Flying with a Baby or Toddler: First-Time Parent Checklist
A real mom's guide to stress-free family air-travel, from packing your stroller & car seat to landing with a happy little traveler!
Flying with a baby or toddler for the first time can feel overwhelming. Between packing diapers, deciding whether to bring a stroller or car seat, and wondering "What if my child cries the entire flight?"—it's easy to let anxiety take over.
Trust me, I completely understand.
Brigette here from Team J.L. Childress, and I recently took my first flight with my then 18-month-old son, Maverick, from Long Beach, California, to Honolulu, O'ahu, Hawaii. Like many first-time parents, I spent weeks researching what to pack, reading every travel article I could find, and mentally preparing for every possible scenario.
Our trip was especially meaningful because it reunited my entire family to Hawaii for the first time in over 20 years. Growing up, Honolulu was our family's favorite vacation destination. This year, our family gathered again—not only to make new memories, but to honor my dad, who passed away five years ago. The North Shore was always his happy place, and although he wasn't physically there, we felt his presence throughout the entire trip.
This vacation looked much different this time around. What was once two parents and five kids has evolved into one grandma, three parents, two aunties, one uncle, and three little travelers under the age of five. Watching the next generation experience the same beaches, sunsets, and adventures made every moment worth it.
But before we could enjoy paradise...we had to survive our very first flight.
I'll admit it—I was terrified. I didn't want to be that parent with the rambunctious toddler on the plane.
So I did what most moms do... I overprepared.
And honestly? I'm so glad I did!
Everything from how I packed our carry-on to deciding what travel gear to bring made our day at the airport smoother than I ever imagined. Maverick received compliments from fellow passengers about how well he behaved, and I truly believe it came down to preparation—not perfection.
If you're preparing for your first flight with a baby or toddler, this is the exact checklist I wish someone had handed me before takeoff.
Before You Book Your First Flight with a Baby or Toddler
A few smart decisions before you leave home can make travel days much easier.
Consider Flight Times
Every child is different, so think about scheduling flights around naps or bedtime if possible.
Morning flights often experience fewer delays, while some families find evening flights encourage little ones to sleep.
Choose what works best for your child—not someone else's.
Pro Mom Tip: Once you’ve checked into your flight, save your boarding passes digitally so your paper tickets don’t get lost in the shuffle. Also, you can check in luggage via airline apps to help you skip bag check lines and save time.
What Documents Does My Baby Need to Fly?
One of the biggest questions first-time parents ask is, "What paperwork do I need for my baby to fly?" The answer depends on whether you're traveling within the United States or internationally.
Domestic Flights (Within the U.S.)
If your child is flying within the United States, documentation requirements are fairly simple.
For a child under 2 flying as a lap infant: Most airlines do not require a ticket, but you must add your baby to your reservation by contacting the airline before your trip. Some airlines may ask to verify your child's age at check-in, so it's a good idea to bring proof of age.
Recommended documents to bring:
✔️ Birth certificate (original or copy)
✔️ Hospital birth record (for newborns)
✔️ Passport (optional for domestic travel but accepted as proof of identity)
TSA policies and airline procedures can change, so it's always a good idea to check the latest guidelines before your trip.
Pro Mom Tip: Store these sensitive documents in a folder and keep it in a bag you will have on your person the entire time you’re travelling from airport to your final destination. I put my folder in the hotels safe because it had sensitive information just don't forget to bring it home with you!
International Flights
International travel requires more planning.
Every child—including newborns and lap infants—must have:
✔️ A valid US Passport
✔️ Any required visas for your destination (if applicable)
Always check your destination country's entry requirements several weeks before departure, as they can change.
Should I Get My Child Their Own Seat?
If your budget allows, I recommend getting your child their own seat. If you plan to have your baby sit in their car sear or child sit in their booster seat on the flight, you will need to purchase a ticket for them.
Personally, my son traveled as a “lap infant” on the flight there and space was tight sharing a seat. We decided on the flight home to purchase him a seat, and this was such a better experience for all. If you purchase a seat for your under-2-year-old child, just make sure their car seat is airline certified and you’re prepared to bring it on the plane.
Pro Mom Tip: Kids two and under do not require a paid ticket only if you plan to have them sit with you as a "lap infant." However, you must contact your airline to add them to your reservation and bring proof of birth documentation should TSA ask to see this while checking ID. (I almost forgot to do this step so be ware!)
Decide: Gate Check Your Stroller and Car Sear or Check It With Luggage?
This step can be tricky because these items are big, bulky and not ideal for travel however after our experience, I would absolutely make the same decisions again. My biggest advice is protect your gear!
