Tips to Help Make Air Travel Smoother with a Newborn

Flying with a Baby

For even the most seasoned traveler, flying with a baby can be intimidating. Especially if it is your first time, or you are making an unexpected trip, the very idea of navigating airports, security, and a flight with a newborn can be extremely stressful. While you may not be able to control every aspect of your trip, you can be proactive and make the experience a little smoother and more enjoyable. By staying calm and planning in advance, you can improve your odds of a positive experience.

Some Things You Should Know About Babies and Flying

While most airlines will allow newborns to travel when they are only a few days old, it is recommended that you wait for at least four to six weeks to take your baby on a plane. In fact, most pediatricians recommend waiting until the baby is two or three months old, if at all possible. The reason behind this is that babies’ immune systems are not fully developed, and exposing these vulnerable little ones to the germs involved in air travel can be dangerous. If you are in doubt, talk to your pediatrician and make sure that your baby is cleared to fly. You may need a birth certificate and a doctor’s note to take a baby on a domestic flight, and if you are flying internationally, your baby will need a passport. If only one parent is taking the baby on that international flight, you will also want to bring a notarized letter from the other parent, granting permission for the travel. And while babies under two years old can fly on your lap, without a separate ticket, it is safer to buy a ticket for your newborn and bring the car seat.

Steps to Take in Advance of Your Flight

Aside from booking your tickets and gathering the appropriate documentation, there are some arrangements you should make before your flight.

• Communicate with the airline. You can book online, but the best way to make sure that you understand all of the airline’s policies ahead of time. Some airlines offer bassinets for long flights, so it is worthwhile to ask about that. Additionally, while lap babies fly free on some airlines, others charge 10 percent of the adult fee. Airlines also have different rules about the baggage allowance for babies. Clarifying the policies will keep you from being surprised at the airport.
• Make sure you have the right car seat. This is another area in which knowing the airline’s policies is helpful. Most airlines have specific restrictions on which car seats are approved for travel. Your car seat should also have the date of manufacture and indicate whether it is FAA approved. Be aware that car seats must be installed in a window seat or the middle seat, so that they do not block anyone’s exit from a seat. Car seats cannot be installed in an emergency row.
• Plan for your flight carefully. Choose a time to fly when your baby is most likely to sleep, and try to time it so that you can feed the baby during takeoff. This will reduce the pressure in the ears and make your baby more comfortable. Book a window seat, if possible, and plan to board early, so that you will have time to install your car seat.
• Plan for your stroller. It is not advisable to check your car seats and strollers if you can help it, so try to get a travel-friendly stroller that can fit in the overhead bin. Travel strollers can also make getting through security easier, because having baby in the stroller frees your hands for other things. If you plan to bring a travel system with an infant carrier, you will likely need to gate check it.

Essential Gear for Traveling with an Infant

One of the best ways to set yourself up for success is to make sure you have everything you need with you on your flight. Keep all of your essentials in your carryon in the overhead compartment, or in a smaller bag under the seat in front of you. You will need plenty of diapers and wipes, and an extra-large, wipeable changing mat for diaper changes along the way. Bring at least two extra, comfortable outfits for your baby, and make sure they are easy to take on and off. Remember to bring wet bags, too, for storing dirty clothes and diapers until you disembark. Bring burp cloths to keep your clothes clean, and hand sanitizer to keep your hands clean. Bring whatever your baby will need to eat, whether it is formula and whatever you need to prepare it, or breast milk and a pump. If you plan to breastfeed on the plane, you might want to bring a cover. Bring a few toys to entertain your little one, and a blanket or two because airplane temperatures can be unpredictable.

Managing Your Baby on the Flight

The most important thing to do on the flight is focus on your baby. Before you ever get on board, do a diaper change and have some play time, to help make baby sleepy. Be careful, though, not to let your little one get over tired before you try to get her to sleep. If you need to walk up and down the aisle to keep your baby from getting fussy, do it. Don’t pay any attention to people who make rude comments but accept help if it’s offered. Above all, remember that babies change quickly, and even if the first flight doesn’t go smoothly, there’s no reason not to try again!

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