HOW TO TRAVEL ON AN AIRPLANE WITH A BABY FOR THE FIRST TIME – OUR TIPS & TRICKS TO NOT LOOSE YOUR (SHIT) SANITY

Now that things are somewhat going back to ‘normal”, we are all dreaming of escaping somewhere new.  Perhaps it is somewhere by the ocean, soaking up the sun, jumping the waves and building sandcastles or simply being somewhere other than our own city limits.

If you didn’t get a dog over the last 2 years, maybe you had a baby. To take advantage of your maternity leave you want to travel with your baby but the idea of hopping on an airplane is stressing you out.  Don’t worry.  As Lady Gaga told Liza Minelli at the 2022 Oscars, I GOT YOU.

Travelling by plane can be stressful, even when you don’t have kids.  While I do enjoy flying and have been doing so since I was 5 weeks old, I’ve become anxious when it comes to air travel. It isn’t until I’ve passed security or boarded the plane that I can finally relax.

There are so many things that can happen when you travel by air, and I am not talking about the deadly kind.  Your flight can be delayed or straight out cancelled which happened to us when we went to Belize.  You can miss your flight due to unforeseen circumstances.  Your luggage can get lost or forgotten at your departure airport which happened to us when we went to Ireland. You can experience turbulence on the plane or be kept awake for the whole duration of the flight because a kid was kicking your seat or constantly crying.

While no one is clairvoyant unless you are an X-men, there are ways to make your first airplane travel experience with your baby less stressful while keeping your sanity in check.

Travel documents you’ll need 

To travel by plane, especially if you are leaving the country, you’ll need a passport for your baby and possibly extra documentation.  

• If you’re traveling solo, you’ll need a letter from the other parent saying that they allow you to leave the country with the baby or child.  Consent forms are available on-line to give you an idea of what kind of information is required.  HERE is an example.  While they might not always ask you at security, it is better to have it than not.
• Pending on where you are traveling to, a visa might be required.  Prior to booking your flight or deciding on your destination, make sure that you know all that is required.
• Special vaccins might also be required, not necessarily to get into the country but if you are visiting a certain region.  You’ll have to check with your paediatrician if which ever vaccin is required is age appropriate for your baby.
• Moreover, it is best to bring your child’s health record in case something happens while you are traveling.  When they are little, they have to get so many shots that it’s hard to keep track of them.  Not all countries have the same mandatory shots and by having the health record you can avoid your child having an unnecessary double dose.

Health issues

If your baby was born prematurely, it is possible that he has some respiratory problems or health issues. Also, babies born through C-section tend to be at higher risk in developing asthma. The air quality on the plane could affect this condition. 

My children both developed this condition but on a more seasonal basis.  They both flew for their first time at 12 months old, and we didn’t experience any health-related problems.  The “tardiness” of their first flight was not due to their “medical condition” but rather to the fact that we didn’t have anywhere to go that required flying.  

In any case, talk to you paediatrician to see if your baby is fit enough to fly.

Make sure also, that your baby is up to date with its shots prior to flying.  There is a higher risk for most vaccine-preventable diseases when travelling abroad and the diseases tend to be more severe in children than in adults, according to the Government of Canada website.

Let’s not forget mommy in the process.  It is recommended that if you had a vaginal delivery that you wait 2 weeks before travelling by air.  If you had a C-section, you should triple the time (6 weeks).  This precautionary period is due to medical reasons such as risk of infection, blood clots, the fact that you shouldn’t lift anything heavy, fatigue. (Source: Practo.com)

Booking your first flight with a baby

While there is no minimum age for a baby to travel on an airplane, it’s best that he has his first shots.  Some companies will require the baby to be at least 1 or 2 weeks old to travel with them. 

However, the optimal age for a baby to travel by air for the first time is said to be between 3 to 9 months.

Most often than not, children under the age of 2 travel for free but have to sit in the parent’s lap.  Some airlines provide a bassinet at no extra cost, but you have to request it either at the time of booking or when you check in.  You cannot use a car seat on the plane for your child unless you pay for an extra seat. Even so, not all car seats are compatible for airplane travel.

