Flying with a Baby: Flying Newborn Through the First Twelve Months

Flying with a baby—especially a newborn—can be intimidating for parents. Between the unpredictable schedules, feedings, and sheer amount of gear babies seem to require, the thought of navigating an airport and surviving a flight may seem overwhelming.

But the truth is that thousands of parents do it every day—and you can too.

Whether you’re taking your baby on their very first flight as a newborn or planning a long-haul journey with your one-year-old, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about flying with a baby during the first twelve months.

From what to pack in your diaper bag, to dealing with ear pressure during landing, to understanding airline policies for lap infants—we’ve got you covered. So, buckle up, take a deep breath, and let’s get you ready for flying with a baby with confidence.

We’ve compiled the top 50+ Tips for Flying with a Baby, from booking through arrival! Let us know if there are any tips that you’d add to this list!

1. When can a (newborn) baby fly?

This is one of the most asked questions! There are three considerations with this question:

• What does your pediatrician say?
• What does the Airline say?
• What is your comfort level?

First, check with your pediatrician; babies born prematurely or with medical complications may need to wait longer before flying.

Each airline is different; however, typically, you can fly with a newborn beginning from seven to 14 days after birth.

Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. Flying with a baby, especially a newborn, can be stressful. Mom is recovering from birth, you are likely tired, and you are still getting to know your baby. Newborns sleep most of the time, so that’s a plus, but with germs, fatigue, and whatever other personal considerations you have, assess how you feel.

2. Rules for Flying with a Baby

This entire post is about rules relating to flying with a baby. Some rules are hard and fast, some are more policy suggestions, and some are more like guidelines.

You’ll want to check your particular airline’s rules/policies for flying with a newborn or a baby. Some airlines have few rules and defer to TSA regulations.

Keep in mind that ‘rules’ are enforced by people. Not everyone is aware of all the rules, and not everyone enforces them all.

Each airline will have different rules relating to carry-ons, seating, security, and lap infants.

Stay flexible, don’t feel bad about advocating for yourself, and where you know the rules are on your side, don’t hesitate to ask for a supervisor.

Baby Gear & Essentials

3. Baby Carriers: Wear Baby

This is probably my number one tip for getting through the airport, with any semblance of your sanity intact.  Check out our complete guide to navigating security with babies and toddlers.

Using a baby carrier has two purposes: (1) containment, it keeps the baby close to you, and if they’re mobile, it keeps them from running away, and (2) it’s hands-free so that you can manage luggage, other children, or a stroller.

Choose a carrier that has good head and neck support, as you’ll likely have to bend over going through security.  You also want one that you can put on and take off without assistance, in case the TSA agent requests that you put the carrier through the scanner. 

When shopping for a baby carrier, consider one that is breathable, ergonomic, and, as mentioned above, easy to put on and take off. I use a Lillebaby Complete; however, other popular brands are Ergobaby and Tula. 

4. Car Seats: Bringing a Car Seat (or Not)

Whether you bring a car seat at all depends on two things: (1) whether you will be in a car at all when you get to your destination, and (2) whether your baby has their own seat on the plane.  If the baby is flying as a lap baby, then you won’t need a car seat on the plane.  If you will need one at your destination, I recommend bringing your own and checking it at the gate. 

We use a convertible Britax at home; however, on the road, we use Costco-brand car seats, as they are lightweight and cost-effective. So if it gets damaged, we’re not out a ton of money.

5. Strollers: Bringing a Stroller (or Not)

The downside to bringing a stroller is that you have to get it through security, collapse it, and have it gate checked. And depending on your perspective, those may not even be downsides. 

Like the baby carrier, the stroller serves two purposes for me, while moving through the airport: (1) containment, it provides a safe space to set down the baby, and (2) you can pile your bags, car seat, and whatever else up on the stroller to help you move through the airport.

My go-to set up is as follows: wear the baby, bring the stroller, jam the car seat into the undercarriage of the stroller, and pile the diaper bag and all carry-ons on top of the stroller.

It’s a PITB getting through security, especially if I’m by myself, but it gets me from A to B with the least amount of resistance.

• We travel with our Uppababy Vista stroller, as it’s hard to beat its ease of use, and it comes with a travel bag. When we want to bring an umbrella stroller, we have a Jeep Delta umbrella stroller, and pack it in a red, stroller, gate check bag.
• They also make travel-friendly strollers that fit in the overhead compartment on planes.

