How to Pack a Diaper Bag for a Plane Trip

Co-authored by Kylee Money

Last Updated: September 16, 2021 References

When traveling with a newborn or toddler, it is important to be ready for anything. Pack your diaper bag so you have all the essentials covered. Include toys, first aid supplies, and pacifiers. Bring feeding items, like formula, milk, and snacks. Don’t forget changing items, such as diapers, diaper cream, and extra clothes. Throw all of this in your diaper bag and head to your gate!

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Including the Necessities

1
Pack a few of your child’s favorite toys. Bring age-appropriate items like chew toys, cars, doll, or stuffed animal. Try not to bring things with many pieces, so there's less to keep track of.^{[1]
X
Expert Source

Jami Yaeger
Parenting Specialist
Expert Interview. 29 September 2020.}^{[2]
X
Research source}
2
Pack a first aid kit so you are prepared for any injury. Make sure your kit includes bandages, gauze, antibacterial ointment, cotton swabs, tissues, alcohol wipes, thermometer, and hand sanitizer.^{[3]
X
Research source}

Advertisement
3
Remember to bring medications, both prescription and over-the-counter. If your infant takes medication, make sure you bring any prescriptions. Also include over-the-counter drugs like fever reducers, pain relievers, teething relief, and gas relief. Pack all of this with your first aid kit. ^{[4]
X
Research source}
4
Throw in a blanket to keep warm on the plane. Planes can get drafty, and you want to make sure you have something to keep you and your baby warm. Bring your child’s favorite for extra comfort.
- Blankets are also helpful to for wiping up spills, if a towel is not handy. ^{[5]
  X
  Research source}
5
Consider pacifiers to help your baby’s ears adjust to pressure changes. Pacifiers will give your baby something to suck or chew on, and this can help with any ear pressure that may occur as the plane takes off and descends. Store your pacifiers in a clean, resealable bag so they stay clean. ^{[6]
X
Research source}
- If you don't use pacifiers, you can also nurse or provide a bottle during take-off and landing.
6
Include a few plastic bags to use for soiled clothes or a garbage bag. You can use plastic bags to store various items, like dirty clothing or used diapers.^{[7]
X
Research source}

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Packing Feeding Items

1
Pack snacks, formula, and baby food. If your child eats solid food, back snacks like granola bars, applesauce, crackers, or Cheerios. Pack milk, formula, or baby food--if this is what you feed your child.
- Make sure general liquids are under 3.4 ounces so they pass security inspections. However, you should be able to bring greater, reasonable quantities of breast milk or formula through without issue. Just have them out of your bag, ready for inspection, and tell the screening agent what they're for. They may need to test the liquids, as a security measure.^{[8]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  U.S. Transportation Security Administration
  U.S. government agency responsible for ensuring safety by setting and enforcing travel protocols
  Go to source}
- You can also buy milk, water, and juice after you get through security.^{[9]
  X
  Research source}
2
Consider a cover-up if you are still nursing. You may want to pack a cover so you have privacy while nursing. You can also use a blanket or towel, though bring your own.
3
Bring a bib and burp cloth. A bib will help with messes while eating. Pack washable or plastic bibs when traveling. Bring at least one cloth to use for burping if your baby is still prone to spitting up. ^{[10]
X
Research source}
4
Pack bottles and sippy cups, as well as plates/utensils, if needed. Since you probably won't be able to clean your bottles thoroughly during travel, you probably want to bring enough so that you can use each one just once. You can probably get by with fewer plates/utensils, if any.^{[11]
X
Research source}

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Packing Changing Supplies

1
Pack 5 to 7 diapers per day of travel, on average. Consider how many your baby typically needs, and throw in some extras. Add two overnight diapers per night away. You can also save space by buying diapers when you arrive at your destination. Either way, make sure you have plenty of diapers stocked for when your little one has got to go. ^{[12]
X
Research source}
2
Include a changing mat or extra towel to change on. You can purchase disposable changing mats for traveling, or you can get a reusable changing pad. Or, bring an extra cloth or towel to substitute in place of a mat.^{[13]
X
Research source}
3
Pack diaper cream. Depending on your travel arrangements, you may not get to change your baby’s diaper quite as frequently as you would at home, so have some diaper cream to help with any irritation. You can get small, travel sized bottles.^{[14]
X
Research source}
4
Bring wipes in a resealable pack. You can also store your wipes in a sandwich bag. This will keep them moist while traveling.^{[15]
X
Research source}
5
Remember to bring an extra set of clothes for you and your baby. When traveling, you never know when you will need another shirt or when you will spill something on your pants. You can even pack two sets to be on the safe side. Be prepared with extra shirts, pants, and socks.^{[16]
X
Expert Source

Kylee Money
Parenting Consultant
Expert Interview. 21 May 2021.}
- Also throw in a hat in case the plane is cold.^{[17]
  X
  Research source}

Expert Q&A

Question

How should I pack a suitcase for a baby?

Jami Yaeger
Parenting Specialist
Jami Yaeger is a Parenting Specialist, Doula, and the Owner of AustinBorn, an online community offering comprehensive and modern education to growing families. With 10 years of experience, Jami specializes in whole family support for pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and parenting. Jami earned her BA in Theatre Performance from San Diego State University and earned her Certification as a Lactation Education Counselor from the University of California, San Diego. She is a Certified Infant and Child CPR Instructor, Birth and Postpartum Doula, and Childbirth Educator.

Jami Yaeger

Parenting Specialist

Expert Answer

Try to stick to just the essentials when you're packing for a baby so you don't have to worry about extra bags.
Question

Are diaper pins allowed in carry-ons?

Community Answer

I've never had a problem with security not letting me bring them, but it might be different in different airports.
Question

How can I pack enough adult diapers for a two-week trip if I use 4 - 5 per day? I don't want to buy them abroad.

Tom De Backer

Top Answerer

A two week trip, or 14 days, multiplied by 5, to be on the safe side, gives 70. Make it 75, in case you get stuck in an airport somewhere. I would pack them in an additional specifically-dedicated suitcase, but keep a few in your regular suitcase as well; luggage gets lost sometimes. As for the optimal packing arrangement, this depends on the size and shape of both your items and your containers. For a standard diaper-suitcase arrangement, I would opt for either rolling them up like you do T-shirts, or a honeycomb structure.