Flying with a baby checklist
The rule behind every line: assume a delay of three hours and one complete outfit change, for the baby and for you. Everything else is comfort.
34 items
Makes your own editable copy. No account needed.
The items
- Nappies and changing
- Nappies — one per hour of travel, plus four×12
- Wipes
- Changing mat that folds small
- Nappy bags
- Barrier cream
- Feeding
- Formula pre-measured, or bottles ready made
- Bottles and teats×2
- Snacks, if they are on solids
- Bibs
- Muslin cloths×3
- Clothes
- Two full changes for the baby
- One spare top for youThis is the line everybody skips and everybody needs.
- Extra layer — planes are cold
- Sun hat for the other end
- Take-off and landing
- Dummy, bottle or a feed ready to startSwallowing is what saves their ears.
- Something to distract with that they have not seen before
- Sleep
- Comforter or the one specific toy
- Light blanket
- Carrier or sling for hands-free waiting
- Health
- Infant paracetamol and a syringe
- Thermometer
- Any prescribed medicine, with the label
- Paperwork
- Baby's passport
- Birth certificate, if travelling without the other parent
- Travel insurance covering the baby
- Pushchair tagged for the gate
- Hand sanitiser and antibacterial wipes for the tray table
Makes your own editable copy. No account needed.
Questions people ask
- How many nappies for a flight?
- One per hour of total travel time, plus four. It sounds excessive until the plane sits on the tarmac for two hours with the doors closed.
- How do I stop their ears hurting?
- Feed, dummy or bottle during take-off and landing — swallowing is what equalises the pressure. Wake them for the descent if you have to.
- Can I take milk through security?
- Baby milk and food are exempt from the 100ml rule in most countries, but you may be asked to taste it. Allow extra time and keep it separate in the bag.