Flying with Infants: Essential Flight Tips for a Smooth Journey

Pre-Flight Preparations

Book Your Flight

Before booking your flight, it’s important to understand the policies, costs and options related to flying with infants.

Check Airline Policies: Understand whether your baby needs a separate ticket or can travel on your lap. This varies by airline and can impact your budget.

Choose the Right Flight Time: Strive to book a flight that matches with your newborn’s sleep schedule. For long trips, consider overnight flights to help your baby rest.

Reserve a Bassinet Seat: Look into airlines that offer bassinet seats for extra comfort during the flight.

Double-Check Travel Documents: Ensure everyone, including your infant, has valid passports and visas for your destination.

Plan a Checklist

After booking your flight, create a checklist to help ensure a smoother journey with your baby. Here are a few must-have items like feeding supplies, extra clothes, and travel-friendly infant gear.

Documents and Essentials: Don’t forget your baby’s passport (for international flights), immunization records, insurance documents, baby carrier, stroller, and any other necessity you use at home.

Hygiene and Baby Care: Pack plenty of diapers, wipes, a changing pad, plastic bags for soiled diapers, and baby-safe hand sanitizers.

Feeding Supplies: Bring bottles, bibs, burp cloths, snacks, baby food, pumps, and a nursing cover if you use one. (See below for more on TSA rules.)

Comfort and Clothing: Extra clothes, blankets, pacifiers, and a comfort item like a favorite toy or blanket can keep your baby cozy and happy.

Entertainment:  Pack a few toys, a tablet with baby apps or videos, and headphones for older tots to keep them engaged.

Health and Safety

While not a complete list, the following tips will help you get started in ensuring your baby’s health and safety during your trip.

Visit the Pediatrician: Get your baby checked and discuss travel health tips.

Update Immunizations: Ensure all vaccines are current and be sure to ask about any extra shots for your destination.

Prevent Ear Pain: Changes in cabin pressure during flights can cause ear discomfort, especially for those with sensitive ears, like babies. Ask about remedies such as earplugs to ease the pain.

Prepare for Illness: Pack a mini first aid kit with essentials like a thermometer and baby meds.

Important Tips for International Travel

When flying with infants, it’s key to consider the following:

Passport and Visa Requirements for Baby: Every traveler, including infants, needs a valid passport for international trips. Apply for your baby’s passport early, as processing times can vary. Ensure the passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates if required by your destination. Additionally, check if a visa is needed for your destination or transit countries. Some visas are available upon arrival, but many require advance arrangements.

Immunizations and Health Certificates: Some countries require specific vaccinations for entry, which may apply to your baby as well. Check with your pediatrician to ensure your baby is up-to-date on routine vaccinations and inquire about any additional vaccines that may be necessary for your destination. Similarly, certain destinations may require a health certificate for your baby, which confirms they are fit to travel and free from contagious diseases.

International Travel Health Kit: Along with your ‘regular’ health kit, include an international version for your baby with essential medications, ointments, and prescriptions. Special care items like these ensure you're prepared if certain remedies are hard to find at your destination.

During the Flight

Navigating Airport Security (TSA)

When flying with infants, arriving at the airport prepared and informed can streamline the TSA screening process and help you avoid unnecessary hiccups. Here are some steps to consider:

Check TSA Guidelines: Review the rules for traveling with formula, breast milk, strollers, and baby food. Declare these items at security to avoid delays. Regarding liquids for your flight, you can bring formula, breast milk, and baby food in amounts greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) without it counting towards your liquid limits.

Pack a Baby-Specific Carry-On: Use a dedicated bag for baby essentials to make security screening easier and more organized.

Stroller Tips: Decide whether to use your stroller through security or check it at the gate and be ready for a quick inspection.

Follow Baby’s Schedule: Arrive at the airport with enough time to handle security and settle in before your flight, keeping your baby's routine in mind. 

For more detailed information on traveling with an infant, check out the Transportation Security Administration website.

Hygiene and Comfort during the Flight

Little things can make the flight experience more enjoyable for both you and your baby.

Manage Ear Pressure: Offer baby a bottle, pacifier, or breastfeed to help with ear pressure. Frequent swallowing also helps balance ear pressure.

Maintain Hygiene: Keep baby-safe hand sanitizer within reach as well as extra diapers, wipes, and a changing pad for easy clean-ups.

Keep Hydrated: Planes have dry cabin air, so offer plenty of fluids to keep your baby hydrated throughout the flight.

Bring Comfort Items: Lightweight toys, a tablet or smartphone loaded with baby-friendly apps or videos, and headphones if your little one is old enough, can help keep them entertained.