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.

The safest way to fly with a newborn in 2026 is to purchase a separate ticket for them and use an FAA-approved car seat. While many parents opt for the "lap child" method because it is free for children under two, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) strongly advise against it. In the event of sudden, severe turbulence or a rough landing, it is physically impossible for a parent to hold onto a baby securely; the child can become a "human projectile" or be crushed by the parent's weight. By using a rear-facing car seat secured with the airplane’s seatbelt, the baby is protected in a crash-tested "cocoon." When booking, look for the sticker on your car seat that says "This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft" in red lettering. Additionally, to protect the baby's developing ears during takeoff and landing, it is recommended to feed them (breast or bottle) or give them a pacifier; the sucking and swallowing action helps equalize the pressure in their middle ear. Finally, choose a window seat for the car seat to ensure it doesn't block the exit path for other passengers in the row.