By Graham FisherTraveling with a baby introduces a new set of logistics, and the right gear can make the difference between a smooth trip and a stressful one. Whether you are flying, driving, or staying in a hotel, safety organizations provide clear guidance on how to choose and use baby travel equipment. This guide walks through the key categories of baby travel gear, what the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) say about safe use, and what to look for when you are away from home.
Car Seats and Restraints for Air Travel
The FAA states that the safest place for a child under age two on a U.S. airplane is in an approved child restraint system (CRS) or device, not in an adult’s lap. According to the agency, arms are not capable of holding a lap child securely during unexpected turbulence. The FAA strongly urges parents to secure a child in an approved CRS for the entire flight. The FAA adds that buying a ticket for your child is the only sure way to be able to use a CRS for a child under two.
For a CRS to be used on a plane, it must have a label that reads “This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft” or a similar foreign government approval marking. The FAA explains that the CRS must be installed in an aircraft seat according to the manufacturer’s instructions, in the forward- or rear-facing direction indicated on the label for the child’s size. Booster seats, backless CRS, and baby carriers are not permitted during ground movement, takeoff, or landing. The AAP adds that belt-positioning booster seats cannot be used on airplanes, though they can be checked as luggage for use at the destination.
An alternative to a hard-backed seat is the FAA-approved Child Aviation Restraint System (CARES) device. The FAA describes CARES as certified for children who are up to 40 inches tall and weigh between 22 and 44 pounds, and who can sit upright alone in a forward-facing position. The device works with the existing aircraft seatbelt and is certified for air travel only. The FAA warns that counterfeit CARES devices exist and recommends buying directly from the manufacturer to ensure authenticity. The label on a genuine CARES device will state “FAA Approved in Accordance with 14 CFR 21.8(d), Approved for Aircraft Use Only” or a similar phrase.
The AAP recommends that families explore options to give each child their own seat on a plane. If purchasing a ticket for a small child is not possible, the AAP suggests selecting a flight that is likely to have empty seats where the child could ride buckled in a car seat. For children who weigh more than 40 pounds, the aircraft seat belt can be used. Our car seats guide covers the different types of seats and how to choose one that fits your child.
Car Seats for Road Trips and Rental Cars
The AAP advises that all infants and toddlers should ride in a rear-facing car seat as long as possible, until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by the car seat manufacturer. Once a child outgrows the rear-facing limit, they should move to a forward-facing car seat with a harness. Children who have outgrown the harnessed seat should use a belt-positioning booster seat until the vehicle seat belt fits properly, which the AAP says is usually when the child reaches about 4 feet 9 inches in height and is between 8 and 12 years old. Children under 13 should ride in the rear seat.
When renting a car, the AAP notes that most rental companies can arrange a car seat, but the selection may be limited. Parents should check that the seat is appropriate for the child’s size and age, appears to be in good condition, and comes with the instruction manual before accepting it. The AAP also reminds families never to place a rear-facing car seat in the front seat of a vehicle with an active passenger airbag, and never to leave a child alone in a car, even for a minute, because temperatures can rise to deadly levels quickly. On long drives, the AAP recommends planning a stop about every two hours to give everyone a break.
The AAP’s car seat information for families adds that rear-facing-only seats often come with a base that stays in the car, and some include load leg or anti-rebound bar features that help absorb crash energy. Car seats should be used only for travel, not for sleeping or feeding outside the vehicle. For more on installation and expiration checks, see our article on car seat expiration and recalls.
Strollers and Navigating the Airport
The AAP points out that strollers can be brought through airport security and gate-checked, which makes moving through the terminal with a baby easier. Check your airline’s policies ahead of time, as the AAP suggests for car seats. For help choosing one, read our travel stroller buying guide, which covers fold types, weight, and airline considerations. Our broader strollers section also explains the different categories available.
Safe Sleep Away from Home: Play Yards and Hotel Cribs
When staying in a hotel or visiting family, a safe sleep space is a top priority. The AAP cautions that cribs or play yards provided by hotels may not meet current safety standards. If you have any doubt about the safety of the item, the AAP recommends asking for a replacement or considering other options.