6. Packing Tips for Carry-ons and Diaper Bags

A well-packed diaper bag or carry-on is crucial when flying with a baby or a newborn.  If not for practical purposes, for your psychological well-being.  Have stuff organized so you can find it when you need it.

Number one tip is you need less stuff than you think. I am an overpacker, and I would pack for EVERY possible eventuality.  Most of the time, I use 5% of what is in the diaper bag, and haul the rest around.

Little babies don’t need toys. They’ll play with a plastic cup, a napkin, or your necklace. Once they are bigger and a cup doesn’t hold their attention, pack 2-3 new toys and bust them out at strategic times throughout the flight.

7. What to Pack in Your Diaper Bag & Carry-On

Essentials include diapers, wipes, a changing pad, and a change of clothes for both baby and parent.  If you are breastfeeding, I swear by the Amma (by We are Amma) for a cover-up; if you are formula or bottle feeding, then you’ll want enough supplies to get you through the duration of the flight.  If the baby is on solids, then you’ll also want snacks (see #7 below).

Best advice is to pack a few more diapers than you think you’ll need, wipes, two changes of clothes, a light blanket (muslin), a few toys for toddlers, and enough food, snacks, or formula to feed the world (J/K). Snacks can usually fix most problems.

Bring sanitizing wipes and wipe down the entire seat back. Babies and toddlers love to touch things, and they’ll touch EVERYTHING.

Lastly, bring a few plastic bags or ziplock bags. If someone needs to puke, or if you need somewhere to put nasties, bags come in real handy.

8. Snacks

If the baby is on solids, but still young, consider stuff like teething biscuits and pouches. If the baby is a bit older, consider easy one-handed snacks like applesauce, pouches, breakfast bars, and soft fruit.

I like easy, soft fruits like bananas, squished blueberries, or chopped grapes.  Check out this complete guide to snacks on a plane here.

Booking & Preflight Preparation

9. What Flight to Book?

Honestly, there’s no good answer to this question, except to try to choose a flight that lines up when your baby is likely to sleep.  Flying with a newborn is easy, as they tend to sleep A LOT, and they’ll sleep anywhere.  The older they get, the more dicey and unpredictable the situation gets. 

For example, if a baby is on 2-3 naps a day, with 2-hour wake windows, there are no perfect flight times, as you’ll likely be in transit to the airport, going through security, and waiting for the flight during one of the nap windows.  Sometimes, you have to roll with the punches.

One rule of thumb I go by is always book direct flights when flying with a newborn or a baby, as layovers add a whole ‘nother layer of stress to the situation. However, sometimes direct flights are unavailable, or you get considerable savings by booking a layover, so weigh your options.

10. Time flights with your baby’s sleep schedule

Trying to time flights around your baby’s nap is a popular strategy, and when it works out CAN be amazing.

However, I’m all about managing expectations, and letting go of things you cannot control.

When my babies napped (my youngest dropped nap before 2 years old), I would get so fixated on ensuring that they napped, and if things didn’t work out how I had planned, I’d get really upset.

When you are flying you can’t control when the flight leaves, delays, loud ppl on the plane, babies who can’t sleep, or are skipping nap.

Soooooo, it’s fine to try and time your flight around nap, but you’ve also got to roll with it, because if for some reason they cannot fall asleep you are now on the plane with a baby who is skipping nap.

Also, keep in mind, that if a flight is departing at 11am, and your baby’s nap is at 10:40am, realistically you aren’t boarding until 10:30am, so be sure your timing aligns with when you’ll actually be able to try to nap them, not necessarily when the flight is scheduled to depart.

11. Pricing for Babies

Some airlines will offer a 10% or 15% discount when booking a seat for younger children; however, these savings can be negligible. For children under two, you can opt to purchase their own seats or fly with them on your lap. In my experience, the only options you really need to weigh for newborns and babies are whether they’re going to fly as a lap infant or whether you are going to pay for their own seat. (See #13 below).

12. What is a Lap Infant?

A lap infant is a baby under two years old, for whom you can opt NOT to purchase a seat, and who can then take the flight on your lap.

