25 Tips for Flying with a Baby (Updated 2023)

Posted: 11/28/2023

Lots of people assume that upon getting a child it’s a must to cease touring. Fortunately, that’s removed from the reality. In this visitor put up, Kristin Addis from Be My Travel Muse and Parenthood Adventures shares her suggestions for flying with a child so you possibly can journey with confidence the subsequent time you’re taking flight along with your baby.

Flying with a child can appear daunting. Plenty of fogeys dream of touring with their baby, however visions of a complete aircraft of individuals gawking as their baby cries retains them from taking the leap.

As the mother of a well-traveled one-year-old, I’ve had my fair proportion of flights the place everybody complimented how properly my child did, and others the place I used to be counting the seconds till it was over, with a fussy, squirming baby in my arms.

From these successes and failures, I’ve realized quite a bit about the best way to make an extended flight extra tolerable with an toddler.

With 10 international locations and practically 100 flights as a household below my belt (plus some solo with my baby), right here’s every thing I’ve realized about the best way to fly internationally with a child:

1. Get Your Documents in Order Prior to Booking

Before touring internationally, make sure you’ve left sufficient time to get your child a passport. First, you’ll want a start certificates, and relying on the place you reside, this might take some time.

Next, take photographs of your baby mendacity on a white background (I used a T-shirt) and make your passport workplace appointment, the place you’ll submit your software varieties (obtainable on-line and on the workplace), photographs, and cost. Check your native passport workplace or put up workplace for the required paperwork and procedures.

Make positive that you just depart loads of time to spare for processing the applying. Consider expediting it if there’s an extended wait or in case you plan to journey in every week’s time (wherein case, go in particular person). It took us about three weeks to get the appointment, and 6 extra to get the passport (even with expedited processing).

2. Make Sure Baby Has a Ticket

Even in case your toddler will probably be in your lap, they nonetheless must be ticketed to be allowed to board. For worldwide flights, you’ll should pay the taxes, and normally 10% of the grownup fare, even when they’re simply in your lap.

Make positive you have got this ticket affirmation previous to heading to the airport. I’ve run into points earlier than, when the airline stated my son was added to my reservation when in reality he wasn’t, inflicting me to overlook my flight whereas we sorted out the additional ticket and charges. Now, I be certain I’ve the precise ticket affirmation to keep away from any points.

3. Reserve a Bassinet

For these touring with lap infants, verify along with your airline to order a bassinet. Bassinets connect to the world in entrance of the bulkhead seats, offering a secure and comfortable spot on your child to relaxation throughout the flight, and providing you with your lap again. You don’t must e book your baby their very own seat to order a bassinet, as it is going to be connected to the wall in entrance of you. They have weight limits, however every airline is completely different when it comes to what these are, with most being 20–26 lbs.

These bassinets are restricted, and bulkhead seats are widespread, so make your reservation early to safe one. Not each airline reserves these forward of time, however some do. Singapore Airlines and Emirates even reserve bassinet seats particularly for folks!

4. Get Toddlers Their Own Seat for Longer Flights

Children below two can fly in your lap (normally without cost or for a reduction, as talked about above) as a substitute of in their very own seat, however on prolonged worldwide flights, it’s properly price reserving a separate seat for them. If they’re cell, they’ll be squirming and encroaching on the area of the folks subsequent to you in the event that they don’t have their very own seat and can most likely be annoyed that they will’t transfer round extra.

Though we didn’t do that for my child earlier than he was standing and crawling, on our most up-to-date flight, from Cape Town to San Francisco, which concerned 24 mixed hours within the air, it was our saving grace. Having our personal row gave my son area to maneuver, stand, climb a bit, and get his vitality out. It additionally gave us extra legroom and an area for him to sleep. It was so definitely worth the expense.

If you do that, you’ll must both deliver a automobile seat or CARES harness onboard for them. A CARES harness wraps across the seat, making a better-fitting seat belt scenario, however they’re solely usable for infants who can sit up comfortably unaided, are over 3 ft (1 meter) tall, and weigh 22-44 lbs (10-20 kg).

5. Reserve a Meal for Them

Some airways supply child meals, reminiscent of purees, and even toddler meals. Though it’s a uncommon providing, Emirates even has system onboard!