Nemours KidsHealth provides detailed safety criteria for playpens (play yards). The sides should be at least 20 inches (51 centimeters) high, measured from the floor of the playpen. If the playpen has mesh sides, the holes in the mesh should be no larger than ¼ inch (0.6 centimeter) to prevent fingers or clothing buttons from getting caught. Wooden playpens should have slat spaces no more than 2-3/8 inches wide. A firm mattress or pad about 1 inch thick should be used at the bottom, and only one floor pad should be in the playpen at a time to avoid suffocation risks. Soft bedding and pillows should never be placed in the playpen. Nemours also advises checking for JPMA (Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association) certification, which indicates the product meets Consumer Products Safety Commission standards. Stop using the playpen when a child can easily climb out, which Nemours says is typically when the child reaches a height of 34 inches (86 centimeters) or weighs 30 pounds (14 kilograms).
For a deeper look at how play yards compare to other sleep spaces, see our crib vs bassinet vs play yard article and our play yard guide.
Travel Gear and Safety at a Glance
The table below summarizes common travel situations, the gear involved, and the key safety points from the FAA, AAP and Nemours KidsHealth.
| Situation | Gear | Safety Point |
|---|---|---|
| Flying with a baby under 2 | FAA-approved child restraint system (CRS) or CARES device | CRS must have the required aircraft certification label. The FAA says an adult’s arms cannot hold a lap child securely, especially in unexpected turbulence, and strongly urges an approved CRS for the whole flight. (FAA, AAP) |
| Road trip with an infant | Rear-facing car seat | Keep child rear-facing until the highest weight or height allowed by the seat manufacturer. Never place a rear-facing seat in front of an active airbag. (AAP) |
| Using a rental car seat | Car seat from rental company | Check that the seat is appropriate for the child’s size and age, appears in good condition, and includes the manual. (AAP) |
| Hotel sleep setup | Play yard or hotel crib | Inspect for current safety standards. Play yard sides should be at least 20 inches high; mesh holes no larger than ¼ inch; use only one firm mattress. Look for JPMA certification. If in doubt, ask for a replacement. (AAP, Nemours) |
| Airport navigation | Stroller | Strollers can be brought through security and gate-checked. (AAP) |
| Child over 40 lbs on a plane | Aircraft seat belt | The AAP states children who weigh more than 40 lbs can use the aircraft seat belt. Booster seats are not permitted on airplanes. (AAP) |
Frequently asked questions
Can I hold my baby on my lap during a flight?
The FAA permits children under age two to travel as lap children, but the FAA strongly urges securing the child in an approved CRS in their own seat for the entire flight. The AAP also recommends that families explore options to give each child their own seat, noting that a child is best protected when properly restrained in a car safety seat appropriate for their age, weight, and height.
What should I check in a hotel-provided crib or play yard?
The AAP advises that hotel cribs and play yards may not meet current safety standards. Inspect the item for sturdy construction, a firm mattress that fits snugly, and no missing or broken parts. Nemours KidsHealth adds that a safe playpen should have sides at least 20 inches high, mesh holes no larger than ¼ inch, and a JPMA certification label. If you have any concerns, ask the hotel for a replacement or bring your own portable play yard that you know meets safety guidelines.
How do I choose a travel stroller?
The AAP confirms that strollers can be taken through airport security and gate-checked. For a detailed look at features such as fold type, weight limits, and airline compatibility, see our travel stroller buying guide.
For more guidance on all categories of baby equipment, visit our Baby Gear section.
Sources
- FAA: Flying with Children
- HealthyChildren.org (AAP): Tips for Safe and Stress-Free Family Travel
- HealthyChildren.org (AAP): Car Seats, Information for Families
- Nemours KidsHealth: Choosing Safe Baby Products, Playpens
About Graham Fisher
Graham Fisher is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our baby gear guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
