Before the Flight
How old should a baby be to fly?
There is no official age limit for flying with a baby, but the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends avoiding unnecessary air travel for newborns.
Check with your airline for age restrictions and consult with your pediatrician before flying.
Ideally, wait until your infant is two to three months to fly.
Do babies fly free on domestic flights?
Babies and toddlers under 2 years old can travel as a “lap infant” on their parent’s ticket, but it’s safer to buy an airplane seat for your baby.
You may ask to use empty seat for your infant.
Unrestrained children (lap infants) are the leading cause of pediatric injuries on an airplane.
If an adult passenger is traveling with two infants a seat must be purchased for the additional infant.
You may purchase a ticket and use your own car seats.
What documents do I need to fly with a baby? (e.g., birth certificate, passport)
For domestic travel, the Transportation Security Administration doesn’t require children under 18 to provide identification.
Some airlines may ask for an infant’s proof of age for domestic flights
When flying internationally, your baby will need a passport.
If your baby is under 7 days they may need an approval letter from a physician who physically examined the baby a gives permission for them to fly.
- Southwest Airlines is one of the many airlines that may ask for age verification at any point during your journey. Original or photocopies of government-issued identification (e.g., passport, birth certificate, government-issued photo identification card) are the only acceptable forms of proof of age. Electronic screen shots, phone images, or immunization records are not acceptable.
Packing and Preparation
Should I bring our car seat on the plane with us?
Two types of Child Restraint Systems (CSR) is a forward or rear facing hard backed child safety seat the other is a Child Aviation Restraint System (CARES) this system is for children who are 40 inches tall and 22-44 pounds. This device is for those children who can sit up on their own and will be occupying their own forward facing seat.
Car seats(CSR), booster seats, and strollers generally don’t count as luggage, but policies vary by airline; check with yours before flying.
Make sure a label on the car seat(CSR) says: “This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft.”
Buying a ticket for your child is the only way to guarantee you will be able to use your car seat(CSR) on the plane.
Many airlines require car seats (CSR) to be placed in a window seat. Do not place the car seat in a exit row.
Packing essentials for babies and toddlers (e.g., diapers, formula, toys)
Bring a carry-on bag with essentials like diapers, wipes, and a change of clothes.
Consider packing a portable crib or playpen.
Pack formula, expressed breastmilk, or water for mixing with powder separately and be ready to let the TSA know you have it.
The bottles of liquid may be inspected and even opened but not touched.
If using ice packs make sure they are frozen solid then they are good to go.
At the Airport
Checking in with your baby
Check-in online and print your boarding pass.
Consider using a fast-track queue if traveling with a baby.
Confirm your seat assignments, get to the airport early in case there are any changes in seating.
Security checks with baby gear and liquids
Be prepared for security checks by having liquids and electronics ready.
If you bring liquid medication it will not be opened if sealed in original packaging.
Consider using a baby carrier or sling to make security checks easier.
Pack all your liquids, gels and medications in same area, the outer pockets of a diaper bag are great to store those things that may have to be taken out at security and put back easily.
Most gear will go through x-ray machine but if its too large it will get pulled to the side to be visually and physically inspected.
Departure lounge tips for families
Bring snacks and entertainment for your baby or toddler.
Consider using a baby carrier or sling to make walking around easier.
Consider an outfit and diaper change, you may have dressed for the hot weather but planes may be cooler than expected.
Take pictures it may seem like a dull moment but children love to see what they did when they were babies.
On the Plane
The safest way for baby to fly (e.g., own seat, lap infant)
The safest way for your baby to fly is in a child safety restraint―an FAA-approved car seat or airplane harness device.
Booster seats cannot be used on airplanes during flight.
Unexpected clear air turbulence is happening more and more, having your child in an approved car seat may avoid injury.
Choosing the best seat on the plane for a baby
Look for rows on the plane with more space, like the bulkhead.
Choose a seat closer to the window, if possible.
Most airlines have policies set in place for car seats check in with a flight attendant if you have questions.
Call the airline if your seats are not adjoining with your family, they may be able to make adjustments.
Tips for take-off and landing with a baby
Help your baby relieve ear pressure by swallowing or using a pacifier.
Mesh Fresh Food Feeder can help baby chew through the pressure change.
There are a couple of choices when it comes to noise cancelling head phones and ear plugs to help with the noise of take off and landing.
In-Flight Care and Entertainment
How to get a baby to sleep on a plane
Consider bringing a portable crib, inflatable seat extension or playpen.
Some international flights offer a sleeper seat which is three seats in a row that interlock to form a big sleeper to fit parent and child. Check ahead with your airline for more information and availability of this option.
Help your baby relax by using a pacifier or dummy.
Buckling your baby into and approved CSR is the safest way for your baby to nap.
Keep in mind your infant must be in your lap or CSR during takeoff and landing.
How to keep a baby or toddler entertained on a plane
Bring toys and activities that your baby or toddler has never seen before.
Consider using a baby carrier or sling to make walking around easier.
Reusable stickers are entertaining just remember to clean up before you depart.
New movies with a new headset or headphones may keep your infant entertained.
Don’t worry what people think!
Try to stay calm and not worry about what others think.
Remember that flying with a baby is a normal part of parenting.
Don’t take it personal you are doing great.
Give yourself grace parenting is sometimes struggle
The flight attendants have been through this before
Additional Tips and Considerations
Travel insurance for families and flying with baby
Make sure your kids are covered by your travel medical insurance that covers doctor, hospital and other medical expenses that may occur during your trip.
Trip Cancelation Insurance may reimburse you 100% of money lost if you cancel for any of the reasons listed in the policy
Baggage and personal effects coverage can reimburse you for baggage that never arrived at your destination for depreciated rate not the value of buying it new.
Emergency medical evacuation coverage pays for you to get to the nearest adequet medical facility if you are in a remote area.
Fighting jet lag with babies
If you’re crossing time zones, try shifting your baby’s sleep schedule over a few days leading up to your departure and exposing them to sunlight once you reach your destination.
Choose an day flight in order to land in late afternoon early evening.
Give them one day per hour of time difference to adjust to the new schedule.
Expose your infant to daylight to help reset their body clock.
