Traveling With a Baby: Everything I Wish I'd Known Before Our First Flight

The complete guide to flying, packing, and traveling with a baby from a mom who's traveled internationally with a 4 month old, taken a solo red-eye with an infant, and learned what actually matters.

When I Booked My Son's First Flight, He Wasn't Even Born Yet

When I booked our first family trip, my son hadn't even entered the world.

We had an 11-hour international flight to London planned for when he would be just four months old.

Most people thought we were crazy.

"You'll never sleep."

"The baby will cry the whole flight."

"Just wait until you have to pack everything."

I heard every warning imaginable.

The truth? Traveling with a baby can absolutely be challenging. But after flying internationally with my son, taking a solo red-eye flight with my daughter and countless other flights, I realized something important:

Most parents aren't struggling because they're missing some secret travel hack.

They're struggling because they're overwhelmed.

Overwhelmed by the packing lists.

Overwhelmed by the "must-have" gadgets.

Overwhelmed by the fear that if they forget one thing, the trip will fall apart.

The biggest lesson I've learned is this:

You don't need more baby gear. You need the right baby gear.

Here are the travel essentials that have earned a permanent place in our suitcase...and the things I've stopped bringing altogether.

You can also find all of my baby and toddler travel tips, guides, and favorite gear in my travel resources.

The Best Baby Travel Gear We Never Leave Home Without

1. A Travel Stroller You'll Use Every Single Day

If I could recommend only one travel purchase, this would be it.

A good travel stroller becomes your best friend from the moment you leave home.

You'll use it:

• At the airport

• Walking through cities

• In restaurants

• During naps

• While sightseeing

• Every time your toddler suddenly decides walking is no longer an option

Look for a stroller that:

• Folds with one hand

• Is lightweight

• Reclines for naps

• Fits in an airplane overhead bin (when possible)

Our favorites

For babies: The Doona because it's both a stroller and car seat. We love that it works in taxis, Ubers, rental cars, and even installs directly on the airplane.

For toddlers: The Stokke YOYO because it's compact, lightweight, and built for travel.

2. A Portable Sound Machine

This tiny item has probably saved more naps than anything else we've packed.

Hotels are noisy.

Vacation rentals are noisy.

Grandparents' houses are noisy.

A portable sound machine creates a familiar sleep environment wherever you go, making it easier for babies to settle down even in unfamiliar places.

A well-rested baby makes for a much more enjoyable vacation...for everyone.

Our favorite is the Hatch portable sound machine.

3. A Formula Dispenser

Whether we're gone for an afternoon or flying internationally, this always comes with us.

Instead of carrying an entire can of formula, I portion out exactly what I need before we leave.

Benefits include:

• Less mess

• Less bulk

• Faster bottle prep

• Easier airport security experience

• Less stress while traveling

It's one of those products I didn't think I'd use often...but now I never travel without it. This one is our favorite.

If you're flying with formula, breast milk, or baby food, I also broke down the TSA rules for traveling with a baby so you know exactly what you can bring through security.

4. A Diaper Backpack That Works Like Carry-On Luggage

Your diaper bag isn't just a diaper bag when you're traveling.

It's your in-flight survival kit.

Mine always includes:

• Diapers

• Wipes

• Extra outfit for baby

• Extra shirt for me (learned this one the hard way)

• Burp cloth

• Bottles

• Formula

• Snacks

• Small toys

• Travel documents

• Pacifiers

An organized diaper backpack means you spend less time searching for things and more time actually enjoying your trip.

We love a backpack style because it's comfortable, hands-free, and both parents are happy carrying it.

5. Stick With Products Your Baby Already Loves

Vacation is not the time to experiment.

Don't switch:

• Bottles

• Formula

• Pacifiers

• Sleep sacks

• Swaddles

Travel already introduces enough new experiences.

Keeping familiar feeding and sleep routines gives your baby one less adjustment to make.

We've continued using our favorite anti-colic bottles everywhere we've traveled.

What I No Longer Pack

After several trips, I've learned that bringing less often makes traveling easier.

Here are a few things I've stopped packing.

A Pack 'n Play

Almost every hotel offers one if you call ahead.

If we're staying in a vacation rental, I simply filter my search for properties that already include a crib or Pack 'n Play.

That's one giant piece of baby gear I no longer have to transport.

Too Many Toys

Babies are often fascinated by hotel room remotes, water bottles (when safe and supervised), boarding passes, and new surroundings.

A few favorite toys are plenty.

Every "Just in Case" Gadget

This was one of my biggest mistakes as a first-time mom.

I packed for every possible scenario.

Now I remind myself:

Most destinations have stores.

Most problems have solutions.

Packing lighter gives us more freedom.

My Biggest Mindset Shift About Traveling With a Baby

The destination matters far less than your expectations.

Your baby may nap differently.

They may eat differently.

Your schedule may look completely different than it does at home.

That's okay.

One of the best pieces of advice I ever received was to stop trying to recreate our normal routine while traveling.

Instead, focus on enjoying the experience together.

Some of our favorite family memories came from trips that felt messy and imperfect in the moment.

Years later, we don't remember the skipped nap.

We remember exploring a new city together.

And if you're traveling with an older child, these are the 10 things that made international travel with our toddler so much easier.

My Baby Travel Packing Checklist

These are the items I never leave home without:

✔ Travel stroller

✔ Car seat

✔ Portable sound machine

✔ Diaper backpack

✔ Formula dispenser

✔ Bottles

✔ Extra outfit for baby

✔ Extra shirt for yourself

Everything else is negotiable.

Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling With a Baby

Is traveling with a baby worth it?

Absolutely. It may not look like the vacations you took before kids, but the memories are worth every bit of planning.

Do I need to pack everything my baby uses at home?

No. Focus on the essentials. Most destinations have stores where you can buy diapers, wipes, formula, or other necessities if needed.

What's the most important baby travel purchase?

If I could only choose one, it would be a high-quality travel stroller.

Should I keep my baby's schedule while traveling?

Do your best, but don't let the schedule control your trip. Some flexibility often makes traveling much more enjoyable.

Final Thoughts

If you're preparing for your first trip with a baby, I want you to know something:

You're probably far more prepared than you think.

The hardest part isn't the flight.

It's deciding to book it.

Once you do, you'll realize your family is capable of so much more than you imagined.

Traveling with kids isn't about having the perfect trip.

It's about giving your children, and yourself, the opportunity to experience the world together.

Looking for even more baby travel tips?

I've put everything I've learned from international flights, solo travel, airport security, packing, schedules, and travel gear into my Mom 411 Baby Travel Guide.

It's the guide I wish someone had handed me before our very first flight.