Flying with a Baby? 15 Expert Tips from a Mum of 4

Flying with a baby can feel daunting - but it doesn’t have to be. 

Kim Mangiagalli, mum of four and seasoned traveller, has survived everything from mid-air meltdowns to airport delays with babies in tow. Drawing on years of hands-on experience, she shares 15 real-world tips to help make flying with your little one less stressful and more manageable.

Whether it’s your baby’s first flight or your fifth, these practical insights will help you feel more prepared and less panicked on travel day.

1. Plan Your Flight Time Around Baby's Sleep Schedule

If possible, book your flight around your baby’s natural sleep routine. For many families, a night flight means baby will sleep through much of the journey. But if your baby is more of a daytime napper, a day flight may work better. On long-haul trips, try to schedule takeoff during your little one’s longest nap stretch.

2. Check Airline Policies in Advance

Every airline has different rules regarding infant baggage allowance, prams, bassinets and car seats. Some allow a carry-on nappy bag in addition to your regular hand luggage, while others count it as your personal item. Check ahead so you’re not caught off guard at the gate.

3. Always Book the Aisle Seat

Be sure to book an aisle seat for yourself when selecting your seats. You'll likely need to get up multiple times - whether it’s for a nappy change, pacing the aisle, or just a break. Sitting on the aisle saves you from squeezing past other passengers every time.

4. Request a Bassinet Early

If your baby is under 9 months, many airlines offer bassinets on long-haul flights. These are only available in bulkhead rows, and spots are limited - so call the airline well in advance to reserve one. Airlines usually allocate bassinets on a first-come, first-served basis and may reassign at check-in. Be prepared to hold your baby for most of the flight just in case.

5. Babywear Through the Airport

A soft baby carrier or sling keeps your hands free for luggage, boarding passes and coffee. It’s also helpful during security checks and boarding. Some airlines even allow you to keep baby in the carrier during takeoff and landing (ask your flight crew).

6. Gate-Check Your Pram

Most airlines allow you to check your pram at the gate and retrieve it at the aircraft door on arrival. This means you can wheel baby through the terminal and keep them settled until the very last minute.

7. Use Pre-Boarding Time Strategically

Don’t waste those 20 minutes at the gate -use them to your advantage:

• Let baby crawl, stretch or toddle in a safe area
• Do a final nappy change
• Feed before boarding if your baby tends to get sleepy
• Repack your carry-on with key items (dummy, toy, wipes) at the top
• This pre-boarding reset sets you up for a calmer start in the air.

8. Rethink Priority Boarding

Some airlines offer early boarding for families - but waiting in a confined space while everyone else boards can backfire. If your baby is mobile, you’re often better off boarding later to maximise freedom of movement before being confined to your seat.

9. Don't Overpack the Carry-On

One of the biggest rookie mistakes? Overpacking. Kim recalls her first international flight with a 9-month-old and toddler:

"The baby bag was packed so neatly and I believed that I had taken everything I would need for any eventuality. The result? I ended up tossing everything out less than 10 minutes into the flight... trying to find the tissues (which were right at the bottom) to clean up my baby’s runny nose. It’s not as easy as it sounds - crying baby, cramped space and a baby bag that won’t co-operate equals near-meltdown before take-off."

Her Packing Tips:

Use a medium-sized backpack with multiple outer pockets. Keep essentials like wipes, tissues and dummies in easy-reach compartments. Inside, pack only what you’ll really use:

• Nappies and wipes (1 for every hour of travel, plus extras)
• Change of clothes for baby and for you
• Burp cloths and bibs
• Dummy (if used)
• Pre-portioned formula, bottles or expressed milk
• A small blanket, baby carrier or wrap
• Toys, books and sensory distractions
• Plastic bags for soiled items

10. Dress for Comfort and Convenience

Skip the Insta-ready outfit and opt for something easy to change and comfortable for both of you. Baby might look adorable in those dungarees from Aunt Sharon, and it would be great for him to be wearing them at arrivals when Sharon's there to welcome you. But do you really want to be fighting with 14 buttons and arm straps inside a cubicle that’s smaller than your pantry? Opt for clothing that is easy to change and comfortable for baby. The same goes for you.

Pack a spare set of clothing in your hand luggage for yourself in case baby throws up or messes food on you.

11. Bring New or Favourite Toys

Novelty helps! Pack 2–3 new toys alongside familiar favourites. Soft books, teething toys, sensory crinkle toys and soft rattles are great. If your baby is older, stickers or suction cup spinners can keep them entertained. Forbidden snacks like a square of plain chocolate can also work wonders when distractions run out. Avoid anything with lots of parts or noise.

12. Embrace Screen Time (Guilt-Free!)

If your baby is around 12 months or older, don’t hesitate to use screen time to your advantage. Download a few baby-friendly shows or calming videos to your phone or tablet in advance.

💡 Pro tip: Use guided access mode (on iPhone or Android) to lock the screen to one app so baby doesn’t accidentally exit.

In-flight entertainment isn’t the time for screen-time rules - do what works to keep your little one calm.

13. Make a Changing Kit

Create a grab-and-go nappy change pouch with:

• 1–2 nappies
• Travel-sized wipes
• Disposable change mat
• Nappy cream
• Small rubbish bag

This way, you don’t need to drag your whole bag to the tiny airplane toilet.

14. Feed During Takeoff and Landing

Pressure might build up in your little one’s ears during take-off and landing, and this can be uncomfortable and maybe even painful. To relieve the pressure, give baby a bottle to drink, breastfeed or a dummy to suck on. If baby is asleep, no need to wake them. But be prepared if they stir near descent.

15. Don’t Worry About Grumpy Passengers

Most people understand that babies cry and parents do their best. If someone glares or grumbles, try not to take it to heart. While the trend of handing out “sorry my baby might cry” goodie bags is well-meaning, it sets a weird precedent. You don’t need to apologise for being a parent or having a baby, and you don’t need to reward people for showing common decency. Stay calm, do your best, and remember: the flight will eventually end.

Final Thoughts

Flying with a baby is challenging, but it doesn't have to be a nightmare. With preparation, flexibility, and the right mindset, it can actually be a rewarding experience. Soak in the quiet moments, the cuddles, and the curiosity in your baby's eyes. Follow these tips, trust your instincts, and know that you’re doing an amazing job.

Safe travels, mama. ✈️💕

About the Author:

Kim Mangiagalli is a Mum of four, wife of one, and seasoned traveller. With countless flights under her belt, she’s passionate about helping parents travel more confidently.