Diaper Bag Packing List For Airplane

When we had our first baby I remember being so nervous about traveling with a newborn for the first time. What did I need to bring? What should I pack for the airplane? How would I change her diaper? How would I feed her?

At the time my husband worked for an airline at their corporate headquarters as a software developer and we flew very frequently. By the time my baby was a one-year-old she had been on over 70 flights. We learned VERY quickly what essential airplane items and what we could leave at home. Here are some helpful tips on traveling on an airplane with a baby and what to bring along.

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If this is your first time traveling with a newborn or going on an airplane with your baby for the first time it can be stressful. If it is a long flight, it can be even more stressful. Here is our helpful diaper bag packing list for a baby. This list is perfect for a newborn up to a one-year-old. Of course, you’ll have more in your carry on and checked luggage, but these are essentials to have directly accessible in your diaper bag.

Diaper Bag Packing List for a Flight

Changing Supplies

Diapers, wipes, changing pad, and ointment.

Pro Tip: I love to pack a quart ziplock bag with diapers, wipes, and ointment just for quick runs to the airport lavatory. Airplane bathrooms are always cramped and almost impossible to get in and out of there with a full-size diaper bag!

Baby Tylenol

Hopefully you won’t need it, but if for some reason your baby is uncomfortable it is nice to have on hand.

Pro Tip: Now that I use essential oils for almost everything, I prefer to bring Lavender and Melaleuca for sore and grumpy ears, but if you aren’t into essential oils just having baby Tylenol will offer some peace of mind.

Feeding Supplies

Bottles, formula, nursing cover, spoons, baby food, and snacks.

Keeping a baby fed is key to airplane travel! A hungry baby is a grumpy baby so keep baby fed for a smooth trip.

Pro Tip: Don’t waste precious space with a bowl. Just ask for an extra cup during beverage service.

Burp Rag

Even if you think your baby is too old for it, you never know when it will come in handy! Chances are if you don’t have one, you’ll end up needing it.

Blankets and snuggly items

It can get chilly on an airplane even during the summer months, so it is nice to have as an option to help keep your baby warm. This can also help a baby who might be feeling anxious settle and get a good nap.

Extra change of clothes

I can’t even count the number of times I have forgotten a change of clothes and desperately needed it! If backup clothes are in an overhead bin or checked in luggage they won’t do you much good.

Quiet Toys and Books

This won’t matter too much for newborns, hopefully, they’ll be asleep for most of the flight, but for older babies this is essential. Check out our airplane book for kids called Monsters Don’t Ride on Airplanes.

Pro Tip: If desperate the cups and airplane snacks can work as toys.

Pacifier with Clip

The pacifier clip will be your best friend on an airplane. I can tell you one thing for sure. You do NOT want that pacifier falling on the floor of an airplane. Not only will it be a PAIN to try to reach holding a baby in a cramped seat, but who knows what else has been down there.

Pro Tip: We always bring a few extra with us on any trip. You never know when one will disappear and ruin your baby’s day.

These are just a few must-have items that you don’t want to get caught without. What are some other items you always pack for your baby on airplane rides?

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