Traveling With Babies: Easy Airport Carrier Hacks

How to Carry Baby at the Airport

Air travel with a baby doesn't have to be stressful. With a bit of preparation and a positive attitude, it can even be enjoyable. Here are some tips to help you navigate the airport with your little one.

Use a Baby Carrier

Strapping your baby into a baby carrier or sling is a great way to keep your hands free as you move through the airport. It is also easier to manage than a stroller when going through security, and you won't need to gate-check it. Additionally, being snug and comfortable in the carrier can help your baby fall asleep if they are resisting a nap.

Keep Them Distracted

Babies and young children crave engagement and stimulation. Help focus their attention by bringing their favourite toys, books, or a tablet with children's shows downloaded. If you usually restrict screen time, consider relaxing these rules during travel to keep your little one entertained.

Prepare Food in Advance

You can bring formula, breast milk, and baby food through airport security. Make sure you have enough for the trip, plus a little extra in case of delays. Feed your baby on demand to ensure they stay calm and content.

Pack Extra of Everything

Don't forget to pack an extra diaper bag, wipes, and a change of clothes for both you and your baby. Keep these in your carry-on luggage, not your checked bags, in case you need them during the flight.

Leave Plenty of Time

Arrive at the airport early and allow extra time to go through security and reach your gate. After you arrive at your destination, make sure to schedule rest time for you and your baby to decompress from the travel day.

Baby carriers and slings

Babywearing, or using a baby carrier or sling, is a great option for navigating the airport with your little one. It keeps them close and calm in crowded terminals and can help them fall asleep if they're resisting a nap. It's also easier to manage than a travel stroller, and you won't need to check it in at your destination.

• If you're new to babywearing, choose a carrier or sling that gives your baby good head support and proper hip positioning. Practice using it several times before your trip so that you and your baby can get used to it.
• A ring sling can be useful at the airport and on the plane, especially when using the bathroom as you can easily loosen it instead of taking it apart. However, the metal rings may set off the metal detector at security, so you'll need to take your baby out and remove the sling.
• A carrier without metal parts may be more convenient for getting through security. The Integra Solar carrier, for example, has no metal parts, so you can wear your baby through the metal detector.
• If you prefer to use a stroller at the airport, you can usually use it until you board at the gate, where a crew member will check it for you.
• Keep in mind that you may need to remove your baby from the carrier and carry them through the metal detector at security.
• If you're flying solo with your baby, wearing them through security can be a smooth process as you won't need to worry about managing a stroller and all your belongings.
• A carrier is also useful when boarding the plane and walking around the aisle to get your baby to sleep.
• If you have a young baby who likes to be swaddled, a swaddle blanket can keep them comfortable and warm on the plane.
• When choosing between a sling or a pram, consider your destination. If there are lots of steps, cobblestones, or steep hills, a sling or carrier may be a better option. If there are lifts and ramps, a pram can be more convenient as it allows for longer naps as your baby can lie flat.
• If you're travelling with a partner, take turns holding and engaging with your baby. This will help prevent burnout and tiredness during the trip.
• To help your baby's ears during ascent and descent, encourage them to drink and swallow by nursing them, giving them a bottle, or offering a pacifier.

What to pack

Packing for a trip to the airport with a baby can be stressful, but being prepared will help you feel organised and ready for your flight. Here is a list of what to pack to ensure you have everything you need:

For the baby:

• Nappies and wipes: Pack enough for the journey and some extra in case of delays.
• A change of clothes: Include a spare outfit in case of any accidents or spills.
• Comfort items: Bring their favourite soft toy or comforter to help them feel secure.
• Feeding supplies: If you are breastfeeding, pack nursing pillows if you have room. Otherwise, bring expressed breast milk or formula. You can take breast milk and formula through security, but separate the water for mixing later.
• Solid food: If your baby is weaning, bring their favourite snacks in bags or pouches. Check food import restrictions at your destination.
• Medicine: If your baby takes any medication, ensure you have enough for the trip.
• Entertainment: Pack their favourite books and toys to keep them occupied during the flight and at the airport.
• Ear protection: Planes can be noisy, so bring earplugs, cotton balls, or noise-cancelling headphones to protect your baby's ears.
• Layers: Dress your baby in layers to adapt to varying temperatures. Include items like elastic-waist pants, zippered sweaters, and snap-crotch jumpsuits for easy changes.
• Pram or baby carrier: Consider your destination and choose the best option for getting around the airport. If you opt for a pram, you can usually check it in at the gate. If you use a baby carrier, you may need to remove your baby when going through security.
• Car seat: If you plan to use a car seat on the flight, most airlines will allow it as long as it is FAA or TÜV-approved. Check with your airline, and remember to book a seat for your baby.
• Travel documents: Don't forget your baby's passport for international travel!

For yourself:

• Spare clothes: Include a change of clothes for yourself in case of any messes.
• Entertainment: Bring a book, Kindle, or headphones to entertain yourself if your baby sleeps.
• Toiletries: Keep these easily accessible and separate from other items when going through security.
• Liquids: You can bring liquids over the allotted amount for your baby, such as breast milk or water, but inform the TSA agent.
• Snacks: Bring some snacks for yourself, especially if your baby is breastfeeding or formula-feeding.

