How to travel with babies, toddlers & children: Airport tips every parent needs 

 

a marhaba representative playing with Legos with kids

Travelling with infants and young children can be a stressful experience, especially when your journey involves navigating an airport and catching a flight. 

There are a whole host of essentials you need to pack for children of different ages while getting to, and navigating, the airport with all your family’s bags can become an exhausting ordeal. That’s before you even board the plane and need to keep your young ones comfortable and entertained for the duration of the flight.  

That being said, the right preparation and support from airport experts can ensure you and your family enjoy a seamless, minimal-stress travel experience. 

This guide is packed with tips for flying with children, including toddlers and even newborns, as well as recommendations for the marhaba airport services that could further streamline your journey. 

Pre-flight preparation: Set yourself up for success

You can start preparing for your journey well before you leave the house to give you and your family every chance of a smooth experience. 

If you can, choose a flight time that won’t disrupt your children’s typical sleep schedule. Morning or midday flights are a great choice. Getting up in the early hours of the morning or staying up past bedtime can be a recipe for disaster – tired kids are much more prone to meltdowns. 

You should also think about which seats are best for your family when you’re booking the flights: 

  • Bulkhead rows are great if you have babies and toddlers, as they offer a bit more space than other rows – you can also request a baby bassinet if required 
  • Seats near the back of the plane are a good choice too as they’re nearer the toilets 
  • Seats near the front or directly over the wings generally experience the least turbulence – so they’re a good pick if your kids are nervous flyers or suffer from motion sickness 

Getting all your family’s documents in order before you set off is essential too. You don’t want to be fumbling around for a passport in the airport when you need to keep an eye on your young ones. 

When it comes to deciding a time to set off, build in plenty of time for delays throughout your journey. Kids don’t always have the greatest sense of urgency, and rushing through the airport with your family in tow will be stressful for everyone. 

If possible, you should do a full feed for your infant(s) before you leave, as it may help them sleep through the start of the journey. You should also explain your journey plans to toddlers and older children so they know what to expect and there aren’t any surprises that could unsettle them. 

Essentials to pack in carry-on

There are several key essentials you should remember to pack when travelling with children of different ages.

mother preparing babys luggage
For babies:

  • Diapers, wipes and diaper cream (pack extra in case of delays) 

  • Formula and breastfeeding supplies (including pump and cooler if needed) 

  • Baby food, pouches and snacks 

  • Bottles and bibs 

  • Lightweight travel stroller or baby carrier 

  • Portable changing mat 

  • Travel crib 

  • Blanket 

  • Spare clothes 

  • Favourite toys 

For toddlers:

  • Travel potty or foldable toilet seat (if potty training) 

  • Mess-free snacks like fruit bars, crackers and dried fruit 

  • Water bottle or Sippy cup 

  • Compact activity toys like sticker books, water colouring pads or small puzzles 

  • Tablet with headphones and preloaded games or videos (with a portable charger) 

  • Lightweight stroller or harness-style backpack leash (for crowded places) 

  • Spare clothes, especially pants and underwear 

toddler dragging his luggage through the airport while carrying a lion backpack
children watching something on a red tablet while waiting at the airport

For older children:

  • Tablet with headphones and preloaded games or videos (with a portable charger)

  • Other travel-sized entertainment like card games

  • Books and magazines

  • Snacks  

  • Reusable water bottle (Don’t forget the bottles has to be empty before security)

Getting to the airport with children: Stress-free travel starts early

Getting to the airport with children isn’t as straightforward as travelling solo, so you’ll need to pick a method of transport that suits your whole family. 

You’ll likely have bulkier items like prams and car seats among your luggage too, so consider whether you’ll be able to carry all your items easily on public transport. 

Rushing to make public transport connections on time can be an unnecessarily stressful experience, and you might be better off driving to the airport yourself or booking a private taxi. In Dubai you can book marhaba’s Family Elite Meet & Greet service and reach the airport in a luxury chauffeur-driven car.

If you're driving to the airport, look for parking options that best suit your needs—there are plenty of spots available near the terminal gates. At Dubai International Airport, the parking bays are spacious, offering extra room to manoeuvre luggage and strollers, making the experience more convenient for families.

To simplify the airport arrival and check-in process, you could use marhaba’s Home Check-in Service. One of our representatives will come to your home to remotely check you into your flight (subject to airline approval and acceptance), check your documents and weigh your baggage before delivering it to the airport for you.

Tips for getting to the airport with newborns

There are several things you can do to minimise stress and ensure a smooth journey when getting to the airport with a newborn: 

Driving yourself:

  • Install a baby car seat ahead of time 

  • If you’re travelling with a partner, look for a drop-off zone at the airport – one of you can take the baby into the terminal while the other parks and unloads. 