13. Magic Age is 2 Years Old

Lap infants must be under two. While the airline (or TSA) does not require identification for children under 18, the airline may ask you to prove that your child is under 2 years old if they’re flying as a lap infant.

Also, if your child turns two while you are on vacation, they’ll need their own seat for the return flight. For example.  We went to Atlanta when my daughter was 1 year and 364 days old.  She flew as a lap infant on my lap.  On the way back, she was 2 years 3 days old.  I had to purchase a seat for her on that flight.  I ended up purchasing two one-way flights for everyone, as you cannot buy a round-trip ticket with a lap infant on one leg and not on the other.

14. One Lap Infant per Adult

This is important. If you have two under two, or twins, you’ll need one adult per lap infant.  So if you have two under two and one adult, you’ll need to buy a seat for one of the babies.

15. Lap Infant Vs. Buying a Seat

Just because your baby is under two doesn’t mean they MUST fly as a lap infant. You can save money by flying with a lap infant, or you can choose to purchase a separate seat for your baby.

For newborns and babies under 1 (generally, non-walkers), flying as a lap infant is a great option.  Baby is still immobile and small (read: doesn’t take up much room), so the lap infant experience is pleasant and a lot cheaper than buying them a seat.

Now, the bigger the baby, and the more mobile the baby, the lap infant experience becomes less and less fun. This is from the woman (me) who will fly with a lap infant up until the absolute last day possible (1 year and 364 days). 

Take United economy, for example. I’m 5’2” and I barely fit in their economy seats on my own.  With a baby on my lap, it’s really challenging (but I still do it). 

So, the bigger the baby and the more mobile they are, the more challenging flying with a lap infant becomes. 

You’ll weigh the pros (saving money) and cons (cramped seating) against the financial savings, flight duration, and your tolerance for potential discomfort.

16. Lap Infants on International Flights

Lap infants on international flights are a different beast.  On one hand, the savings are more significant, as you are saving a whole international fare; however, the trip is longer, so you’ll have to hold/entertain the baby for longer. 

The good news is that international flights have one lap infant benefit that domestic flights do not have: THE BASSINET SEAT.

I LOVE the bassinet seat. Typically, when you book a lap infant fare for an international flight, you will then be able to book the bassinet seat/row.  The bassinet row is located on the bulkhead, which provides more legroom.  You’ll also get a bassinet that locks onto the wall in front of you.  You can use this for overnight sleep, naps, or simply as an extra place to store your belongings.  I’m a big fan of the bassinet row!!

17. Lap Infant Fares

Even if your baby flies as a lap infant, you have to book a ticket.  Typically, a lap infant fare is ~10% of the adult fare, but on some airlines, such as Southwest, the fare is $0.

When you go through security, everyone needs a boarding pass, even the lap baby.

The baby must be under two years old on both the departure date and the return date. If the baby turns two during the trip, they’ll need their own seat on the return flight. 

This happened to us recently when booking tickets to Atlanta.  We ended up having to book two one-way tickets because baby girl turned two during our trip.

18. Documents: IDs for Kids, and Letters from Parents

IDs for kids: Youre dealing with two sets fo requirements –> TSA Requirements, and Airline Requirements

Children under 18 don’t need an ID to fly domestically within the US. If you’ve purchased a lap infant ticket for a domestic flight, and your baby looks to be over two years old, the airline agent may request proof of age.

Similarly, if your child looks to be over 18, the airline agent or TSA agent may request ID.

Having said that, I’ve flown with my children as lap infants domestically and internationally and have never been asked for proof of their ages, even when baby girl was 1 year, 11 months, and 30 days old.

All children need a passport to fly internationally.

Letters from Parents: If you are traveling alone, you may want to bring a notarized letter from the other parent stating that you have ‘permission’ to travel with the child, especially when taking them out of the country.

Having said that, I’ve taken my son out of the US, solo, probably 10 times, and have never been asked for a letter, custody order, or proof of ‘permission.’

However, if you like to be extra prepared, get a notarized letter.

19. Where to sit on the plane?

Bulkhead: If you can snag the bassinet seat, do that. The bassinet seat is a game changer in that you have the chance to sit on the bulkhead (read extra legroom), and with the bassinet down, you have a place to put your baby or your things (snacks, drinks, food, baby stuff). Many times, bassinet seats are only offered on international flights, and many times you have to call the airline to book these (you can’t book them online).

