Flying with a Baby: Tips and Practical Guide for a Smooth Journey

Everything You Need to Know Before Flying with a Baby

Traveling with an Infant – Is It a Good Idea?

Flying with an infant is typically considered safe for healthy babies once they are a few weeks old. However, experts don’t recommend flying during the first seven days or even up to a few months after an infant is born. This is because a baby’s immune system is not fully developed and is vulnerable to germs. Moreover, it is not recommended to fly with premature babies, as they need more time for their lungs to mature before being in high-altitude places.

Airline Regulations for Babies

Infants up to 24 months can travel in two ways:

Sitting on an adult’s lap using the ‘infant seat belt’
Using a child seat secured on the aircraft seat

However, it’s important to remember that the policy regarding the use of child seats may vary depending on the airline. It is advised to thoroughly check out the airline’s website to confirm whether the use of child seats is allowed and the exact requirements.

How to Prepare for a Trip with a Baby

Following are 5 things to prepare before flying with a baby:

1) Arrive extra early

Arriving at the airport earlier than usual would give you more time to request assistance, such as strollers, if needed. You may also encounter an unexpected delay during check-in, so arriving early would give you additional time to ensure efficient preparation for the trip.

2) Prepare the trip based on the baby’s sleep and meal schedule

It is difficult for babies to adjust their nap time and meal time according to the flight schedule. It is therefore recommended to plan your trip based on your baby’s routine so that it won’t overlap when waiting for the security check or border control. It would be challenging to go through the security check while the baby is crying for a meal, right?

3) Bring many toys to keep your baby busy

It will be physically exhausting to try to keep your baby entertained for hours. It would be best to bring along plenty of toys the baby is familiar with so that they would distract the baby and give the parent a bit of a break.

4) Prepare your baby for a change in air pressure

Babies with smaller Eustachian tubes in their ears will feel more pain from the change in air pressure. It would be best to encourage them to swallow often by giving them a pacifier or a bottle to suck on.

5) Bring extra clothes and diapers

You never know what will happen when travelling with a baby so it’s better to be safe than sorry by bringing extra clothes and diapers! Especially because while you are up in the air, it will be difficult to acquire one even when you need it.

At What Age Can a Baby Fly?

Newborns – Can They Fly Right After Birth?

Experts suggest avoiding flying during the first seven days after a baby is born. This is because newborns don’t have an immune system mature enough to fight off viruses and bacteria inside the airplane.

The Ideal Age for a Baby’s First Flight

What is the minimum age for flying with a baby? It would be ideal to wait until the baby is two or three months old so that their immune system can fully develop. It is also important to check the age requirement from the airline policy regarding newborn travel. Depending on circumstances, you may need a doctor’s note to be granted permission to fly.

Flying with a Baby – Risks and Precautions

You might be thinking, ‘Is flying dangerous for babies?’. Read the following sections to find out possible risks and precautions you could take before flying with your baby!

Cabin Pressure – Is It Painful for Babies?

Changes in cabin pressure during take-off and landing can be even more painful for babies as they have smaller Eustachian tubes, which are tubes that help to even out the pressure in your ear. If the baby has allergies, a cold, or had ear surgery in the past two weeks, you must ask the pediatrician if it’s okay for your baby to fly.

Health Precautions Before Flying with an Infant

It is always best to consult with the pediatrician before your flight to check if it’s safe for your baby to travel by plane. Also, dressing your baby in layers is important as inside the plane may be too warm or too cold and affect the baby’s optimal body temperature.

Do Babies Handle Long-Haul Flights Well?

It depends. Young babies tend to sleep most of the time during the day, which would make the long-hour flight a bit easier. However, as babies have less developed ears and immune systems compared to adults, the flight could cause them more discomfort.

Documents and Formalities for Traveling by Plane with a Baby

Does a Baby Need an ID Card to Fly?

According to the EU regulation, in order to fly, every child must have their own travel document, such as a passport or a European ID card with a photograph, that is valid on the day of travel. The regulation applies regardless of the children’s ages. If your baby does not possess an ID card yet, it is strongly recommended for you to apply for them as soon as possible before the trip.

Passport and Visa – What Documents Are Needed for International Travel?

Similarly, every child must also possess a valid passport of their own for travel as well. They may also need a visa for international travel, depending on the destination. To ensure exactly what travel documents your baby needs, you should check out the embassy website of the country you are travelling to. In some cases, babies need extra travel documents, such as birth certificates.

Parental Travel Authorization – When Is It Required?

Parental Travel Authorisation is a document signed by parents, second parents, or legal guardians authorising their baby’s travel when the baby is travelling with adults who are not their legal guardians. There are no specific EU rules regarding when Parental Travel Authorisation is required, so you must check out the exact rules for the country you are travelling to. However, even if your final destination doesn’t require Parental Travel Authorisation to leave or enter the country, some airlines may require the official authorisation document. So it is also important to contact the airline and check if you need Parental Travel Authorisation for your baby.

