SHOP: Gap Overalls | Adidas Sneakers
Let me just start by saying that flying alone with a baby or a toddler is absolutely, one hundred percent doable. Is it without challenges? No. Is it worth it? YES. A thousand times yes. Earlier this month, I flew from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale and then from Fort Lauderdale back to New York City with my two year old while 5 months pregnant. On our last flight, a man sat next to us and, as soon as he saw me visibly pregnant with a toddler beside me, looked at me and said, “How do you do it?!”
Here’s everything I learned about flying alone with a baby or toddler – from what to bring to how to make the actual flight feel a little more manageable.
Whether you are planning to travel with a baby or a toddler, and are panicking about the flight, this post is for you.
Essential Gear When Flying Alone With a Baby
Baby Carrier: To have free hands in the airport and through security, a carrier is a must. I adore this lightweight carrier as well (use code ANAF for a discount on yours!).
Stroller & Backpack: This travel stroller weighs 13 pounds and fits in the overhead bin.
Compact Diaper Bag: This one has a handle and is my favorite machine-washable wet bag.
SHOP: Longchamp Bag | Delsey Carry-On Luggage | Baby Carrier
BOOKING – Should you get a seat for your baby?
Babies under 2 years old are allowed to sit on your lap for free. Deciding whether you buy a seat for your baby while flying solo depends on your budget, your baby’s size, and the flight’s length.
I’d say to skip the seat if your baby is under 6 months and the flight is under 3 hours! For long flights, or if your child is over 18 months and very active, buying a seat will make your flight more manageable.
TSA SCREENING
I highly recommend getting both TSA PreCheck and CLEAR Plus, if you travel frequently through major busy airports. I’ve avoided long security lines countless times thanks to having both, which is especially helpful when you’re flying solo with a baby.
I got TSA PreCheck years ago, and my husband had CLEAR, so he added me and our daughter to his account. It’s one of those things you don’t realize how valuable it is until you’re trying to get through the airport with a little one!
How To Carry Everything Yourself
For my first solo flight with my daughter, I had a carry-on bag, a large tote bag, and my Longchamp bag. Plus, the travel stroller in a backpack on my back, and my baby in the carrier (see the image below). Looking back, there were too many items.
During my recent two-week trip to Chicago and then Miami, I was traveling with a large checked suitcase, a carry-on, a large tote, a stroller, and my toddler (see the image below).
It was definitely more than what I usually travel with (when we only visit Florida for a week), and more than I could comfortably manage on my own. Luckily, an employee in the baggage claim area saw that I was pregnant and with a toddler, and helped carry my suitcase outside. I made it work as best I could, but the less you can pack, the better.
The reason I don’t travel with a car seat is that my sister’s kids are older than mine, so I use the car seats they’ve already outgrown and no longer need.
SHOP: Delsey Luggage | Delsey Carry-On | Cybex Stroller
Family Boarding
When possible, I like to show up early to my gate and ask for permission to board early. Most major airlines offer family pre-boarding for families traveling with little children. I love that this provides me with extra time to settle in with my baby, and helps me secure overhead bin space for my stroller and carry-on.
Traveling alone with a baby and traveling with a toddler each come with their own set of challenges, but both can absolutely be done. And if I had to do it all over again – flying solo with a little baby, and now with a toddler – I would, in a heartbeat. Because had I let the logistics or the fear of it stop me, I would have missed so many family reunions, celebrations, and trips that I’ll always be grateful we made it to. The hard parts are temporary; the memories last forever. And that, to me, makes it all worth it.
Now book the flight and go enjoy. You’ve got this!
