Tips for Flying with a Newborn: Checklist, Airline Rules For Strollers & Car Seats

Let's be honest, nothing turns a holiday dream into a logistics nightmare faster than the moment a gate agent eyes up your pushchair. Forget the packing stress—the real anxiety is over those complex, often-conflicting airline policies.

At ebebek, we’re here to be your trusted, friendly, and practical ally. We’re cutting through the noise to give you the expert guide to surviving check-in, keeping your essential baby travel gear free, and ensuring your little one is safe and sound the whole flight. We know UK parents want to travel safely and practically, which is why we've done all the research on complex topics like airline stroller policy and how to fly with a newborn. This is the only guide you need to feel confident and in control—and avoid those costly check-in mistakes.

This guide covers:

• Choosing the best travel gear (including the best stroller for air travel).

• Understanding airline rules for car seats and strollers.

• The step-by-step process for flying: from pre-flight prep to landing.

• A dedicated FAQ to answer your most pressing questions.

Choosing the Right Travel Gear

The first, and arguably biggest, decision for air travel is your baby’s gear. You want safety, convenience, and minimal fuss. Choosing the right essentials—especially a pushchair and car seat—can significantly reduce stress when navigating the airport and plane. For an "informed nurturer," the key is finding gear that balances high safety standards with functional, lightweight design.

Strollers for Flying (Umbrella, Compact, Cabin-Approved)

When considering airline stroller policy, your main choice will be between gate-checking your main pram or using a compact, cabin-approved model.

• Cabin-Approved Strollers: These ultra-compact, lightweight models are specifically designed to fold small enough to fit into the overhead locker as carry-on luggage. They are an absolute game-changer, allowing you to wheel your baby right up to the plane door, thus offering maximum convenience.

• Umbrella Strollers: These offer a lighter alternative to 3-in-1 systems but typically need to be checked at the gate. While less compact than cabin models, they are much easier to handle than full-sized pushchairs.

The ultimate tip? Check your airline's specific dimensions for carry-on luggage before you travel to ensure your stroller meets the criteria.

Car Seats on Planes, FAA/EASA Approved Seats

For maximum safety, a dedicated seat on the plane with an approved car seat is the gold standard, as it provides far greater protection during turbulence than a lap belt.

• Airlines and Car Seats: Most airlines allow the use of a car seat if you have purchased a ticket for the infant. The car seat must be approved for air travel.

• FAA/EASA Approved Seats: Look for a label on your car seat stating it is approved by the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration, USA) or EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency, EU). In the UK, most ECE R44/04 or R129 (i-Size) seats are approved, but the official sticker for aircraft use is the key. Always call your airline ahead of time to confirm their specific regulations, as policies can vary widely.

• The Written Proof: Your Safety Net

Crucially, car seat policies can be inconsistently enforced by ground staff. To prevent this, always print out a copy of your airline’s official policy regarding free baby item allowances and approved car seat usage, and keep it handy. This instantly shifts the conversation from a disagreement to a simple check of their documentation, guaranteeing you don't face unexpected fees or delays.

Baby Carriers as an Alternative

A baby carrier is your best friend when navigating the security queue or boarding the plane. It keeps your baby close, calm, and your hands free for documents and luggage. For the first few months, a carrier is often the easiest, safest, and most convenient way to move through a busy airport, especially if you plan to gate-check your larger buggy, stroller, or pram. Many parents find they don't even need their stroller until they reach their destination.

Preparing Before You Fly

Moving through the airport can feel like an obstacle course, but knowing the process in advance makes all the difference. Remember, airport staff are usually helpful when they see a parent with a newborn!

Before you even leave for the airport, double-check that you have all the necessary baby travel documents, including your baby’s passport (even if travelling within the UK/ROI for some airlines) and any required visas. Organise your essentials packing list into a "flight survival bag" (diapers, wipes, changes of clothes, comfort items, and feeding supplies) that you can easily access. It’s also wise to check your airline’s website for their specific policies on baby item allowances. The better prepared you are, the calmer you’ll feel.

The Golden Rule: Align with Nap Time or Fly Overnight

The single biggest factor in a calm flight is timing. If possible, book a flight that overlaps with your baby’s longest nap, or choose a red-eye flight for long-haul journeys. This strategy dramatically increases your chance of a peaceful journey, turning a potential five-hour struggle into five hours of sleep. It ensures your baby's routine works with the travel time, not against it.

