Flying with a baby for the first time can feel overwhelming, but after years of traveling (and making plenty of mistakes along the way!), I’ve learned what works—and what doesn’t.
As a child passenger safety technician who specializes in aviation, I spend my days helping parents navigate air travel with kids. Whether it’s choosing the right seat, getting through TSA stress-free, or keeping babies happy at 30,000 feet, I’ve seen it all!
If you’re preparing for your first flight with your little one, here are the top 10 things I’ve learned about flying with a baby—so you can travel with confidence.
🔗 Follow me on Instagram for more travel tips
💻 Check out my website for flying with kids resources
1. Buying a Seat for Your Baby Is 100% Worth It
Yes, airlines allow babies under 2 to fly as “lap infants” for free—but just because this is allowed doesn’t mean it’s safe.
The FAA and the AAP recommend that babies fly in their own seat, secured in a FAA-approved car seat (just like in a car). A car seat protects your child from turbulence and unexpected emergencies—plus, it makes the flight so much easier because your baby is already comfortable in a familiar, safe place.
Pro Tip: If you’re flying internationally most airlines offer discounted tickets for infants!
2. TSA Has Special Rules for Baby Food, Breast Milk & Formula
If you’re flying with breast milk, formula, or baby food, TSA allows you to bring more than 3.4 ounces! Here’s what you need to know:
🍼 Breast milk, formula, and juice are allowed in larger quantities—just declare them at security. No need to stress about the 3oz rule.. You can bring as much as you’ll need for your trip.
🧊Snacks and Food: TSA allows you to bring snacks and food through security for your child under 12. Feel free to pack a lunchbox with snacks like fresh fruits and FoodNerd Puffs!
Keep everything in an easy-to-access bag to make TSA screening faster! You may be subjected to a secondary screening at the gate.
🔗 More TSA travel tips for parents here: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/all
3. Choose the Right Seat on the Plane
Choosing the right seat is a game-changer when flying with a baby. Here’s what I’ve learned:
✅ Window seats are best for car seats and safety away from aisle traffic (and give you privacy for feeding!).
✅ Bulkhead seats offer extra legroom—but often don’t allow under-seat storage. They may also have rigid armrests that can challenge car seat installation.
✅ Sitting near the front - Great option for quick deboarding
❌ Avoid the last row—longest waiting time to get off the plane and bathrooms can be noisy!
If you’re using a car seat, make sure to check the airline’s rules on placement before booking. While you may not install a car seat in an exit row, some airlines prohibit them forward-and-aft the exit rows also.
4. Boarding First Isn’t Always the Best Option
Many airlines offer early boarding for families, which is great, but depending on your child’s age (specifically if they’re starting to walk) it may be better to board last if you’re traveling with a wiggly baby.
Why? Less time on the plane means:
✔️ Fewer chances for baby to get restless
✔️ Less exposure to germs from sitting too long
✔️ More time to let your little one burn energy before takeoff
However, if you need overhead bin space or time to install the car seat, early boarding can be worth it!
5. Flight Attendants Are Not Required to Help With Car Seats
I’ve had plenty of parents tell me they assumed flight attendants would help install a car seat—but that’s not their job.
Flight attendants should check that your car seat is FAA-Accepted and is being used per the car seat manufacturer, but you’re responsible for installing it correctly.
To make it easier:
🚼 Practice installing your car seat for travel at home. This means practicing a baseless installation and reviewing the aircraft lap belt installation before you go!
📝 Take a screenshot of your airline’s car seat policy in case you need to advocate for your rights.
📌 Bring a locking clip if your car seat doesn’t have a built in-lock off and you’re traveling to a destination where locking seatbelts and/or isofix may not be present in the vehicles.
🔗 More details on locking clips here: https://csftl.org/when-to-use-a-locking-clip/
6. Don’t Stress About Ear Pressure — Here’s How to Help
Babies don’t know how to pop their ears during takeoff and landing, which can lead to discomfort and crying. But rest assured, it’s not as common as you’d think.
To help:
✔️ Feed during takeoff and landing - If your child is using a car seat you may consider giving them a bottle, pacifier or other snack to help their ears adjust. If breastfeeding, you should wait until the seatbelt sign is off to nurse a bay in a car seat.
✔️Tummy Tickles and Fake Yawns - Anything that promotes swallowing or a yawning motion may be helpful to the ears.
7. You Can Babywear Through Security
Did you know TSA allows parents to wear their baby in a carrier through security? If you’re using a soft wrap or buckle carrier, you don’t have to remove it, which makes screening much easier.
💡 Bonus Tip: You must remove your baby from the baby carrier anytime the seatbelt sign is on. While this is an FAA regulation, it’s up to the flight attendants to reinforce. If you’re wondering why we can’t babywear on airplanes - check out my podcast episode here.
8. Planes Are Cold—Dress Baby in Layers!
Airplane cabins can be surprisingly chilly, and babies can’t regulate their body temperature as well as adults. Dress your baby in light layers so you can adjust as needed.
🚼 Avoid puffy coats in car seats—instead, use a warm fleece onesie, a hat, and socks.
🛏️ Bring a small blanket or sleep sack for extra warmth during naps.
9. Pack Extra Outfits (for Both of You!)
Blowouts, spit-ups, and spills are almost guaranteed when flying with a baby. Always pack:
👕 At least 1 extra outfit for baby
👚 An extra shirt for yourself
🧴 Plastic bags for dirty clothes
Trust me—you’ll be glad you did!
10. The Right Snacks Can Save the Day
If your baby is eating solids, having the right snacks can help keep them happy and occupied during the flight.
I always bring FoodNerd Inc. Snack Puffs because they’re:
✅ Organic & sprouted
✅ Nutrient Dense
✅ Easy to pack
A hungry baby is a cranky baby—so never board a plane without snacks!
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This!
Flying with a baby doesn’t have to be stressful! By planning ahead, knowing your rights, and packing smart, you can make air travel safe, smooth, and even enjoyable.
For more travel tips, follow me on Instagram: @lia_tuso
Check out my website for flying with kids resources: www.liatuso.com
