What to pack to travel on a Long Flight with a Baby
Flying with a baby for the first time can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re looking at a 16-hour journey. When our son Camille was just one year old, we took our very first long-haul trip as a family : from Brussels to Tokyo, with a layover included. And yes, I was nervous !
We had previously done a 4-hour flight to Greece, but this time, it was four times longer. So I took things seriously and planned ahead to make this flight as smooth as possible, for our son, but also for us.
My anxiety about flying with a baby
To be honest, I’m the kind of person who gets anxious about what people might think when a baby cries in public, and even more so in the tight space of an airplane. I dreaded the idea of being “that family” on a long-haul flight.
But I learned a few things, prepared carefully, and… it all went much better than expected. In this article, I’m sharing what helped us survive (and even enjoy!) our flight to Japan with our 1-year-old, so you can feel more confident when it’s your turn to fly.
What to pack for a long flight with a baby
1. A few new toys to capture their attention
One of my best discoveries was this incredible Montessori busy board. It has lights, switches, keys, and even music with adjustable volume. It kept Camille busy not just on the plane, but also in restaurants and waiting rooms throughout our trip.
Montessori Busy Board with LED Lights
2. A window spinner
Another hit was this little spinner toy that you can stick to the airplane window or the seat tray. Super simple, but super effective for little hands and curious eyes.
3. Reusable sticker books
Already at one year old, Camille loved placing and moving around stickers. I brought sticker books with different themes (zoo, ocean…) and they were magical. They stretch attention spans way longer than you’d expect!
4. Baby snacks and homemade meals
Of course, food is a lifesaver. I packed :
- Some baby-friendly biscuits
- A hot meal prepared at home and stored in a food thermos
- Homemade fruit puree, kept cold in another thermos
5. Elastic toy straps for the stroller
One of my favorite practical purchases: elastic cords to attach toys, pacifiers, and comfort items to the stroller. Total lifesaver in airports, planes, streets and restaurants. No more dropped doudous or lost toys under seats !
Toy & Pacifier Straps (Amazon)
Other essentials to bring on board
- Plenty of diapers and wipes (bring more than you think you’ll need)
- A change of clothes for your baby — and for you!
- A travel baby carrier (hands-free comfort)
- A light blanket or swaddle for comfort or warmth
- His favorite plush toy for naps and comfort
- Water and milk if needed (check airline rules)
Pro tips from our experience
Choose night flights if possible
We flew overnight, and that helped a lot with Camille’s sleep. He slept a big portion of the long-haul flight.
Walk the aisles often
Let your baby stretch their legs ! We walked the aisles whenever it was safe and didn’t disturb others. It helped keep everyone calm.
Don’t worry about what others think
This was the hardest part for me. But in the end, most people are understanding, especially other parents. And even if your baby cries ? It happens. You’re doing your best.
Final thoughts: you can do this
Flying long-haul with a baby is not easy — but it’s totally possible with the right preparation and mindset. The key is to plan ahead, pack smart, and accept that there may be bumps along the way. But the adventure you’ll have at your destination ? Absolutely worth it.
If you’re heading to Japan, check out my next article: “Our first family trip to Japan with a baby, full itinerary and tips.”
Planning a long-haul flight with your baby ? Share your own tips or questions in the comments, and don’t forget to save this article for later !
One thought on “What to pack to travel on a Long Flight with a Baby”