How to travel with a baby

Traveling with a baby can be exciting and rewarding, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Whether you’re heading out for a family vacation, a road trip, or an international journey, this guide has got you covered. We’ll share essential tips and tricks to make your trip smooth and worry-free¹.

Key Takeaways

Understand airline policies for flying with a newborn, with some airlines allowing infants as young as 3 days old to travel¹²
Learn how to efficiently pack for your baby’s travel needs, from carry-on luggage to in-flight essentials
Navigate the airport with ease, from checking in to getting through security with a little one in tow
Discover tips and tricks to keep your baby happy and entertained during the flight
Choose the right seating option for your family, including bassinets and car seats

This guide is here to help you, no matter where you’re going or how long you’ll be away. It’s designed to give you the confidence to start your family adventure. Get ready to make memories and enjoy the journey with your little one by your side.

Top Tips for Flying with a Baby

Flying with a baby can seem scary, but with the right steps, it can be smooth. You can make sure your trip is easy and worry-free. These tips will guide you on how to travel with your baby confidently.

Flying with Baby: Booking your Flight

When booking your flight, think about the flight time, when it leaves, and when it arrives. This should match your baby’s sleep times. It’s wise to wait until your baby is at least 7 days old before flying³. Waiting until they are 2-3 months old is even better to lower the chance of getting sick³. Turbulence is a big issue for kids on planes, so try to sit in rows with more space. Avoid exit rows for safety.

What Flight to Book When Flying with a Baby

Make sure your baby’s seat is right next to yours on the plane³. If possible, book a sky couch or sleeper seat. Some airlines have bassinets for babies under 6 months old and/or 20 pounds³. Babies under 20 pounds should be in a rear-facing car seat on the plane³. Kids between 20 to 40 pounds should be in a car seat until they hit 40 pounds³. The car seat must be approved for both cars and planes³.

Do Babies Fly Free Internationally?

Kids under 2 don’t need a ticket for domestic flights but must be told to the airline⁴. Internationally, babies under 2 can sit on your lap for free³, but there might be an extra charge. Babies need a current passport for international trips⁴. Parents must apply for a baby passport in person using form DS-11⁴. Baby passport photos should be taken alone⁴.

When Can You Fly with a Baby?

Airlines let babies as young as a week old fly, but waiting a few months is better⁴. The American Academy of Pediatrics says newborns shouldn’t fly unless needed because of the risk of getting sick⁴. Some airlines don’t let newborns fly, or they let them as young as 2 days old⁴.

Packing Essentials for Baby Travel

Traveling with a baby means packing carefully to have everything you need. This guide covers essential baby gear and comfy clothes for your little one.

What Baggage Can I Bring for a Baby or Toddler?

Airlines let you bring a car seat and stroller for free, making airport travel easier⁵. You can also bring a diaper bag, breast pump, formula, and breast milk without worrying about the 3.4-ounce liquid rule⁵.

Packing Tips for Carry-On Luggage

Put only the must-haves in your carry-on, like clothes, toys, and snacks⁵. Pack diapers, wipes, baby food, and snacks for two days to keep everything handy during the flight⁵.

What Should a Baby Wear on a Plane?

Choose comfy, layered clothes for your baby to stay warm and happy⁶. Bring two outfits a day and extra clothes in your suitcase⁶. Soft shoes with good grip are also a smart choice for your toddler⁷.

Think about packing a portable feeding seat, baby monitor, and playmat for your baby’s comfort⁷. Remember to include clothes for all weather conditions, from swimsuits to coats⁶.

With the right items, your baby will be ready and comfy on your trip. A bit of planning helps make your family trip memorable.

Navigating the Airport with an Infant

Traveling with a baby through the airport can seem daunting, but with some prep, you can make it easy. Start by checking in early and ask for special help, like a bassinet seat or early boarding⁸. Babies under two often don’t need a separate seat but might pay a small fee, which can be about $20⁸. Kids over two must pay for a full seat, just like an adult⁸.

Security Screening

At security, you’ll need to take your baby out of the carrier or stroller and go through the detector with them⁹. If your baby has a seat, make sure it meets FAA standards, and car seats should be at a window for safety⁹. Knowing TSA rules for babies can make security easier⁸. Airlines have different rules for when babies can fly, often letting newborns with a passport, but sometimes they need to be a week old⁸.