Baggage and Equipment – What Can You Bring on a Plane with a Baby?

Strollers, Car Seats, Bassinets – Airline Regulations

1) Strollers

You are generally allowed to bring a foldable baby stroller free of charge. Right before carrying the baby up to the entrance of the plane, the stroller will usually be taken by the flight attendant and stored in the cargo area. After landing, the stroller will be handed back to you immediately.

2) Car Seats

Before purchasing the car seat for your baby, make sure to check that the car seat is approved for ‘use in aircraft’ by checking the label on the seat. According to the EU regulation, the child seat must have two approval labels: either ECE R44-04 or ECE R129, and a qualification sign stating the seat can be used for aircraft. Learn how to install the car seat on an airplane seat by checking the manufacturer’s manual and don’t forget to consult with the airline to make sure the use of the car seat with this width and height is acceptable! For recommendation, EASA has certified an infant seat called Child Restraint System (CRS) for infants or children up to 18 kg in weight or 100 cm in height. It can be installed in forward-facing and rear-facing positions!

3) Bassinets

Bassinets, which are small cribs for babies attached to the wall in front of the bulkhead seats in a plane, allow parents to rest from holding the baby for a long period during long-haul flights. Baby bassinets may be available on board, but not all airlines provide them. For those that do, policies on their use can vary. It is always safe to check with the airline beforehand whether the use of a bassinet is allowed or not.

It is useful to note that whether you want to use a stroller, car seat, or a bassinet, you must always contact your airline or its national aviation authority to ensure you have all the correct information you need.

Can You Bring Baby Formula and Food in the Cabin?

Yes, you are allowed to bring baby food and formula larger than 100 ml, as long as the food doesn’t require refrigeration before opening and the bottle is placed in a transparent re-sealable bag. You must present the baby food separately at the security checkpoint.

What’s the Baggage Allowance for a Baby on a Flight?

In general, if you are travelling with a baby younger than 2 years old, you are allowed to bring one hand baggage that is no more than 55 x 35 x 25cm and a weight of up to 12kg for free. However, you must check the exact regulations of the airline you are travelling with, as the baggage weight allowance may vary, especially among low-cost carriers.

Choosing the Best Seat for Flying with a Baby

Individual Seat vs. Lap Travel – What Are the Options?

Individual Seat:

You may acquire your baby an individual seat by installing it on the plane seat in either a forward-facing or rear-facing position. This provides good protection for the baby by minimising the effect of turbulence and also relieves the parent from having to constantly hold their baby tight on their laps.

Lap Travel:

You could also hold your baby in your lap during the entire flight. In most airlines, children under the age of 2 years old can travel in their guardian’s laps.

In general, it is recommended to purchase individual seats for your baby. Not only is it safer as the baby is strapped to the seat, but it is also more comfortable for both the baby and the parents, especially during long-haul flights.

Can You Reserve a Bassinet on a Flight?

Most major airlines do offer bassinet seats where your baby can sleep during the flight, and you can reserve them in advance. For the exact booking process, you should check with the specific airline you are flying with!

What’s the Best Seat to Travel with a Baby?

There are three seat options to recommend when you are travelling with a baby which are explained below:

1) The bulkhead seats

The bulkhead seats are rows of seats with extra legroom as they are located directly behind a wall that separates them from different cabin sections. These seats are not only useful for more legroom space but also because you may request a bassinet and attach the crib to the cabin wall in front of you. It allows babies to move around freely and sleep more comfortably!

2) The aisle seats

You might have to move out of your seats often when you are travelling with a baby as you will need to change diapers and walk around the aisle to calm the baby. An aisle seat will allow you to do these freely without having to disturb other passengers in the same row!

3) The window seats

For those who are breastfeeding their baby, sitting in the window seat will provide you with a little more privacy. As window seats are away from the aisle, it will be quieter and you won’t be disturbed by other passengers getting past you!

Managing a Baby on a Plane – Practical Tips and Tricks

How to Soothe a Crying Baby on a Flight

You could swaddle the baby to soothe the crying, give them a pacifier or a bottle, and walk up and down the aisles so the baby can feel the rhythmic swinging. It is also a good idea to let them look out the window or play with their favourite toys to distract them from crying.

Solutions for Baby Ear Pain – Breastfeeding and Bottles

Swallowing always helps to ease the ear pain caused by a change in cabin pressure. To equalise the pressure in the baby’s ears with the cabin pressure, you could breastfeed your baby, give them a bottle or pacifier to suck on, and plenty of liquids like water or juice to swallow more often.

What Clothes Are Best for Flying with a Baby?

