Flying With an Infant: A Boston Pediatrician’s Guide to Stress-Free Travel
Traveling with a baby can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re navigating busy airports or long flights. The good news is that with thoughtful preparation and the right mindset, flying with an infant can be manageable—and even enjoyable.
For Boston families planning upcoming travel, here are practical, pediatrician-approved tips to help you prepare.
Booking & Preparing for Your Trip
Choose Direct Flights When Possible
Direct flights reduce the stress of connections, delays, and rushing between terminals. However, if your baby is active and mobile, walking the terminal during a layover may offer a useful break.
Plan Around Nap Schedules (When You Can)
Aim for flight times that align with your baby’s natural sleep rhythm. Keep in mind: sleep patterns change rapidly in the first 9 months, so stay flexible.
Consider Purchasing a Seat for Your Baby
While infants under age two can fly on your lap for free, buying a seat and bringing an FAA-approved car seat often provides the safest and most comfortable setup.
Allow Extra Time at the Airport
- Strollers often require elevators instead of escalators.
- Security screening takes longer when you’re carrying bottles or pumped milk.
- Babies need more time for feeding, diaper changes, and settling before boarding.
Giving yourself a larger time buffer reduces stress for everyone.
What to Bring on the Flight
Baby Carrier
A hands-free carrier makes it easier to move through the airport, soothe your baby, and board the plane.
New and Familiar Items
Pack a mix of comfort items and small surprises:
- New toys or books
- A favorite blanket or lovey
- Pacifiers if your baby uses them
Dress in Layers
Planes can be warm, cold, or change temperature mid-flight. Layering helps keep your baby comfortable.
Gate-Check Larger Items
Most airlines allow you to gate check strollers and car seats for free. A car seat travel bag helps protect it from damage.
On the Plane
Movement and White Noise Can Be Soothing
Think of the airplane as a large swing with a built-in white-noise machine. Many infants find these sensations calming once the plane is in motion.
Feed During Takeoff and Landing
Swallowing helps equalize ear pressure. Options include:
- Nursing
- Bottle-feeding
- Pacifier sucking
Bring Extra Food and Milk
You can bring more than 3.4 oz of breastmilk, formula, or purées—just declare them at security. If your child is on solids, bring plenty of easy snacks.
Overpack the Essentials
You will rarely regret bringing too much on a flight with an infant. Include:
- More diapers and wipes than you think you’ll need
- Multiple outfit changes for the baby—and one for you
- Plastic bags for dirty or wet clothes
- A small stash of diapers and wipes at your seat (not in the overhead bin)
Accessibility matters—especially when the seatbelt sign comes on.
Bon Voyage!
Flying with an infant requires planning and flexibility, but you are absolutely capable of doing it. With the right preparation, your trip can be smoother, safer, and far more enjoyable. If you have questions about traveling with your baby, our Boston-based Essential Pediatrics team is always here to help.