Ear pressure

The pressure changes during a flight can be uncomfortable for anyone, but babies are especially prone to experiencing ear pain and discomfort. This is because babies' ears are more sensitive to pressure changes than adults' ears. Their Eustachian tubes, which help to equalise ear pressure, are still developing and cannot react quickly enough to the rapid pressure changes during take-off and landing.

Feeding

Breastfeeding or bottle-feeding during take-off and landing can help prevent discomfort. The sucking and swallowing motion helps to equalise the pressure in your baby's ears. If your baby is not hungry during these times, you can try offering them a pacifier to suck on, which will have the same effect.

Ear Protection Devices

Special ear protection devices for babies, such as ear plugs (e.g. EarPlanes) or earmuffs, can help to reduce discomfort by regulating the pressure and blocking out loud noises.

Keep Baby Awake

Try to keep your baby awake during take-off and landing. Swallowing and sucking actions are less frequent during sleep, which can make it harder for their ears to equalise pressure.

Chewing

If your baby is older, encourage them to chew on something, like a small snack. Chewing actions can help open the Eustachian tubes.

Hydration

Keep your baby well-hydrated throughout the flight. Dehydration can make it more difficult for the body to equalise pressure.

Frequent Breaks

If it's a long flight, take frequent breaks to walk up and down the aisle with your baby. Movement and a change of position can help relieve ear pressure.

Consult a Doctor

If your baby has a cold, ear infection, or respiratory issue, consult your doctor before flying. They may recommend delaying the flight or provide specific advice to manage your baby's condition during the flight.

Food and drink

When travelling with a baby, it's important to know what food and drink you can carry with you. While the rules vary slightly depending on the country, there are some general guidelines you can follow.

In the US, baby food and formula are considered medically necessary liquids and are allowed in reasonable quantities in carry-on bags. This includes formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (including puree pouches). These items are exempt from the standard 3.4-ounce (100 ml) limit for liquids and do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag. However, it is recommended to use clear, translucent bottles instead of plastic bags or pouches to facilitate screening. Inform the TSA officer if you are carrying formula, breast milk, or baby food, and be prepared for additional screening if necessary.

In the UK, there is no legal limit to how much baby food, baby milk, or sterilised water you can bring for your baby's journey. Individual containers of breast milk must hold no more than 2,000 ml and will need to be screened at the security point. It's worth noting that you cannot carry frozen breast milk in hand luggage.

When flying with a baby, it's a good idea to bring enough food and drinks to last through any potential flight delays. Some recommended food and drink items for travel include:

• Sterilised bottles
• Breast milk and/or powdered baby formula
• Baby food pouches
• Vacuum flask for hot water
• Bib/burp cloth
• Spoon
• Wipes
• Weaning snacks and fruits
• Pouches that don't need refrigeration
• Cereal bars
• Blueberries (for international flights, finish before landing)
• Milk sachets
• Portable baby water bottle
• Pre-measured formula powder scoops
• Sterilised baby bottles

It's important to note that most airlines do not carry milk for babies, so it's best to bring your own. Additionally, if you're bringing food that needs to be kept cold, consider using a food jar or cooler that can maintain the required temperature.

Security and boarding

Getting Through Security

When going through security, it is recommended to wear your baby in a carrier. This will keep your hands free to deal with other things, such as showing your boarding pass or removing your shoes. If you are wearing your baby, you will likely be asked to walk through a metal detector. You may also be asked to undergo an additional screening, which will involve a swab of your hands for chemical residue and potentially a pat-down. If you are travelling with a stroller, you will need to take your baby out and put the stroller through the X-ray machine.

What to Bring Through Security

You are allowed to bring liquids such as formula, breast milk, juice, and dairy milk for your baby through security. You will need to declare these to a TSA officer before your bag goes through the scanner. You can also bring baby food, such as food pouches, and ice packs if they are slushy. Any liquids that do not meet the 3.4 oz rule should be placed in a clear, separate bag so that you can easily pull them out and declare them. You will also need to remove electronics such as laptops, tablets, and e-readers from your bag, so it is a good idea to keep these in an easily accessible place.

TSA PreCheck

If you are travelling with a baby, it is highly recommended to get TSA PreCheck. With TSA PreCheck, you can skip the regular security line, which can save a lot of time. You also do not need to remove your shoes, belt, or jacket, or take liquids or electronics out of your bag. Children 12 and under can accompany an adult with TSA PreCheck without needing their own number.

Boarding the Plane

Most airlines offer family boarding, which allows families with small children to board early. This can be helpful to give you more time to get situated without feeling rushed. When boarding with a baby, you will likely be offered a seatbelt extension that goes around you and your baby to secure them to your lap. It is not safe to wear your baby in a carrier during takeoff and landing, and flight attendants can lose their job or be fined if they allow this. However, you can use a carrier during the flight when the plane is in the air.

Frequently asked questions