Traveling with a baby can feel like a major undertaking—especially when you're heading to the airport. Between packing the right supplies, navigating security, and soothing your little one in a public but confined space, it’s easy to feel anxious before you’ve even left home.

Here’s the good news: with a little planning and following some pediatrician-approved tips, flying with a baby can be a lot more manageable than you might think. Whether you're traveling for family, fun, or necessity, taking the time to prepare can make the difference between a stressful flight and a smooth one.

At Capital Area Pediatrics, we’re here to support your family before every kind of journey, including your baby’s first flight. Schedule an appointment with one of our pediatricians before your trip to discuss any concerns you may have and get personalized advice for your family's unique needs.

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Keep reading for practical guidance to help you feel confident, organized, and ready to take off.

When Is It Safe to Fly with a Baby?

Most healthy, full-term babies can fly as early as a few weeks after birth, but it’s always best to check with your pediatrician before booking a trip, especially if your baby was born prematurely or has any ongoing medical concerns. Your child’s doctor can help you assess whether your baby is ready for air travel and offer personalized guidance to make the trip as safe and comfortable as possible.

For young infants, shorter flights are often easier to manage. Travel days can be tiring for everyone, and long flights may be overwhelming during the early months when feeding and sleeping schedules are still developing.

If your baby has recently had a cold, ear infection, or fever (or if you’re just unsure about how they’ll handle flying), schedule a quick check-up before your trip. Your CAP pediatrician can help you decide whether it’s okay to fly and recommend ways to prevent discomfort during the flight.

What to Pack in Your Carry-On

When you’re flying with a child of any age, your carry-on becomes your command center. Having the right essentials within arm’s reach can make a big difference in how smoothly the flight goes, for both you and your little one.

Here’s a helpful checklist of what to pack in your carry-on bag:

• Diapers & Wipes: Pack more than you think you’ll need in case of delays.
• Changing Pad: Airplane restrooms are tight, but fortunately, most are equipped with changing tables, and a compact, clean mat can make all the difference. If the plane you're on doesn't have one, ask a flight attendant if there's somewhere else you can change your baby.
• Extra Outfits: Bring at least one change of clothes for your baby—and one for yourself.
• Feeding Supplies: Pack bottles, snacks (depending on your baby’s age), formula, and/or expressed breast milk. Keep in mind that liquid formula and breast milk are exempt from the 3-1-1 rule, but you'll need to let TSA know you have them.
• Burp Cloths & Bibs: Useful for feeding, cleaning up, and general drool patrol.
• Pacifiers or Teething Toys: These help soothe and distract, especially during takeoff and landing.
• Favorite Comfort Item: A small toy or blanket can provide a sense of security in a new environment.
• Plastic Bags: For soiled clothes, just in case.
• Medications: Include any daily meds, infant fever reducer, or other items your pediatrician has recommended.
• Hand Sanitizer & Disinfecting Wipes: For cleaning hands and high-touch surfaces.

Tips for the Airport & Security

Getting through the airport with a baby doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a little extra time and a few simple strategies, you can move through check-in, security, and boarding with much less stress.

Here’s how to make the airport experience easier:

• Arrive early and stay flexible. Give yourself extra time for check-in, feedings, and diaper changes. A slow pace is better than a rushed one when you’re traveling with a baby.
• Choose a flight that matches your baby’s sleep schedule. If possible, book flights that align with nap time or bedtime. A well-timed snooze can make the trip more peaceful.
• Use a baby carrier or sling. Wearing your baby keeps your hands free and makes navigating security lines, restrooms, and boarding gates much simpler. Most carriers can stay on during security screening.
• Bring a stroller, but gate-check it. Strollers are helpful in the airport and can be checked at the gate just before boarding. Be sure to label it clearly.
• Know your TSA rules and rights. Formula, breast milk, baby food, and sterilized water are allowed in carry-on bags in reasonable quantities, even if they exceed the typical 3.4-ounce limit. Let the agent know you’re carrying these items and remove them from your bag for separate screening.
• Plan for security screening. Baby items like formula or wipes might be tested, but your baby will not be separated from you. If you’re traveling with breast milk or special feeding equipment, talk to your pediatrician ahead of time for tips on storage and documentation if needed.

A calm, organized approach (and a little grace for the unexpected) can go a long way in making the airport experience a positive part of your journey.

Easing Discomfort During Takeoff & Landing

Takeoff and landing can be the most uncomfortable parts of a flight for babies due to pressure changes in their ears. Unlike adults, babies can’t easily equalize ear pressure on their own, which can lead to fussiness, crying, or visible discomfort.

Fortunately, there are a few simple ways to help:

• Encourage sucking during ascent and descent. Nursing, bottle-feeding, or offering a pacifier during takeoff and landing helps your baby swallow, which can relieve pressure in the ears.
• Time feedings strategically. If your baby is due for a feeding around the time of takeoff or landing, try to hold off until you’re on the runway or beginning descent. This ensures they’ll be hungry enough to suck and swallow when it’s most helpful.
• Hold your baby upright when possible. Keeping your baby in an upright or semi-upright position may help with pressure relief and digestion, especially during descent, when ears are more likely to feel blocked.

Helping your baby manage this transition with soothing techniques can make the beginning and end of your flight far less stressful for both of you.

