Travelling with a baby? Our checklist for a low-stress journey

Our advice for travelling with a baby

Planning a trip away with your little one? Whether it’s a quick weekend spent interstate or a longer overseas holiday, rest assured that travelling with a baby is not only possible but can actually be fun! It just takes a little extra preparation.

To help you on your way, we’ve put together some helpful tips for travelling with a baby so you can relax and enjoy your family holiday.

Can a baby travel without a passport from Australia?

If you are only flying domestically, you won’t have to bring a passport for your baby to travel interstate. However, depending on your baby’s age, some airlines may ask for proof of age, so it’s a good idea to keep a copy of your baby’s birth certificate handy.

If you plan on travelling overseas with a baby, be aware that your little one won’t be able to fly without a passport. All travellers, including infants and children, require their own passport to enter or leave the country. You will need to apply for a separate passport for your baby in advance of your trip so you aren’t caught out when it’s time to fly.

It's important to plan ahead and allow enough time for the passport to be processed. Also, be aware that some countries require additional documentation for babies and infants travelling with their parents, such as a visa or health certificate. Lastly, always check travel alerts before you embark on your travels.

How soon can you travel with a baby?

Your baby may be able to travel on a plane from as early as a few days old. Before booking the flight, speak to your doctor or obstetrician to confirm whether it’s a good idea to fly when they are still very young, or whether you should wait.

Do note that some airlines may have specific policies regarding the minimum age for travelling with a baby. Most airlines allow babies and infants to travel on their parent's lap until they are two years old, after which you will need to purchase a separate seat for them.

Make sure you check the airline’s policy for their specific rules around minimum age and any documentation required, such as a doctor's note or birth certificate.

What to pack when travelling with a baby

Want to avoid the time-worn challenges of travelling with a baby and make sure you’ve got all the essentials packed? Here’s what to consider.

Carry-on: Baby travel essentials

Your travelling with a baby checklist should start with the essentials: a snap-lock bag full of nappies, wipes, nappy bags and hand sanitiser.

Changing a baby on a plane can be tricky business, which is why it helps to have everything in the one bag for easy access. Take a change of clothes for yourself, and plenty of clothes for your little one. If your baby is on solids, pack plenty of food and snacks in your carry-on luggage. Some airlines may provide baby food if you request it, but it’s best to bring your own as you know what your baby likes to eat.

A travel pram can also be a smart buy. Go for the lightest, smallest travel pram you can find, but that also has a bit of room underneath for storage.

Checked luggage: Larger items

And for the larger items such as their usual pram, travel cot and car seat? In most cases these won’t be considered carry-on items and will need to be checked.

Depending on the airline, you may be able to check a certain number of baby items for free, or they may charge you an additional fee. Make sure all checked luggage items are safely packed and labelled with your name and address. You might also want to purchase travel bags or covers to protect these bulky items during transit.

Tips for travelling with a baby: Pre-flight and while on the plane

Now that you have all the important baby travel essentials packed and ready to go, it’s time to plan ahead for everything you’ll need for a safe and comfortable flight with your baby. Learn what to expect at the airport and top tips for smooth air travel with a baby.

1. Book a bassinet

Always request a seat with a bassinet if it’s available, and take some time to read through your airline’s infant policy – it may sound like a bit of a chore, but worth it’s worth the effort to avoid confusion at the gate. If you do get a bassinet, there are lots of aeroplane bassinet covers which will block light and movement, helping your baby sleep better. You can then repurpose it as a pram cover while you’re holidaying.

2. Give your baby time to play before boarding

If your baby is fairly active, make sure you give them plenty of time to burn off energy before boarding – some airports have kids play areas you can check out. It also helps to take your time to board the plane. While some parents might like to go first in order to get settled, others may prefer to board last so your little one has more time to play.

3. Time your feeds if possible

Whether you are breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, try to time them as best as you can. While it probably won’t run like clockwork, aim for feeds during take-off and landing, as it can minimise the pressure on your little one’s ears and it might even put them to sleep.

4. Don’t stress if they are being difficult

Every parent has been there and understands what you’re dealing with. Also, stress creates stress – so just try to roll with it! If you’re travelling with someone else, share the load so you each get a break and a chance to rest. Some families like to sit in separate rows so each adult can relax while the other is on baby duty. If you’re travelling solo with a little one, don’t hesitate to enlist the help of cabin crew on planes – they’re always happy to help.

The logistics of travelling overseas with a baby

Travelling with a baby on a long flight can be a challenging experience, but with proper planning and preparation, you can keep stress to a minimum. Aim to maintain your baby's regular sleep schedule as much as possible, providing the baby travel essentials like blankets and dummies to help them sleep. 

For feeding other than breastmilk, it's important to pack enough formula and baby food, and to bring along any necessary equipment for yourself – such as machines to help you express while on the plane.

It's also recommended that you choose seats towards the front of the plane. This will give you easier access to all the facilities for nappy changing, and mean you don’t have to spend extra time moving around the cabin when boarding and disembarking.

Beyond air travel, securing travel insurance with COVID-19 benefits can give you extra peace of mind to enjoy your upcoming trip, so explore your options. 

Loved our tips for travelling with a baby? Next, read up on how to travel with carry-on only.