Flying International With a Baby: Everything I Learned the Hard Way

Why I’m Writing This (aka: I Survived and You Will Too)

Flying international with a baby sounds like something only the brave, the delusional, or the severely sleep‑deprived would attempt. I was all three.

When I took my first international flight solo with my 7‑month‑old, I had no idea what to expect. I imagined crying (hers… maybe mine), judgmental stares, and complete chaos.

What I got instead? A surprisingly smooth flight, a baby who slept most of the time, and… diaper blowouts at the absolute worst moments. Every. Single. Time.

So if you’re Googling this at 2 a.m. wondering if you’re insane for even considering it, welcome. You’re in the right place.

The Biggest Thing I Learned: Babies Aren’t the Problem

Here’s the plot twist no one tells you:

Your baby is probably not the issue.

Mine slept, ate, and generally vibed her way across international time zones. The real stress came from:

• Logistics
• Overpacking the wrong things
• Underpacking the right things
• And realizing mid‑flight that you also need a change of clothes

Lesson learned.

Airport Survival With a Baby

Carrier vs. Stroller (You Can Do Both)

I used a baby carrier through the airport and checked the stroller at the gate. This combo was clutch.

• Carrier = hands free, easy security, baby naps
• Stroller = sanity saver for long terminals and layovers

Feeding Your Baby on an International Flight

Feeding was one of my biggest anxieties — and also one of the easiest parts.

Formula Feeding on the Go

We used Similac ready‑to‑feed travel bottles, and I will shout this from the rooftops: they are worth it.

No measuring. No water math. No panic.

Just open, feed, survive.

Breastfeeding While Traveling

If you’re breastfeeding, flying can actually work in your favor — feed during takeoff and landing to help with ear pressure.

Diapers, Blowouts, and Why You Need Clothes for Yourself

Let me be clear:

Bring more diapers than you think you need.

And also:

Bring a full change of clothes for yourself. Not just the baby. You.

Because diaper blowouts do not care about international airspace.

What Actually Helped on the Flight

A few things that made a real difference:

• Baby carrier for naps
• Extra wipes (for everything)
• Diaper cream (because altitude somehow equals diaper rash)
• Infant pain reliever (peace of mind is everything)

What No One Warned Me About

• People are actually nicer than you expect
• Flight attendants are angels
• Babies sense when you relax
• Overthinking is worse than underpacking

You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be prepared enough.

Final Thoughts: You Can Do This

If I could go back and tell myself one thing before that flight, it would be this:

You are more capable than you think.

International travel with a baby isn’t easy but it’s absolutely doable. And sometimes, it’s even… enjoyable.

If you’re on the fence, take this as your sign.

You’ve got this.