I like to travel light, so here is a list of my absolute necessities for a baby on-board a flight. My list mightn’t look light, but, when it’s all packed it should fit into a medium sized change bag with the odd extra bit thrown into your handbag (business as usual!).

  • Baby’s passport and any other paperwork that may be required, such as a parental permission note if one parent is travelling alone.
  • 2 changes of clothes for the baby. I also pack an extra jumper as it can get cold on board a flight.
  • Enough nappies to cover the entire trip. A good rule of thumb for me is 1 nappy per every 2 hours.
  • Foldable change mat (the smaller the better).
  • Nappy sacks (also great for grubby clothing).
  • Teething gel.
  • Rash ointment.
  • Small digital thermometer in the event of sickness (especially for a long flight).
  • A pack of baby wipes.
  • Snacks & meals – If your baby is over 6 months then they’ll need meals. Some airlines will provide baby meals, but I always take my own. I find Ella’s Kitchen organic pouches useful for these occasions.
  • 4 disposable bibs. I like Chico Disposable Bibs because they are compostable.
  • A sippy cup.
  • A baby spoon/fork.
  • For breastfeeding mums – make sure that you have enough water to remain hydrated on the flight. Large bottles of water can easily be purchased once you have passed security.
  • For formula feeding mums – enough formula and clean bottles for the duration of the flight.
  • Baby blanket. I found that my small person settled better in the sky cot if she had her own blanket. I love the Aden and Anais 100% natural cotton muslin swaddles, they can also be used as a breastfeeding shield.
  • 2 x plain muslin squares.  Great for mopping up mess, especially with a young baby.
  • Suitable toys for entertainment

Remember any liquids or gels need to be put into a zippered plastic bag.

Thank you for reading! You may also be interested in Entertaining a Baby or Toddler on Board a Flight.

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Hi, I'm Lisa. Welcome to Baby Loves to Travel, a resource about our adventures travelling the world. Baby Loves to Travel offers helpful travel tips and reviews, as well as advice on activities for kids in destinations around the world!

3 Comments

  1. Love these suggestions!

    Can think of only a few more top tips I’ve come up with from doing longhaul flights with a wee tot…

    #1 to pack individual ‘packs’ nappy changes
    i.e. in nappy sack put a single nappy and keep a small pack of wipes equally accessible / in your small change mat – so when it’s time to do a change you’re not digging around for what you need.

    #2 Make up individual meal packs – in each a ziplock bag with bib+spoon+savoury food+fruit pouch + a snack like raisins to occupy your little person while you’re eating your own meal OR even some stickers for them to decorate their own bib etc. Allow at least an extra meal or two in case of delays (we had a 15hr delay outbound from LHR where we only had access to hand luggage with a 7 month old). Although it sounds like a lot of effort but you’ll be so thankful to have easy, fuss-free access to what you need.

    #3 If your airline gives out hot flannels at start of flight, hold on to them to clean up the inevitible spills that your little person will create later!

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