Flying is exciting, but it can be tricky at the best of times when you have to navigate airports, security, long waits, potential delays, small spaces filled with many other people, and new destinations. Add a baby to this, and it can be even more challenging.
So if you’re looking to travel with your little one, being prepared can make a world of difference. You might be wondering when a baby can fly on a plane, or do babies need ear plugs for flying? If you and your little one are about to become travel buddies, make sure you read this guide to get all the info you need about bringing babies on short and long-haul flights.
How to travel and buy tickets with a baby
Before you jump on the next great flight deal, there are a few logistics you’ll have to sort through when it comes to flying with your baby. From knowing what airlines are extra family-friendly to knowing how to book flights when travelling with a baby, this guide will help you plan your next family trip.
How old does a baby need to be before going on a plane?
Before you book your tickets, make sure it’s okay for your baby to fly. So—when can a baby travel by plane? Can a 1-month or 2-month-old baby join you for air travel? A healthy baby can fly as early as a few days old, but it’s always worth checking the airline’s minimum age for flying, and of course talk to your doctor.
How do I book airline tickets for a child?
Every airline has different requirements for travelling with infants and babies. In Australia, infants and young toddlers under age 2 can often travel for free as long as they are held on your lap, and buckled in using the child belts provided when required. This is a great way to keep costs down, but make sure you consider whether you and your little one will be comfy for the length of your flight, and if you will have enough space for the extra carry-on luggage you will need with their changing and feeding gear, especially if you’re the only adult with your baby. If you decide to put them on your lap, they’ll still need their own ticket with their details.
Alternatively, you can book and pay for their own seat which will provide a bit more room for you, your baby and your belongings. If you’re unsure about which airline is best, you could try booking through a travel agent or contacting the airline directly.
When booking your flight, keep layovers and connecting flights in mind. Sticking to baby’s routine can be difficult in different time zones or settings. Layovers tend to be better than connecting flights, because it makes round two of flying easier for your baby because you have time to settle them in between flights. If you do need to make a connecting flight, it’s best to have at least an hour in between your arrival and departure to allow for any flight delays. If the airline allows, consider taking your pram or stroller as carry-on luggage so you can move around the airport quickly and easily.
How to choose a seat for your baby on a plane
Choosing the right seat can make a big difference to you and your little one’s comfort while flying. You will generally have two options: keeping your infant on your lap or buying a separate seat. Each option has pros and cons.
For shorter flights, it might be a good option to keep your baby in your lap. Most airlines don’t charge for infants under 2, but they will still need a ticket registered in their name. Check with different airlines to understand their policy. If you choose this option for a short flight, a window seat could provide your little one with some entertainment as they check out the view. Sharing a seat is a great budget option for travelling families if your little one is small enough.
For long-haul flights, you might want to consider paying the fare and booking the seat next to you. If you book early enough, you should have more options available to you. Seats at the bulkhead provide extra leg room and mobility because there are no seats in front of them. Some airlines have bassinets that can attach to the bulkhead, so young babies can sleep more comfortably.
Seats in the aisle are also a great option because you won’t disrupt other passengers if you need to move around frequently. When you’re travelling with babies and children, ensuring you buy a ticket that allows you to select your seats is more important than ever.
How to pack when travelling with a baby
Your tickets are booked and your trip is planned: it’s time to pack! Packing for yourself and your baby requires a checklist. So—what do you pack when travelling with a baby?
Carry-on essentials
Babies and toddlers make packing light a real challenge! For your older baby or toddler who has their own seat, their baggage allowance will be the same as yours. Packing an individual carry-on bag for your toddler makes it easier to bring their favourite items if they have their own luggage. If they are old enough, having their own carry-on luggage on wheels is a fun way for them to get involved with travel and keep them occupied as you transit.
For infants, most airlines know you need more than just your personal items when you’re bringing a baby on board, and you might be allowed extra carry-on baggage allowances. Bring a large nappy bag or tote that can hold all the nice-to-haves as well as the absolute essentials like nappies and wipes.
- Nappies and nappy bags
- Baby wipes
- Spare clothes (for you and your baby)
- Baby change table cover
- Snacks and drinks
- Ziplock bags
- Travel pillow
- Milk (formula, expressed, or other, if needed, paying attention to appropriate storage and preparation)
- Hand sanitiser
- Dummies or a pacifier if your baby uses one.
If you need to bring liquids on board to feed or care for your baby, it’s worth checking in with your airline before the big day. Most airlines have exemptions for fluids needed to look after babies, like expressed milk, or water for formula.
Checked baggage for your baby
Once your carry-on essentials have been taken care of, it’s time to focus on the checked baggage items you and your baby will need. Each airline has different rules for checked baby and child items. As an overview, most airlines allow special infant items free of charge, such as a pram, portable cot, or car seat. They may have limitations on how many oversized items you can check to baggage – it’s worth asking your airline about this before you travel.
Using a pram at the airport and on a plane
Having a pram or stroller at the airport can be a lifesaver, especially if you find yourself needing to rush between gates or when it’s a bit crowded and you need to keep your little one close and safe. If you’re investing in a pram or stroller for your trip, look for a lightweight stroller that folds easily when you need it to.
