Baby’s First Flight

An interview with Melissa Wilson, founder of The Chic Delight
Jenna Michael,
Young,mom,,playing,and,breastfeeding,her,toddler,boy,on,board

Traveling with a baby for the first time can feel like stepping into the great unknown, even for seasoned parents. How many diapers should you pack? What about entertainment, nap schedules, TSA rules? Should you gate-check your stroller?

We sat down with Melissa Wilson, a mother of two and creator of The Chic Delight, a blog designed to help women create more joy and less stress in their lives. Here, the travel-savvy mom shares how she navigated her first flights with a baby in tow. From what to pack to how to stay sane, here’s her honest, practical advice to make your first takeoff a little smoother.

When did your kids take their first flights?
Arabella (our oldest) flew for the first time at 6 months old, and Easton (our youngest) at just 4 months. It felt intimidating at first. What if they screamed the whole flight? Would they get sick? Did I forget something important? There’s a lot to juggle, but it gets easier with time and experience.

How did you prepare?
I did a lot of research ahead of time to avoid making rookie mistakes. Asking other parents who are seasoned travelers can be really helpful. I wanted to be aware of the rules, especially around feeding. TSA has specific regulations for milk and bottles. For example, ice packs used to keep milk cold can’t be partially thawed when you go through security.

I packed everything with a purpose. I like to be ready for the “what ifs,” like if our luggage gets lost. I didn’t want to buy a bunch of new stuff just for travel, so I focused on owning items that work well for trips. I also didn’t want to find myself scrambling if we ran out of something or ended up in a pinch, like during a delayed or missed flight. Sometimes, overpacking can actually be a good thing.

What gear made a difference?
Don’t travel without a stroller. It’s essential, even just for containment in the airport. If your stroller is under 20 pounds, most airlines will let you check it at the gate. I let my kids roam free at the gate before boarding, but once we’re on the plane, we stick to a no-walking rule. It helps them understand that planes aren’t a place to move around.

Any tips for flying with babies versus toddlers?
Babies are easy. They’ll usually sleep most of the flight and can be held the whole time. One- to two-year-olds? That’s a whole different ballgame. They don’t sleep as much and have shorter attention spans. I rotate through snacks, a book, a toy, and then a show for as long as I can. Once we finish, we repeat the entire process until they sleep or the flight ends. As they get older this gets easier!

Bring a few simple activities like:

Keep travel toys separate from regular ones. We only use certain toys when we travel, and this will hold their attention longer than bringing toys they play with regularly. I always buy one or two new items for the trip. New toys hold attention longer!

What’s in your bag?
I use a weekender bag with a shoe compartment for extra diapers and supplies. It sits at my feet during the flight. I also carry a designated milk bag plus a diaper bag with our usual on-the-go essentials. Keeping everything organized together in packing cubes or plastic bags means I only need to pull out one thing at a time. I always pack two extra outfits: one pajama set and one daytime outfit, just in case.

Final advice for first-time flyers with babies?
It’s going to be a long day. Eat something. Expect a few blips. But remember, at the end of the day, no one on that plane knows you. And you’ll never see them again.

Whether you’re a planner or a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-diaper-bag kind of parent, Melissa’s experience proves that flying with kids is possible and even empowering. With the right gear, a little prep, and realistic expectations, you can survive baby’s first flight (and maybe even enjoy it). Deep breath. You’ve got this.

JENNA MICHAEL is a wife, mother, author, and coach who helps families embrace a simpler, more intentional way of living. She is the author of Let’s Choose Less and founder of Your Purposeful Parenting. Learn more or grab your copy at yourpurposefulparenting.com.

Related