What to Pack for an International Flight with a Baby (6-12 Months): Complete Guide

Baby International Flight Packing

When we decided to travel from Germany to the Philippines with our 8-month-old daughter, I'll be honest—I was terrified. The thought of a 12-hour flight with a baby who couldn't tell us what she needed felt overwhelming. What if she cried the entire time? What if we forgot something essential? What if the airline lost our luggage with all her diapers and formula?

But here's what I learned: traveling internationally with a baby isn't impossible—it just requires careful planning and the right items. That trip to the Philippines taught us so much about what actually matters when packing for an international flight with a baby, and what we could have left behind.

If you're facing a similar journey with your little one (especially if they're between 6-12 months old), this guide will walk you through everything we learned. I'll share what worked, what didn't, and the items that became absolute lifesavers during our flight and stay in the Philippines.

This isn't about packing everything "just in case"—it's about packing smart, staying organized, and keeping your baby comfortable while maintaining your own sanity. Whether you're heading to a tropical destination like we did, or somewhere with different weather, the core principles remain the same.

1. Essential Items for the Flight

The flight itself is where you'll need the most preparation. Unlike a road trip where you can pull over, you're essentially trapped in a metal tube for hours with limited resources. Here's what we learned from our Germany to Philippines journey.

🎒 Carry-On Essentials

Diapers and Wipes: This might seem obvious, but calculating the right amount is crucial. For our 12-hour flight plus layover time, we packed:

Pro tip: Pack diapers in a separate, easily accessible bag. When you're trying to change a baby in a cramped airplane bathroom, you don't want to dig through your entire carry-on.

Formula/Breastfeeding Supplies: If you're formula feeding, pack more than you think you'll need. We brought:

Extra Baby Clothes: Pack at least 2-3 complete outfit changes in your carry-on. Our daughter had a major blowout mid-flight, and we were so grateful we had backups. Include:

Blankets and Comfort Items:

Pacifiers and Teething Toys:

Baby Carrier vs. Stroller: We brought both, and here's why:

✈️ In-Flight Comfort

Bassinet Requests: Many international airlines offer bassinets for babies. Call ahead to reserve one—they're usually available on a first-come, first-served basis. The bassinet attaches to the bulkhead wall and gives your baby a safe place to sleep. However, babies can only use them during level flight (not during takeoff, landing, or turbulence).

Feeding During Takeoff/Landing: The pressure changes can be painful for babies' ears. Feeding (breast or bottle) or offering a pacifier during takeoff and landing helps them swallow and equalize ear pressure. This was one of the most important tips we received, and it worked perfectly—our daughter slept through most of the flight.

Sleep Strategies:

Entertainment:

🏥 Health and Safety

Medications and First Aid:

Hand Sanitizer and Cleaning Supplies:

Documentation:

2. Destination Essentials

Once you arrive, you'll need different items than what you used on the flight. Here's what to pack for your actual destination.

🍼 Feeding Supplies

Formula/Baby Food:

Bottles and Sterilizing Equipment:

High Chair Alternatives:

😴 Sleep Arrangements

Portable Crib or Co-Sleeping Options:

Sleep Sacks and Bedding:

White Noise Machine:

👕 Clothing

Weather-Appropriate Outfits:

Extra Layers:

Laundry Considerations:

🚗 Baby Gear

Stroller:

Car Seat:

Baby Carrier:

3. Smart Packing Strategies

How you pack is almost as important as what you pack. Here's how to stay organized and avoid the stress of digging through bags.

📦 What to Check vs. Carry-On

Always Carry-On:

Safe to Check:

Pro tip: Pack a "flight emergency kit" in your carry-on with everything you'd need if your checked luggage was delayed for 24-48 hours.

🎒 Packing Organization

Packing Cubes:

Separate Bags:

Ziploc Bags:

✈️ Airline Baggage Allowances

Check Your Airline's Policy:

Gate-Checking:

💼 Managing Multiple Bags

Tips for Handling Everything:

4. Age-Specific Considerations (6-12 Months)

Babies in this age range have specific needs that differ from newborns or toddlers. Here's what to consider.

🚶 Mobility Concerns

Crawling and Early Walking:

Safety in New Environments:

🍎 Solid Food Introduction

If Your Baby is Eating Solids:

Feeding Schedule:

😴 Sleep Schedule Adjustments

Time Zone Changes:

Sleep Environment:

🦷 Teething Considerations

If Your Baby is Teething:

💉 Vaccination and Health Requirements

Before You Travel:

5. Final Checklist and Pro Tips

Here's a quick reference checklist and some final tips from our experience.

✅ Quick Reference Checklist

Documents:

Flight Carry-On:

Destination Items:

💡 Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overpacking:

Underpacking Essentials:

Not Researching Your Destination:

Ignoring Airline Policies:

🛒 When to Buy vs. Pack

Pack from Home:

Buy at Destination:

📞 Emergency Contacts and Resources

Before You Leave:

During Your Trip:

Traveling internationally with a baby is challenging, but it's also incredibly rewarding. Our trip to the Philippines with our 8-month-old daughter taught us that with the right preparation, it's absolutely doable. The key is planning ahead, packing smart, and staying flexible when things don't go exactly as planned.

Remember: you know your baby best. Trust your instincts, pack what makes sense for your family, and don't stress about having everything perfect. The most important thing is keeping your baby safe, comfortable, and happy—everything else is just details.

Have you traveled internationally with a baby? What items were your lifesavers? I'd love to hear about your experiences and any tips you've learned along the way!

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