Air Travel Hand Luggage Checklist For Babies & Toddlers

It is important to keep your air travel hand luggage as light as possible. Juggling luggage, a baby or toddler will most likely wear you out. This, you do not need.

For yourself, you could use a BIG backpack where possible so you can have your hands free.

For your baby’s items, put your baby’s bag in your backpack. The less bags, the better.

If you are using a baby carrier to carry your baby on you, then I suggest you get the biggest hand luggage allowed (please check this size with your airline as it may vary) that you can roll along and keep your baby’s bag in it. Remember you want your air travel hand luggage to be as light as possible!

For your toddler, who can walk unaided, you could get one of those cute rolling backpack hey can drag on the floor and be in charge of…well sort of.

Here’s an affordable cute one similar to  the one Bionic has

Below is a checklist of essential items you would most likely need  during your flight for your baby and/or toddler.

Baby Air Travel Hand Luggage Checklist

1. Nappies, wipes and nappy cream– take extras in case of delays or your child has tummy upsets due to air pressure in the plane.
2. Changing pad
3. Plastic bags for smelly nappies and soiled clothes
4. Hand sterilisation spray
5. Bibs and/or muslin squares
6. Soft toys
7. Change of clothes– like 3 sets, to cater for delays and any toilet accidents
8. Milk and baby food– you can buy the ready made formula that you can simple open and give your child to drink, On one occasion I have powdered formula measured in tiny bowls and simply mixed with hot boiled water on the plane. I found the ready-made formula easier to deal with. These can be easily placed in hot water in a cup to warm if necessary. Pack as many of these as you think you will need and present these items at the security gate. Or preferably buy after you pass security checks.
9. Bottles and teats if required
10. If your baby is still breast feeding even better! No need for bottles. Just remember to breastfeed discretely 😉
11. Baby paracetamol or any medication your baby will need on the plane.
12. A light blanket and jacket that you can add or remove depending on the temperature on the plane

Tip!

I recommend you prepare a handy small bag with the first four items on
the above list that you will need on the plane. Keep this on you in the
plane and not in the overhead compartment.

Toddler Air Travel Hand Luggage Checklist

1. Pull up diapers if not potty trained. Girls can wear skirts or dresses on the flight to help the change of pull up pants easier.
2. Lots of snacks for your toddlers/older kids e,g plain cheerios, bread and cheese
3. Get some water or low sugary drinks or beverages after you have passed security.
4. A bowl and spoon
5. Instant hot cereals or prepacked meals you can mix with water. Some flights will give your child a meal on the plane but your toddler may refuse to it, so foods they are familiar with will come in handy
6. 1 or 2 Sippy cups
7. Toys. These will come in very handy on the plane
8. Ipad full of children apps (if your toddler is techy savvy)
9. 1 set of change of clothes
10. Favourite Teddy bear
11. Crayons and activity books
12. Paracetamol or any medication your toddler will need on the plane.
13. A light blanket and jacket that you can add or remove depending on the temperature on the plane
14. Some mums carry pajamas if they expect their toddlers to sleep on the flight to help set the mood for sleep.

For more information on air travel hand luggage, please check the air travel hand baggage rules by dirgov uk.

So SWMs, what do you pack in your baby or toddler’s air travel hand luggage? Please share in the comments below. Thanks

Back to Planning Your Trip