Flying with a Baby: Tips and Essentials

Navigating the skies with your little one doesn't have to be a full-on tactical mission. With the right prep, patience, and some savvy tips, you'll be jet-setting like a pro. From essential travel documents to in-flight diaper changes, consider this your guide to making flying with a baby feel like smooth sailing. Here’s how to keep your sanity (and your seat neighbors) intact when mixing infants and flying.

Things to Consider While Flying with a Baby

Flying with a baby: the ultimate test of patience, planning, and a touch of parenting wizardry. Infants and flying don’t always mix well, so before you embark on this airborne adventure, check out our travel hacks for flying with a baby below.

First, prep like a pro. Pack essentials in easy-to-reach spots—because no one wants to turn the airplane aisle into a diaper bag treasure hunt.

Second, timing is everything. Schedule flights around nap times to boost their odds of sleeping throughout the journey. The plane’s white noise might even help them drift off.

Third, be strategic about seating. An aisle seat offers easier access to get up and down for diaper changes and in-flight pacing down the aisle if your little one gets restless.

Lastly, get a travel-friendly baby carrier. With its slim fold-up design, storage pockets, and multiple carrying positions, the Tushbaby Hip Carrier is the best baby carrier for travel. It’s TSA-friendly and perfect for stashing those must-haves, from travel documents to diapers, wipes, and even a bottle. Wear it in your seat to engage with your little one or to support your back as you walk the aisle to soothe them.

These are just a couple of key points to help level up your journey, but there's so much more to flying with an infant than strategic seating and easy-to-reach diapers. Read on to find answers to commonly asked questions about flying with a baby.

How Old Does a Baby Have to Be to Fly?

There’s no legal age limit for flying, but airlines have their own rules. Check their policies to see if they affect your travel plans.

But when is it safe to fly with a baby? Well, most airlines say your baby can fly as young as 7 days old, provided they’re healthy and have the all-clear from a doctor.

That said, when it comes to the best age to fly with a baby, it might be wise to wait until they’re a few months old. Their tiny immune systems get a little more robust during this time, and you’ll get more time to master the art of diaper changes and feedings before adding altitude to the mix. Always check with your pediatrician before flying with a baby—they'll let you know when your little one is ready to take flight.

What Travel Documents Do I Need to Fly with My Baby?

There are a few essential documents you’ll need when flying with a baby, including the following:

Passports for you and your baby (if you’re flying internationally). If you’re flying domestically, you can use valid, TSA-approved photo IDs instead. You could also use a passport card, which you can learn more about here.
Your baby might also need a visa for flying internationally, so make sure to check the entry requirements of where you’re heading.
If you’re flying solo with your baby, some airlines might ask for a consent letter from the other parent.

Keep these documents close and accessible—because wrangling a squirmy baby and organizing your bags in the security line isn't anyone’s idea of fun.

Can I Take a Stroller with Me While Flying with a Baby?

You can take a stroller with you on the plane, and most airlines let you gate-check it so you can wheel your little one right up to the plane door. Just make sure it’s collapsible and easy to fold because you’ll be doing that juggling act at security.

Strollers are great if you’re going on a long vacation where you’ll be doing lots of walking or sightseeing—but they can be cumbersome and hard to navigate. It’s smart to bring a baby carrier like the Tushbaby so you can ditch the stroller when you want more freedom.

Tushbaby is the ultimate travel-friendly baby carrier: it’s compact and easy to store, and when combined with the Snug attachment, it lets you keep your baby close while keeping your hands free for boarding passes and snack grabs. Plus, it doubles as a diaper bag and a portable nursing pillow, making it the ultimate multitasker. Just strap it high and tight above your waist, and you’re good to go!

How to Change a Baby’s Diaper on a Plane

Changing your baby’s diaper on a plane is a mid-air adventure, but totally doable with a little prep. First, scope out the airplane’s bathroom—most have a fold-down changing table above the toilet. It’s cramped, but it works. Just be sure to have your essentials close: diapers, wipes, and a change of clothes for quick access. Tushbaby’s five storage pockets make it easy to keep everything at your seat and on your hip instead of digging through your overhead bag.

When changing diapers on the go, it’s also worth having portable, lightweight changing gear on hand—like a Tushbaby Changing Pad. It’s slim, compact, and made from luxe vegan leather that’s easy to clean. When it’s go-time, whip this out for a clean, comfy surface, no matter how tight the space is. If the changing table is occupied (or nonexistent), you can improvise with the pad on your lap—just make sure the seatbelt sign is off.

Stay calm, keep it quick, and have all your go-to gear on hand to make diaper changes when flying with an infant as easy and stress-free as possible.

Essential Tips for Flying with a Baby

Traveling with your little one can be a wild ride—so buckle up and brace yourself with these smart tips for flying with a baby, helping to make your journey that little bit smoother:

Pack Smart: Keep your baby essentials and personal items in an accessible location. Think diapers, wipes, a change of clothes, snacks, and the Tushbaby Changing Pad for those tight in-flight diaper changes. The Tushbaby Carrier can be worn while seated on a flight, allowing you to keep the essentials right on your hip, while keeping your baby comfortable.
Ears in the Clear: Protect your baby’s ears from pressure changes during takeoff and landing by nursing, bottle-feeding, or giving them a pacifier. The sucking motion is known to help equalize ear pressure and keep them comfy. Keep pacis in The Pod, Tushbaby’s clever clip-on pouch, to ensure they’re clean and always accessible.
Bring the Right Gear: Gear up with baby stuff that’ll work with you—not against you. Consider ditching the bulky stroller and opting for something more versatile, like a Tushbaby Carrier. Carry your baby longer and more comfortably without the hassle of pushing a stroller through crowded places or over cobblestone streets. With four carrying options, including a feeding position, and built-in back support, you’ll enjoy every moment on the go.
Stay Calm and Confident: Babies pick up on your vibes. Stay relaxed, and they’re more likely to stay relaxed, too.

Flying with a baby doesn’t have to be turbulent, especially with some smart planning, the right equipment, and a dash of confidence. Keep essentials at your fingertips and let the Tushbaby Carrier handle the heavy lifting. Here’s to smooth flights and happy travels!

Heading on a trip? Shop Tushbaby for your in-flight essentials so you’re ready to conquer the skies!