In April 2024, my extended family was gathering at my uncle’s house in LA. We were excited to go, but a bit nervous about flying from RDU to LAX with our 5.5-month-old. Although my husband and I are seasoned travelers—he works for a major airline (we are stand-by warriors!) and I used to fly over a hundred thousand miles a year for work—the thought of a cross-country flight with an infant was a bit daunting. But to our surprise, the experience was much smoother than we had anticipated.
Preparation is Key
Choosing a morning flight was our first strategic decision. Our little one tends to be very agreeable in the AM, so we hoped this would work in our favor. We opted for direct flights (we flew Delta) and secured a seat for her, which meant we had the entire row to ourselves. It’s definitely an added expense, but this extra space was invaluable when she needed an in-row change. And according to the AAP, it’s much safer for the baby.
Packing efficiently was another important step. We traveled light, with no checked bags. My husband and I both hate checking bags— I feel it’s just wasted time waiting for them to come off the carousel and we can’t be nimble when flying stand-by. Since we had a direct flight, we didn’t have to worry about lugging bags from terminal to terminal. However, had we needed to, it would have been pretty easy with our setup. Here’s our luggage situation:
- For Mom: One suitcase, a diaper bag/purse, and a smaller pump kit bag (pump bag is considered medical, and doesn’t count towards a carryon).
- For Baby: A backpack (that connects to mom’s suitcase), her car seat (used on board), and a fold-up travel stroller.
- For Dad: One large backpack.
To further lighten our load, we bought diapers at our destination (she was going through 8 per day at that point). We also purchased a low-cost pack and play for safe sleep for $40 on Amazon and had it shipped to our destination. But we did pack a pack and play sheet.
The stroller system that worked with her car seat made moving through the airport very easy. Once at the gate, we detached her seat and folded up the stroller. My husband boarded first with his backpack on his back, carried the stroller and car seat. I carried baby on my chest, and pulled my roller suitcase with baby’s backpack attached, and pump kit attached as well. I had my purse/diaper bag slung over my shoulder.
The Flight Experience
The 5 hour flight went remarkably well. She loved looking out the window while we were on the ground. Once airborne, she napped in her car seat for short intervals and enjoyed watching the people around her. Toys were key. We brought her favorite toy and a new toy she hadn’t seen before, and we also had a pacifier to help with ear pressure during takeoff and landing. We were unsure how she would handle the flight and if she would get fussy or upset being in her car seat for so long. Thankfully, there wasn’t much turbulence, and we were able to take her in our lap occasionally to give her a break from her car seat.
For feeding, I used a Trove passive pump which worked really well, and I also nursed her on the flight. This kept her calm and comfortable.
We did have one funny and messy moment—right during takeoff, she had the biggest blowout diaper of her life. It was a total outfit-changing situation, and with the turbulence, we had to change her right on my lap. It wasn’t ideal, but we managed. Thankfully I always keep an extra outfit in my purse/diaper bag.
She only cried once on the flight, and it was for just a few minutes to let us know she needed to eat. That was amazing because, of course, we don’t want our baby’s cry to annoy fellow passengers. However, if it would have happened, well, it happens. Because babies cry, that’s what they do.
Tips for Flying with a Baby
Reflecting on our experience, here are some tips that could help other parents:
- Buy a Seat for Your Baby: It’s an extra fee but if you’re able to swing it, there’s no third person in your row, and much safer according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
- Fly During Your Baby’s Happy Hours: For us, this meant taking a morning flight.
- Invest in a Good Stroller-Car Seat System: A lightweight, FAA-approved car seat is necessary. Make sure the folded stroller meets the airline’s size requirements for overhead bins. And remember, international travel can be much different (so check the airlines policies).
- Travel Light but Smart: Carrying only what you need and organizing it well can reduce stress. Picking up bulky items like diapers at your destination can lighten your load.
- Board Early: Take advantage of family boarding to get settled in without rush.
- Use the Airport Lounge: If you fly frequently, getting a credit card for lounge access is worth it. It’s a great place to relax and feed your baby before boarding, and it’s very calm and quiet vs. the chaos of the airport.
- Bring Familiar and New Toys: A mix of favorite and new toys can keep your baby entertained and engaged.
- Bring Snack & Drinks: Bring extra snacks in case of a plane delays, cancellations, or just extra hunger that day.
- Protect Your Gear: If you’re checking your car seat, make sure you invest in a good case or padded bag. Take it from my husband who works in airline operations—those things get tossed around a bit.
- Be Ready for Anything: From feedings during takeoff to unexpected diaper changes, stay flexible and prepared for surprises.
- Be Confident: If your baby cries on the flight, or has a melt-down, or has a blow out, etc. remember that babies are people, too, and deserve to be in public and have space in this world. Don’t worry about what others think and do what’s best for your family.
Our Travel Gear
So, here’s our travel gear lineup:
Stroller: Cybex Libelle2
The Cybex Libelle 2 is a lightweight stroller (it’s just 13.7 lbs) that folds into an ultra-compact, carry-on compliant package for easy travel. For a travel stroller, it actually has a pretty smooth suspension, and has adjustable recline, a sun canopy with UPF 50+ protection, and a decent size storage space under the seat. It works with any Cybex car seat (and some other brands), and there’s a carrying case available (sold separately). It comes in a rainbow of colors, too.
Car Seat: Cybex Aton G
The Aton G Swivel car seat, weighing just 9 lbs, features a 180-degree swivel base for easy loading and unloading. It includes an anti-rebound bar, an 11-position adjustable headrest, and a linear Side-Impact Protection system. It does come with a non-swivel base (but why?). And for the airplane, you can use the Euro belt path with no base. It is also one of the best-rated car seats on the market.
Baby Carrier: Happy Baby
I’ve tried so many carriers and the Happy Baby OG works best for me and babe. They are a bit more expensive but the quality and fabric is great and this has been the most comfortable for us. Also, it’s not bulky at all, and folds easily when needed. It’s only for rear facing, and I know that can be a deal breaker for some, but for her age — this is the best carrier for us.
Baby’s Backpack: 35L Travel Backpack – Open Story™
This is a Target exclusive bag that opens like a suit case, and has a few zipper pockets, including a pocket for wet items, and has a strap to attach to your roller bag. And you can often pick it up for under $30 with Target Circle deals. You can see my quick review on it here.
Mom’s Luggage: Briggs and Riley Baseline Spinner
This Briggs and Riley bag has flown with me for over 400,000 miles, plus who knows how many road and train trips. It’s expensive, but well worth it in my opinion. And it looks so sleek — for when you need to bring your carry on into the meeting room between checking out of hotel and heading to the airport.
Dad’s Backpack: High Sierra Internal Frame Back Pack
I picked up this High Sierra hiking bag on sale, and it was originally going to be our emergency “bug out bag.” Well, my husband liked it so much that he ditched his fancy hiking brand bag for this one. It’s 50 liters (so it holds a lot), and has many pockets for organization. Any larger backpack will do, but this is the one we use.
Traveling has always been important to us, and we want to continue exploring the world with our baby. Our first flight proved that with the right preparation and mindset, flying with a baby can be a smooth and even enjoyable experience. So, if you’re at all anxious, take heart—it might just be easier than you think.
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