Finally, there is a rule of one adult per child under 2.  Therefore, if you have twins, you’ll need another adult to travel with you.  The rule of 1 for 1 is only applicable for kids under 2. Hence, if you have a baby and a 4-year-old, you can travel alone with both.

To plan your airplane travel with a baby, you want to make it as easy as possible.  Here are some tips and things to consider when looking for flights. Sometimes, it’s best to pay a little extra to have a journey as comfortable as possible than trying to save some and living a nightmare.  I am not talking about first class flying, unless you can afford it.

For a deeper look into how to book a flight especially when traveling with older kids, read our Kid-friendly airplane booking guide.

Avoid layovers

Especially if it is your first time flying with your baby, book a direct flight.  Many things can go wrong with a layover such as your first flight gets delayed and you miss your connecting flight, the connecting flight gets cancelled, not to mention adding time to your journey.

A shorter trip simplifies things, and you’ll spend less time in an airport.

Connecting flights are not good for your sanity.

If a layover is unavoidable, make sure that your connecting flight is in the same terminal and airport.  For instance, in New York City, there are 3 airports; it is not uncommon to have your connecting flight in a different airport.

Have a layover that is at least 2 hours long so that in case your first flight is delayed you’ll still have time to make your connecting flight. Also, that way, you won’t have to rush out of the plane to get on your next flight.

However, avoid flights with layovers that are too long but not long enough for you to leave the airport and late-night connections.

Best departure time

Picking the departure time can be tricky.  Before having kids, we didn’t care at what time we left just as long as it was the cheapest option.  That can’t always be the case when you are flying with a baby.

Try to book a direct flight that works with your baby’s schedule.  For instance, overnight flights can help in respecting the nighttime routine and babies tend to sleep more.

If your baby naps around 1pm or 2 pm, schedule your flight’s departure time just before that so that they can nap on the plane.

Early morning departures can be beneficial as flights usually takeoff on time, unless the weather is uncooperative, especially during the Winter months. These flights tend to be less crowded, and everyone just wants to finish their nightly sleep.

Try to avoid red-eye flights when flying with a baby, especially if it is your first time.  Those flights are tiresome as is and you don’t want to have to deal with a cranky baby on top if it.

The best seats in the house (we do mean plane)

Pick a window seat located close to a bathroom.

Window seats are more comfortable as they give you an extra head rest.  They can also provide a distraction for your baby with the sky and clouds to look at.  Also, compared to an aisle seat, you won’t have to worry about being constantly bumped into if your arm is too much in the way. Finally, no one will make you have to get up because they have to go for a bathroom run.

Picking a seat close to the bathroom is more convenient as you won’t have far to go and less bothersome to other passengers.  There is also less risk getting stuck behind the flight attendant and her cart for long minutes that way.

Front row seats are very practical as they provide more leg room.  That could be a great travel option when you have a baby or toddler.  They will feel less cramped that way and have more room to “play”.

Preparing for your first flight with baby

There isn’t that much you can do to prepare for your first flight with a baby.  It will depend on how alert (age) your baby is at the time of flying.

If your baby drinks formula, have him get used to drinking it at room temperature.  Although you can usually heat up the baby bottle on the plane, if your flight gets delayed you might have to feed him before boarding. Moreover, if your baby needs special formula, check if and where you can buy some at destination. If you can’t locate it, ask your paediatrician if there is a substitute you could use. In case that is not an option, you’ll have to bring more than enough in your checked bag.

Pending on your baby’s age, buying a book about airplanes or an airplane toy could be helpful and make your trip a little more exciting.

Depending on the type of vacation and your destination, you could rent baby equipment that can be delivered at your arrival airport or your lodging. For instance, a car seat or a stroller cost $8 per day to rent, a bassinet $25. For more information, check out the company BabyQuip.

What and how to pack for air travel

The weight limit and number of bags you are allowed to travel with will depend on where you are flying and the airline.