Notify the airline prematurely about any dietary restrictions or allergic reactions your baby could have. Airlines can typically accommodate particular requests, making certain that your baby has an acceptable and secure meal throughout the flight. I at all times pack our personal snacks and meals as properly, because you by no means know what the meal would possibly embody, and infants get hungry on their very own schedule.

Don’t rely on the airline to supply milk on your baby. We’ve discovered that whereas some have milk onboard, they’re probably not ready with additional for infants and toddlers, and a few may not have any to spare in any respect. We deliver our personal plant milk in smaller containers (see under about portions), or these days, I’ve been bringing powdered fortified oat milk sachets now that he’s older. Toddler system is an choice as properly!

6. Print Their Boarding Pass

Even although dad and mom can use cell boarding passes, I’ve at all times been required to point out a printed ticket for our child, at the same time as a lap toddler. From time to time, the ticketing brokers haven’t realized this and stated we may use a cell ticket, however TSA, at the very least within the US, could require the printed ticket to get by safety. While you’re checking in on the kiosk, simply ask for printed tickets to keep away from any headache.

7. Leave Extra Time on the Airport

Give your self extra time on the airport than you ever did earlier than when touring with a child. Diaper modifications, blowouts, additional time in safety, and impromptu feedings can all occur, and having a cushty buffer earlier than your flight leaves is important. It additionally permits for a extra leisurely airport expertise, making certain that you just don’t begin off the entire journey rushed and burdened. You could have been in a position to dash to a closing gate previously, however that’s going to be tough with a child and all the additional baggage that entails!

8. Be Aware of TSA Regulations

Security is a complete new expertise as a mother or father, and one you’ll be spending additional time coping with. Familiarize your self with rules regarding touring with a toddler, and know your rights. Regulations can change, so in case you’re departing from the US, verify the TSA web site for essentially the most up-to-date info (and if overseas, verify your nation’s web site).

The most necessary factor to know is that system, breast milk, juice, water, and meals for infants are allowed over the three oz./100ml restrict in “reasonable” portions, which will probably be as much as the agent. I’ve solely been questioned as soon as, and solely within the US. Abroad, we’ve hardly been given any additional checks when the brokers know the liquids are for a child. We even introduced a complete carry-on filled with oat milk by safety in South Africa with out anybody batting an eye fixed.

However, when going by US safety, you should have additional checks. They could run any liquids by an additional scanner, bomb-test the bag if there’s powdered system, and even take off the lid to carry out a vapor check. This can take anyplace from 5 to twenty additional minutes, even when you have TSA Precheck!

9. Learn How to Survive the Airport and Layovers

After safety, we’re normally looking out for a household rest room (so we are able to all go in) for a diaper change, adopted by discovering a quiet space to let the time go. If you have got a toddler, find family-friendly facilities, reminiscent of play areas, the place your baby can expend some vitality. I wish to analysis this earlier than we even get to the airport, so we all know the place we’re going.

Remember to have a stroller that may match within the overhead bin of an airplane or child service for simple transport within the terminal. I desire smaller strollers, in order that I don’t danger them getting broken by gate-checking and don’t have to attend after the flight to get the stroller if it’s a decent connection, which occurs on a regular basis when there are delays.

However, in case your stroller is just too massive to be a carry-on, you possibly can normally gate-check it without cost. I’ve but to return throughout an airline, together with low-cost carriers, that don’t do that.

If your child wants to maneuver, allow them to crawl. Yes, the ground is soiled, however you possibly can at all times wash their palms and alter their outfit earlier than boarding.

10. Keep Them Entertained

In your diaper bag (which doesn’t rely towards carry-on allowance), pack quite a lot of leisure choices on your child. We like to stay spinners to the aircraft home windows and produce small object permanence packing containers, little books, and stickers. Most airways have had little toys as properly, although I wouldn’t rely on these being your fundamental supply of leisure. Never underestimate the ability of studying a e book, enjoying peek-a-boo, or giving your baby a water bottle to play with.

Although we’ve by no means executed this, I’m not right here to evaluate you in case you obtain some Ms. Rachel in your cellphone or pill earlier than leaving residence. Just remember that you’ll should both play it with out sound or get your toddler baby-sized headphones for the complete expertise.

