Let’s be honest, traveling with a baby or toddler through a busy airport is no walk in the park. Between juggling bags, navigating security lines, and trying to keep your little one calm, it can feel highly stressful, overwhelming and a massive test of your patience. 

If you’ve ever felt that familiar stress bubbling up at the thought of a family trip, you’re not alone. We recently had one of those airport experiences—the kind where everything that could go wrong, did. After reflecting on the chaos, we’ve put together some recommendations to help make your next trip smoother (because trust us, it doesn’t have to be that hard).

One of the biggest game-changers? A baby carrier that actually works for you, and the HipSurfer is just the ticket. In this guide, we’ll cover some tried-and-true travel tips to make your airport experience as easy as possible, plus why the HipSurfer is the MVP of baby carriers for travel.

1. Which Is The Best Baby Carrier for Travel?

Finding the right baby carrier can be the difference between breezing through an airport and feeling like you’re barely holding it together. With so many options out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Let’s break it down:

Structured Carriers

Structured carriers give you padded support with straps, buckles, and waistbands. They’re often adjustable, which is great, but if you’re passing your baby between family members, adjusting all the straps can be fiddly and time-consuming. While they offer good support, they’re not always the easiest to take on and off in a hurry—something to keep in mind when you’re going through security or chasing after a toddler.

Sling Carriers

Sling carriers are soft, fabric wraps that hold your baby close, offering that lovely womb-like feeling. They’re perfect for newborns, but they can sometimes be tricky to adjust, and all the fabric might make you feel a bit wrapped up like a burrito yourself. If you’re going to be wearing it for hours while traveling, it’s important to make sure it’s comfortable and fits correctly, otherwise, you might end up with a sore back or shoulders.

Hip Seat Carriers

Then there’s the hip seat carrier—our personal favourite. Unlike most baby carriers, this one allows your child to sit on a sturdy seat while being supported by your hip. The HipSurfer is quick to pop on and off, keeps the weight off your shoulders, and provides much-needed relief for your back. Trust us, when you’ve got a wriggly toddler and a million things to think about, that ease of use is a game-changer.

2. Tips for Traveling With a Baby

Once you’ve got the perfect carrier sorted, there are a few more tricks that can make traveling with little ones smoother:

Pack Light and Smart

We know it’s tempting to pack everything but the kitchen sink, but traveling light is key. Prioritize the essentials: snacks, nappies, wipes, a change of clothes, and a few toys. The HipSurfer has built-in storage for these bits and bobs, which means you won’t need to lug around multiple bags. Plus, it comes with a retractable bottle holder—because staying hydrated is a must for both you and bub.

Board Early

Most airlines offer early boarding for families with children, and we say: take it! It’s the perfect opportunity to settle into your seat, stow away your bags, and get your bearings without the hustle and bustle. With the HipSurfer, you can carry your little one on board with ease, leaving your hands free to juggle passports, tickets, and carry-ons.

Plan for Naps and Feeding

Long waits can sometimes mean your baby will need a nap or feeding at awkward moments. Look out for family-friendly lounges or nursing rooms at the airport. Many now have spaces designed for breastfeeding or bottle feeding, and a baby carrier like the HipSurfer makes it easy to soothe your child while staying mobile. So many snacks.

Our friend Emma Lovelle recommends you 'take all the snacks!'. Do not rely on the plane, the train, the venues or the location you arrive in to have an appropriate volume of snacks. Bring your favourite snacks from home and save yourself the drama and meltdowns.

We get asked this a lot—can you wear your baby through airport security? And the answer is generally yes! Most airports allow you to wear your baby in a soft carrier like the HipSurfer through TSA, although you may be subject to a quick additional screening.

3. Can I Wear My Baby Through Aussie Airport Security and On Flights?

The beauty of the HipSurfer is that it’s lightweight and strap-free, so you don’t need to worry about setting off any alarms. Simply keep your little one in the carrier while you move through security, and you’re good to go. Trust us, anything that saves you from having to wrestle with removing a complicated carrier mid-line is a win in our books.

Baby Carriers on the Plane

When it comes to the actual flight, baby carriers are generally allowed in the cabin, though most airlines require you to remove the carrier during takeoff and landing. Once you’re in the air, you can pop your baby back into the HipSurfer to keep them comfortable and settled—whether they’re napping or just needing some extra cuddles

4. Why the HipSurfer is the Best Baby Carrier for Airports

Let’s talk about why the HipSurfer stands out from the crowd when it comes to travel. Spoiler alert: it’s a lifesaver.

Ergonomic Design for Less Strain

One of the biggest complaints we hear from parents is how carrying a baby or toddler through an airport can leave them feeling like a human packhorse. The HipSurfer changes that. Its ergonomic design shifts the weight from your arms and shoulders to your hips, giving you immediate relief. Perfect for long walks to the gate or when your little one refuses to sit in the stroller.

On-and-Off in Seconds

Airports are busy, fast-paced environments, and the last thing you need is to be fiddling with straps and buckles. The HipSurfer is all about simplicity. It’s quick and easy to pop your child in and out of the seat, which is perfect for those inevitable moments when you need to put your baby down quickly—whether it’s to pass through security or grab a snack.

Storage for Essentials

Traveling with kids means stuff—lots of it. The HipSurfer has built-in storage, so you don’t need an extra bag for nappies, wipes, snacks, or even your phone and wallet. It’s all right there in one easy-access spot, meaning you can stay organized without the hassle of extra baggage.

Cooling and Comfortable

Airports can be hot, chaotic, and stressful, but the HipSurfer’s strap-free design keeps both you and your little one cool. No overheating while you’re running between gates, and no sweaty straps digging into your skin.

Perfect for Toddlers

The HipSurfer isn’t just for babies—it’s ideal for toddlers too. With a weight capacity of up to 20kg, it’s designed to grow with your child. That means when your toddler gets tired of walking, you can easily seat them on the HipSurfer without the hassle of adjusting straps or fitting them into a traditional carrier. Plus, the extra storage means you can carry snacks and drinks for them too.