  • Valet parking, which most airports offer, is a good option as it allows you to unload at the terminal – instead of having to carry your luggage and keep tabs on your children on the walk from the car park 

Taxis:
  • Check baby car seat policies in advance if you’re travelling by taxi (you may be able to bring your own or request one) 
Public transport:

  • Use a baby carrier instead of a stroller if possible – they're easier to manoeuvre in crowded areas and on escalators 

  • Travel at off-peak times to avoid large crowds 

  • Pack a rain cover or sunshade if you’re going spend periods exposed to the weather 

Going through the airport with children: From check-in to boarding without the meltdowns

 

marhaba representative assisting mother and kids

 

Going through the airport can be a particularly exhausting experience when you’re travelling with children. 

Check-in can be a flashpoint for unexpected delays and tantrums, while busy, noisy security areas can be overwhelming for young ones. 

To breeze through this stage of the journey and reach your departure gate with minimal delays and queuing stress, book marhaba’s Meet & Greet services at Dubai International Airport. 

With the dedicated one-to-one Family service, you’ll enjoy an array of benefits that provide a seamless airport experience for you and your family: 

  • Meet and greet kerbside and an escort from the airport entrance to your departure gate 

  • Access to the fast-track immigration counter 

  • Check-in assistance (Terminal 3 only) 

  • Buggy car transfers (subject to request and availability) 

  • Multilingual guides (subject to request and availability) 

With the Family Elite service, you’ll get everything in the Family service in addition to: 

  • A luxury chauffeur-driven car to the airport 

  • A porter to assist with your luggage from kerbside to your departure gate 

  • Lounge access 

  • Exclusive access to a dedicated VIP space access with à la carte dining 

Going through Dubai International Airport with children

 

There are several provisions and facilities for families travelling through Dubai International Airport. 

For example, you can pick up a complimentary stroller in departures and connections in Emirates Terminal 3 – then simply drop it at the stroller park at the boarding gate or on arrival. If you are using marhaba services, on Terminal 1 and 2, staff can assist you with a stroller if you mention you need one during your booking. 

You'll also find plenty of things to keep children of all ages entertained for hours across the airport terminals. These range from a trampoline playground and play areas with video games, to pick and mix sweet shops and a chocolate bar. 

In Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, the marhaba lounges have separate kid’s rooms available with PlayStations – and children under two years are admitted for free. Unwind in a peaceful, stylish space while your young ones tire themselves out before your flight.

Hidden disabilities

While marhaba’s Meet & Greet Services ensure a swift airport process, you may require additional special assistance services if your child has a disability or condition that isn’t immediately apparent. 

There is an assisted travel lounge at Dubai Airport Terminal 2 with wheelchair-friendly areas, noise-reducing seating and decompression zone for those with autism. 

There is also an autism-friendly route in Terminal 2 – marked with a sunflower symbol - with dedicated check-in, passport control and security screening lanes. Your child can wear a discrete sunflower lanyard to access these lanes, and you may be given a choice of when you would like to board the aircraft, at your airline’s discretion. The lanyards also mean employees can easily identify those with autism and respond appropriately or provide additional support. Terminal 3 has a Family zone and Point of Care (PoC) capsules for autism support, and all of the terminals in DXB has trained staff to recognize the sunflower symbol to assist you to go through the airport. 

The marhaba services are complementary to the offering at Dubai Airport, meaning you’ll benefit from our expertise and friendly welcome alongside the various assistance provided by the airport and your airline. 

Tips for going through the airport with children

There are a few things you can do to help prepare for going through the airport with infants and young children. 

 

marhaba representative playing PlayStation games with child

 

Going through the airport with babies

  • Use a baby carrier when going through security – babies can usually stay in the carrier when you walk through the scanners 

  • A front-facing carrier also means you can easily soothe your baby and keep your hands free 

  • If you’re using a stroller, empty it before you get to security – it'll need folding to go on the X-ray belt 

  • Baby formula, milk or formula powder with separate water for mixing are usually exempt from liquid restrictions - you can bring a reasonable amount for your baby's needs during the flight 

Going through the airport with toddlers

  • If you can, take your toddler for a walk to tire them out before entering the airport – a toddler full of energy can be a nightmare 

  • Use a stroller or leash backpack to keep your toddler close in crowded areas 

  • Give your toddler a small job like carrying snacks in a backpack – they love to feel included 

  • Explain what’s happening when you get to security as it can be scary and overwhelming for young children 

  • Label your toddler’s bag – they can be guilty of losing or forgetting things 

  • Plane spotting can be a great way to distract your toddler and keep them occupied in airport queues 

 

In the air: Tips for flying with children without losing your cool

 

Once you’ve boarded the plane, you’ll be in a confined space with your children, likely for several hours. Preparing your young ones for this is vital to enjoying a peaceful journey. 