On our flight there and back, I chose to:
✔️ Check our car seat with our luggage
✔️ Gate check our stroller
On our flight home, I chose to:
✔️ Bring our car seat on the plane (we purchased a seat for my son)
✔️ Gate check our stroller
For both flights, having our stroller available through the airport was invaluable. We used it walking between terminals, waiting at the gate, grabbing food, and giving Maverick a place to relax when he was tired.
On the first flight, checking the car seat freed up our hands and eliminated a bulky item to carry through security.
On our flight home, I ordered a Car Seat Travel Belt to the hotel because we needed to bring the car seat through the airport with us since we were going to use it on the plane. The Car Seat Travel Belt is a quick fix to attach car seats to rolling, carry-on suitcase and it worked perfectly.
Strollers and car seats are typically FREE to check in as luggage at the main counter or gate check at the jetway before boarding. Depending on your preferred checked method, be sure to protect both with either a Gate Check Bag or premium travel bag option!
Pro Mom Tip: Once you’ve reached your gate and are waiting to board, 9 out of 10 times the airline agent will announce they will check for FREE carry-on items to alleviate space in overhead compartments. Take them up on this! I checked in my son’s carry-on suitcase with his non-essentials and my carry-on suitcase and kept my “Survival” tote which had everything I needed to get through the flight. This tactic made it way easier to shuffle through the narrow aisle to our seats.
Car Seat & Stroller Travel Bags/Accessories I Chose
To protect my Nuna stroller, I used the J.L. Childress Gate Check Bag for Compact-Fold Strollers.
What I loved most was how compact it packed away. I stored it inside my stroller organizer until boarding, slipped it over the stroller at the gate, and handed it off knowing my stroller had an extra layer of protection from dirt and damage.
For my car seat, I opted for the J.L. Childress Deluxe Padded Backpack Car Seat Travel Bag.
Hands-free carrying allowed juggling luggage and an excited toddler easier. Plus, it gave me confidence and peace of mind that this essential safety item was properly protected during possible rough handling by the airline.
Finally, I used the J.L. Childress Universal Car Seat Travel Belt to attach my son’s car set to our rolling luggage, making it easier to bring the car seat through the airport and onto the plane for our second flight.
Pro Mom Tip: Both travel bags include an AirTag holder so be sure to track your gear by inserting your AirTags before takeoff!
👉 Need help finding the right fit? Take the J.L. Childress Compatibility Quiz or contact our Customer Service team to help you choose the perfect travel bag & accessories based on your traveling method with your gear.
What to Pack in Your Carry-On "Survival" Kit
If there's one thing I learned...it was to pack more entertainment and snacks than you think you'll need.
Here's what stayed within arm's reach in my “Survival” tote the entire flight:
Download my essential packing list HERE
Over preparation is always better than under preparation. Observe what your child uses daily and pack at least one to two of those items.
My absolute favorite bags are from Aloha Collection and I used the Day Tripper as my “Survival” tote.
Pro Mom Tip: Airports are filthy and I am a germaphobe. Boogie Wipes (love these), paci clips and paci storage containers help you try and control icky surfaces. Kids throw and drop their paci’s nonstop so spare yourself from having to be the brave mom *licking the germs off the paci* before handing it back to your kid.
TSA Rules for Flying with Formula, Breast Milk & Baby Food
While I was past the formula and breast-feeding stage when we traveled, my sister was traveling with a then 6-month-old and was in the thick of bottle feeding.
From her research and experience, if you're flying with a baby or toddler, here's what you should know.
Formula: TSA allows you to bring formula in quantities greater than the standard 3.4-ounce liquid limit.
You may be asked to remove formula from your diaper bag during screening, and TSA might perform additional inspections, but you do not have to fit it inside your quart-sized liquids bag.
Breast Milk: Pumped breast milk is also permitted in reasonable quantities for your trip—even if your baby isn't traveling with you.
You can bring:
✔️ Fresh or frozen breast milk
✔️ Milk storage bags
✔️ Bottles and feeding supplies
TSA may ask to inspect your milk separately, so allow a few extra minutes when going through security.
Pump Parts: If you're pumping while traveling, don't forget to pack:
✔️ Breast pump, parts & cleaning supplies
✔️ Collection bottles
✔️ Charging cords or batteries
Breast pumps are generally considered medical devices and don't count toward your carry-on allowance on many airlines.
Ice Packs: Frozen gel packs and ice packs are allowed when they're being used to keep breast milk, formula, or other medically necessary items cold.
Pro Mom Tip: Use the J.L. Childress MaxiCOOL Four Bottle Cooler to store pumping parts, bottles and ice packs (this bag is insulated and comes with one reusable ice pack).
