Air Travel With Newborns: Essential Items For A Smooth Flight

Flying with a newborn baby can be a daunting task, but with the right preparations, it can be a smooth and hassle-free experience. Here is an overview of the essential things you need to know and consider when flying with your newborn.

Firstly, it is important to check the policies of your chosen airline, as they set their own recommendations and restrictions regarding infant passengers. While there is no minimum age for babies to travel legally, most airlines require infants to be at least two weeks old, with some allowing seven-day-old newborns on board. It is crucial to plan accordingly and contact the airline directly to confirm their specific requirements and recommendations.

Secondly, ensure you have all the necessary travel documents for your newborn. For international flights, a valid passport is required for infants, and it is recommended to apply for one well in advance. Additionally, some countries may require a visa or travel permit. A birth certificate may also be requested by certain airlines, especially if your baby is close to two years old to prove their age and eligibility for any discounts. In cases of single-parent travel, a notarised letter of consent from the other parent is often strongly recommended.

Moreover, it is essential to consider the well-being of your newborn during the flight. Breastfeeding or offering a bottle during takeoff and landing can help relieve ear pressure and discomfort caused by cabin pressure changes. It is also beneficial to bring familiar items, such as their favourite toys, blankets, or musical equipment, to comfort and entertain your baby. Don't forget to pack enough food, milk, and any other essentials your baby may need during the flight and layover.

Lastly, when it comes to seating arrangements, most airlines allow infants under two years old to sit on an adult's lap with an extension lap belt. However, if you prefer, you can book a separate seat for your baby and use an approved child restraint system or car seat. Bulkhead seats with bassinets are also an option on some airlines, providing a comfortable sleeping space for your newborn, but these often need to be reserved in advance.

Documentation: A newborn will need a passport and visa for international travel. Some countries may also require a birth certificate

When it comes to flying with a newborn, there are a few important documents you need to have in order to ensure a smooth travel experience. Here is a detailed guide on the documentation required for international travel with a newborn:

Passport and Visa Requirements:

• A newborn will need their own passport for international travel. The process of obtaining a passport for an infant usually involves submitting a completed application form, providing the baby's birth certificate, and submitting colour photos of the baby. It is recommended to allow ample time for the passport application process as it can take several weeks.
• In addition to a passport, some countries may require a visa for your newborn. It is important to check the specific requirements for your destination country before travelling.

Birth Certificate:

• While a birth certificate is not always necessary for international travel, it is still a good idea to carry it with you. Some airlines may require proof of age documentation for babies, so having the birth certificate on hand can help avoid any potential issues.
• Additionally, if your newborn looks older and is close to the age of two, you may need the birth certificate to prove their age and eligibility for certain benefits, such as free flights for infants under two years old.

Other Documentation:

• In certain cases, such as when only one parent is travelling with the newborn, a notarized letter of consent from the absent parent may be recommended or required. This is especially important when travelling to or from the United States.
• If you are travelling to a country with specific COVID-19 entry requirements, you may need to provide proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test for yourself. Newborns are typically exempt from these requirements, but it is essential to check the specific rules for your destination.

It is always a good idea to review the official travel advice for your destination country and consult with your airline to ensure you have all the necessary documentation for your newborn's first flight. Each country and airline may have slightly different requirements, so being prepared will help ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience.

Travel policy: Airlines have differing policies on newborn travel. Some require newborns to be at least a week old, others two weeks

Travel Policy

Airlines have differing policies on newborn travel. While there is no minimum age for when babies are legally allowed to fly, airlines set their own recommendations. Generally, most airlines require that babies are at least two weeks old before they travel. Some airlines permit seven-day-old infants on board, while others won't accept passengers younger than one week old.

For premature babies, their due date, rather than their birthday, is used to determine their eligibility to fly. If you gave birth by caesarean section, you may have to wait longer before flying to allow your body to recover.

Additional Requirements

• Medical Clearance: It is recommended to get medical clearance from your baby's doctor before flying, especially if your baby was born prematurely or has chronic heart or lung problems.
• Immunizations: Depending on your travel destination and timing, your baby's doctor may recommend certain immunizations, such as the influenza vaccine or the MMR shot.
• Travel Documents: Ensure you have all the necessary travel documents, including passports, birth certificates, and any required visas or travel permits.
• Parental Consent: If travelling internationally without the other parent, a notarized letter of consent from the absent parent is often required.

