A sling-style carrier that allows you to wear your baby will free your hands while you are navigating the airport. A soft-structured carrier will make getting your baby in and out easy, while a wrap will take up less room once you board the plane. This carrier style is ideal if you plan to travel with your baby on your lap during the flight. If you plan to book a seat for your baby, her car seat will likely serve as an ideal carrier during the flight. Many rear-facing car seats are approved by the Federal Aviation Administration for use on planes. Alternatively, you can contact your airline in advance and request an FAA-approved child restraint system seat so you don't have to carry a car seat through the airport.
Using a backpack as a diaper bag allows you to carry both your baby and your bag without needing to use your hands. Having free hands will allow you to transport your luggage, eat and complete other tasks without needing to leave your bag on the ground unattended. Backpacks typically have enough space to carry your baby’s essentials and will fit in overhead bins of the airplane. Do not put your wallet into one of the outside pockets of your diaper bag; place it instead in the main compartment away from the zipper to keep it safe from pickpockets.
Pack enough diapers to last throughout the day even if you are expecting nothing longer than a two-hour flight. Flight delays are common, and you do not want to find yourself stuck on a plane without enough diapers to get you to your destination. Include wipes, bags for depositing dirty diapers and two changes of clothes in case a diaper leaks or your baby gets sick during the flight.
While the Transportation Security Administration usually limits liquids to 3.4 ozs., feeding supplies are an exception to the rule; you're allowed to bring as much as you need -- within reason. If you breast-feed your 4-month-old, pack breast pads, lanolin cream and, if you use one, a cover inside your diaper bag. For a bottle-fed baby, you'll need sealed bottles of water, powdered formula or breast milk pouches and enough clean bottles for feeding your baby all day. Premade bottles are not recommended because there is a chance for delays during which bottles can spoil.
Include several burp cloths for keeping your clothes clean while burping your baby and for wiping up his face. A receiving blanket should provide plenty of warmth without taking up much space in your bag. Pack a handful of soft toys to occupy your baby during the trip. If you or your baby take any medications regularly, you will want to put those in your diaper bag. If you are traveling internationally, you will also need to pack your baby’s passport along with your own.
