Traveling by Air with a 3-Month-Old Baby: Essential Tips and Advice

For Whom/What:

First time parents going on a 12-hour-long international trip

Extra Details:

My husband and I are going on a 12-hour-long international trip with our 3-month-old daughter. I packed the essentials such as her passport, diapers, bottles, wipes, etc., but I'm kinda bummed out about what to pack in terms of baby gear like a stroller and a car seat. Did you pack the full-size stroller or buy a travel stroller? Can she ride a travel stroller? What about a car seat? Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

CocoBella
3 months ago

I had practically the same conundrum not too long ago, and fortunately, I had a decent trip with mine. There are a few ways you can go depending on the type of car seat you already own. There is a minimum age requirement for almost all travel strollers, and it'd most likely be 6 months old. If you have an infant car seat (the one with a carry handle), you can purchase an adapter that connects the infant car seat to the travel stroller, and that way, you can safely carry your 3-month-old. 

I used Nuna's Pipa RX Infant Car Seat and Joolz's Aer+ Travel Stroller. Although they were from 2 different brands, they had a seamless transition using the adapter from Joolz. Even the colors matched nicely, don't you think? 

The Aer+ stroller folds compactly and fits in most overhead bins. I bought a travel stroller bag from Bugaboo just in case the airline wouldn't let the stroller in as a backup. Airlines require you to check the strollers that are too big, and I didn't want to risk getting my brand-new stroller beat up, haha. I ended up not using the travel bag because the Aer+ fit just fine. If you're looking for a travel stroller bag, I recommend the Transport Bag from Bugaboo. The build quality is superb and the Aer+ fits well. 

If the infant doesn't have a seat (this will be the case for most travelers, by the way), then you'll need to check the car seat. I bought a Gate Check Travel Bag for car seats, and my car seat remained in a pristine condition. 

If you don't already have an infant car seat and a travel stroller, then it might be easier for you to get Doona's Car Seat & Stroller. 

Doona's Convertible Infant Car Seat and Compact Stroller System is a unique all-in-one product designed for parents on the go. It is a car seat that seamlessly transforms into a stroller with just the click of a button, offering convenience and versatility.

And I don't know if you already have this or not, but get a stroller caddy! It will be so useful - carrying miscellaneous essentials like wipes, a bottle, or a burp cloth within reach. I have a stroller caddy from Happ Brand, and it made traveling so much easier. 

You've got this, mama, and safe travels! 

Aer+ Lightweight Stroller
Brand: Joolz
PIPA RX Infant Car Seat
Brand: Nuna
Aer+ Car Seat Adapters
Brand: Joolz
Butterfly Transport Bag
Brand: Bugaboo
Deluxe Gate Check Travel Bag for Car Seats
Brand: J.L. Childress
Essential Stroller Organizer
Brand: Happ Brand
Car Seat and Stroller
Brand: Doona
Helen Reid
2 months ago

For traveling with a 3-month-old, I highly recommend a baby carrier as it allows you to free your hands - essential when you're juggling luggage, diaper bag, travel documents, etc. 

I suggest Babybjorn's Harmony Baby Carrier but it can be anything that you own/use.

This versatile carrier provides excellent support for both parent and baby, with its ergonomic design that adapts as your baby grows. It offers multiple carrying positions, including front-inward, front-outward, hip, and back carry, making it perfect for different stages and scenarios while on the go. 

And definitely buy a carrier that's made of mesh fabric! The breathable mesh fabric ensures comfort in various climates, and the padded shoulder straps and lumbar support provide much-needed relief during long days of exploring. 

Baby Carrier Harmony
Brand: Babybjörn