Gone are the days where you could check your bags for free. Nowadays, or at least back in 2020, it cost around $75 CAD per checked bag, one way.

While it probably won’t be entirely possible to just use carry on luggage on an airplane while travelling with a baby, there are ways to be efficient in your packing. Bring what you’ll need for the flight in your carry on and the rest put it in your checked bag.

Although a baby flies for free and doesn’t have an assigned seat, it is allowed one small bag on board.

• You can bring your stroller all the way up to the gate (usually).

Bring a baby carrier. It’s practical to use to walk down the aisle if baby can’t sleep.

Type of carry on to use

Use a backpack style diaper bag instead of a shoulder bag.  The backpack can then be used as your day pack when visiting. It works well with a front carrier or with a stroller which allows you to have your hands free.

You don’t necessarily have to use an official “diaper” bag, it can be a standard backpack, just as long as it has side pockets so as to be able to store baby bottles.

As a general rule, you are allowed two small bags on board. One that can easily fit under the front seat and one that can be stored away.

Organize your carry on well so as to be able to find things easily at the appropriate times and don’t over pack.

Mommy bag for essentials

A bag of essentials is just that. It’s what you’ll need for when you arrive at the airport and when you land.

It should include your passport(s), boarding pass, phone charger, guide book, valuables and what ever else you can fit.

See our family air travel packing list.

Baby bag of essentials

Your baby’s things should be sorted in one bag, at least some for the duration of the flight, and the surplus in your own carry on (if need be).

You can use sorting cubes or a Cotopaxi backpack which has packing cubes already inserted in them. We personally use a Cotopaxi to travel. The bags perfectly fit in the cabin storage and have a special pocket for your laptop and Ipad.

Reusable ziplocks can be used to store similar items together making them easier to find.

Obviously in the bag you’ll need baby bottles, formula, diapers and wipes. However, here are some other items that should be in the baby’s bag:

• A wet bag in case your baby throws up or if there is a poop overflow.

If you use cloth diapers, you’ll already have a wet bag. While cloth diapers are great (see our article on Cloth diapers), they are not practical to use on long flights. Such was my experience on a flight from France to the United States. My 2 year old had a massive explosion in his cloth diaper in mid-air. Let me tell you that cleaning it all up in a tiny airplane bathroom, with a faucet that only trickles, was not for the faint of heart. Luckily, no one was standing in line for the bathroom, avoiding added stress. In that instance, I really wished I had used a disposable diaper. There would still have been a mess to clean up, but at least it would have been more manageable.

• Bring a bar of soap (see point one).
• A blanket because the AC on flights is brrr….cold.
• Change of clothes and a PJ, especially if night flight.
• Snacks.
• Baby formula for at least 3 days.

Planes can get delayed, cancelled, or baggage can get lost. It’s best to have enough formula with you in your carry on to last a few days, just in case.

• Favorite toy, activity book, flash cards.

A carry on for travelling essentials

Pack some versatile clothing and change of clothes for 3 days, not just for baby but you as well.

Remember that you too need a change of clothing in case of vomiting or diaper explosion.

Don’t forget your underwear and socks (at least for the plane). It happened to me when we went to Costa Rica. Luckily it was a beach vacation so I made do with my bathing suit.

If you are planning a beach vacation, bring the bathing suits and travel towels on board with you. Should your luggage get missed placed, you won’t miss out on the watery fun as you’ll have what you need with you.

Don’t forget the toiletries that you’ll need for the trip for you and the baby but won’t need on the plane per say. Don’t forget that there is a limit in the amount of liquids that you are allowed on board. They need to be in a clear bag that you can then simply pull out to pass security.

What to wear on the plane

When travelling by air, it is not time for a fashion show.

Sacrifice style for comfort – always

• Wear shoes that are easy to take off at security.

If your baby isn’t walking, there is not need for fancy sneakers. Instead, use cozy slippers to keep his feet warm which you can then remove once he is napping.