Seating: Newborns can sit on a parent's lap, or in a car seat

Seating arrangements are an important consideration when flying with a newborn. Here are some detailed tips and guidelines to help you plan:

Seating Options for Newborns:

• Lap seating: Newborns can sit on a parent's lap during the flight. Most airlines provide an extension lap belt that securely attaches to the adult's seat belt, ensuring the infant is safely restrained. This option is generally considered safe and is the most common way to travel with a baby. It is also cost-effective, as most airlines do not charge for infants under two years of age sitting on a parent's lap.
• Baby carrier: For added security and comfort, you can consider using a baby carrier while the infant is seated on your lap. This keeps the baby close to you and leaves your hands free for other tasks.
• Car seat: Some parents may prefer the option of bringing their own car seat and attaching it to the airplane seat, similar to how it is installed in a car. This option provides a familiar and comfortable space for the baby during the flight. However, it requires purchasing a full-price ticket for the baby since it occupies its own seat. Before choosing this option, check with the airline regarding car seat dimensions and whether it is FAA-approved for air travel.
• Bassinet seats: If you're flying long-haul, consider booking bassinet seats (also known as bulkhead seats). These seats usually come with a pull-down bassinet attached to the bulkhead wall, providing a convenient space for your baby to sleep. These seats often offer extra legroom, making it easier to manage your belongings and giving your baby room to play. However, these seats may need to be reserved in advance, and there could be weight limits for using the bassinet.
• Booking strategies: When booking your flight, consider the baby's nap and bedtime schedules. Try to coincide the flight with their sleep times to increase the chances of them sleeping during the journey. Additionally, if possible, book a window seat near the toilet, especially for long-haul flights. This provides more privacy and easier access to the toilet when needed.

Additional Tips for In-Flight Comfort:

• If your baby is walking, let them explore and run around in the airport to tire them out before the flight, increasing the chances of them sleeping onboard.
• Bring comfortable clothing for the baby, suitable for sleeping, and pack extra layers for potential temperature changes during the flight.
• Keep the baby entertained with new toys, books, or interactive activities they haven't seen before to maintain their interest.
• Plan feeding times during take-off and landing to help relieve air pressure changes and potential discomfort in the baby's ears.

Remember to check with your specific airline regarding their policies on seating arrangements and any applicable age or weight restrictions for bassinet seats.

Luggage: Airlines vary on luggage allowances for newborns, but generally allow one piece of ordinary checked baggage, two pieces of baby equipment, one piece of hand luggage, and a nappy changing bag

When it comes to luggage, airlines vary in their allowances for newborns. However, in general, newborns are allowed one piece of ordinary checked baggage, two pieces of baby equipment, one piece of hand luggage, and a nappy changing bag.

The weight and size limits for checked bags and hand luggage differ between airlines, so it is important to check with your airline before packing. Some airlines may include car seats, travel cots, or pushchairs as part of the baby equipment allowance, while others may not. It is also worth noting that some airlines do not allow certain pieces of equipment, such as car seats, to be included in the baggage allowance. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully review the policies of your chosen airline.

In addition to the standard baggage allowance, some airlines offer extra carry-on baggage for passengers travelling with young children, especially newborns. This may include a nappy bag, which can be extremely useful for storing all the essential items you will need during the flight. However, it is important to remember that these allowances are not guaranteed and can vary depending on the airline and your destination (domestic or international). Thus, it is always a good idea to check the specific policies of your chosen airline before booking your flight.

If you are travelling with a newborn, it is important to pack wisely and only bring the essential items you will need during the flight. This includes enough nappies, milk or baby food, changes of clothes, and any other items that will keep your baby comfortable and entertained. Packing cubes can be extremely helpful for organising your hand luggage and making items easily accessible during the flight.

In-flight: Newborns may be soothed by feeding during take-off and landing, to relieve air pressure in the ears

Feeding a newborn during take-off and landing can help to relieve air pressure in their ears. This is because the act of swallowing can reduce the pressure they feel. If you are breastfeeding, remember to wear an infant seatbelt while feeding your baby. If you are formula feeding, you can ask a flight attendant to warm up a bottle for you. Just be sure to do a bottle heat test before giving it to your baby to avoid scalding.

If you are breastfeeding, it is a good idea to check the rules around this in the country you are travelling to. While breastfeeding in public is acceptable in most countries, some countries consider it offensive and expect mothers to cover up. If you are travelling to a country where breastfeeding in public is not acceptable, be sure to pack a shawl or muslin wrap.

If you are formula feeding, you can take as much formula as you need onto the plane. Airline staff can provide boiling water, or you can order ready-made formula to pick up at the airport chemist. Security will let you take water for bottles/made-up bottles through, but they may ask you to test it yourself first. It is also a good idea to pack extra drinks for yourself if you are breastfeeding, as it is important to stay hydrated.

If your baby is in pain from the pressure in their ears, there are some other things you can try to help soothe them. Try giving them a dummy, or a pacifier, to suck on. You could also try using a cold-water steriliser bag or buying disposable pre-sterilised bottles.

Frequently asked questions