What is the best way to fly with a baby?

Just make sure your child-restraint system (CRS) is approved for use on an airplane. If your child weighs less than 20 pounds, she should use a rear-facing CRS; if she weighs between 20 and 40 pounds, she should use a forward-facing child safety seat. Prep your liquids, formula, breast milk or juice.



People Also Ask

The AAP recommends that the safest way for your baby to fly is in a child safety restraint?an FAA-approved car seat or airplane harness device approved for your child's age and size installed with the airplane's seat belt. Booster seats cannot be used on airplanes.

MORE DETAILS

Make sure you bring plenty of pacifiers and bottles with you on the plane so that your baby can use them as needed throughout the flight. If your baby is particularly sensitive to loud noises, consider using ear plugs or ear muffs while flying.

MORE DETAILS

For kids (especially babies and young children), it can feel especially odd and even be scary at first. But it's a common, normal part of flying. This sometimes uncomfortable sensation is related to pressure changes in the air space behind the eardrum (the middle ear).

MORE DETAILS

Standard strollers, folding wagons, and car seats can be used to get to your gate and then checked for free. They'll be returned to you on arrival. Collapsible strollers can be stored in-cabin. Car seats can be used onboard your flight too.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Experienced traveling families already know this, but in most cases the hardest time to travel with a child is from when they become squirmy and mobile by about 9 months old until they hit the age of reason bargaining/cartooning/snacking at about 18 months.

MORE DETAILS

Each airline will have its rules about who can sit where, but a bulkhead seat is generally considered an excellent option for families traveling with young children. The bulkhead is at the front of the cabin and sitting in those seats usually guarantees you some extra leg room.

MORE DETAILS

Early morning flights are usually less bumpy, which means more time letting your little one out of the car seat to explore the cabin (a must for new walkers). If that isn't possible, and you've got a by-the-clock napper, book a flight that coincides with nap time.

MORE DETAILS

Benefits of booking your baby or toddler their own seat It's safer: Your arms just aren't strong enough to hold a baby securely during turbulence. That's why the AAP, the FAA, and the NTSB all stress that the safest place for a baby on a plane is in an FAA-approved car seat or airplane harness device in their own seat.

MORE DETAILS

You may bring your child's car seat and stroller free of charge as checked baggage. You can check these items with your other baggage, or wait until you reach the gate area. Strollers can be checked at the gate or with your regular checked baggage at the ticket counter.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

But the best way to stop your baby crying during take-off or landing (when their ears may pop or hurt) is to feed them, from the breast or from a bottle . As long as the airline doesn't require your baby to be in an air baby travel cot or bassinet, you're good to go.

MORE DETAILS

If you're traveling with a child of any age, you can bring the following on your flight for free in addition to your carry-on and personal items: Diaper bag. Breast pump, milk or formula. FAA-approved car seat.

MORE DETAILS

They may be in pain because of pressure changes at takeoff and landing; they may be tired and find it difficult to sleep without their normal surroundings; they might want to move around instead of being stuck in a confined space or they might be disoriented and scared.

MORE DETAILS

Consider using cotton balls, noise-canceling headphones or small earplugs to limit your baby's exposure to this noise. This may help make it easier for your baby to sleep. Your baby's breathing. During flight, air pressure in an aircraft cabin is lower than air pressure on land.

MORE DETAILS

Also, airplane cabin noise levels are loud, especially during takeoff. Consider using cotton balls, noise-canceling headphones or small earplugs to limit your baby's exposure to this noise. This may help make it easier for your baby to sleep.

MORE DETAILS

Give your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen about 30 minutes before takeoff or landing. Or, use nasal spray or drops before takeoff or landing. Follow package instructions exactly about how much medicine to give your child.

MORE DETAILS