Diaper Bag Packing List For Air Travel With A Baby

So, you’ve decided to fly with your baby… First let me applaud you for your courage and share some comforting words: IT WILL BE OKAY. After hearing our fair share of horror stories, Hubster and I went on our first international flight ready for pretty much everything to go wrong. And it didn’t. In fact, it was actually pleasant. Partly due to our mindset (you’ll need to manage your expectations and deal with things as they arise) and partly due to a bit of prep prior to the flight — one of the most important being packing the right stuff for Little L. You’ll need a bunch of different gear once you land at your destination (many of these items helped), but first thing’s first: the plane ride. Whether it’s a short haul flight down south or a 9 hour journey across the ocean, there are a few items that will help keep baby happy. Here’s what I recommend…

Diaper Bag Packing List For Air Travel

1. Diapers

This is one essential you really don’t want to forget. I can’t imagine a flight without our Huggies Little Snugglers. I love Huggies diapers because they are super soft, fragrance and lotion free and have a wetness indicator so we know exactly when Little L needs to be changed — a feature your fellow travel buddies will be thankful for (a dry baby = a happy baby). They’re designed to feel like a hug, so they will keep baby comfortable and happy on the plane. Remember to pack enough diapers for the airport, flight and ground transportation once you land. Throw in a few extras for delays along the way. Trust me, you do not want to be hunting down diapers on your first trip.

2. Wipes

I don’t know a single parent who doesn’t carry wipes in their diaper bag so this item is a MUST for air travel too. You’ll want to use a brand that actually works so you can get in and out of those teeny-tiny plane washrooms fast. I’m convinced that Huggies Natural Care Wipes are the best on the planet — they are ideal for newborn skin, made with a pure and gentle formula (99% water that is filtered three times) and hypoallergenic. Oh, and the Huggies Clutch N’ Clean carry case is perfect for flights because you can just slide it on your wrist and head into the lavatory with babe in one hand and your change pad and diaper in the other.

3. Diaper Bag

You’ll need to pack your LO’s flight essentials in some sort of bag. Although some of my friends just shove everything into their purse, I highly recommend keeping things separate for easier access on the flight and a smoother airport security experience. Whatever bag you choose, make sure it has a changing pad and lots of different compartments to store food/diapers/clothes etc. If you can get your paws on a diaper bag backpack, even better! These free up your hands at the airport, when boarding the plane and on your trip in general…

4. Toys

This only really applies if your LO is at an age where they seek stimulation. The older they get, the more toys you’ll want to pack to keep them entertained. Little L was 7 months old on our flight to Greece and luckily slept most of the way so we only played with one or two toys. I recommend packing something new so they’re more interested in it. And think about your neighbours — quiet toys (like soft books and plush stuffed animals) are equally entertaining and appreciated by those on the flight with you!

5. Clothes

Jammies, socks, onesies, sweaters etc. — you’ll need options on the plane and when you land at your destination depending on temps. The key here is comfort: just like adults, babies are much happier sporting clothes that are cozy and easy to get in and out of…

6. Food

Regardless of whether you’re breastfeeding, formula feeding, introducing solids or doing a little bit of everything, you’ll want to take enough food for the full duration of the trip. Don’t worry about liquid restrictions — they go out the window when you travel with a baby! Yup, you can take all the liquids you need for your LO. I packed formula, pumped breast milk and PC Organics pouches. If your LO is a bit older, snacks are a great way to keep kids occupied so throw some extras in your diaper bag for the flight. Oh, and don’t forget your breast pump if you use one (no issues through security with that either) — mine has saved me many times during delays at the airport.

7. Patience

Raising a baby requires a lot of patience — this applies to travel even more so because all of the comforts of home and routines are thrown out the window. Airports may take longer to get through (although some are great at prioritizing families), flights may be delayed and your LO may be a bit unsettled. Take a deep breath and remember that most people have faced similar challenges and lived to tell the tale. The calmer you are, the better the entire experience will be for everyone.

I hope you found my diaper bag packing list for air travel helpful. I think I covered off all the essentials, but I’m sure you’ll add a few more things depending on your baby and his/her travel needs. For our next flight I’m packing some antibacterial wipes (to disinfect surfaces on the plane that Little L will touch), some plastic bags for wet/dirty clothes (scented as recommended here) and an extra blanket for comfort. Let me know if you have any recos!

This post was sponsored by Huggies® Canada as part of my partnership with them as a #NoBabyUnhugged Mom. As always, all reviews and opinions are my own.