What Snacks Should I Bring?
Snacks saved us.
I packed plenty of familiar snacks, so my son had a full belly until we reached our destination. TSA allows for outside food in carry-on and checked bags and these were my go-to’s:
✔️ Fruit & veggie pouches
✔️ Crackers & pretzels
✔️ Yogurt
✔️ Soft granola bars
✔️ Fruit
✔️ Mini muffins
✔️ Veggie straws
✔️ Cookies (or a special treat for positive reinforcement)
Delays happen, flights get extended, and hungry toddlers don't always have the patience to wait. I packed enough food for our travel day plus a little extra, and I'm so glad I did.
Pro Mom Tip: Fill your reusable water bottle with ice before leaving home. Frozen ice is allowed through security. Once you're inside the terminal, simply refill it at one of the airport's complimentary water bottle filling stations. It's an easy way to stay hydrated and avoid spending $5–10 on bottled water at the airport.
What Toys Should I Pack?
Everyone pause reading and go buy the Disney Baby 3-IN-1 Travel Tray & Tablet Holder. You’ll thank me later.
Maverick is currently obsessed with Cars so naturally I had to have Lightning McQueen for him. The 3-IN-1 Travel Tray doubles as a sturdy surface to place atop airplane trays to color, play, eat, etc. then attaches to headrests and with a clear pocket to slip in any size tablet. The tray itself is a user-friendly size, so when he wasn’t using it, I simply stored it on the floor.
Other toys I brought were compact and smaller items like:
✔️ Magnetic tiles
✔️ Sticker books
✔️ Suction cup spinners (to stick to the airplane window)
✔️ Mess-free coloring books
✔️ Finger Puppets
✔️ Small cars & action figures
✔️ Matching card games
Pro Mom Tip: After your trip, use the 3-IN-1 Travel Tray & Tablet Holder for car rides (attaches to headrests) and stroller walks (attaches to stroller handlebars)!
Download Shows Before You Leave
Don't count on airplane Wi-Fi or that your kid will enjoy the select movies and channels that are offered. Most planes these days don’t even have TV’s on seats so this step is crucial.
Before your trip:
✔️ Download favorite movies and tv shows
✔️ Download music & playlists (peaceful meditation to help sleep)
✔️ Download audiobooks or podcasts
✔️ Charge every device & power bank
✔️ Pack child-safe headphones & yours too
Pro Mom Tip: This CozyPhones Wireless Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphones Beanie was everything! My son did not like over-the-ear headphones, so I tried this beanie and he kept them on nearly the whole flight. Plus, I pulled it down when he fell asleep to cover his eyes, huge win!
What Should My Child Wear?
As much as you might want to wear cute matching airport outfits, choose comfort instead.
Layers are your best friend because airplanes can go from freezing to warm in minutes. If you’re packing a bulkier jacket wear it on the plane to free up space for other things in your suitcase.
Pro Mom Tip: Bring your child and yourself airplane-friendly blankets like the EverSnug that double as a comfy blanket and pillow when zipped.
Boarding Tips That Helped Make It A Smooth Process
Families with young children are usually invited to board early (halleluiah for this.) We were able to board ahead of the rest and didn’t feel too rushed to settle in.
Premature boarding gives time to:
✔️ Use our stroller until the very last minute (dropped it off on the jetway)
✔️ Install our car seat (on the return flight)
✔️ Sanitize seats & trays
✔️ Get organized & comfortable
✔️ Stow carry-ons
✔️ Set up entertainment
✔️ Enjoy the flight
Pro Mom Tip: Before takeoff, I also made sure Maverick had something to drink in his sippy cup to help with ear pressure.
Final Thoughts From One Mom to Another
Looking back, I spent so much time worrying about the flight that I almost forgot what awaited us on the other side.
Watching Maverick splash in the ocean, laugh with his cousins, and experience Hawaii for the first time reminded me why family travel is worth every ounce of planning.
The truth is that there will never be a "perfect" time to travel with little ones. There will always be diapers to change, snacks to pack, and unexpected moments along the way.
But there will also be memories you'll cherish forever.
If you're preparing for your first family flight, I hope this checklist gives you confidence to book the trip, pack the bags, and enjoy the adventure ahead.
First Time Flights Are Tough - Give Yourself Grace
This might be the most important tip of all.
Your baby may cry.
Your toddler may refuse to sit still.
Someone might spill juice.
Plans may (will more than likely) change.
That's okay.
It’s life.
Most parents on your flight understand exactly what you're going through—and many travelers are more compassionate than you’d expect.
Remember - you're not inconveniencing people, you're simply doing your best to raise tiny humans and give them amazing experiences to remember forever.