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Travel tips for babies, toddlers and young kids

Travelling with kids? Before you get on the plane, read our quick and easy guide to help make sure your journey runs smoothly.

In this article, we’ll go through everything you need to know about flying with children, from pre-flight preparations to what you need to take on the plane.

Posted: 27/1/2022

Mother giving her daughter a kiss in the airport before travelling

Making travel easier with little ones

Whether it’s a short flight or a long journey, flying with young children can feel overwhelming at first. There’s more to think about, more to pack and the added responsibility of keeping a small person safe, comfortable and entertained. 

But by planning ahead and staying flexible, you can make the journey more manageable and even enjoyable.  

To give you a helping hand, we’ll share top tips for booking flights, navigating the airport, flying and packing, all with small children in tow. We'll also explain how to renew or apply for your child’s passport and the importance of taking out travel insurance for the family. 

In this article

Before you travel

  1. Choose the right flight time 

    If your child still sleeps during the day, you might want to try booking flights around their usual nap time. An overnight flight might also be a good option, especially for long-haul trips, as it can align with your child’s sleep schedule. You might also want to opt for direct flights to minimise travel time and avoid layovers. 

    But don’t worry if you can’t find the perfect flight time. Kids can be adaptable, and with a little preparation, you can make it work. 

  2. Make your seat selection 

    If possible, choose seats with extra legroom to give children a little more space. Booking a window seat can give kids something to look at or a wall to lean against, while an aisle seat offers easier access to the bathroom. The choice depends on your needs. 

    If you’re travelling with a young baby on a long-haul flight, check if you can reserve a bassinet seat to help them snooze in comfort.  

  3. Check your airline’s policies 

    Make sure you’re familiar with the airline’s policies when travelling with children. This includes getting clued up on baggage allowances and whether families can board the plane early. You might also want to check if you can request a child’s meal in advance to help make mealtimes easier. 

  4. Prepare your child for the flight 

    Helping toddlers and young children get ready for a flight can help ease any worries they might have and turn the experience into a fun adventure. Start by chatting to them about what to expect at the airport and on the plane, focusing on fun parts like flying through the sky. Reading books about planes or getting them a sticker book about travel can also help them feel more comfortable.  

    You can watch videos or cartoons about flying, and even pretend to go through the airport at home to practice. Lastly, build excitement by talking about all the fun things you’ll do when you arrive at your destination. 

  5. Take out travel insurance and get a Ghic 

    It’s important that you take out travel insurance to cover you and your family in case anything unexpected happens. This can include cover for flight delays, trip cancellations, lost baggage or emergency medical expenses. Travel insurance can give you peace of mind, especially when travelling with children. 

    Also, be sure to apply for a global health insurance card (Ghic). This allows you to access state healthcare in the EU at a lower cost, or sometimes for free. It’s free to apply, and can be useful to have alongside your travel insurance.  

    Take time to compare your options to find one that best fits your family’s needs. Some providers, such as Post Office, also offer policies where under-18s with no medical conditions are covered for free. Be sure to read the details, so you know exactly what’s included and if there’s any exclusions. 

At the airport

  1. Make your child easy to spot 

    Airports are busy places, plus you might find yourself sitting in a terminal for a while. It’s helpful to dress your child in something that stands out, such as a colourful t-shirt, making it easier to spot them in a crowd if they wander off. 

    It’s also a good idea to snap a quick photo of them on your phone before the journey. If they do get separated from you, having a recent picture of them will make it easier for others to help you find them. 

    Read more tips on how to keep kids safe on holiday. 

  2. Arrive early 

    Airlines normally recommend that you arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight. But if you’re travelling with babies or young children, you might want to get there a little earlier to avoid rushing around. Give yourself extra time for check-in, security and any last-minute needs like nappy changes or feeds. 

  3. Use a baby carrier or travel buggy 

    Travelling can be a lot easier if you leave bulky buggies at home. Instead, consider investing in a lightweight travel buggy that collapses easily. There are plenty of affordable options, including second-hand ones. A travel buggy can make navigating the airport smoother and, in most cases, you’ll be able to keep it until you reach the gate. 

    If you’re travelling with a baby, using a carrier can be even more convenient. A carrier lets you be hands-free, making it easier to manage your luggage or tend to other tasks. Plus, it could allow your baby to nap comfortably on you.  

  4. Prepare for security  

    Going through airport security while carrying a small child can be tricky, so make things easier for yourself by staying organised. Keep liquids, baby food and other essential items handy to help everything run smoothly. 

