Flying With a Baby: Car Seats, Security, Ears and Sleep

Before you book

• Many pediatricians suggest waiting until about 2 to 3 months, when vaccines have started, though healthy full-term babies can often fly earlier; ask your pediatrician. For the first weeks, see the first month outings guide.
• A seat for your baby is safest. Children under 2 may fly on a lap, but in turbulence a lap baby can be thrown. The FAA recommends a ticketed seat with an approved car seat.
• Check the car seat label: it should say it is certified for motor vehicles and aircraft. Measure its width; most fit a standard economy seat. Airlines usually require it in a window seat.
• Book flights around naps or night sleep if your baby sleeps well on the go, and choose nonstop when you can.

Documents

• Babies need their own passport for international travel. For US children under 16, both parents usually must consent to the application.
• If one parent travels alone with a child, especially abroad, carry a signed consent letter from the other parent or custody papers. Co-parents, carry your parenting plan.

At the airport

• Milk and food: breast milk, formula, juice and baby food are allowed in carry-ons in reasonable amounts above the usual liquid limit. Tell the security officer at the start. Ice packs are allowed.
• Gate-check a stroller; a carrier keeps hands free through security.
• Arrive early and let your baby crawl or stretch before boarding.

On the plane

• Ear pressure: offer the breast, a bottle or a pacifier during takeoff and especially landing. Swallowing helps. A baby who cries during descent is also equalizing pressure.
• Diaper bag: twice the diapers you think, wipes, two changes of clothes for baby and one top for you, bibs, a blanket, snacks if eating solids, any medicines, and a few small new toys.
• Change diapers right before boarding.
• Walk the aisle when the seatbelt sign is off. Expect some crying; most passengers understand.
• A sick baby with a cold or ear infection may have more ear pain. Ask your pediatrician first.

When you arrive

• Safe sleep travels with you. Bring or reserve a portable crib or play yard with its own flat, firm mattress and fitted sheet only. Not an adult bed, sofa, car seat or pillow nest. See the safe sleep guide.
• Car seats in every car, including taxis, rideshares and rentals. Bring your own or reserve one you can check.
• Babyproof the room quickly: cords, outlets, medicines, balconies, and the bathroom.
• Time zones: shift meals, naps and light to the new time on arrival. Most babies adjust within a few days.
• Pack a basic travel health kit, and know the local emergency number. For trips with a child over 1, see the car trips and flying with toddlers guide.

When to check in

• Ask your pediatrician before travel for a baby under 3 months, a preemie, or a baby with heart or lung problems, and whether vaccines need updating for your destination.
• If your baby has trouble breathing, turns blue, or is very hard to wake, use the local emergency number (911 in the US).