Travelling through the airport with a baby can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. The queues, changing rules, and constant feeling that you need to be “on it” at all times can make the airport the most stressful part of travelling with a baby.
Sometimes the airport can feel far more daunting than the flight itself. The good news is that once you’re through security and settled on the plane, the hardest part is usually over. Over time, we’ve figured out what genuinely helps make airport travel with a baby more manageable — and none of it involves being a perfect parent!
Car Seat = Extra Luggage Space
We always travel with a car seat and check it in with our luggage for free. Most airlines allow you to check in a car seat at no extra cost, but it’s always worth double-checking before you fly.
Our biggest tip is to use a cheap, lightweight car seat specifically for travel. We strap a backpack filled with nappies and other lightweight essentials onto the car seat, then put the whole thing into a car seat travel bag. It’s such an easy way to create extra luggage space without trying to squeeze everything into your suitcases.
At check-in, the airline tags the car seat as normal, and then you simply drop it off at the oversized baggage desk.
Airport Security With a Baby
Airport security rules vary hugely depending on the airport and country. Some airports allow babies to stay in the stroller, others ask you to take the baby out and push the stroller through, and some require you to fully fold it. The same goes for baby carriers — some airports allow them, others don’t.
Because of this unpredictability, our biggest piece of advice when travelling through airport security with a baby is to try to keep your baby awake until you’re through. That way, whatever you’re asked to do, you’re not disturbing a nap or dealing with an overtired baby before you’ve even reached the gate.
Burning Energy Before the Flight
If your baby isn’t asleep while waiting to board, let them burn off as much energy as possible. Rolling, crawling or walking around the gate area really helps. Your baby will soon be confined to a small space on the aircraft, so try not to make the airport restrictive too.
Also, don’t worry too much about dirty floors. We pack extra wipes and a small sanitiser spray to clean their hands afterwards. We also bring a small blanket and a few sensory toys so our baby has a familiar, comfortable space to play while waiting.
Boarding the Aircraft With a Baby
When boarding, we always put the baby in a carrier and fold up the stroller. We’ve usually taken our pram onboard as hand luggage, but if not, it can be checked in at the gate.
Having the baby in a carrier keeps your hands free to carry bags, hold onto rails when walking up stairs, and get settled without juggling everything. We also try to keep the baby awake until we’re safely in our seats. Babies aren’t allowed in carriers or bassinets during take-off or landing, so if they fall asleep too early you may have to wake them — which rarely ends well.
If you can stretch their wake window slightly, there’s a good chance they’ll fall asleep once you’re in the air, giving you a few quiet minutes to breathe, or even watch a film if you’re lucky!
Bassinet Seats: Always Book Them If You Can
If bassinet seats are available and free, I always recommend booking them even if you don’t plan to use the bassinet. The extra legroom makes such a difference when travelling with a baby, giving them more space to move around.
Another bonus is that anyone booking those seats knows there’s a chance they’ll be sitting near a baby, which usually means more understanding neighbours.
Food & Snacks
If your baby is on solids, pack a small lunchbox with familiar snacks. Most long-haul airlines provide purées, but having food you know your baby likes is reassuring, especially if they’re tired or overstimulated.
If your baby is awake during take-off and landing, encouraging milk or water can help with ear pressure. That said, don’t stress too much. Our baby rarely drinks on demand and has never had any ear trouble — sometimes these things don’t go perfectly, and that’s okay.
Final Thoughts on Airport Travel With a Baby
Travelling through the airport with a baby can feel intimidating at first, but it really does get easier with every trip. Lower your expectations, take things one step at a time, and remember that you’re doing something amazing by travelling with your baby.
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