Flying with a Baby: Everything You Need to Know

Travelling with a baby by plane can be a source of stress for many parents. Between the suitcases, the stroller to carry, your baby’s belongings, and the different airline rules to follow, it’s not always easy to figure things out. How should you prepare for your trip? What should you bring for your baby? From what age can your baby fly?

Flying with a baby: an overview.

At what age can a baby fly?

You can travel very early with your baby! Most airlines accept infants from one week old for short flights and generally from three weeks old for long-haul flights.

However, it is not recommended to travel in the first few weeks without medical advice if your baby was born prematurely or has certain medical conditions.

Good to know: for children under 2 years old, the ticket is most often free, and when it is not, it is usually about 10% of the adult ticket price.

In any case, with a child, you have priority boarding and can be among the first to board.

Preparing for a trip with a baby

There is no contraindication to travelling with a baby by plane, provided you have the necessary documents and know what you can or cannot bring on board. Here are some tips to organize your journey, from booking tickets to packing luggage until you arrive at your destination.

Documents and bookings

Before flying with your baby, make sure you have all the necessary documents:

• Passport: like you, your baby needs a passport for all destinations outside the Schengen area.
• ID card: similarly, your baby needs an ID card if you are travelling to a country within the European Union or the Schengen area.
• Family record book: in rarer cases, some airlines may ask for it.
• Health record: it may be required depending on the destination, especially for vaccinations, and in any case, it is recommended to have it with you when travelling.

In any case, don’t hesitate to check the specific conditions of your airline in advance.

When booking tickets, we recommend choosing a “baby seat” if possible. These seats offer more space and are often located in the first rows, near emergency exits or behind the toilets. During the flight, children under 2 years old must usually travel on your lap, with a specific seatbelt.

Luggage and essential equipment

Packing your bags with a baby may feel like mission impossible, but here are some tips to guide you through this step!

In your carry-on bag, you can bring for example:

• A small diaper bag containing diapers, wipes, and a change of clothes for your baby. The diaper bag is usually not considered a carry-on, so you can bring it for free. However, it is best to check with your airline.
• A bottle or a pacifier to help relieve ear pressure during takeoff and landing.
• Snacks and water for you and your baby, keeping in mind the liquid restrictions imposed by your airline.
• Toys and books to keep your baby entertained during the flight.
• A blanket or a comforter for extra comfort.

Depending on the airline, you may be able to request a “bassinet”, in other words, a small cradle allowing babies to sleep during the flight (although the number available on board is often limited). Finally, if you are travelling with a car seat, make sure it is compliant with airline standards and allowed in the cabin.

It must be approved. Your child can also travel with a harness, which must be CARES-certified (Child Aviation Restraint System). Any device not meeting these standards may be refused on board. The size of the car seat must also meet certain standards to fit the plane seats — generally, it should not exceed 42 cm in width. Don’t hesitate to check in advance with your airline.

In the hold, you can transport a compact stroller and a car seat if necessary. Some airlines offer special baggage options for these items, but it is important to check your airline’s policy in advance.

Note that some airlines allow strollers or car seats in the cabin under certain conditions.

Want to learn more? Feel free to download the May app, where you’ll find plenty of resources to support and guide you throughout your journey as a new parent.

Precautions before the flight

In addition to luggage, here are some tips to travel with your baby with peace of mind on the big day.

Health and safety

Before travelling, we recommend that you make an appointment with your pediatrician to check that your child is fit to fly. Some airlines may require medical certificates for babies with specific medical conditions.

Also make sure that all vaccinations are up to date, especially if you are travelling abroad. The recommended vaccines vary depending on the destination. It is important to check whether additional vaccines are required.

Watch out for ENT issues: if your baby has recently had a cold, an ear infection, or any other ENT problem, we recommend talking to your doctor before the flight. The pressure during takeoff and landing as well as the altitude may cause discomfort.

Good to know: to relieve ear pain due to pressure during takeoff and landing, you can clean your baby’s nose just before these critical moments to help balance the pressure and encourage them to suck or swallow.

Also remember to protect your baby from drafts and cabin air conditioning with a light blanket or a thin hat. Temperature changes affect babies more.

Regarding health insurance, if you are travelling in Europe, be sure to request the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Each family member, including your baby, must have their own. Valid for one year, this card allows you to benefit from medical care coverage in European countries.

For destinations outside Europe, make sure you are covered by an insurance or assistance contract valid abroad.

Planning ahead

Here are some tips to minimize travel stress when flying with a baby:

• Plan ahead: we recommend packing a small bag with toys, books, and your baby’s favorite comforter to keep them busy during the flight.
• Anticipate their needs: pack spare clothes and snacks to avoid unexpected problems. If possible, try to travel light (as much as possible!) to make it easier to move around airports.
• Try not to stress too much: your calm and confidence will reassure your baby. Remember that you are not alone, and many parents have already gone through this experience (which can go smoothly!).

Practical tips during the flight

To travel by plane with your baby without too much stress and to ensure their routine is as little disturbed as possible, try to anticipate their mealtimes and nap times.

Feeding and sleeping

• Meals: try to bring enough bottles or baby food jars depending on the flight duration. Don’t forget to check your airline’s liquid policies. Many airlines generally allow you to carry baby food, even beyond the usual restrictions.
• Breastfeeding: it is perfectly possible to breastfeed during the flight.
• Sleep: try to match the flight to your baby’s nap schedule if possible. Bring a soft blanket or their favorite comforter to recreate a familiar and soothing environment on board. Your carry-on can contain everything needed for your baby to sleep comfortably, such as a small pillow or a light blanket.

Arrival at destination

Once you arrive, there are still a few steps before leaving the airport.

Baggage claim and formalities

After landing, waiting for luggage and going through customs can add stress to the journey, especially with a baby. Here are some tips to make this step easier:

• Family priority: many airports offer priority lanes for families with children. Take advantage of them to get through security faster.
• Special luggage: if you travelled with a stroller or a car seat, check with your airline where to collect them. With some airlines, you can pick them up directly at the aircraft door, while others place them on the baggage carousel.
• Customs: keep your baby’s travel documents handy for a quicker passage through customs.

It is possible to fly with a baby from the very first months of life. To do so, it is recommended to prepare all necessary documents, pack the right items, and follow your airline’s rules. We also recommend bringing things in the cabin to entertain and comfort your baby. For any questions, don’t hesitate to download the May app, where a team of pediatricians and childcare nurses is available to help you 7 days a week, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

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Photos: LightFieldStudios | ellinnur | joaquincorbalan | Bagler_kat | yesphotowrite

This text was translated from French by an artificial intelligence. The information, advice, and sources it contains comply with French standards and may therefore not apply to your situation. Make sure to complement this reading by visiting the May US/UK app and consulting the healthcare professionals who are supporting you.