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Travelling with a Baby: Real Advice from a Mom Who Just Did It

Flying with a baby for the first time? You’re not alone in wondering how on earth you’re going to pull it off, and whether it’s even worth the stress. As a mom and chiropractor, Dr. Casey, founder of Crescent Health Collective recently travelled to Florida with her 17-month-old daughter. She’s sharing what worked, what didn’t, and what she wishes she’d known before that first airport adventure.

This is your judgment-free guide to travelling with a baby, straight from a mom who’s been there.

First Time vs. Second Time: It Doesn’t Get Easier, Just Different

When her daughter was 9 months old, Casey relied on nursing to keep her calm and comfortable during the plane ride. By 17 months, things had changed. Her daughter wasn’t nursing anymore and needed more stimulation, cue sticker books, water markers, and her favourite lovey.

"This time around, I was a little more nervous about takeoff and landing," says Casey. "But she did phenomenal."

Packing Essentials: What Actually Helped

Here are the must-haves Casey packed for a smooth(er) flight:

What didn’t make the cut this time? Spinner toys. "She was more interested in learning through play," Casey explains.

When it came to staying organized, there wasn’t a strict system in place. "We just went with the flow," she says. Because sometimes, that’s all you can do.

Airport Logistics: Baby Gear and Security Hacks

For gear, Casey brought a travel stroller and car seat through the airport. "You’re allowed two baby items complimentary: stroller, car seat, or pack ’n play," she shares. Rather than rent a car seat at her destination, she opted to gate-check theirs.

As for getting through security? "Give yourself Grace," she says. "There will be hiccups. You just keep moving."

Feeding and In-Flight Tips

At 9 months, nursing made feeding on the go simple. By 17 months, Casey leaned on favourite foods and made sure her daughter ate lots just before boarding. This involved a breakfast consisting of yogurt, eggs and sausages at the Air Canada lounge for the flight down and a quick lunch and variety of snacks at the airport on the flight back. Water did the trick for takeoff, and by the time they landed, her daughter was fast asleep.

Naps, Diaper Changes, and Meltdowns

Managing sleep and diaper duty on a plane can feel daunting, but Casey has one core piece of advice: let go of the schedule. “I think this is the hardest thing for a lot of parents as many people say that keeping a schedule is the Golden Rule in parenting, but early departure, delays, turbulence and stimulation with traveling will change the schedule, just go
with it.”

"We walked the aisle when we could, and we gave ourselves Grace. That helped more than anything."

What She Wishes She Knew

"I wish I’d known how much stuff you need to pack, especially clothes," Casey laughs.

But more importantly? "You can’t control how your baby will adjust. Most people are understanding. Try to laugh when things go sideways and trust the process."

"You’re not doing it wrong if it feels hard," Casey says. "It just is hard sometimes."

Whether it’s your first flight or your fifth, take what works for you, leave the rest, and remember, you’re doing a great job.

June 23rd, 2025