There’s no denying that travelling with children – especially little ones – can bring a bit more stress, planning, and the occasional moment of panic. Whether it's making sure you've packed everything, dealing with last-minute toilet trips, or just keeping everyone calm and entertained, it can feel like a lot.
That’s why we’ve created this page to help take some of the pressure off. Here, you’ll find all the essential information to make your journey smoother and more family-friendly from start to finish.
"Where are the baby changing facilities?"
"Are there family-friendly places to eat?"
Baby changing facilities are available next to the women’s toilets, both before and after security. These spaces also have chairs to make breastfeeding a bit more comfortable. That said, East Midlands Airport is fully supportive of breastfeeding anywhere on site – there are no restrictions, so parents can feed their babies wherever they feel most at ease.
And when it comes to feeding on the go you're allowed to take enough baby food or milk through security as is needed for the journey, so don't worry about the 100ml limit on those.
All the eateries at East Midlands Airport are child-friendly, so finding something for the whole family is easy. Whether you're after a quick bite or a sit-down meal, there are plenty of options.
Go for a budget-friendly burger at Burger King, enjoy some classic Italian-American dishes at Frankie & Benny’s, or just stop for a Babyccino while you take a breather. Many places also offer high chairs, kids' menus, and helpful staff to make things easier for families. Check out the bars & restaurants page for a full list of options.
Passengers travelling with children may find that some airlines cater to younger passengers by providing colouring sheets and activities for them to do on the plane. However, not all airlines do this, so it's always worth being prepared and bringing your own means of distraction.
Make a list of everything you will need. New security measures mean that you can only carry a limited amount of baby food and drink onto the plane in a clear plastic bag; the bag must be no larger than 20cm by 20cm. Make sure you prepare for this to avoid any problems at security.
Will you be hiring a car when you reach your destination? If so, did you know that child seats are a requirement throughout Europe? If you have children under 12, make sure you hire a child seat, too. If you have your own ISOFIX car seat, you may want to bring that along with you to save you some money!
If you require any more information on child seat laws in the UK, head over to the Department for Transport website.
Our friends over at Airport Parking Shop have written a number of blogs over the years to help parents make the process of travelling with children easier.
Covering everything from which UK airports provide breastfeeding facilities to what to do if you're travelling with a child with a different surname to you, they have quite a variety! Take a look at the selection below; you may find them helpful!
Flying with babies and toddlers | Keeping children entertained | Breastfeeding in UK airports | Flying whilst pregnant | Flying with a child with a different surname to you