Boarding with a Baby

Board the plane early to get settled with your baby⁹. Most US airlines let families board early⁹⁸. Bassinet seats on long flights are free and great for babies who can sleep in them⁸⁹. Flying with a lap baby is easier with another person’s help⁹.

“The preferred way to travel with a car seat and stroller is typically to check either at the gate.”⁹

Remember, with a little planning and patience, you can navigate the airport with your baby without a hitch.

How to Travel with a Baby on the Plane

Rules for Flying with an Infant

When you’re flying with a baby, knowing the airline’s rules is key. Airlines have different rules for when babies can fly. For example, Alaska Airlines doesn’t have a minimum age¹⁰. American Airlines and JetBlue let babies as young as two or three days old fly¹⁰. Delta, United, Spirit, and Frontier allow babies after the first week of life¹⁰. Southwest needs children to be at least 14 days old for flights to other countries¹⁰. Babies under 2 can fly for free, but they’re not as safe as having a seat¹⁰. The FAA, AAP, and NTSB say buying a seat is safer for kids during turbulence and other issues¹¹.

Tips for Take-Off and Landing

Take-off and landing are tricky times for babies. Help them by using breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or a pacifier to ease ear pressure¹¹. Some airlines have bassinets for babies under 6 months, and sitting by a window or near the bulkhead gives you more space¹¹.

Don’t forget to pack diapers, wipes, and extra clothes where you can easily get them for a smooth flight¹⁰. Packing smart helps avoid the stress of bringing too much stuff¹².

“Traveling with a baby can be tough, but with the right prep and knowledge, it’s rewarding. Following the airline’s rules and taking care of your baby’s needs makes for a stress-free trip for everyone.”

Keeping Your Baby Happy and Entertained

Traveling with a baby can be both rewarding and challenging. It’s key to keep your little one happy and entertained during flights for a smooth trip. Bring familiar toys, books, and activities to soothe and distract your baby, making the flight better for everyone¹³.

Getting a Baby to Sleep on a Plane

Try to match the flight with your baby’s sleep schedule. Use breastfeeding, rocking, or a baby carrier to help them sleep¹³. A night light projector can also create a calming bedtime routine during the flight¹³.

Toys and Activities for Babies on Flights

For entertainment, a mix of toys and activities works well¹⁴. Singing, playing peek-a-boo, and using rattles can keep babies happy during travel¹⁴. Parents also use technology like tablets or smartphones for entertainment on long trips¹⁴.

To keep things clean, pack a rollable silicone placemat and a two-in-one infant-feeding seat¹³. A diaper bag dispenser and disposal bags help with odor control during diaper changes¹³.

Baby Entertainment Options	Effectiveness	Frequency of Breaks/Stops Required
Tablets or Smartphones	High for older babies, lower for younger infants	Fewer breaks needed when using technology
Classic Methods (e.g., singing, peek-a-boo)	Highly effective for all age groups	More frequent breaks required to maintain baby’s interest

With creativity and preparation, you can keep your baby happy and reduce disruptions on the flight¹³. Knowing your baby’s needs and likes ensures a fun and stress-free trip for everyone¹⁴.

“Traveling with a baby can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can make the journey more enjoyable for everyone.”

Choosing the Right Seating for Baby

When you’re flying with an infant, the seat you pick can make a big difference. Babies under two can fly for free on your lap¹⁵. Or, you can buy a separate seat and use a car seat for extra safety and comfort¹⁶.

Flying with Baby on Your Lap

Booking a lap infant ticket saves money, costing up to 10% of the adult fare on international flights¹⁵. But, lap babies don’t earn miles, and you might not get a seat next to you on airlines like Southwest that don’t have assigned seats¹⁵.

Using a Baby Car Seat on the Plane

If you opt for a car seat, make sure it’s not past its expiration date and has been used right¹⁶. Car seats offer a safe and familiar spot for your baby, but remember, you’ll need to buy a separate seat¹⁵.

Reserving a Bassinet Seat

Many airlines have bassinet seats for your baby. These seats give your infant a special place to sleep and need to be booked early¹⁵. Not every plane has bassinets, but they can really help parents traveling with babies.

Think about what’s best for your baby and your family when picking your seats. Your baby’s comfort and safety should be your main concern when choosing where to sit on the plane.