Window: The advantage of the window seat is that you and your baby can look out the window, you can also lean on the window, or prop your arm up against the window (helpful if you are holding a kid for hours on end).  Also, if breastfeeding, you’ll have a bit more privacy against the wall of the plane. You can also play with those fun window spinny toys and window clings.

Aisle: The advantage of sitting on the aisle is that you can get up when you’d like and not have to climb over anyone. However, if the baby falls asleep, and the person sitting in the window needs to get up, that can be tricky.

Also, think about whether you’d like to sit in the front, middle, or back of the plane. I prefer the back of the plane. If you are breastfeeding, you have more privacy and are also conveniently close to the bathrooms.

Also, I’m ALWAYS the last one off the plane, so being in the back of the plane suits that.

Whatever you decide, I encourage you to book early so you can secure the seats you’d like.  

20. Select Seats for Whomever You Want to Sit With

If you want to ensure that you sit together as a family, you need to pre-select your seats. Some airlines offer this service complimentary for families; however, many airlines charge a fee to select seats (even if they claim to accommodate families for free).

No one likes to pay for seat selection (least of all me); however, this has become a contentious issue recently. And because many people do pay for their seat selection, they are less likely to switch seats with you on the plane.

I’m pretty cheap, and we never used to pay for seat selection.  I was also VERY anxious checking in, worried that we wouldn’t be able to sit together. Save yourself the anxiety (and possible separation) and buy the seat. Or contact the airline and see if they can pre-select seats for the family, for free.

21. Ask about a bassinet.

You can only request a bassinet if you are flying with a lap infant, and if you can snag a bassinet, you should. These are typically only available on international flights; however, some long-haul domestic or transcontinental flights also offer them. Although you can book these for lap infants under two, the bassinets usually have weight and size limits that make them suitable only for children under ~18 months.

However, even if your kid is too big for the bassinet, you should still ask about it. If you can snag the bassinet seat, you’ll be on the bulkhead, which means you’ll have lots of extra leg room (for your legs, but also for a makeshift play area for baby). Also, even if the baby/toddler is too big for the bassinet, you can use it for all your stuff, which is GOLD.

22. Luggage allowance for lap infants

Typically, lap infants do not get a checked bag. That goes for both domestic and international flights.  There are some exceptions to this, for example, American Airlines will allow you to check one bag per lap infant, on international flights, not to exceed 25 lbs. Check with the airline for their specific policy.

23. One Diaper Bag Per Child

Lap infants are allowed one diaper bag and one checked stroller OR car seat. I’ve never had a problem gate-checking both a car seat and a stroller, at no charge.

You can also usually check a pack n’ play at no charge.

Airline agents are VERY liberal with their allowances for items like car seats, strollers, and pack n plays.

24. Avoiding additional fees

Even though airlines are pretty loose with what they’ll allow you to check for an infant, you don’t want to take advantage of their policies.

Check the official policy before you fly, and if you have ‘extra gear,’ you can ask nicely at check-in if you can check it. If they are trying to charge you extra for checking something, ask if you can gate-check it for no additional charge.

Being nice doesn’t cost anything, and it will get you a LONG way.

Getting through the airport

25. Checking In

As mentioned above, in addition to a diaper bag, you can check a car seat, stroller, and sometimes a pack n’ play.  I’ve never had a problem checking both a car seat and a stroller (even where the policy says OR).

You can either regular check your car seat and stroller, or gate check them. In my opinion, the risk of damage to the car seat (most important) and stroller is lower if you gate check them, so I always do that. I think I mentioned that I’m an overpacker, so I also find it helpful to use my stroller to get through the airport with all my carry-on baggage.

The downside is that you then have to get through security with the car seat and stroller, which gets easier the more you do it. Also, if you have TSA Pre-Check, it’s a straightforward process.

26. Checking Strollers & Navigating Security

We usually travel with our large Uppababy; as I prefer to have that at my destination. But if your priority is small and light, then opt for a lightweight, compact, and easily foldable stroller (travel or umbrella style).

We use our stroller as part of our ‘carry-on strategy’ so we roll it through the airport; however, we bring a bag for gate checking. Many strollers come with a bag; if not, you can purchase a generic bag, like this one.  