Managing Crying & Sleeping on the Plane

Even with the best planning, crying during a flight is completely normal as babies adjust to a noisy, unfamiliar environment. While it's natural to worry about disturbing other passengers, your main focus should be on keeping your baby comfortable and responding to their needs with patience.

Here are a few tips to manage crying and encourage rest in the air:

• Stay calm and responsive. Babies are sensitive to your emotions. If you stay relaxed and reassuring, your baby is more likely to settle with your help.
• Minimize loud noises. Airplane cabins can be surprisingly noisy, often reaching around 100 decibels during takeoff. Using soft ear protection like baby-sized noise-canceling headphones, cotton balls, or infant-safe earplugs can reduce exposure and create a more calming environment.
• Bring toys and distractions. Pack a few quiet toys, board books, or comfort items to keep your baby entertained during the flight. Though we don't typically recommend screen use for children under the age of two, sometimes desperate times call for desperate measures.
• Avoid using sleep medications unless approved by your pediatrician. Don’t give your baby Benadryl or other sedating medications to encourage sleep unless your pediatrician has specifically recommended it. These can have serious side effects, and in some children, they may actually increase wakefulness instead of promoting rest.
• Don’t stress about judgment. Despite what the internet may have you believe, most passengers understand that babies cry sometimes. Focus on comforting your child and remind yourself that you’re doing the best you can in a new and challenging setting.

Even if your baby doesn’t sleep much or has a few loud moments, try not to worry about how other passengers perceive you. Chances are, they have been in a similar situation themselves and can empathize with your situation.

Staying Healthy in the Air

Flying exposes your baby to new environments, changing air pressure, and close contact with many people, so it’s a good idea to take a few extra precautions to help protect their health during travel.

Here are some helpful ways to keep your baby safe and healthy while traveling by plane:

• Wash hands and wipe down surfaces. Bring hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes to clean tray tables, armrests, and other frequently touched surfaces. And don’t forget to wash your hands (and your baby’s, if they’re mobile) often!
• Keep feeding routines consistent. Whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or offering snacks to an older baby, sticking to familiar feeding routines can help prevent dehydration and maintain comfort during the flight.
• Dress in breathable layers. Airplane cabins can be chilly one minute and warm the next. Dress your baby in soft, layered clothing so you can easily adjust for temperature changes.
• Be mindful of illness before and after travel. If your baby has cold symptoms, a fever, or has recently been exposed to illness, check in with your pediatrician before flying. After the trip, monitor for symptoms like cough, congestion, or ear pain, and schedule a follow-up if needed.

Before You Go: Talk to Your Pediatrician

Before your family takes to the skies, it’s always a good idea to check in with your pediatrician, especially if this is your baby’s first flight or you’re traveling internationally. Your pediatrician can answer questions, ease concerns, and make sure your baby is fully prepared for a safe and healthy trip.

Here’s what your pediatrician can help with before your flight:

• Reviewing your child’s health history. If your baby has any medical conditions, allergies, or past travel-related issues, your pediatrician can help you plan for possible challenges.
• Advising on medications or travel-related care. Need tips on motion sickness, ear pain, sleep concerns, or how to handle illness while away? Your pediatrician can guide you on what to bring (and what to avoid).
• Discussing feeding, hydration, and sleep needs. Every baby is different. Your pediatrician can help tailor feeding or sleep suggestions based on your child’s age and temperament.
• Providing travel documentation, if needed. For international travel, your pediatrician may be able to supply a travel letter, vaccine record, or guidance on any required health paperwork.

In addition, Capital Area Pediatrics offers expert guidance through our Family Travel Clinic in Vienna. This clinic provides personalized pre-travel consultations, catch-up and destination-specific vaccines, and help with managing common travel concerns like motion sickness, traveler’s diarrhea, and altitude sickness. We’re here to help your whole family stay healthy on the go.

Travel With Confidence This Summer

Traveling with your family can be exciting and unforgettable, but preparation is key to staying healthy on your adventures. With services like pre-travel consultations and expert care for common travel concerns, Capital Area Pediatrics is here to support your family every step of the way. 

Schedule an appointment with Capital Area Pediatrics or book your visit to our Family Travel Clinic in Vienna today. From vaccines to travel tips, we’re ready to help your family enjoy safe and healthy travels!

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I carry my baby through the airport?

A baby carrier or wrap can be a great hands-free option for navigating the airport. It keeps your baby close and secure, and often makes security screening easier than using a stroller. You can still bring a stroller and gate-check it for convenience once you board.

Can I bring breast milk or formula through security?

Yes! TSA allows reasonable amounts of breast milk, formula, and baby food to be carried through security, even if they exceed the usual 3.4-ounce liquid limit. Let the TSA agent know and be prepared for additional screening.

Should I buy my baby a separate seat on the plane?

Although children under age 2 can fly as a lap child, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends purchasing a separate seat and using an FAA-approved car seat for added safety during takeoff, landing, and turbulence.

What documents do I need if we’re flying domestically?

Most domestic airlines do not require ID for infants, but some may ask for proof of age (like a birth certificate) for lap children. It’s a good idea to check with your airline before your flight.

How do I clean bottles or pacifiers in-flight?

Bring extra clean pacifiers or bottles in your carry-on, along with travel-sized sanitizing wipes or bags. Cabin water is not considered sterile, so it’s best to bring pre-filled bottles or ready-to-feed formula.