How To Fly With A Baby

I often get asked my top tips on how to fly with a baby. Whereas other posts of mine cover ALL the tips from booking to arrival, and information on particular stages you may be at, these tips are for those of you that have arrived on this page, not had a chance to look around the site but have booked your flight with an infant and then gone ok now what? 

First of all, please let me reassure you, this is the easiest time! If you are flying with a toddler, then it gets a bit trickier as they are lot more mobile, and require a lot more entertainment.

How to Fly With A Baby – Step by Step

• Research your airline: Find out what your airline provides so you know what is available on board your flight. This information is usually tucked away on an airline website. However to make things a bit easier for you, I list all of the airline bassinet sizes, the entertainment and provisions on board, as well as individual airline reviews and how to request baby meals if available. If flying with a newborn, make sure your baby is old enough to fly.

• Decide whether you need your travel system, a travel stroller or car seat with you when flying with an infant. If you have purchased a seat for your baby and/or intend to use your car seat abroad, check the country’s regulations as not all car seats are legal in other places – you may have packed an extra bulky item which can’t be used. Car seats and strollers can usually both be brought for free in addition to your normal luggage allowance.

• Always bring a baby carrier, it is invaluable at airports, on board and for transit stops.

• Bring your own food and drink for your baby. Some airlines on some flights allow pre requesting (at least 24 hours in advance) for a baby meal which is pureed baby food only. It is allowed to be over the 3-1-1 or 100ml liquid rule.

• Bring your own diapers/nappies, and spare ones for delays too. Some airlines may have a couple of emergency items, but the majority don’t.

• Use a packing checklist to help keep you organised and to remember al the essentials.

• Dress yourself in layers as well as your baby. Cabin temperatures can vary, and if you have a sleeping baby on top of you, you will want to make things as easier as possible by wearing layers which are easy to add or remove.

• Wear a backpack when traveling with baby. It is much easier when you can keep your hands free.

• Flying with a lap baby? The crew may hand you a lap belt or an extension seat belt depending on where your airline is based. US and Canadian airlines won’t provide you with one, but UK, Australian and most other airlines will. Read more about airline child restraint devices here. If it is provided, it is a legal requirement to use it.

• Use the restrooms on the plane to change your baby. Most have changing tables, although they are small. Use anti-bac wipes to wipe down any surfaces.

• All airlines should support a mum breastfeeding.  If you are a bit self-conscious, here are my tips in detail.

• If you need milk heated up – do ask in plenty of time.

• Babies on planes usually likely to drink more than they usually do as the cabin air is quite dehydrating. If you need to sterilise bottles on board, this post provides more information.

• The bassinet should be set up for you after take-off, once the seatbelt sign is off. Most airlines will ask you to remove your baby if it is turbulent.

• Relax, you’ve got this! Remember, all other passengers were kids once, and the majority would have been through this stage with their own families too. If you do have any tricky experiences, this problem solving info will help you get through flying with baby.

• For more travelling with a baby tips this post will help too!