Flying with a baby
Flying with a child under two: bassinet, feeding, spare outfits and the tricks that stop ear pain. Everything that actually saves you on board.

[ ] Book the infant ticket
    Even a free lap infant needs their own ticket issued. Without it you won't board.
[ ] Request a bassinet from the airline early
    Planes carry 2–4 bassinets, first come first served, with a baby weight limit. Call right after booking.
[ ] Birth certificate
    Proves age (free infant fare) and your relation when surnames differ. International flights need the baby's own passport.
[ ] Diapers — 1.5x your normal math
    Count hours door to door, then multiply by 1.5: delays pick the worst possible day.
[ ] Formula and baby food in carry-on
    Baby food and formula water are exempt from the liquid limit — just show them at security. Cabin crew will warm the bottle.
[ ] Breast, bottle or pacifier for takeoff and landing
    Sucking equalizes ear pressure — the top reason babies cry on planes. Start at the takeoff roll and on descent.
[ ] Spare outfits: two for baby, one for you
    Spit-up and a leaky diaper at 35,000 feet are a matter of time. Your shirt goes down with the onesie.
[ ] Sling or baby carrier
    Hands stay free for passports and bags, and rocking a baby in the aisle works best in a carrier.
[ ] Gate-check the stroller
    Almost all airlines gate-check a light stroller for free. Confirm at check-in.
[ ] Disposable changing pads
    Line the lavatory changing table and any airport surface you have to use.
[ ] Wet wipes and bags for the dirty stuff
    There's no such thing as too many wipes. Zip-lock bags quarantine soiled clothes until the hotel.
[ ] A surprise new toy
    An unfamiliar toy holds attention far longer than the favorite one. Deploy at the meltdown, not before.
[ ] Saline nose drops
    Cabin air is bone dry and baby noses clog fast. Saline keeps breathing and sleep easy.
[ ] Baby's mini first aid kit in carry-on
    Child-form fever reducer and a thermometer — as agreed with your pediatrician. Teeth and fevers love to spike mid-trip.
[ ] Pick a flight around baby's sleep
    A flight that overlaps nap or night sleep is half the battle. Early mornings usually beat evenings.
[ ] Choose seats in advance
    The bulkhead row with bassinet mounts, or an aisle seat for rocking walks. Your row neighbors will thank you too.
[ ] Get to the airport with time to spare
    Everything takes longer with a baby. Find the airport's family room on the map — changing tables, quiet and a microwave.
[ ] Snacks and water for yourself
    Everyone forgets the parent's food. A hungry adult holding an infant is the flight's second crisis.
[ ] A familiar blanket that smells like home
    A familiar smell and texture help baby sleep in a loud strange place. Works better than white noise.

Checklist from Unload: https://unloads.me/c/flight-with-baby