Flying Alone With a Baby: What I Learned From My First Solo Flight
Flying alone with a baby can feel intimidating, even if you've flown with kids before. Between getting through security, managing a stroller or car seat, and wondering what you'll do if your baby cries the entire flight, there's a lot to think about when you're the only adult traveling.
I've taken more than 20 flights with my kids, but I was still nervous before my first solo flight with my daughter. We were taking a red-eye from Los Angeles to Boston, and she was around four months old (approximately two and a half months corrected, since she was born prematurely).
My husband and toddler were flying separately, and I wanted to get to Boston early to spend time with my sister before our family vacation.
I'd flown alone with my son when he was older, but flying overnight with a young baby was a completely different experience.
As it turned out, the flight went much more smoothly than I expected. Here's exactly how I prepared, what I brought, and what I'd recommend to another mom flying alone with a baby.
Is It Hard to Fly Alone With a Baby?
Flying alone with a baby definitely requires some planning, but I found that the logistics were more intimidating than the flight itself.
Before our trip, I kept imagining everything that could go wrong. What if she cried the whole time? What if I needed to use the bathroom? How would I manage all our belongings while carrying her?
But my biggest concern was surprisingly specific: how was I going to get her Doona car seat down the airplane aisle by myself?
Looking back, I think having a plan for the things I could control made the biggest difference.
1. I Bought My Baby Her Own Airplane Seat
One of the best decisions I made was purchasing a separate seat for my daughter instead of flying with her as a lap infant.
I know buying an additional ticket isn't always financially feasible, especially when babies under two can travel on an adult's lap on many flights. But for this particular trip, it was worth the extra cost to me.
Because I was traveling alone on a red-eye, I wanted somewhere safe and familiar for her to sleep without having to hold her the entire flight.
I brought our Doona infant car seat onboard and installed it in her purchased seat.
The FAA recommends an approved child restraint system for children under two. If you're planning to bring a car seat onboard, check that it's approved for aircraft use, fits your assigned seat, and meets your airline's requirements.
For me, having that separate seat made the entire experience more manageable.
2. I Used the Doona to Get Through the Airport
I love the Doona because it functions as both an infant car seat and a stroller. I've used it with both of my kids, and it's one of my favorite products for traveling with a baby.
Instead of bringing a separate stroller and car seat, I can wheel my baby through the airport and then fold the stroller wheels into the car seat when it's time to board.
But the Doona is not exactly lightweight, especially with a baby inside.
My biggest worry was whether I'd be able to carry it down the narrow airplane aisle without anyone helping me.
Thankfully, I was able to push it most of the way down the aisle and only had to carry it for the last little bit. Once I reached our row, I installed it myself.
No one helped me, although I'm sure someone would have if I'd asked.
I wouldn't assume you'll be able to wheel a Doona down every airplane aisle, since aircraft layouts vary. But on this flight, it made getting to our seat so much easier than I'd anticipated.
3. I Checked My Suitcase and Kept My Carry-Ons Minimal
If there's one thing I've learned from traveling with little kids, it's that carrying less through the airport makes everything easier.
For this trip, I checked one large suitcase and brought only the things I needed during the flight.
My carry-on setup was pretty simple:
- Dagne Dover diaper backpack with my baby's essentials
- Small crossbody bag for my phone, wallet, and things I needed to grab quickly
- Doona infant car seat and stroller
I didn't want to be navigating the airport with a roller suitcase, diaper bag, car seat, and baby all at once.
The crossbody bag was especially helpful because I could access my essentials without constantly digging through the diaper backpack.
4. I Packed for Delays, Not Just the Scheduled Flight
When you're flying alone with a baby, I think it's especially important to have more essentials than you expect to need.
For me, that means extra diapers, wipes, formula, bottles, and a change of clothes.
Even if your flight is only a few hours, delays can turn it into a much longer travel day.
Our red-eye was a perfect example of why I plan this way.
We were scheduled to depart around 9 p.m., and I'd already made it through security by about 7 p.m. My daughter fell asleep while I pushed her around the airport, and everything was going well.
Then our flight was delayed.
And after we finally boarded, we learned there was a mechanical issue that kept us on the plane for approximately another hour.
I'm glad I had everything I needed within reach.
Related Article: What to Pack in a Diaper Bag for a Flight: My Packing List After 20+ Flights With Kids
5. I Boarded Early So I Could Get Settled
I don't always recommend boarding early when flying with kids.
Sometimes I'd rather let my toddler run around the airport for as long as possible instead of having him sit on the plane any longer than necessary.
But when you're flying alone with a baby and installing a car seat, I think early boarding can be really helpful.
I wanted time to get down the aisle, install the Doona, organize our things, and get comfortable without feeling rushed by passengers waiting behind me.
Boarding early gave me that time.
Of course, because our flight ended up delayed after boarding, we spent longer on the plane than expected.