“Comfort can be a significant factor when deciding between a lap infant and a purchased seat for a baby.”¹⁵

Seating Option	Pros	Cons
Lap Infant	Cost-effective No separate seat required	No miles earned No guaranteed empty seat next to you
Baby Car Seat	Familiar and safe environment May have own baggage allowance	Requires a separate seat purchase Ensure car seat is not expired
Bassinet Seat	Dedicated sleeping space for baby Available on select aircraft	Subject to availability May require advance reservation

How to Travel with a Baby

Traveling with a baby can seem daunting, but it can be rewarding and memorable with the right preparation. Start by packing essential gear like a travel stroller, car seat, and lightweight carrier¹⁷.

At the airport, use pre-boarding and TSA Pre-Check to skip long lines¹⁷. Dress your baby in comfy clothes that are easy to change. Bring snacks, toys, and electronics to keep them happy during the flight¹⁷.

Book a separate seat for your baby on long flights for their comfort and safety¹⁷.
Nurse or bottle-feed during takeoff and descent to ease ear discomfort¹⁷.
Have a variety of snacks, including easy-to-feed options and lollipops, to keep your baby happy¹⁷.
Bring activity toys, iPads, and tablets for entertainment during the flight¹⁷.

Traveling with a baby means being flexible and adventurous. Embrace the challenges and focus on making a safe, fun journey for your family. With the right preparation and a positive attitude, you’ll make memories that last¹⁷.

Recommendation	Price
Babyzen Yoyo pram	Designed for narrow staircases and old European cities, folding down into a flat, hold bag shape for easy transportation¹⁸.
Little Freddie baby food pouches, Piccolo fruit pouches, Organix snacks, and formula	Recommended to travel with at least six Little Freddie baby food pouches, five piccolo fruit pouches, Organix snacks, and enough formula for two days¹⁸.
Sterilized dummies	Recommended to carry 5 packs of two sterilized dummies for soothing babies during flights¹⁸.
Tommee Tippee bottle bag pack	Priced at £10.35 on Amazon for convenient temperature control of milk¹⁸.
Elvie single electric breast pump	Priced at around £255.55 at various retailers, offering hands-free pumping capability for travel convenience¹⁸.
CoziGo cover	Priced at £66 for creating darkness around baby sleeping areas during flights and in hotels¹⁸.
Tommee Tippee portable blackout blind	Costs £15 on Amazon for creating a dark sleeping environment for babies when there is no blackout blind available in the hotel room¹⁸.
Stokke Flexi Baby Bath	Priced at £42 at John Lewis for portable bathing solution for babies when hotels do not have bath facilities¹⁸.

“Traveling with a baby requires flexibility and a sense of adventure. Embrace the challenges, and focus on creating a safe and enjoyable journey for your family.”

Conclusion

Traveling with a baby is exciting and rewarding but needs proper prep and organization. This guide gives you tips and advice to go on family trips with ease. The complete guide to traveling with a baby focuses on being simple, organized, and¹⁹.

Whether it’s a short flight or a long trip, being adaptable and focused on making memories is key. This guide covers packing right, moving through airports and planes smoothly, and more¹⁹.

Learn the latest tips, like using a FAA-approved car seat¹⁹, breastfeeding during takeoff and landing¹⁹, and keeping a routine¹⁹. With the right prep and a positive outlook, traveling with a baby can be a rewarding adventure. It will give you memories to treasure for years.

FAQ

What flight should I book when traveling with a baby?

Choosing the right flight is key when you’re flying with a baby. Think about how long the flight is, when it leaves and arrives, and when your baby usually sleeps.

Do babies fly for free internationally?

Babies under two can fly for free on your lap internationally, but there might be an extra charge. Most airlines let babies as young as a week old fly. But, waiting a few months is best until their immune system is stronger.

What can I bring for my baby through airport security?

You can bring things like diapers, wipes, formula, and breast milk through security. Just make sure to pack them in sealable bags.

How should I dress my baby for a flight?

Wear your baby in comfy, layered clothes. This keeps them cozy and happy during the flight.

What should I do during takeoff and landing when flying with a baby?

For takeoff and landing, breastfeeding or giving your baby a pacifier helps. It makes their ears feel better and keeps them comfy.

How can I keep my baby entertained on a flight?

Bring toys, books, and activities your baby likes. Breastfeeding, rocking, or using a baby carrier can also help them sleep.

Can I use a car seat on the plane?

Yes, you can buy a separate seat and use a car seat. This makes flying with a baby safer and more comfy.