It is recommended to dress the baby in layers of clothing as the temperature inside the plane may fluctuate. Also, clothes that are easy to put on and take off, such as onesies with snaps, would be more comfortable. Rigid and not stretchy clothes like jeans are not recommended as bodies naturally swell while up in the air, and loose clothing is needed for blood to keep circulating.

How to Help a Baby Sleep During a Flight

Following the baby’s usual sleep routine is always the best. You could do this by bringing all the sleep items used from home, such as pacifiers, books, toys, stuffed animals, soft blankets, and swaddles. Singing them a familiar lullaby along with these items will also help to soothe the baby to sleep on the plane!

How Much Does a Plane Ticket for a Baby Cost?

Lap Infant – Free Travel or Discounted Fare?

According to the EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency), infants up to 24 months old can travel on an adult’s lap with the “infant seat belt”. Most European airlines allow free travel or heavily discounted fares for domestic flights and slightly lower discounts for international flights. For instance, both Lufthansa and LOT Polish Airlines allow free travel for lap infants on domestic flights and a 90% discount for international flights. KLM and Air France don’t specify the difference in fare between domestic and international flights, but lap infants will have a discount of 90% in Air France and a ‘strongly reduced ticket price’ in KLM. It is recommended to check the exact amount of discount fare for lap infants on the airline website before flying.

Cost of a Dedicated Seat for a Baby on a Plane

In general, a dedicated seat for a baby has a discount. The amount of discount varies depending on the airline. For example, LOT Polish Airlines applies a 40% discount for a dedicated seat on domestic flights and a 25% discount for international routes. Air France applies a 33% discount for medium to long-haul flights and a 20% for short-haul flights. Lufthansa applies a 75% discount for a dedicated seat on most routes, and lastly, KLM doesn’t specify the exact amount of discount but a baby with a dedicated seat will automatically receive a discount.

Compensation for Canceled or Delayed Flights – What Are the Conditions?

Cancelled flight compensation

You may receive compensation or a refund of your ticket if your flight was cancelled less than 2 weeks before the departure date under one of the two conditions:

The airline did not offer you an alternative flight.
The airline did offer you an alternative flight but you did not take it.

Delayed flight compensation

If your flight was delayed for more than 3 hours, you may be eligible for compensation up to £520 depending on the distance.

Pre-Flight Checklist – Don’t Forget Anything When Traveling with a Baby

Cabin Baggage Essentials for Flying with a Baby

Following are the three categories of essential cabbin baggage items when you are flying with a baby!

Comfort items:

Pacifiers clipped onto the baby’s cloth: It will prevent the baby from spitting the pacifier out onto the dirty airplane floor
Swaddle blanket: To keep the baby warm and calm during the flight. It also helps the baby to fall asleep by preventing babies from startling themselves due to reflexes.
Toys or stuffed animals: These will keep your baby entertained and distracted during take-offs and landings, which might be stressful for babies.

Feeding items:

Bibs: It is used to keep your baby’s clothes and plane seats clean when having a meal.
Extra formula or breast milk: It is always best to bring the extra portion just in case there is a potential delay in the duration of the flight.

Diapering items:

Extra diapers: Always bring a few more than the amount you think the baby needs. For example, if the baby usually needs 5 diapers, then bring 8 or 9 diapers.
Wet wipes: To clean up your baby during diaper changes.
Dirty diaper bags: To keep and dispose of the dirty diapers properly. It will reduce the odors and prevent other belongings from being contaminated.

Checking Vaccinations and Baby’s Health Before the Flight

Checking baby’s health

It is important to check with a local pediatrician whether your baby is in good health for travel or not. For instance, if the baby has a cold or an ear infection, doctors may suggest delaying the flight until the baby’s immune system is fully recovered.

Checking vaccinations

The younger the baby, the more vulnerable they are to the possible infections, which is why they require vaccinations before travelling. The type of vaccination varies depending on the baby’s country of origin and the destination country. The typical vaccination requirements include yellow fever, diphtheria, and polio.

You should consult with the GP or pediatrician regarding the type of vaccination and the exact amount of dose your baby needs at least four to six weeks before the travel date. Certain vaccinations can also be given to younger age groups of babies with expert advice. For instance, the Yellow Fever vaccination should not be given to babies under 6 months old and can be given to babies between 6 to 9 months under expert guidance.

Final Tips for a Stress-Free Flight with a Baby

1) Plan the flight according to the baby’s sleep and meal schedule

2) Bring loose and stretchy baby clothes and a swaddle blanket for comfort

3) Prepare items to distract the baby, such as pacifiers, toys, and stuffed animals

What do I do if my flight is delayed or cancelled?

While planning and preparation can make flying with a baby much easier, unexpected disruptions can still happen. So, what should you do if your flight is delayed by at least 3 hours or cancelled within 14 days before the departure? According to the EU261 regulations, you may be able to claim your compensation at Flight-Delayed.co.uk!

Check compensation

We hope you find this information useful, have a safe and amazing trip!

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