What Should I Pack in My Diaper Bag (Carry-On)?

Food: Formula, breast milk, water for mixing, and plenty of snacks for both you and the baby.

Diapering:

• At least one diaper for every hour of your total travel time (door-to-door).

• A full pack of wipes.

• Diaper cream.

• A portable changing pad.

Extras:

• A full change of clothes for the baby.

• A spare shirt for you. (Spit-up and spills happen!)

• Plastic bags for dirty diapers or soiled clothes.

Comfort & Health:

• Pacifiers, a favorite blanket, or small, quiet toys.

• Any necessary medications (like infant Tylenol).

• Hand sanitizer.

What Can I bring for My Baby to Eat or Drink?

You can bring formula, breast milk, and baby food (including purees) in quantities greater than the standard 3.4oz (100ml) liquid limit.

• Declare It: These items are considered "medically necessary liquids." You must tell the security officer (like a TSA agent) that you have them before your bags are screened.

• Separate Screening: Take these liquids out of your diaper bag. They will be screened separately, which may involve an X-ray or a test for explosives.

• Cooling Packs: Ice packs, freezer packs, and other accessories needed to keep milk and formula cool are also allowed, even if they are partially melted.

What Should You Do at the Airport with My Stroller and Car Seat?

The key to a smooth start is knowing what happens where. Here’s how to handle your gear:

• Security Screening with Stroller & Car Seat: This is the 'airport ballet' moment. You’ll be juggling a sleepy baby, your passport, and the carrier fold while under pressure. Our insider tip? Do a dry run of the quick-collapse feature at home, so you can execute the fold under the watchful eyes of the queue. You must remove your baby from the carrier/stroller, and all gear will go through the X-ray machine. Also, wave the baby food and milk/water at the agent right away; they are exempt from the liquid rules, but expect them to be tested, so don’t seal them away in your main bag.

• Gate-Checking Stroller/Car Seat: If you’re not taking a cabin-approved stroller, you will be given a tag at check-in or at the gate. Simply wheel your gear right up to the plane door (or a specified drop-off point), where staff will take it to the hold.

• Collecting Gear at Baggage Claim: Check with staff if your gate-checked items will be waiting at the plane door upon arrival or if you need to pick them up at a designated Oversized Baggage Claim.

On the Plane

This is the main event! Focus on comfort, routine, and managing ear pressure.

• Installing Car Seats Safely: If you have purchased a seat and are using an approved car seat, follow the installation instructions exactly. Crucially, the car seat should be installed rear-facing, if permitted by the airline and seat model, or as directed by the cabin crew. Never use a car seat in an emergency exit row.

• Using Bassinets: Many long-haul flights offer wall-mounted bassinets (cots). These are usually reserved for the bulkhead row and must be requested well in advance. While not for every baby, they can offer a much-needed break for the parent's arms.

• Feeding During Take-off/Landing: This is the most crucial tip for comfort! The sucking and swallowing motion helps to equalise the pressure in your baby’s ears. Offer the breast, bottle, or a dummy during the ascent and descent to prevent discomfort or pain.

Parent Survival Tips

Flying with a newborn demands a flexible and patient approach. Here are a few insider tips:

• Managing Layovers: Use layovers as a chance for a full reset. Find a quiet spot for a nappy change, a feed, and a stretch. Many large airports have family rooms, which are a true sanctuary.

• Keeping Baby Calm During Flight: Don't be afraid to walk the aisles! The white noise and gentle movement of the plane can often soothe an unsettled baby. Bring new, quiet toys that are only introduced on the flight to hold their attention.

• Handling Crying Babies on Board: Forget the shame, love. That little cry is your baby’s only language, and your number one priority is them. If you’ve done everything (feed, change, ears clear), remind yourself that you are not ruining anyone’s day—you are just travelling. Do what you need to do, whether it’s walking, bouncing, or feeding. A friendly nod to the cabin crew usually helps, and if you need to walk the aisle, own it.

• Dealing with Delays: This is where the preparation pays off. Keep an emergency supply of sterilised bottles, formula, or expressed milk, and a few extra nappies in your carry-on for unexpected long waits.

What can I bring for my baby to eat or drink?