Lastly, check airline stroller and car seat checking policies. Typically, there aren’t many; however, every now and then, an airline will have specific guidelines for checking strollers at the gate.

Other tips:

• Ask at check-in if they’ll provide a gate check tag, or if you have to get it tagged at the gate. If you can get the tag at check-in, that’s preferable.
• Ask the TSA agent if you need to disassemble the stroller or if they’ll do a manual check on it. Usually, if it will fit through the scanner, they’ll ask you to send it through. If not, they’ll manually check it.
• Use the stroller for naps, or as part of your carry-on strategy!
• Bring carabiner clips so you can hang stuff from the stroller.
• When you arrive at your destination, ask the flight attendant if the stroller will be available at the gate or with oversized baggage at baggage claim. Sometimes they don’t know, and you’ll have to ask the gate agent at the arrival terminal.
  • Car seats and strollers can appear in various places, including:
    • Directly outside the plane door;
  • • At the arrival gate (after you disembark, but before leaving your arrival gate);
  • • Oversized baggage;
    • Regular baggage claim.
• Practice collapsing and bagging the stroller before flying.
• Throw an AirTag or other tracking device into the stroller bag.

27. Checking Car Seats & Navigating Security

Most of the tips for strollers apply to car seats. Here are a few extras that apply just to car seats:

• Choose a lightweight car seat for travel. Car seats can be HEAVY. We travel with a Cosco convertible car seat.
• Padded covers/bags are more important here, as the structural integrity of the car seat matters. We don’t fly with padded car seat covers, but if you’d like to, J.L. Childress makes an affordable padded backpack for travel.
• We stow the car seat in the undercarriage of the UppaBaby. You can also set it in the seat of the stroller (this works with umbrella strollers as well), or you can attach it to the stroller using a carabiner.
• Throw an AirTag or other tracking device into the car seat bag.

28. Bringing milk, formula, and snacks through the airport

You can bring as much water, milk, and formula through security as necessary. You can also travel with breast milk, even if you do not have a baby with you. Lastly, you can bring snacks (even semi-liquid) for babies and toddlers.

This is directly from the TSA website:

“Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters are allowed in carry-on baggage and do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag. Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) are considered medically necessary liquids. This also applies to breast milk and formula cooling accessories, such as ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs (regardless of presence of breast milk). Your child or infant does not need to be present or traveling with you to bring breast milk, formula, and/or related supplies.”

Let the officer know at screening that you have these items. If they push back, ask to speak with a supervisor. I once had a TSA officer tell me that I couldn’t bring hummus through security for my toddler. At the time, it was the only thing he’d eat. I asked to speak with a supervisor, and he let me through with the hummus.

Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself.

29. Prep formula, or Other Food Items Before Boarding

Particularly for formula, have the various components prepped, measured, and organized before arriving at the airport.

30. Breast pumps and pumping:

You can travel with a breast pump, a soft-sided cooler, and breast milk, in addition to the diaper bag, carry-on, and personal item.  You can travel with your pump and breast milk even if you are not traveling with your baby or child.

I’ve done this several times. Once, I was returning from Mexico, and they gave me a hard time about passing through security with breast milk (baby was not with me). They had to send it through the big scanner and brought it to me at my gate. I was nervous about it, but it worked out.

31. Change Diapers Before Boarding

This is easier said than done. My family runs LATE. If we have time, I always change diapers before boarding. OR, board early and change the diaper on the plane before take-off. The more you can set yourself up for success before take-off, the better!

32. Look for Play Areas or Playgrounds at the Airport

Lots of airports have play areas or playgrounds. Many times they’re not in your terminal, but when they are, it’s great! I think I mentioned that we are always running late, but if you have time, these indoor playgrounds are a great way to burn energy or kill time before takeoff.

Make sure to wash your hands and/or sanitize them after playing.

33. Most airports have nursing rooms or stations.

If you need a private place to nurse, or be with your baby or toddler, then seek out a nursing room. It’s also perfectly fine for you to nurse in the terminal.

The nursing rooms are also great for preparing formula, as they usually have a sink where you can mix, rinse, and prepare bottles.  

34. Board early

Board early if you can. Most airlines offer family boarding. Ask the gate agent about this, so you know when you can board.

This gives you a chance to get situated, select the overhead bin you want, and set up your area before the masses descend onto the plane.