    You’re allowed to take baby food, breast milk and formula through security, even if it’s over 100ml. Just be aware that you might be asked to taste them or have them tested. You can also bring food and snacks through security, so you can help keep kids’ tummies full during the wait and flight. Check what else you’re allowed to take on flights 

    You'll also need to take your baby out of the carrier and fold up any buggies before passing through security. 

  5. Take advantage of family-friendly amenities 

    Once you’re through to the terminal, check if there’s any airport facilities that cater to families. This can include family bathrooms, nursing rooms and play areas. It's a good idea to look these up before you go. 

On the flight

  1. Boarding the plane 

    As we mentioned earlier, families with little ones are often allowed to board the flight first. This gives you extra time to get settled. But if you want, you can wait and board later to reduce the time your kids spend sitting on a plane. 

  2. Look after ears during take-off and landing 

    Babies and children often feel ear pressure during take-off and landing. To help, you can breastfeed or bottle-feed your baby or offer them a dummy to soothe them. Stay calm if they get upset and don’t worry about other passengers. Keep your focus on comforting your little one.  

    For older children, encourage them to drink water or suck on a sweet to help with ear pressure. 

  3. Keep kids comfortable 

    Dress your child in layers, such as a cardigan or jumper, so that they can adjust to different temperatures on the plane. Bringing along a small blanket or their favourite stuffed toy could also help them feel cosy and secure on the flight. 

  4. Top kids up with snacks and drinks 

    Make sure to pack plenty of snacks in your hand luggage. Easy, non-messy options include fresh fruit and vegetables, crackers, oat bars and other pre-packaged treats your kids enjoy. It’s also important to keep them hydrated, so offer water or milk throughout the flight. 

  5. Offer some in-flight entertainment 

    Keep your little ones busy with a mix of small toys, games and books. You could also surprise them with a few new items, such as a busy board or a new sticker or colouring book. The novelty of something new could keep kids busy for a while. 

    Gadgets are also great for travel. Tablets and phones with pre-downloaded games and content can keep little ones occupied for longer stretches. Just make sure devices are fully charged and functional. Don’t forget to bring headphones and a portable battery pack to keep devices powered up if needed. And check if you need extra gadget cover to protect all the devices you’re taking. 

  6. Dealing with fussiness 

    Travelling can be tiring and overwhelming for young children. If your little one gets fussy or upset, try soothing them by walking them up and down the aisle, gently rocking them, or offer a new toy or game to distract them. 

Hand luggage checklist

Anything you don’t bring in your hand luggage will be in your checked luggage, which you won’t see until you land. So, double-check you have everything you need for the flight. 

Here’s a quick checklist to help: 

For babies

  • Nappies  
  • Wet wipes 
  • Hand sanitiser 
  • Travel changing mat 
  • Bottles, formula, breast pump or breast milk 
  • Dummies and teething rings 
  • Spare clothes 
  • Lightweight blanket 
  • Baby food or snacks 
  • Small toys or books 

For toddlers and young children

  • Snacks and drinks 
  • Small toys, books and activities 
  • Tablet or phone with pre-downloaded content 
  • Headphones 
  • Stuffed toy or blanket 
  • Spare clothes and underwear 
  • Wet wipes and tissues 

Can I take my child’s medication in my hand luggage? 

Yes, you can pack your child’s medication in your hand luggage. You’re allowed to bring prescription medications, even if they are liquid form and over 100ml. Just make sure you have the prescription or a doctor’s note with you. 

You can also bring over-the-counter medications, like Calpol, if your child needs them during the flight. 

Hold luggage checklist

While your hand luggage is for the essentials you’ll need during the flight, your hold luggage will have everything else you need for your trip.

Here are some key things to pack for your child: 

  • Enough clothes for each day of your trip, plus a few extra outfits 
  • Nappies and wet wipes 
  • Swimwear and swim nappies 
  • Sun hat and sunscreen 
  • Warm layers or a jacket, depending on the destination 
  • Toiletries, such as baby shampoo and nail clippers 
  • Any medications your child might need 

You might also need to bring a travel cot or a portable bed if there isn’t one at your accommodation.  

Child passports and other travel documents

Does my child need a passport?

Yes. Everyone travelling needs a passport, even very young babies. Getting a passport can take a while, so make sure to apply for one in plenty of time 

If your child already has a passport, check to make sure it’s still valid before your trip. If it’s expired or close to expiring it, you’ll need to renew it before travelling. 