11. Pack Finger Foods for the Flight

Another manner I go the time is by ensuring my son is fed and proud of meals that take a while to eat. Finger meals like Cheerios, squished blueberries, smoothie melts, quartered grapes, and different non-messy fruits or veggies your baby enjoys are at all times good to deliver alongside. If you’re doing baby-led weaning, you are able to do this from six months of age. If you’re doing purees, deliver pouches that don’t want refrigeration.

Keep in thoughts that you just’ll have to complete any produce earlier than getting into your vacation spot, as most international locations don’t enable outdoors fruits and veggies by customs.

12. Prepare Your Carry-On

In your carry-on bag, guarantee you have got sufficient diapers, wipes, pacifiers, and modifications of garments for delays. We normally pack far more diapers than we predict we’ll want, and even so, we regularly undergo all of them after we encounter delays or an upset abdomen. We’ve gone by 4 modifications of garments earlier than, too. Diapers and wipes could be tough to not possible to seek out within the terminal, and most airways don’t carry them onboard.

Don’t neglect additional outfits for your self, too, as journey can typically result in sudden messes. Additionally, have a small first-aid equipment that features any drugs your child would possibly want, reminiscent of ache relievers, fever reducers, or allergy remedy. It’s the worst to want you had these onboard whenever you want them and to not have them readily available.

TSA will apply liquid limits to drugs until you have got a prescription, so put over-the-counter liquids into smaller containers for journey.

13. Understand Stroller Policies

Thankfully most airways don’t rely a stroller or automobile seat towards your checked baggage allowance in case you select to verify your stroller or automobile seat. I even have but to seek out an airline that doesn’t enable dad and mom to gate-check strollers, which means you should use them within the airport till you board the aircraft. This comfort could make navigating the airport way more manageable.

If you possibly can’t gate-check your stroller, many airports have free ones you should use whilst you’re on the airport.

14. Review the Car Seat Policies

If you’re touring with a automobile seat, you have got the choice of checking it as maintain baggage, bringing it to the gate, or bringing it onboard in case your child has their very own seat. If you do verify it as maintain baggage, as talked about above, it normally doesn’t rely towards checked baggage limits, even on low-cost carriers. If you intend to verify each a stroller and a automobile seat, verify with the airline, as some solely enable one.

You’re rolling the cube a bit checking a automobile seat, as a result of if it will get misplaced, you may present as much as your vacation spot with out it. We’ve nonetheless gone for it, although, understanding the danger, with a view to have much less to juggle within the airport, but it surely’s necessary to maintain that in thoughts simply in case.

If you intend to deliver the automobile seat onboard, be certain it’s FAA-approved for air journey. I liked our Uppababy Mesa, and the Nuna Pipa is nice too.

15. Know the Baggage Policies

Traveling with kids typically means extra baggage, so be ready for potential additional baggage charges. Familiarize your self with the load and measurement restrictions to keep away from surprises on the check-in counter. Some airways will give a child some checked baggage allowance, however most don’t until the kid has their very own seat.

We have but to handle to go carry-on solely since having a child. We’re normally touring together with his foldable mattress, journey excessive chair, and further meals for him. Thankfully most baggage is included with out additional charges for worldwide flights, except low-cost carriers.

Carry-on strollers and diaper luggage have by no means been counted towards our allowance.

16. Clear Their Ears Before Takeoff and Landing

During takeoff and touchdown, modifications in cabin strain could cause discomfort for everybody, however infants don’t know but the best way to clear their ears. To assist alleviate this, breastfeed, or supply a bottle, pacifier, or perhaps a snack that encourages swallowing. By ensuring we do that for each takeoff and touchdown, we’ve been in a position to keep away from crying on account of ear strain points.

17. Know How to Clean Things Onboard

If you’re on an extended flight, you’ll ultimately want to wash a bottle or possibly even a breast pump. I wish to deliver a small, 2–3 oz. unscented cleaning soap container and a transportable bottle washing station. Ask the flight attendants for clear water for laundry. I’ve had them typically even supply to rinse a bottle out for me with sizzling water.

18. Keep Nap and Sleep Times Consistent

International journey typically entails crossing a number of time zones, which may result in jet lag for each you and your baby. To assist decrease its results, be sure to’re maintaining with common nap occasions and bedtime as a lot as you possibly can whereas flying. Stick to the native schedule upon arrival to adapt extra rapidly.

