How do you travel with a 6 month old?

The safest way for baby to fly Infants weighing less than 20 pounds should be bucked into a rear-facing car seat during airplane travel. Children who weigh 20 to 40 pounds should be restrained in a car seat. They should not be switched to using just the airplane's lap belt until they reach at least 40 pounds.



Traveling with a 6-month-old is often considered a "sweet spot" because the baby is not yet mobile but is usually on a more predictable schedule than a newborn. When flying, you can choose between a "Lap Infant" (usually free or 10% of the fare) or buying a separate seat for their car seat, which is the safest option. Many long-haul aircraft offer bassinets that attach to the bulkhead wall; these must be reserved well in advance. At 6 months, you should bring a high-quality "travel stroller" that can fold into an overhead bin, or "gate check" your full-sized stroller for free. Regarding gear, "baby-wearing" with a carrier like an Ergobaby is a lifesaver for navigating airports. Remember the TSA liquid rule exception: you are allowed to bring breast milk, formula, and juice in quantities larger than 3.4 ounces, but you must declare them at security for manual inspection. Finally, try to time feedings for takeoff and landing to help the baby's ears adjust to the changing cabin pressure and prevent crying from ear pain.

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Young babies have not developed the ability to regularize their ear pressure by yawning or swallowing, so they don't know how to relieve the abrupt changes in pressure when the plane is taking off or landing. To prevent ear pain and discomfort, babies should wear ear protection whenever they're travelling on a plane.

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According to Doug and Sanjay, the back row of the plane is the best place to sit when traveling with a baby for 5 reasons. Over the next shot of the aircraft's galley, they explain that since the back of the plane is near the galley, it's easier to get up and walk around if a fussy baby needs settling.

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Most airlines will insist that your baby is at least two weeks old. There are no standard regulations, so it's best to check with your airline before you book. Some airlines may ask you to provide a fit-to-fly letter from your doctor if your baby is less than two weeks old.

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Once you're inside, assemble your supplies — diaper, wipes, and disposal bag — next to the sink and layer some paper towels or a changing pad on the closed toilet seat. Place your child on the seat, whip off the dirty diaper, stick it in an airsick bag or plastic bag, and dispose of it in the garbage.

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Help the Parents
If a baby is crying and the parents are having trouble consoling them, a flight attendant may offer to help out. This could involve anything from holding the baby for a few minutes so the parents can take a break, have their own bathroom visits, etc.

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Strollers can be checked at the gate or with your regular checked baggage at the ticket counter. A stroller may be brought onboard without counting toward your carry-on limit. This is based on space availability; space guaranteed only with the purchase of a ticket for the infant).

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Bring a car seat that Baby fits snugly in. Depending on what kind of airplane you board, the seat might face forward, or backward. On most commercial airliners, Baby should be facing the back of the chair. Don't feel strange about asking a flight attendant if you've got any questions.

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Use a Pacifier or Bottle During Takeoff and Landing The sucking action can neutralize ear pressure and calm—so pacifiers, bottles, and other sucking toys work, too.

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A pacifier might ease discomfort during flights. Babies can't intentionally pop their ears by swallowing or yawning to relieve ear pain caused by air pressure changes. Sucking on a pacifier might help.

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Sit away from the engine.
Seats in the front rows are farthest away from the engine and therefore better for your hearing. However, if you have to sit farther back in the plane, choose an aisle seat as they are several decibels quieter than window seats.

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Gently blow, as if blowing your nose, while pinching your nostrils and keeping your mouth closed. Repeat several times, especially during descent, to equalize the pressure between your ears and the airplane cabin. Don't sleep during takeoffs and landings.

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