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Baby’s First Flight: Packing, Carry-On Tips and Travel Organisation

Flying with a baby for the first time can feel overwhelming, but the right preparation helps.
This practical guide covers carry-on packing, in-flight changing tips and travel essentials.
Discover Nappy Backpacks and accessories designed to keep everything organised on your flight.

Best Carry On Bags for Baby’s First Flight:

Below are the three bag styles parents consistently find easiest to travel with on their baby’s first flight. Each includes practical insights, parent reviews and packing demonstrations.

1. Multitasker Nappy Backpack – Best Overall for Baby’s First Flight

The Multitasker is the top pick for parents travelling with a baby thanks to its generous capacity and thoughtful organisation.

It comfortably holds everything you need for takeoff, landing and all the moments in between.

Why do parents choose the Multitasker Nappy Backpack for travel?

  • Two spacious compartments make organisation effortless
  • Extremely comfortable even when fully packed
  • Neoprene version is lightweight and sporty for travel
  • Travel sleeve that slides securely over your suitcase handle so you can keep your hands free for your baby

What carry on essentials fit in the Multitasker Nappy Backpack?

  • 6 to 8 nappies
  • Full travel change kit (wipes, disposable bags, compact change mat)
  • Two bottles or sippy cups
  • Spare outfits for baby and parent
  • Light blanket or muslin wrap
  • Toys, books and comfort items
  • Packing pouches for clothing, feeding and changing
  • Phone, keys and wallet
  • Travel documents and small tech items

Reviews for the OiOi Multitasker Nappy Backpack

Perfect travel nappy bag “Bought it for our Hamilton Island trip and it was perfect! It managed to fit exactly 7kg for our carry on with all the essentials for everyone in the family (travel documents, toys, books, nappies, noise machine, change of clothes, water bottles etc). The compartments were easy to organise all of our items. Love the luggage sleeve and the extra items that come with the bag too!” Author: Minh A.L.

Such a good choice "Bought the multitasker to travel overseas. Was such a good choice! I’m an overpacker and it fit everything for my 8 month old and myself for a whole day out. Comfortable to wear and nice buttery soft material. Will use it now as a hospital bag and soon to be mum of 2 under 2. Author: Lynn

2. Signature Nappy Backpack – Best for Easy Access on the Plane

The Signature Backpack is beautifully structured, stylish and incredibly practical for quick access mid-flight. It offers plenty space for carry-on essentials while remaining comfortable to wear through airports and on board.

Why do parents choose the Signature Nappy Backpack for travel?

  • Wide opening offers full visibility
  • Thick padded straps make it extremely comfortable even when fully packed
  • Multiple external pockets make grab-and-go moments while travelling easy
  • Neoprene version is lightweight and sporty for travel

What carry on essentials fit in the Signature Nappy Backpack?

  • 4 to 6 nappies
  • Wipes
  • Change Mat Clutch
  • One or two bottles
  • Spare baby outfit (plus a top for parent)
  • Soft toy, book or teether
  • Dummy case or comfort item
  • Packing pouch for quick-grab essentials
  • Light blanket or swaddle
  • Parent essentials (phone, keys, wallet)

Reviews for the OiOi Signature Nappy Backpack

I love this bag so much "It is pretty, comfortable, sits well on the shoulder, lots of room, lots of pockets, the oat colour is so nice, the material is soft and good quality. I use it for work and travel. Love it a lot !" Author: EmmaT

Most versatile EVERYTHING bag! This Is the type of bag you know a lot of thought went into. Every last detail has been designed to make it the most versatile nappy bag I've ever used! Its travelled with me to 5 different countries with me and held everything from nappies to my camera equipment to my sandy towels after a day at the beach. The mother-daughter duo behind the brand really have thought of everything! Author: holly b.

3. Traveller Backpack – Best Lightweight & Secure Bag for Family Travel

Designed for smooth journeys from airport check-in to mid-flight, it features a weatherproof exterior and secure clip-fastened zips for extra peace of mind, keeping in-flight essentials organised, safe and easy to access.

Why do parents choose the Traveller Nappy Backpack for travel?

