Both of my sons have been on a plane while they were babies or at the age of one. My husband and I love to travel and want our children to travel with us as well. So of course, that means our kids have flown while under the age of one and it’s not as bad as you think.

In fact, if you are planning on traveling with an infant here is what I have done and brought with us to make traveling easier.

First and foremost, the No Brainer:

1. A fully packed diaper bag to bring on the plane and once you arrive at your destination is crucial. Your baby will go to the bathroom and need a diaper change while on the airplane. Changing their diaper is pretty easy, you can do it while in your seat, especially if it is number one. Diapers, wipes, a change of clothes should be in there. (Read about what I pack for my diaper bag essentials here.)
2. Stoller and car seat is another must as you are most likely going to enter into a car or some sort of transportation where you will need to buckle your baby in. Although, depending on the age, your baby might not be super heavy to carry, fifteen pounds can feel like forty five gazillion pounds after five minutes. Also remember your baby is not old enough to sit in a high chair so when you eat out or go to an event you will need something to place your baby in. You do not want to hold your baby while you are trying to enjoy your meal or an event. Your back, neck, and everything in between will ache, so bring the car seat and a stroller to make your life easier. I have never regretted bringing a stroller with me. The ‘hassle’ of loading it up and unloading it is always worth it. It also provides more storage space for bags or goodies when traveling through an airport or shopping center.
3. Car seat covers are so unique. I can’t rave about them enough and probably will do so for the rest of my life. If you are breastfeeding, they are a breastfeeding cover. They provide privacy for your baby if you don’t want people looking at your baby. Control your environment to prevent overstimulation. Car seat covers to block out some light. They act as a thin protective barrier. They keep nosy people from wanting to place their face three inches from your baby’s face or touching them. It is the most excellent way of saying stay back without saying back up and dont breathe my babies air.
4. Wubbanub or teething toys are another option for distraction if our babies are not wanting to eat or sleep. No matter what I do my sons do not care for pacifiers, which I am okay with. They both enjoyed the wubbanub and playing with it. This just gives them something to do when they are no longer in the sleep, poop and eat phase, but the sleep, poop, eat, and be curious phase.
5. Soothing music has always helped my husband and I when putting our sons down for a nap or to bed. This is another way to make a strange environment more familiar when you can control the sound, or add a sound they are familiar with to relax them. Our sons are also used to certain songs when it is bedtime so it helps kickstart the process. Whether in a car, on the plane or a hotel being able to play soothing music is such a help. Check out my sleeping baby playlist here.
6. A Familiar blanket is another way to provide comfort in a strange place. Of course it also helps with nap times as well. In transportation or restaurants, AC is blasting, so having a blanket your baby can be swaddled in will keep their little toes warm.
7. The Baby Carrier is what I always forget and regret terribly. There are days when the bulky stroller is not needed at the moment. The baby carrier always comes in clutch to help you carry your chunker wherever you go. It is also a lifesaver when going shopping, and you don’t want to have a shopping cart and a stroller! It is nice to have options.

These are some traveling Items that have helped us. What traveling items have allowed you travel with an infant?

Finally, brace yourself mentally. Babies cry and get frustrated on planes. That is normal, so first, take a deep breath. Be organized to minimize stress. 

When the plane is taking off, if you can breastfeed your baby (if they aren’t already asleep) or bottle feed, this will help minimize crying during takeoff and/or landing.

Sometimes people are sweet and sometimes people are mean. Know that their opinions don’t matter as they did not pay for your ticket and you are doing the best you can as a mama or papa. Just focus on you and your baby and enjoy the ride. You are doing great!