Jocelyn Newman and her family on a hike together. Photo: Jocelyn Newman/Travel + Leisure.
By Jocelyn Newman | Published on December 14, 2024
Traveling with a baby can be daunting. But imagine taking 20 flights with a 9-month-old! I’ve done it—and I’ve learned a few lessons the hard way, so you don’t have to. Here are five practical insights to make your next trip smoother, whether it’s your first flight with a baby or your 20th.
- Avoid Gate Checking at All Costs
If you’ve ever waited at baggage claim and thought, Where’s my stuff? …you’ll understand my frustration when they misplaced my gate-checked car seat twice. That’s a 10% failure rate over my 20 flights, but each time it happened, the aftermath was exhausting—a long wait at the counter, a replacement seat that didn’t fit quite right, and coordination for returns.
Lesson learned? Skip gate-checking. If possible, carry baby essentials onboard. For strollers, compact options like the Yoyo2 that fit in overhead bins are lifesavers. And always ask at the gate if there’s space for your car seat on board—you might get lucky.
- Budget Airlines Come with Unexpected Trade-Offs
Budget airlines may save you money, but they can cost you comfort. Besides fewer snacks and extra baggage fees, there’s another hidden challenge: scattered seating.
On seven flights, my family’s seats were spread across the cabin. Even on half-empty planes, budget airlines didn’t assign us seats together without extra payment. Most passengers were kind enough to swap, but relying on strangers isn’t ideal when you’ve got a fussy baby.
If you’re flying budget, prepare for this inconvenience. It’s worth paying for seat selection to avoid unnecessary stress.
- Variety is the Best Baby Entertainment
People often ask, What’s the best toy for a long flight? My answer: there isn’t one. Babies’ attention spans shift quickly, and what works today may flop tomorrow.
Instead, think variety. A mix of items—from teething rings to everyday objects like a glossy snack menu—works wonders. Lightweight, versatile items like a roll of painter’s tape or a small calendar can entertain without taking up precious space.
Movement is also a hit. Walk down the aisle, let them stretch, or even try tummy time in an empty seat. Babies don’t need elaborate entertainment; they need novelty and a chance to explore.
- Dress in Layers—for You and Baby
On a plane, mess is inevitable. From diaper blowouts to spilled milk, layers make cleanup easier. I always dress my baby in a onesie under a stretchy sweatshirt. When something gets messy, you can peel off a layer instead of struggling with a full outfit change.
And don’t forget yourself! After a particularly rough flight with multiple mishaps, my husband ended up disembarking in nothing but swim trunks and a T-shirt. Bring a backup outfit—you’ll thank yourself later.
- There’s No Such Thing as a “Good Flier”
After 20 flights, I’ve learned that some days are smooth, and others are downright chaotic. My baby has had flights where she didn’t cry once and others where she screamed from takeoff to landing.
What matters most is creating the best environment you can. Bring snacks, toys, and patience. And remember—most passengers are understanding. I’ve had strangers play peekaboo, share snacks, and even offer to hold my baby for a moment.
The flight itself is just a means to an end. Whether you’re heading to a celebration, vacation, or family reunion, a little turbulence along the way is worth the memories you’ll make.
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