Have Baby, Will Travel

Traveling with a baby doesn’t have to be intimidating—especially when you plan ahead. For our second cross-country trip to California, my son was just six months old, and we made the most of it by learning the ins and outs of flying with an infant. Here’s how it went and what I learned along the way.

After doing a ton of research, I found that most U.S. airlines allow children under two to fly free as a lap infant (no separate seat required). That saved us a chunk of change, and luckily our flight wasn’t full, so they let me bring his FAA-approved car seat on board anyway. (Tip: Look for the approval sticker on the side of your seat.) In the end, I was glad we didn’t spend money on an extra seat—he wanted to be held the whole time and slept through the entire flight. Honestly, I considered installing a jet engine in his nursery because the white noise worked like magic!

Pro Tip: Always check with the airline about how to add your lap infant to the itinerary.

• Frontier lets you add your baby online.
• Southwest requires you to add them at the counter on the day of travel.
• Bring a copy of your child’s birth certificate. Southwest asked for it, Frontier didn’t—but better safe than sorry.
• If you’re traveling internationally in the future, go ahead and apply for their passport—it’s good for five years.

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This time around, I packed a few of his favorite toys to keep him entertained during the awake stretches. I always book early morning flights since that’s when he’s happiest and most likely to nap. Try to plan your travel around your baby’s natural rhythms—it’s a small thing other passengers will thank you for, and it’ll help you stay sane too.

Disclosure: I can’t promise your baby will nap like mine, but it’s worth trying!

Some airlines also offer in-flight bassinets (first come, first served), and most planes now have changing tables located in the back restrooms.

When it came to feeding, I packed both my breast pump and breast milk. TSA allows unlimited ounces of breast milk, and it doesn’t have to be packed like other liquids. Just know they’ll inspect it. I used my Medela carry case with an ice pack and had no issues, but definitely allow a little extra time for security. If TSA gives you trouble, ask for a supervisor—not everyone is fully aware of the rules.

For this California trip, since he’s on solids, I packed frozen purees. You’re allowed to carry what’s needed for your trip (though how they define that is vague—I’ll update after we return). I make my own food and use Kiinde food bags, which are easier to pack than jars, and their spoon adapter makes feeding a breeze without hauling extra utensils. Seriously, technology is making motherhood a lot easier these days.

My baby travel packing list was simple for this one-week trip:

• Double the outfits (hello, blowouts)
• Sleepers & a sleep sack
• Burp cloths & one blanket (which came on the plane)
• Gas drops
• Diapers for the flight
  We did a Target run after landing for diapers, wipes, and laundry detergent. If you can buy things at your destination, don’t overpack. This time I added a bathing suit, swimmers, and had items like a pack-n-play, beach tent, sunscreen, and toiletries shipped via Amazon to where we were staying. (BTW: The pack-n-play cost less than checking a suitcase.)

My diaper bag was light but had essentials—a change of clothes for him and for me (because, well… you just never know).

Another tip: You can gate-check your stroller and car seat for free on most airlines. I used gate check bags for both, which made life easier. We use Britax for both stroller and car seat, and the adapter let me roll him right through the airport.

Security was a breeze—my husband carried the baby through. Lots of parents also wear their babies in an Ergo or similar carrier, and most report no issues going through TSA that way.

Where you stay matters too. You want a baby-friendly space, especially after a long day of travel. Many parents love places like the Bogey Oasis for the peace, quiet, and flexibility it offers—ideal if you prefer managing your own space instead of relying on hotel staff.

All in all, it was a smooth and successful trip. Fingers crossed this week goes just as well. I’d love to hear your own travel wins, horror stories, and tips. Share them in the comments!

Happy traveling, y’all!