Flying with Babies

35. Wipe everything down when you get on the plane

Planes are petri-dishes; no two ways about that.  Kids love to touch things and then stick their fingers in their mouths.

Once we started wiping the plane down, we got sick a lot less after flying. Wipe the arm rests, seat belt buckles, tray tables, and window areas (and anywhere else you can see, lol).  If you have it in you, also wipe down the literature in the seat-back pocket, as kids LOVE to touch those.

We use Lysol or Clorox wipes. At home, we use all-natural this, and all-natural that, but for this, we use Lysol or Clorox.  I also travel with hand sanitizer (and hang them off the stroller).

36. Breastfeed during takeoff and landing

If you breastfeed, doing so during takeoff and landing is where it’s at. I use an Amma, a muslin blanket, or a sweater to cover myself, but legally, you don’t have to cover up.

If you are formula-feeding, feeding during takeoff and landing is also great. It keeps them occupied and can help with any ear discomfort.

37. Empty seats and lap infants

If the flight is not full, you can ask the flight attendant if you can move to a row with an empty seat. Having an extra seat can be helpful for you to spread out, contact nap, and manage your baby and their gear. It can also help you to create a little play area for them.

38. Snacks on Planes

Snacks on planes are clutch. Use those snacks. Usually, you may try to feed the baby a variety of healthy foods; however, desperate times call for desperate measures. Snacks may be the primary source of nutrition on travel days. And that’s ok. Snacks solve 95% of problems, so use them. Keep yourself well-fed as well! You can usually purchase snacks on the plane if you are desperate.

Here’s our full guide to snacks on planes.

39. Dress Baby in Layers

Airplane cabins fluctuate in temperature. Sometimes it’s sweltering, sometimes it’s freezing. Select easy-to-remove layers, such as onesies, jammies, and lightweight blankets. You can also bring hats and socks for small babies.

Choose breathable fabrics and options that have minimal buttons or snaps.  Include outfits you could change in a cramped airplane bathroom.

Layers help with spit-ups and spills. If you can remove the offending layer without needing to take the baby to the bathroom to change, that’s helpful.

40. Using a Car Seat on the Plane;

If you bring a car seat on the plane, you’ll have to install it in either the window seat or the center seat (if there is a center group of seats). The idea is that in the event of an emergency, no one should have to climb over a car seat to get to the aisle.

Car seats on planes work particularly well for kiddos under three.

Practice installing the car seat before flying. Especially if the baby is rear-facing in a car, you may need to face forward on the plane. Knowing how to set that up without the LATCH is important.

Car seats must be FAA-approved. The gate agent will likely check, but the flight attendant will also check.

If you’ve booked a lap infant seat but there are empty seats on the plane, you can still bring the car seat on and install it in an empty seat. Ask at the gate. If there are no empty seats, you’ll have to gate check the car seat.

41. Tips for take-off and landing

The number one tip is to feed during take-off and landing; if you can get the baby to sleep before take-off, even better.

Rocking, bouncing, and soothing motions are all helpful too. You know what to try. Your usual tricks may not work on a plane, as the environment can be loud and scary for a baby. Just do your best. If you booked a lap infant, the flight attendant may require you to hold the baby during takeoff and landing, even if you have a car seat installed.

Similarly, if you have purchased a seat for your baby and they are crying, the flight attendant may not allow you to hold the baby during takeoff and landing. Just do your best and get through it. Babies cry. That’s what they do. Don’t let anyone make you feel guilty about that.  

42. How to get a baby to sleep on the plane

Feed to sleep if you can. If you have a car seat and the baby is accustomed to sleeping in it, you can use that as a tool. I used to bring a white noise device, clip it to the car seat, and drape a muslin blanket over the car seat to block light. This is also a great time to contact nap!

Keep in mind you may have to transfer the baby back to their seat for landing, if you booked a seat for them.

43. Consider Seat Extenders

This is mostly for long-haul flights, but inflatable seat extenders are available that allow your child to lie down and sleep more comfortably in their seat.  They also make sling-type contraptions that serve the same purpose. We have this inflatable seat extender, and it was a game-changer. It’s pricey, but well worth it. There are cheaper options on Amazon.