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the definitive answers to the most common questions British parents have about flying with a baby and their gear.

Can I Take A Stroller On A Plane For Free?

Yes, nearly all airlines allow you to bring at least one baby item (like a stroller or car seat) for free, even if you are not buying a separate seat for your baby. Some budget airlines may allow two. Always check your specific carrier’s policy before booking.

How To Bring a Stroller Through Airport Security

You must remove your baby from the stroller, fold it up, and place it on the X-ray conveyor belt to be screened, just like any other large item of luggage. Be prepared to remove large accessories, like the car seat, and have them screened separately.

Can You Take A Pushchair On A Plane?

Yes, you can. Full-sized pushchairs are typically gate-checked—meaning you use them right up to the plane door, and then staff place them in the hold. Smaller, lightweight, and compact "cabin-approved" models can sometimes be taken into the cabin as carry-on luggage.

Do Babies Need Their Own Seat On A Plane?

Babies under two can travel as a lap infant (sitting on a parent’s lap) for a much-reduced fare, but they do not have their own seat. For safety and comfort, and if budget allows, it is highly recommended to purchase a seat and use an approved car seat.

Can I Pre-Board the Plane?

Yes! Almost all airlines offer "pre-boarding" for families with small children. This gives you extra time to get settled, install a car seat, and organize your diaper bag before the rest of the passengers board. Listen for the announcement at the gate.

Is a Car Seat Safer Than a Lap Infant?

Yes, using an approved car seat is universally considered safer than having a lap infant. In the event of severe turbulence, a car seat with a five-point harness provides the best restraint and protection, significantly reducing the risk of injury.

How Many Baby Items Are Free On Flights?

Most major airlines allow two essential baby items to be carried for free, in addition to your own baggage allowance. This usually covers a pushchair, a car seat, a travel cot, or a booster seat. Always verify the maximum allowance with your airline.

Do Airlines Allow Car Seats For Newborns?

Yes, airlines allow the use of car seats for newborns, provided you have booked a seat for the baby, and the car seat is specifically certified for aircraft use (look for the FAA/EASA approval sticker). It must fit correctly in the airplane seat.

Can You Bring Both A Stroller And A Car Seat On Flights?

In most cases, yes. As they are usually classified as essential child equipment, most airlines permit both a stroller and a car seat to be checked or gate-checked for free, in addition to your standard luggage.

What Is The Best Stroller For Travelling Abroad?

The best stroller is a lightweight, cabin-approved model that folds compactly and fits in the overhead bin. These offer complete convenience as you don't have to wait for them at baggage claim, and they are easier to manoeuvre through airports and foreign cities.

Can A 0-6 Month Old Fly On A Plane?

Yes, most airlines allow babies to fly from two weeks of age, though many paediatricians recommend waiting until the baby is six to eight weeks old. Always consult your GP or midwife before booking a flight for a baby under three months old.

Do I Need an ID for My Baby?

For domestic flights, a baby usually does not need an ID, but they will need a boarding pass (even as a lap infant). For international flights, your baby will absolutely need a passport.

Can I Use My Car Seat on the Plane?

Yes, if you purchased a seat for your baby.

• FAA/Aviation Approved: The car seat must have a sticker on it that says it is "Certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft."

• Window Seat: Airlines require the car seat to be placed in a window seat so it doesn't block other passengers from evacuating in an emergency.

• No Seat Purchased: If you are traveling with your baby on your lap (as a "lap infant"), your car seat must be checked at the counter or the gate.

How Do I Get Through the Security Checkpoint?

Remove Baby, Carry Your Baby, Screen Equipment, and Folding the Stroller

How Do I Help My Baby's Ears During Takeoff and Landing?

The change in cabin pressure can hurt their ears. Help them by encouraging.

• Nurse them.

• Give them a bottle.

• Offer a pacifier.

Your Printable Sanity-Saver: The Essential Pre-Flight Checklist

We’ve covered the tips, but sometimes you just need the cold, hard facts in one place. To help you pull all this expert advice together, here is your ultimate sanity-saver to print or screenshot before you head to the airport.

Need a quick chat or expert help?

ebebek Support Team

• Email: customerservice@ebebek.co.uk

• Phone: +44 (0) 2039 546 393 (Mon-Fri, 9:30am - 5:30pm GMT)