Bring This, Skip That: Baby Gear for Your Next Flight
Every piece of baby gear you bring has to go through check-in, security, the jet bridge, baggage claim, and a ride to your hotel. That adds up fast. Here's what's worth carrying, and what you can happily leave at home.
Bring this
A baby carrier. This is the most useful thing you can bring. It keeps your hands free at security, on the jet bridge, and on public transit. Many babies also nap well in one on a plane.
A well-stocked diaper bag. Pack diapers for the travel day plus extras for delays, wipes, a changing pad, a change of clothes for your baby and for you, and plenty of formula or milk.
Your baby's own car seat, if you'll be driving. If you're renting a car or taking a rideshare from the airport, bring the car seat your baby already uses and that you know how to install. If you bought your baby a plane seat, an FAA-approved car seat can also be used on board.
A favorite comfort item. A familiar blanket, lovey, or pacifier helps your baby settle in a new place.
Medicine and a thermometer. Bring what your baby takes, plus anything your pediatrician recommends for travel.
Skip that
With Arrive Ready Baby, you can skip the below. But if not, it’s best to pack these items with you as well.
The travel crib or bassinet. They're heavy, awkward to check, and easy to damage. Your hotel may offer one, or you can have a new, clean bassinet waiting for you.
The stroller. Gate-checking a stroller means folding it at the jet bridge, waiting for it after landing, and hoping it arrives in one piece. A compact stroller waiting at your destination is easier.
A week of diapers and formula. They take up a whole suitcase. Pack enough for the travel day only.
The extras. A white noise machine, diaper pail, and extra bottles all add bulk you don't need to carry.
Your airport game plan
Wear your baby in the carrier through the airport.
Keep the diaper bag as your personal item, so everything you need is under the seat in front of you.
Check bigger bags at the counter so you're not juggling them at the gate.
Feed during takeoff and landing to help with ear pressure.
Land to everything else.
With Arrive Ready Baby, the bulky things are already at your hotel or rental when you land: a travel bassinet, a compact stroller, a white noise machine, a diaper pail, diapers in your baby's size, wipes, formula in your brand, and 2 new bottles and pacifiers to keep. The box is $349 for up to 4 nights, with delivery and pickup included. Reserve your baby box and fly with just a carrier and a diaper bag.