There are a few options for using your pram at the airport:
- If you want to have your pram while you’re at the airport, you can usually have it security screened and take it right up to the gate. From there, airport staff may need to check it to baggage, because many planes have cabin space restrictions that don’t allow prams. Occasionally, you may be able to bring a small stroller in as carry-on luggage, but this can be different depending on the type of plane, the size of your folded stroller, and airline policy, so ask before you’re due to depart.
- If you don’t need a pram in the airport, check it before security. Some airlines already require this, so read up on your specific airline's regulations.
How do babies and children sleep in a plane?
How your little one sleeps will depend on their preferences (and yours!) and the airline policies. For example, some airlines allow blow-up sleep accessories that fit in the footwell of a seat and allow a small child to lay flat on a standard seat space. Other airlines will have bassinets that attach to the bulkhead where you can allow your young baby to sleep if you can book those seats.
If they don’t have their own seat or a bassinet space, your baby might sleep on you while you’re reclined, or even in a baby carrier where you can walk them to sleep in the aisle and then sit down once they have drifted off. Importantly, don’t forget safe sleep principles while you travel – if you baby doesn’t have the space to lay flat on their back in a safe sleep space, it’s important to supervise their sleep carefully.
How to travel with a baby in an airport?
Airports can be a strange and unfamiliar place to a baby and toddler. There are many sights and sounds they’ve probably never heard before, and they might be fascinated, wary, or something in between. To help with their uncertainty, explain the airport process to your child as you check in, go through security and board the plane. A book about airports is a great way to familiarise them with airports before you go. Follow along for some more tips that will help make the airport process a lot simpler for you and your little one.
Extra time
If you’re taking a taxi or rideshare, make sure to leave enough time to install car seats (where this is an option) and pack your luggage. If you decide to park your car at the airport, set aside extra time for walking or using airport shuttle buses. You will want to add an extra 10 to 20 minutes if you’re bringing oversized items like a pram, car seat, or porta-cot.
If you’re planning on checking several baggage items or things like a car seat, you can save time by checking in online. Online check-in usually opens 24 hours before your flight, and your airline will usually let you know when it has opened.
Documents and travel identification
Your hands will be full with your baby and everything you need for the flight. Downloading your boarding pass onto your phone is one way to avoid handling lots of documents. However, at security or check-in, you may be asked to provide proof of date of birth for your infant or toddler. Passports or copies of birth certificates are acceptable documentation. If you’re travelling internationally, you will need a passport for your child. If you’re travelling locally, you might need to show one piece of ID for yourself, such as a driver’s license. Check with your individual airline for their ID requirements. If you’re travelling internationally, make sure you check what other documentation you need to enter the country (such as vaccination certificates).
Play and distraction
For older babies and toddlers, the plane ride can get boring after a while. Getting their energy out before you board can make a world of difference. Some airports have playgrounds or small coin-operated rides. If they don’t, be sure to bring a range of different toys to keep them occupied.
How to travel with a baby on a plane
Once you board the plane, it’s time for a whole new adventure! Planes are tight spaces that can present certain challenges for parents and their baby—especially if they’ve never flown before. There are several questions you might have, like how do you keep a baby calm on a plane or what do you do if your baby starts crying on a plane?
How to change a baby on an aeroplane
Packing a smaller nappy bag inside your or your little one’s carry-on essentials bag is a lifesaver when you need to change your little one in the small bathroom on the plane. Plane bathrooms have a baby change table, so bring a change mat with you to pop on so it’s not cold and hard on your little one’s back.
How to keep a baby calm on an aeroplane
It takes a village to raise a baby, and the same is true on a plane. Depending on the airline, the cabin crew will know there’s a baby on board and go out of their way to see that you are comfortable. If they don’t come over to you first, introduce yourself and your little one to the cabin crew - they will be the ones who can help you with any special requests you might have during the flight.
The two most important times of the flight are take-off and landing. It’s during this time that potential ear pain or stress might upset your little one. You might be wondering how to help your baby’s ears to adjust to the change in pressure. To reduce stress and pain, have your baby suck on a teething toy, bottle or plushie at the beginning and end of the flight to help with the changes in pressure. If they are still breastfeeding, feed them during these crucial moments to help lessen their (and your!) anxiety.
Keeping a consistent schedule—even when flying—will help keep a baby calm while travelling. If possible, keep nap and feeding times similar so that your baby keeps some familiarity.
How to entertain a baby on a plane
Keeping a baby happy on the plane is always an adventure. Keeping your toddler up-to-date on what’s happening during the flight will hopefully ease any stress and keep them entertained as they learn about plane and how things work.
For babies—and toddlers—another great entertainment option is a new book or toy. While it’s important to have familiar toys and books as well, bringing along a new plaything or two will pique their interest and turn their attention towards something they enjoy. Hopefully they will be more interested in their new teether toys than the strangers around them. Choose toys that create limited mess and are easy to pack away, and avoid things with lots of pieces, like blocks or cards, as they can be easily lost.
Travelling with your little one will be an exciting adventure for your family. Flying to new places is a great way to create beautiful memories and expose your children to new and different things. The more you travel with your baby or toddler, the more confident you will feel in knowing what to pack for you and your baby and how to keep them happy on your travels. Discover the vast range of baby toys, travel must-haves, and more from Baby Bunting. And safe travels!