Not all airlines allow these, and it’s largely up to the cabin crew.  We’ve flown SAS and Aer Lingus with this. I thought we weren’t going to be able to use it on either flight; however, the air hostesses on SAS had no problem with us using it.  The flight crew on Aer Lingus had to ‘check’ with someone, and came back a while later saying we could use it.  

However, the same rules apply as car seats, in that they must be used on a window or middle seat.

These are best suited for big babies or toddlers over two years old. The inflatable ones would not be safe for small babies, sleeping unattended. These would be good for naps if you can watch the baby. They also help prevent toys from being lost to the floor.

I mention these here because the earlier you buy one, the more use you’ll get out of it.

44. Entertaining a Baby on The Plane

Newborns and small babies don’t require much entertainment. Also, lots of stuff on the plane can be used as toys. The safety card in the seatback pocket, plastic cups, and magazines are perfectly good makeshift toys!

My son and I once spent 30 minutes building towers out of coffee creamers we found in the galley (we asked first :).

As babies grow, simple items like teething rings, stuffed toys, and other essentials in the diaper bag can be entertaining.

For older infants and toddlers, interactive books, suction toys, and fidget-type toys are good for holding attention. Choose items that are lightweight and easy to clean.

45. Alleviating ear pressure

We’ve touched on this some; however, sucking or drinking is the best way to alleviate pressure buildup in the ears. Remember that babies cannot clear their own pressure, so try to help them by encouraging them to suck, swallow, or yawn.

When they get a little older, you can use these ear things, which help a little. My children didn’t have problems with their ears until they were about three to four years old.

Luckily, the descent is usually pretty quick.

46. Changing Diapers on the Plane

Airplane bathrooms are small, with most having a fold-down changing table that takes up half the space. The upside is the baby won’t roll off because there’s no room to roll; the downside is there’s very little room to maneuver.

Pack each diaper change in its own zip lock bag (one diaper, wipes, and possibly a change of clothes). This way, you don’t have to take the entire diaper bag to the bathroom, and you spend minimal time fishing around the bag for supplies.

Keep in mind that if there is turbulence, etc…, you may not be able to get up to change a diaper.  Make sure to take any opportunity you have to change the diaper, if necessary, as you don’t know when that seat belt light may come on.

47. Tips for flying alone

The number one tip is not to hesitate to ask flight attendants or strangers on the plane for help. You will have to go to the bathroom or get something from the overhead bin. Also, consider using a baby carrier on the plane, as then you’ll have your hands free.

48. Don’t worry about what people think!

Flying with a newborn, a baby, and toddlers is stressful. There’s no two ways about that. Don’t worry if your baby is crying or fussing.  Do your best, don’t worry about what other people think, and focus on taking care of your baby.

Babies are meant to cry, and kids are meant to make noise. Anyone who believes differently can take an ‘adult-only’ flight (or get themselves a private jet).

Arrival & After the Flight

49. Disembarking

Take your time getting off the plane.  It’s ok to let every person off the plane, and then disembark yourselves.  Don’t let people rush you. Gather all of your belongings, don’t forget your phone, and wear the baby out, if possible.

50. Dealing with jetlag

Jet lag is less of an issue with newborn babies, as they sleep all the time anyway. Their circadian rhythms are so hard-wired that I’ve found their sleep schedule to be largely unaffected by something as trivial as changing time zones. This is our full guide to surviving jet lag in babies and toddlers!

Exposure to natural sunlight is crucial, allowing babies to acclimate.

Once babies are on a regular nap schedule (1-3 naps per day), I’ve found jet lag to be more challenging. For example, if you put a baby down for bed at 7 pm for the night, but they are used to having two naps per day, they may wake up at 9 pm thinking that was their second nap.

Be patient, you may find yourself up in the middle of the night, playing with the baby.  Don’t stress about things you cannot control.  Try to make the most of the extra time together.

Takeaway

The key to flying with a baby under one year is being flexible. It’s ok to have hopes and dreams about how your flight is going to go, but if things don’t go as planned, be prepared to pivot mentally. This is particularly challenging for parents, especially those who are Type A and super-organized. Babies and airlines don’t care what your plans were, so be prepared to roll with things.

Above all, do whatever it is you need to do to keep your anxiety down. Traveling is stressful.

It’s also a wonderful, magical gift that you can give to yourself and your children.

Try to enjoy the journey as much as the destination.