All you need to know for travel with baby and stroller advice.
If the Designated Adult Operator is not able to fly as Needed in a particular month, the other Party may be entitled to fly in his Place of the Designated Adult Operator. Event of Failure to Fly by Designated Adult Operator.
Travelling with a baby can be hard! With luggage, crowded airport security, boarding and making sure your baby is comfortable and safe, parents have a lot to juggle when flying with a baby. Research shows a proper stroller can help to lower stress levels, particularly while traveling in airports and hanging out in lines. The right travel stroller or foldable pushchair can help make the transition to life with a new born or small child a little more seamless too. These 10 tried and tested tips on how to use stroller while flying with help you have a hassle-free flight and enjoyable travel with your baby.
Tip 1: Invest in a Lightweight, Travel-Friendly Stroller (like MAMAZING)
When flying, it is important to carefully consider the type of light weight easy folding stroller you need. The ideal travel stroller should have a few key features: lightweight (usually sub-15 lbs), one-handed folding, and ideally compact when folded to fit airport settings. The MAMAZING stroller is one of the best strollers for travel because it is lightweight and durable for navigating city streets and airports. Other editor-praised options are the BabyZen YOYO (it folds up small enough to fit in overhead bins) and the UPPAbaby Minu V2 (praised for its comfort and nimbleness). Make sure the stroller has a decent suspension system and plenty of room for airport treks and luggage.
Tip 2: Know Airline Stroller Policies
Check your specific airline’s policy on strollers; they may have different rules. Many (American Airlines, Delta, United) U.S. airlines let you check one stroller and one car seat for free per child. Some carriers allow you to take a small, fold-up stroller on board, provided it fits size of the overhead bin (usually no larger than 115 cm in total dimensions). (For instance, on American Airlines, strollers over 20 pounds require check-in at the counter; lighter models can be gate-checked.) Confirm policies before booking with the airline or visit their website so that you're not surprised.
Tip 3: Gate-Check Vs. Carry-On’s there a difference?
When it comes to strollers, parents have three options, all with pros and cons:
Gate-Checking: Gate-checks for free stroller use throughout the airport, making the checked bags live up to the name. The only downside is that you might have to wait a bit longer to retrieve the stroller from the cargo hold near the gate upon arrival.
Luggage Check: Handing over the stroller at the counter may reduce airport hassles, although you could consider using a baby carrier or sling. Bag the stroller (I have the J.L. Childress bag) to protect it.
Carry-On: If the stroller is small enough (e.g., BabyZen YOYO), it can fold and be tucked in the overhead bin, allowing you to bypass the check-in hassle. Check the size of the airline you can carry.
It depends on your travel needs and the size of the stroller, as The Points Guy writes. There might be more on the checklist, like carry-on for short haul, gate-check for long haul.
Tip 4: List of Items to Carry in the Stroller Basket
The stroller basket is convenient for storing essentials so you can keep baby’s items easily accessible at the airport and on the plane. Recommended packing list:
Diapers and Wipes: Bring enough for potential delays.
Extra Clothes: A change for your baby and yourself in case of spills.
Snackies and Bottles: Age-appropriate snacks – considering TSA liquid limits.
Toys and Comfort objects: Little toys, books and/ or pacifiers to distract the baby.
Travel Papers: Store passports or IDs in the back pocket of the stroller for easy access.
Per HealthyChildren. org, keeping items in a transparent bag can accelerate the security process.
Tip 5: stroller tips for security screening
(8) You will be required to check strollers through airport security. Per the U.S. Transport Security Administration, TSA recommends that strollers "must be screened through an X-ray machine," or, in the case of larger strollers, they are subject to visual and physical checks by staff. Tips:
Fold the stroller before arriving at the X-ray machine and remove the baby.
Put basket contents in your carry-on stroller or separate security bins.
If you have the option, go with TSA PreCheck, so you don’t have to unpack any liquids, or electronics during security checks.
Get in the habit of closing your stroller (i.e., MAMAZING!), and some of those anxious security passengers will be a thing of the past.
Tip 6: Boarding and the Way to Deplane
You can usually use the stroller right up to the boarding gate. According to Pack Up + Go, transfer the stroller into a protective bag (they specifically mention a J.L. Childress Stroller Bag, above) and gate-check it with personnel. The stroller is typically returned to you at the gate — smaller airports could check it through to baggage claim. Have a lightweight baby sling as a backup. Board early if you have a young child (most airlines offer family pre-boarding) so you can get settled.
Tip 7: Ensure Your Baby is Comfortable in the Air
Tactics to keep your baby comfortable:
Feeding During Takeoff and Landing: Nursing, bottlefeeding or giving your child a pacifier during takeoff and landing can be especially soothing for your baby by alleviating ear pressure.
Take Comfort Items: Children often will take comfort in familiar blankets, toys.
Manage Sleep: Try to coordinate the baby’s napping schedule with the time of the flight so the baby is sleepy.
HealthyChildren. org suggests earplugs and noise-canceling headphones — the latter are increasingly becoming popular with travelers for canceling out the roar of jet engines — to minimize the sound (100 decibels) for the baby inside the cabin.
Tip 8: Dealing with Layovers and Connecting Flights
At layovers, strollers are usually checked to the gate for use in the airport. Strollers help alleviate the hassle of juggling baggage and baby during transfers, cites CN Traveller. When you arrive at the connecting airport, ask where the next gate is and gate-check the stroller again. For brief layovers, focus on lightweight and foldable strollers that allow for quick movement through the airport.
Tip 9: Maintaining your stroller after Your Flight
Check the stroller for any damage or dirt after flying. Strollers that have been checked in may show wear and tear or stains. Tips:
Make sure the wheels and folding mechanisms all work.
These surfaces can be wiped with mild solutions.
Protective bag (I like J.L. Childress) it will save on clean up.
According to Pack Up + Go, protective bags can add years onto a stroller.
Tip 10 – Submittable Travel Strollers
Best travel strollers 2025: for flying:
UPPAbaby Minu V2: This lovey, easy pushchair is a byword for comfort, can be folded with one hand and is brilliant for airports.
Joolz Aer+: Folds small, handles big (13.4 pounds), shoulder strap included, fits in overhead bins.
Cybex Coya: Compact and fits in the overhead bins; UPF 50+ canopy.
Nuna Trvl: Smooth sailing, luxe materials, on point for long haul travel.
BabyZen YOYO: On the go With its cushioned frame, this stroller is ideal for trips as short as an overnight stay.
These strollers, as recommended by Parents. com, are lauded for their compact and sturdy builds, with the MAMAZING stroller as a similar quality product.
Conclusion
It’s not easy to travel with baby, but the right travel stroller and these helpful tips can make your flight easier. From knowing the airline rules to essential packing and best stroller for travel (like MAMAZING), so here are these hacks to make traveling less stressful and more enjoyable for both you and your baby. Parents should experiment with these tips and check out airline sites or parenting resources like TSA and HealthyChildren. org for additional guidance.