You can apply for your child’s first passport or renew an old one on the government website. Or, you can use the Check & Send service at your local Post Office branch. They’ll help you complete a digital or paper application and send it off for you. 

Do I need any other documents to travel with my child?

If you’re travelling with your child, you always need their passport. If both parents are travelling, you typically won’t need any extra documents. 

But if you’re travelling alone with the child or in specific situations, you may need extra documents to show you have the right to take the child abroad. 

You might need extra documents if: 

  • You’re travelling with grandchildren or a child who isn’t your own 
  • You’re travelling as a single parent without the other parent 
  • Your surname is different from the child’s 

Documents you might need: 

  • A letter of consent from the other parent or anyone else with parental responsibility. The letter should also include their contact details and details about the trip 
  • Proof of your relationship with the child, such as a birth or adoption certificate 
  • A divorce or marriage certificate, if you’re a single parent or your family name is different from the child’s 
  • A court order, if you can’t get the other parent’s permission 

You can find more information on the GOV.UK website.

Key takeaways

  • Before the flight: Book flights around your child’s sleep schedule, if you can. Pack essentials like snacks, toys and comfort items in your hand luggage. And talk to your child about the trip to help put any worries at ease  
  • At the airport: Arrive early to allow extra time for check-in and security. Use a lightweight travel buggy or carrier to easily navigate the airport. Be prepared for security checks with baby items like formula or milk 
  • During the flight: Bring activities and snacks to keep your child entertained. Consider feeding them or using a dummy during take-off and landing to help with ear pressure. And don’t hesitate to ask the flight attendants if you need any help 
  • Packing tips and important info: Pack light but include essentials like nappies, wipes and a change of clothes for both you and your child. Make sure your travel insurance is up to date, passports are ready and that you have any additional documents with you 

Get covered with travel insurance for the whole family

Travel insurance

Common questions about flying with young children

  • Yes, every child, including newborns, needs their own passport to travel abroad. You can apply for a child’s passport online or through the Check & Send service at Post Office. It's a good idea to allow plenty of time, as processing can take several weeks. A child’s passport is valid for five years. 

  • Absolutely. Travel insurance is just as important for your baby or toddler as it is for you. It can cover unexpected events such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations or lost luggage. Some policies even offer free cover for children when included in a family policy, so be sure to shop around for the best option. 

  • Yes, you can bring baby milk, formula, and food through UK airport security, even if they exceed the usual liquid limits. These items will likely be subject to additional screening, so it’s a good idea to allow extra time at security. 

  • Make sure to pack essentials like nappies, wipes, a change of clothes, favourite toys, snacks and any feeding supplies. Don’t forget a blanket or their favourite comfort item, as planes can sometimes be chilly. It’s also useful to bring any medication your child might need during the journey. 

  • Show more

  • Yes, for children under two years old, many airlines allow them to sit on your lap during the flight. The airline will provide a special seatbelt for safety. If you prefer, you can purchase a separate seat for your baby and use an approved car seat for added comfort and security. 

  • To keep your little one happy, bring along a mix of favourite toys and a couple of new ones to capture their interest. Snacks are also a great distraction, as well as books or small games. For older toddlers, a tablet loaded with their favourite shows or games can be a lifesaver. And don’t worry – most parents find that other passengers are understanding of the challenges of travelling with young children. 

  • Babies cry, and while it can be stressful, most people are understanding. To help calm your baby, make sure they are comfortable, fed and entertained. Sometimes ear pressure can cause discomfort during take-off and landing, so offering a bottle, dummy or breastfeeding can help soothe them. 

  • Take-off and landing can be tough on little ears due to changes in air pressure. To help, try feeding your baby or offering a bottle or dummy during these times, as the sucking motion helps to equalise ear pressure. For toddlers, offering a drink or snack they need to chew can also help ease discomfort. 

  • Most planes have changing tables in at least one of the bathrooms, though they can be small. Be prepared with a travel changing mat, nappies, wipes and disposable nappy bags. Consider bringing a change of clothes for both your baby and yourself, just in case of any accidents. 

  • When flying with a car seat, it depends on your airline. Some will allow you to bring a car seat for free, but it’s always best to check with them beforehand. If you’re planning to rent a car at your destination, consider whether you want to bring your own car seat or rent one when you arrive. 

  • If you’re travelling without the other parent, it’s a good idea to bring a letter of consent from them, especially if you have different surnames. Border officers might ask for proof that you have permission to travel with the child. A birth certificate and letter of consent can help avoid delays or complications. 

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