That's the trade-off. But even knowing how things turned out, I'd still choose to board early if I were doing the same trip again.
6. I Used a Bottle to Help Settle Her During the Delay
My daughter has always loved movement. She'll happily fall asleep while being pushed around in the Doona, but once we stop moving, she's much more likely to wake up.
That's exactly what happened while we were sitting on the plane waiting for the mechanical issue to be resolved.
She started waking up, and I could feel myself getting nervous.
She wasn't particularly hungry, but I decided to offer her a bottle to help soothe her.
Thankfully, it worked. And then something I honestly hadn't expected happened: she slept from takeoff to landing.
I had prepared myself for an entire night of feeding, rocking, and soothing a potentially unhappy baby. Instead, I was able to relax a little and even doze off myself, although I kept waking up to check on her.
I absolutely got lucky with how well she slept. But I was also glad I'd planned ahead.
7. I Had a Plan for Managing Everything by Myself
One of the hardest things about flying alone with a baby is realizing there's no one to hand things off to.
You can't ask your partner to hold the baby while you organize the diaper bag or install the car seat.
That's why I tried to make as many decisions as possible before arriving at the airport.
I knew what I was checking, what I was carrying, when I wanted to board, and how I planned to get my daughter settled.
I also thought about what I'd do if she became fussy or needed to be held.
For longer flights, it's worth thinking through bathroom breaks, too. You can ask a flight attendant for help thinking through the logistics, but don't assume someone will be available to hold your baby.
Having a plan doesn't mean everything will go perfectly. It just means you're not figuring out every little detail for the first time while standing in the airplane aisle.
My Best Tips for Flying Alone With a Baby
If you're getting ready for your first solo flight with a baby, these are the things I'd prioritize.
Consider purchasing your baby a seat. If it's within your budget, having an approved car seat onboard can make the flight safer and more manageable, especially on a red-eye.
Check your luggage when possible. The less you're carrying through the airport, the easier it is to manage your baby and everything they need.
Give yourself extra time. I would much rather arrive early and have time to get organized than feel rushed through security and boarding.
Keep your essentials accessible. Pack bottles, diapers, wipes, and extra clothes where you can reach them without unpacking everything.
Think about boarding strategically. If you're installing a car seat alone, early boarding may be worth the extra time on the airplane.
Prepare for delays. Bring enough feeding and diaper supplies for a longer travel day than you expect.
And maybe most importantly, don't assume the flight is going to be a disaster.
I spent so much time worrying about getting the Doona down the aisle, and that ended up being one of the easiest parts of the trip.
Frequently Asked Questions About Flying Alone With a Baby
Can you fly alone with a baby?
Yes! One adult can fly alone with a baby, although the logistics take a little more planning. I recommend keeping carry-ons minimal, allowing extra time, and deciding ahead of time how you'll manage your stroller or car seat.
Should I buy my baby a seat when flying alone?
I purchased a separate seat for my daughter, and it was one of the best decisions I made. She was able to travel in her own approved car seat, and I didn't have to hold her for the entire red-eye. The FAA recommends an approved child restraint system for children under two.
Can I bring a Doona on an airplane?
Certain Doona infant car seat models are approved for aircraft use, but you should verify the approval label on your specific seat and check your airline's requirements. The stroller wheels must be folded into the car seat configuration for use onboard.
Should I board early when flying alone with a baby?
I would consider it, especially if you're installing a car seat. Early boarding gave me time to get settled without feeling rushed. However, it can also mean spending more time on the plane if there are delays.
What should I pack when flying alone with a baby?
I'd prioritize diapers, wipes, feeding supplies, extra clothes, a few comforting items, and anything you need during unexpected delays. I also recommend keeping important essentials in a backpack or bag that's easy to access.
Is flying alone with a baby easier than flying alone with a toddler?
It depends on your child's age and temperament. In my experience, flying with a younger baby can be easier in some ways because they may sleep for longer stretches and aren't trying to move around the cabin. Toddlers bring a different set of challenges, especially when they're eager to explore.
Would I Fly Alone With My Baby Again?
Absolutely. I know I got lucky that my daughter slept through the flight. But I also think the decisions I made beforehand helped everything feel more manageable. I bought her a seat, checked my luggage, kept my carry-ons simple, and gave myself plenty of time to get settled. And when something unexpected happened, I was able to handle it.
If you're nervous about flying alone with your baby, I hope my experience gives you a little confidence. You don't have to have every possible scenario figured out. Sometimes a good plan, a few practical shortcuts, and a little flexibility are enough.
Planning a flight with your baby? Download my free Flying With Baby Guide for more of the tips and lessons I've learned from traveling with my kids.
You can also explore my guides to flying with a baby, choosing a travel car seat, and my favorite baby travel gear.
Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely use or believe are worth considering.
