{"id":3197,"date":"2019-12-02T08:08:00","date_gmt":"2019-12-02T08:08:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/familytravelfever.com\/?p=3197"},"modified":"2021-07-26T00:15:45","modified_gmt":"2021-07-26T00:15:45","slug":"tips-flying-with-infant","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/familytravelfever.com\/tips-flying-with-infant\/","title":{"rendered":"18 Practical Tips for Flying with an Infant"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

NOTE*** The content on this page may contain affiliate links, we may make a commission. And, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0More information: disclosure page<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flying with a baby may seem daunting. Thats<\/g> why we put together these helpful tips for flying with an infant. In fact, I have found that traveling with an infant can be relatively easy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I mean relatively, easy compared to older babies and toddlers who are mobile and have more squirmy energy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since I have flown with infants many times, I have created this list of helpful tips for flying with a baby. Smooth traveling starts with being prepared ahead of time. Know the rules for flying with a baby<\/a> Planning ahead and preparing properly for your trip will make the big airport day much better. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you are at the airport, you can do many things to make your travel and flights easier too. Plenty of extra comfort measures will help your baby feel safe and secure and prevent them from becoming overstimulated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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1. Wait Till Your Baby is at Least Two Months Old<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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As soon as you are pregnant you may be wondering – When can I start flying with my baby?<\/a> The rules for what you CAN and SHOULD do may be<\/g> different though. Most airlines will accept babies 7 days old (some set the limit at 2 weeks). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But unless it is an emergency, it would be wise to wait at least 2 or 3 months. Talk to your pediatrician about when it is safe to fly with your infant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many doctors recommend waiting until the baby is 2 months old and taking some precautions (source<\/a>, source<\/a>). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Newborns have developing immune systems and air travel might increase their risk of catching an infectious disease. If you choose to travel with an infant, frequently wash your hands or use hand sanitizer and avoid contact with obviously ill travelers.”<\/em><\/p>Dr. Hoecker<\/a><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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2. Be Prepared In Case the Baby Does Get Sick<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What if against all precautions your infant does get sick? First, take note of the symptoms and call your pediatrician or doctor at home. Especially if you are a first-time parent, its<\/g> hard to know what is serious and what is no big deal. Your doctor will help you know what to watch for. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But regardless, you should always bring infant medications and the instructions from your doctor. Keep a small first aid kit with a thermometer, infant fever reducer, nasal aspirator, and nasal drops. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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3. Time the Flights Right <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The best time to fly with your infant depends on you and them, both. If you are flying just a couple of hours choose a flight during the day that you will be well rested and feeling your best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Lap infant and mom flying on a US domestic flight so the baby was free – photo credit Family Travel Fever<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Think about what time you could leave the house and both you and the baby get a good nights sleep. An early morning flight, could mean getting up at 4AM. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With a 10 AM flight you could have time to sleep and get to the airport well rested. Plus you could be inflight by nap time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Early afternoon could work well too. You have time to get going and the baby can get in one nape before the flight. With just a fee hours in the air you could make it to your destination early evening. Then you have time to get settled in at your hotel or rental house for a good night sleep. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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4. Travel During Naptime or Bedtime<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I know this seems like I am changing direction from the last point. There is no consensus on this topic because each infant and parent is different. But if the flight is long and your child has a regular sleep routine, you should opt for a flight when they will be asleep. They may be able to sleep for almost the entire trip. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One word of caution though, you have to take into account your schedule too. If you can’t handle a few hours of sleep or napping on the plane, nighttime might not be right for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whatever you do, try not to be in transition during nap time or bedtime. Avoid buying tickets for a flight that departs right at nap time. You could be shuffling bags and getting seated witha<\/g> cranky baby. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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5. Book an Airplane Bassinet<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Although not as popular on domestic US flights, International airlines provide bassinets or cradles for infants. See this list of bassinett<\/g> options<\/a> by airline<\/g>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Happy infant laying in airplane bassinet Photo Credit Depositphotos by DVen<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

In general, these cribs can be used by babies, provided they are within the height and weight limits. The model of each crib also varies from company to company, so it is always advisable to check the website or call the airline ahead of time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From United Airlines: “A limited number of complimentary bassinets are available for use on international aircraft only. Bassinets are large enough to hold an infant weighing 22 pounds (10 kg) or less.<\/em>“<\/p>United <\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

These need to be booked early. Ideally, this request should be made when booking tickets as there is a limit on the number per airplane. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have not requested it before, you can still do so upon check-in, they may be able to help you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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6. Wear Comfortable Clothes in Layers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

During a plane trip, both baby and mother should be as comfortable as possible. Think of practical clothes that you can easily change diapers in. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to changing a diaper, you will regret dressing the baby in 6 different pieces that have lots of buttons and snaps. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Either wear footie jammies or put on warm socks during the flight, which will help the baby warm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Same for mom, wear clothes and shoes that are comfortable to move and walk-in. I like quick-drying breathable clothes in case a sweaty baby falls asleep on me or worse spits up. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are still breastfeeding, wear short that is easy to feed the baby. I like the shirts that cross ones in the middle, so I am not trying to deal with pulling and twisting my shirt into place. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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7. Pack Extra Clothes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Infant on an airplane sitting in an extra seat <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Keep extra clothes for you and the baby handy in carry-on luggage. Keep that bag with you, not in the overhead. I have had my fair share of mid-flight changes due to spit-ups, blowouts, spills, and vomit (yup tip #2 does happen). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

That’s when I was happy to have a plastic ziplock bag to place dirty baby clothes or my clothes in. I could easily switch to a new shirt. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you need more packing tips? We have the ultimate packing list for families with baby’s and children. The post is separated into things to pack and has a free download. Get the family packing checklist here. <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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8. Pack an Infant First Aid Kit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When flying with an infant your<\/g> should take your own first aid kit. Many of the things you need for an infant will not be available on the airplane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When packing for your trip, it is essential to fill your first aid kit with necessary supplies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I keep a small first aid bag accessible right in the diaper bag so I can grab a snot sucker or band-aide quickly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These are a couple of the basics that I include in by first aide bag – <\/p>\n\n\n\n