From New York to Tennessee
So, I recently took my 11-month-old on his very first flight from New York to Tennessee, and let me tell you—it was an experience! If you’re gearing up for your baby’s first flight or just looking for ways to make traveling with a little one a bit easier, I’ve got you covered. I’m sharing how our flight went, what I learned, and the absolute must-have products that saved our sanity along the way.
Our Flight Experience
Getting through security was way easier than I expected! I was a bit nervous about all the baby stuff—especially the liquids—but when you’re traveling with a baby, they let you bring liquids through security. I thought it was going to be a huge hassle, but they just tested the bottles and we were on our way. It was quick, so if you’re worried about security slowing you down, don’t be—it’s actually super easy!
Of course, if you’re a parent, you know you can’t leave the house without bringing half the house with you! To make that possible, you need a big diaper bag that can carry everything. I’m obsessed with my Fawn x Nordstrom Square Diaper Bag. It’s stylish and spill-resistant, which is perfect for all those inevitable messes. This bag has been a game-changer for me—it keeps everything organized and within reach, and it looks good too!
Even with all the prep, we were still that family—the last ones to board the plane because I decided to do a last-minute diaper change. Normally, this would’ve stressed me out, but once we got settled on the plane, everything went smoothly.
We had snacks ready to go, and I timed the bottle feeding perfectly for takeoff and landing—such a lifesaver for his ears. My little guy was smiling and laughing the whole flight, making everyone around us smile too. It was such a relief to see him so happy and relaxed. Honestly, the whole experience was way better than I imagined, and I’m sure yours will be too!
But the real MVP of this trip? The suction cup spinners my best friend recommended. She travels all the time with her twins, so when she tells me something is a must-have, I don’t even question it. These spinners stuck to the airplane window and kept my little one entertained for the first 40 minutes of the flight—such a win! If you’re traveling with a baby, you need these.
Must-Have Travel Products for Flying with a Baby
Traveling with a baby can be a challenge, but with the right gear, it’s totally doable. Here are the products that made our trip easier and more enjoyable:
- Joolz Aer+ Travel Stroller
The Joolz Aer+ is super lightweight and folds up easily, so you can sling it over your shoulder and go. It’s perfect for zipping through the airport and fits in overhead compartments, making it a must-have for any trip. - Hands-Free Baby Carrier
Stay hands-free with this comfortable baby carrier. Whether you’re navigating the airport or just trying to juggle bags, a good carrier frees up your hands and keeps baby close. - Nanit Camera Travel Case
Bringing our Nanit camera with us was a breeze thanks to this travel case. We knew we’d have Wi-Fi, so having the Nanit with us made it easy to keep an eye on our baby’s sleep. The travel case made packing it super convenient. - Portable Pack ‘n Play
If you don’t have a pack ‘n play at your destination, this one is a great option for safe sleep on the go. We were lucky to have one at our destination, but if you need to bring your own, this is a solid choice. - Travel Tray for Airplane
Add this to the airplane tray table to keep all the baby’s toys organized and within reach. This one is a game-changer, especially when you’re trying to keep toys from rolling off and disappearing into airplane seat oblivion. - Portable Sound Machine
A portable sound machine is a must for ensuring your baby gets restful sleep, even on the go. We used this Hatch Rest Go, and it was amazing. It clips right onto the stroller, so you can take it anywhere. - Suction Cup Spinners
These suction cup spinners were a lifesaver during our flight. Seriously, if you’re flying with a baby, these are a must. They kept my little one entertained and happy, which made the flight so much easier.
Additional Tips and Tricks for Flying with a Baby
Beyond the products, there are a few tips I picked up that really helped make our trip smoother:
- Board Last: While most parents board early, we found that boarding last gave our son more time to get some energy out in the terminal, and we weren’t stuck sitting on the plane for longer than necessary. Plus, it gave us extra time to organize everything we needed during the flight.
- Choose Your Seats Wisely: Go for an aisle seat if you think you’ll need easy access to walk the aisles with your baby. Or, if you’re traveling with a partner, book the aisle and window seats—sometimes the middle seat will stay empty, giving you extra space.
- Feed During Takeoff and Landing: Babies can’t equalize pressure in their ears like adults can, so giving them a bottle or breastfeeding during takeoff and landing can help prevent discomfort.
- Stay Calm and Flexible: No matter how much you plan, things can go wrong—delays, meltdowns, you name it. The best thing you can do is stay calm and roll with it. Babies pick up on our stress, so the more relaxed you are, the smoother the trip will go.
Traveling with a baby might seem overwhelming at first, but with the right preparation and a few key products, it can be a lot smoother than you think. Whether it’s your baby’s first flight or they’re already a little frequent flyer, these tips and essentials can help make your journey more enjoyable for everyone involved. Remember, the more relaxed and prepared you are, the more your little one will feel the same. Safe travels, and here’s to many more adventures ahead!