Planes can be noisy, suffer from unpredictable turbulence and energetic toddlers can struggle to sit still for long periods. Keeping your babies or children comfortable and entertained throughout is key to a stress-free journey.

Tips for flying with children:

For all ages, you can pack a number of several essentials to make sure your kids are entertained, comfortable and clean. 

  • Bring a small seat-side bag with essentials like diapers and toys – this will be easier to access than a larger bag 

  • Headphones or earplugs for you and your kids 

  • Chargers and power banks for electronic devices 

  • Extra clothes 

  • Tissues and wipes 

Flying with newborns & babies:

  • Feed before boarding to avoid any hungry cries 

  • Feed during takeoff and landing to help with ear pressure 

  • Walk the aisle to calm a fussy baby (when the seatbelt sign is off) 

  • Request a bassinet on long-haul flights – these provide infants with a comfortable sleeping space 

  • Swaddle your baby so they feel calm and sleepy 

Flying with toddlers:

  • Make sure they’re active at the airport before the flight to burn energy – whether that’s walking or playing 

  • Preload games, movies and shows onto a tablet to keep them entertained, if you have marhaba lounge access than you can use free wifi instead 

  • Give them water to drink during take-off and landing to help with ear pressure issues 

  • Pack snacks, including extra treats if they’re well behaved during the flight  

  • Bring a few new toys or books to surprise them with on the flight 

  • Be patient and offer reassurance – flying can be unpredictable and overwhelming for toddlers 

Flying with older children:

  • Let them take responsibility for the items and entertainment they want to bring – but double check they have enough to keep them occupied 

  • Encourage quiet activities like reading or travel-sized games 

  • Give them water, chewing gum or sucking sweets to help with ear pressure issues during takeoff and landing 

  • Make sure they stay hydrated and take plenty of bathroom breaks – this is also good for stretching their legs 

  • Create a schedule for the flight to provide structure – for example, start with a movie, then have lunch, then play a game 

  • Pack a surprise bag with a new game – this can be used if you feel your kid is getting bored 

 

Final thoughts: You’ve got this (and marhaba can help)

 

Flying with babies and children can be exhausting, but it doesn’t have to be. 

With some preparation and consideration for your kids’ needs, you can sail through your journey without issue.  

By taking advantage of marhaba’s services, you’ll further streamline your experience - from the moment you depart to the moment you reach your destination. 

Save hassle and time with home check-in and cruise to Dubai Airport in a luxury, chauffeur-driven car with Family Elite Meet & Greet.  

Meet & Greet also provides an incredibly smooth experience upon arrival at the airport, with baggage assistance from kerbside to your departure gate, as well as fast-track immigration, check-in help and more. 

You can even make waiting for your flight a pleasant experience by booking an exclusive marhaba lounge at Dubai Airport. Enjoy international cuisine in stylish surroundings while your kids play. 

With the tips in this guide, and the support from the expert, friendly marhaba team, travelling with kids and babies will be a walk in the park. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions: Airport travel with kids

 

1. Can a family be escorted through the airport?

You can arrange for your family to be escorted from kerbside right the way to your departure gate with marhaba Meet & Greet services. 

If you book the Family Elite service at Dubai Airport, you’ll be met kerbside before being escorted through the airport to the boarding gate. 

You’ll have porters to assist with your luggage, use the fast-track immigration counter and get lounge access along with several other benefits. This makes the airport experience a breeze for you and your family. 

2. What documents do I need when flying with children?

Every child generally needs their own passport or valid national ID card for international travel. 

If a child is travelling with one parent, you may need a copy of their birth certificate or a letter of consent from the other parent. 

If you’re not the child’s parent or if your relationship with the child is unclear – for example due to adoption – you should bring any documents or certifications that prove you’re authorised to travel with them. 

3. Is baby food allowed through airport security?

There are no restrictions on solid baby food at airport security, and you can typically take reasonable amounts of liquid baby food through in your carry-on luggage – beyond the usual liquid limit. 

Baby formula, milk or formula powder with separate water for mixing are usually exempt from the restrictions, but you should check the specific rules at your departure. If you happen to forget any of the essentials, marhaba staff can guide you to the nearest pharmacy or Duty Free store to buy them. 

4. Do newborns need a passport to fly?

Yes, even newborns require a passport for international travel. 

In some cases, you can apply for an emergency travel document for your newborn if you are yet to receive their passport and need to fly. It’s important to check the specific rules for your departure and arrival countries. 

5. What’s the best time of day to fly with a toddler?

Flights departing around mid-morning and midday are generally considered good options when travelling with a toddler. 

You won’t have to wake them in the early hours and risk a grumpy child who hasn’t had enough sleep. You also won’t have to keep them up past their bedtime, which could be the case for an evening flight. 

On a mid-morning or midday flight, your toddler might even be ready for nap by the time your board – giving you some peace and quiet.