizing your travel plans with a baby? It might feel like you’re gearing up for an epic quest, but you can conquer any challenge with the right tools and tricks. Remember, the key is in the details: the best travel baby carrier, smart packing, and a sprinkle of patience. Whether you opt for a hip seat carrier or a sling, ensure it fits your style and needs. So, breathe easy, embrace the journey, and make those travel memories with your little one truly unforgettable. Happy travels!