Jet lag is without doubt one of the greatest fears dad and mom have, however my son tends to regulate extra rapidly than I do, and I’ve been impressed each time!

19. Dress Your Baby Comfortably

Dress your baby in comfy, breathable clothes for the flight. Opt for layers, because the temperature on the aircraft can range. We at all times put my son in bamboo child garments, that are nice for temperature regulation, and, having worn the grownup variations myself, I can vouch that it’s like carrying a cloud. In a dry surroundings like an airplane, having some consolation is essential.

20. Take a Walk

If you have got a toddler, be sure to’re getting up and letting them stroll up and down the aisles when there aren’t meals or beverage carts round. It might help go the time, get some vitality out, and when you have a social kiddo like mine, give them an opportunity to wave at their adoring followers.

Although there are some well-publicized incidents with passengers getting upset at crying infants, I’ve by no means personally encountered something like that, and discover that fellow passengers will typically play peekaboo or smile and wave at my son.

21. Be Mindful of Timing

When reserving your flights, select departure occasions that align along with your baby’s schedule as a lot as potential. Although it’s typically unavoidable, it units us off on the incorrect foot if I’ve to wake my son up for a flight properly earlier than he would naturally. He’s fussy and irritable, and he doesn’t at all times fall again asleep simply.

As for red-eyes or day flights, I’ve discovered that each work, however at the very least on a red-eye, he’s extra more likely to sleep for a superb chunk of it, which means I’ve to seek out fewer methods to entertain him.

22. Invest in a Good Baby Carrier

A snug child service is a priceless asset when touring with a toddler below two years. It lets you have your palms free to handle baggage, paperwork, and different necessities whereas maintaining them safe and shut. We solely traveled with a service till my son was about eight months outdated earlier than switching to a stroller. That stated, some locations don’t have nice sidewalks (I’m taking a look at you, Southeast Asia), so having a service is necessary, too. I’ve used each Ergobaby and Artipoppe and like each for various causes: Artipoppe is extra comfy for the newborn going through in, and Ergobaby is nicer going through outward.

23. Know Your Destination’s Regulations

Different international locations could have particular rules and necessities for touring with a toddler. Research and familiarize your self with any vital documentation, vaccinations, or permits wanted on your worldwide vacation spot.

I used to be shocked that in Namibia, we have been requested to supply a start certificates for my son when checking in for our flight to South Africa. We journey with a duplicate, which I’m glad we had alongside.

If you’re touring solo, it’s possible you’ll be required to point out a duplicate of the start certificates, a duplicate of the opposite mother or father’s passport, and a written authorization from the opposite mother or father that you just’re allowed to take the newborn overseas. Canada listed this as a requirement, however I used to be by no means really requested for something. Still, it’s necessary to be ready simply in case.

24. Plan for Delays

Delays can occur (over 20% of flights are delayed, in reality!), so it’s smart to be ready for them. Pack sufficient provides, together with diapers, system, snacks, and leisure, to deal with unexpected delays. We encounter them on a regular basis, and a well-stocked carry-on could make ready on the airport extra manageable. If you have got a cellphone or pill on your toddler, be sure to have an exterior battery to maintain them charged.

25. Be Patient

Traveling with a toddler could be difficult, and there could also be moments of frustration or fatigue. Remember to remain affected person and calm all through the journey. If you’re tremendous wired and nervous, your baby will decide up on it. A optimistic perspective and a humorousness can go a great distance in making the expertise fulfilling for each you and your baby.

Ultimately, the important thing to a profitable worldwide journey with a toddler below two is embracing the journey and understanding that it could not go completely. The flight is a vital step to get to the holiday, so benefit from the expertise, relish the small victories, and know that even when you have a fussy child, it’s okay. They are a part of society, they usually’re allowed to fly, even cry in the event that they should.

It’s all price it to construct reminiscences that you just’ll at all times cherish along with your baby, and to deal with your self as dad and mom, too!

Kristin Addis is a solo feminine journey knowledgeable who evokes ladies to journey the world in an genuine and adventurous manner. A former funding banker who bought all of her belongings and left California in 2012, Kristin has been touring the world ever since. You can discover extra of her musings at Be My Travel Muse or on Instagram and Facebook.