  • Weatherproof exterior that protects your essentials from spills, drips and rainy tarmac moments
  • Hidden back pocket that keeps passports, boarding passes and valuables safe and within easy reach
  • Slim, structured shape that fits neatly under the plane seat and in the pram basket for stress-free access in tight spaces
  • Clip fastened zips for extra security

What carry on essentials fit in the Traeveller Nappy Backpack?

  • 3 to 4 nappies
  • Change Mat Clutch
  • Toys, books or comfort items for takeoff and landing
  • Light cardigan or wrap
  • Dummy or teether
  • Passport, wallet and valuables in the hidden back pocket
  • Travel documents, boarding passes and tech in the front organiser
  • Packing pouch for changes of clothes

Reviews for the OiOi Traveller Backpack

Gave me peace of mind “I used the Traveller Nappy Backpack on our recent holiday to Europe and the way the zips clipped together gave me great peace of mind as we wandered through busy train stations and airports. It was also nice & lightweight which was needed when we filled it to the brim with water bottles for the day!” - Isabella

Flying With a Baby: What to Pack & How to Change a Nappy

Packing your carry-on for your baby’s first flight is key to a smooth travel day. Keeping essentials like nappies, wipes, feeding supplies, spare clothing and comfort items within easy reach makes feeding, settling and nappy changes much easier in the air. To help parents feel prepared, we have created two practical guides: a carry-on packing checklist for flying with a baby, including extras for delays, and a simple guide to changing a baby’s nappy on a plane with stress-free, in-flight tips.

Baby’s First Flight – Carry-On Packing and In-Flight Nappy Change Guides

Featured Accessories to Make Packing Easier

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Final Tips for Baby’s First Flight

  • Feed during takeoff and landing to reduce ear pressure
  • Overpack wipes rather than nappies
  • Dress baby in layers as cabin temperatures vary
  • Walk the aisle when safe to soothe your baby
  • Keep a comfort toy easily accessible
  • If baby sleeps well in the carrier, wear them onboard when permitted

FAQs

What baby travel accessories make flying easier?

Travel-friendly accessories such as a compact change mat, insulated bottle holder, organiser pouches and a hands-free bag can make flying with a baby far more manageable. These help keep essentials easy to reach when space is limited.

How do I keep my baby calm during takeoff and landing

Feeding your baby during take-off and landing can help relieve ear pressure. Offering a dummy, bottle or breastfeed, along with familiar comfort items, can help keep your baby calm and settled during these moments.

What is the best nappy bag for baby’s first flight

The best nappy bag for baby’s first flight is one that is hands-free, easy to access mid-flight and organised enough to separate essentials. Backpacks are especially practical for airports, as they keep weight evenly distributed while leaving your hands free for boarding, settling your baby and moving through the cabin.

What should I pack in my carry-on when flying with a baby?

When flying with a baby, your carry-on should include nappies, wipes, a change of clothes, feeding essentials, comfort items and anything you may need during the flight itself. Packing in clear sections or pouches helps you find items quickly without disturbing your baby.

You can view a complete checklist here:

How do you change a baby’s nappy on a plane?

Most planes have a fold-down change table in the aircraft bathroom. Using a compact change mat and packing only what you need for the change makes the process quicker and easier.

You can read our step-by-step guide here

Do Australian airlines allow a nappy bag in addition to carry-on luggage?

Most Australian airlines allow a nappy bag in addition to your standard carry-on when travelling with a baby, though policies can vary by airline and fare type. It is always best to check your airline’s current baggage allowances before flying.

What to look for in a Carry On Bag for Baby’s First Flight

When flying with a baby, your carry on becomes your command centre. Here is what matters most:

  • Smart internal organisation for nappies, wipes, outfits, feeding gear and your essentials
  • Easy access because you will grab things one-handed more than you think
  • Lightweight but roomy, as babies often need more than expected
  • Comfortable straps for long airport walks
  • Durable, wipe-clean materials for inevitable spills
  • Pram compatibility for navigating terminals with ease

A note for Australian travellers:

Many Australian airlines allow a nappy bag in addition to your standard carry on.

Policies vary, so always check before flying, but in most cases parents can take a dedicated nappy bag without it counting toward their own weight allowance. This is incredibly helpful when travelling with a baby.

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