• Don’t wear a belt as you’ll have to take it off to pass security.
• Wear a hoody or sweater as it gets cold on the plane.
• Put your baby in a PJ with a double zipper, which will make the diaper change easier on the airplane.

When you arrive at the airport

It’s unfortunate, but it could happen that your baby gets and ear infection within 48 hours of flight. You’ll have to reschedule your flight (if you can) or give him pain medication.

Dr. Steve Silvestro recommends giving acetaminophen or ibuprofen (6 months + up) 30 minutes before take off. However, you might need to talk to your paediatrician if it is too severe.

A natural remedy that you can apply at home and works for mild cases of ear infections is applying an onion to the ear.

• Cut an onion ring and boil it.
• Wrap it in a clean cloth, let it cool a bit and apply it over the infected ear for a few minutes.
• Repeat 3 or 4 times a day.

Onion contains anti-bacterial, healing and anti-inflammatory properties that can quickly sooth earaches. Onion juice can also be made and using a dropper, applied to the ear.

Checking in

Arrive earlier as to not have to rush and be stressed out.  There is nothing worse than a long security line and the fear of missing your flight. Before harding to the airport, make sure your plane is on-time.

There usually is a check-in line for families, if you need to check a bag, drop off stroller and car seat (free). But to speed things up, don’t forget to do your prechecking online.

Onboard bassinets, also known as SkyCots, are available free of charge for passengers in select seats on equipped aircraft for some international flights.

Certain airlines provide bassinets. If you couldn’t request one at the time of booking, now would be the time to do so. They are available for babies less than 10kg or 9 months old. Not all airlines have them and their number is limited. They look like pods and are suspended from the wall, giving you more leg room. Don’t worry, it won’t fall. Also, if you are lucky enough to have one, you’ll actually be able to get some sleep since you won’t have baby on your lap.

Passing security

Passing security is the worse, especially when there are a lot of people waiting.

You’ll have to remove your baby from the stroller / baby carrier.

All items need to be placed on the roll out mat. It takes a while, and longer with a baby. That’s why you need to dress strategically, see what to wear above.

You are allowed to pass security with:

Baby food, formula, medications, milk, water and juice, in reasonable amounts that will be required during your flight(s) and any connections (…) breast milk in quantities greater than 100 ml provided it is presented to the screening officer for inspection prior to screening.

Government of canada

Travel hack to go through security and avoid long lines($) in american airports:

Kids 12 and under can come along with parents in the precheck line.  Fill out the form online, have a quick in person appointment which includes finger printing.

Cost: 85$, valid 5 years.

Some credit cards offer a TSA precheck benefit so take advantage of it as it will then be free.

More information about this program HERE.  (At US Airports only)

Before boarding the plane

Change the diaper before boarding as when you board, it’s not a good time to use the bathroom. You won’t be able to use it until you are way up in the air.

If you have a late flight, prepare your baby for his night sleep by putting on his PJ and what ever bedtime routine you might have in the airport’s bathroom. It’s easier to do so there than on the airplane.

Boarding happens about 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time, and food isn’t served until about an hour later. However, once you are on board, there is no guarantee that your plane will leave on time.

Fill your water bottles before boarding.

Therefore, have the baby eat before boarding or give some healthy snacks. You should eat as well but avoid greasy food as to not get indigestion. You really don’t want that on the plane.

Play some games while you wait to board so that you wear him out.

You can board 1^st on an airplane when you have a baby. This is is perfect as it gives you time to settle in, especially if you are travelling solo. However, if you are flying with your spouse or another adult, have them board first with all the gear.  Then, you can board last. That way, baby isn’t sitting on the plane unnecessarily getting restless.

On the plane with baby

At take off and landing, your baby is going to experience a “screwdriver” feeling in its ears. That’s because the air pressure changes rapidly creating discomfort and pain.

Keep baby awake for take off and landing. When a baby is sleeping, it doesn’t swallow as much making it hard for the middle ear to equalize.

To ease the pain, sit your baby upright and offer a pacifier, breast or baby bottle to relieve the inner-ear pressure.

A children’s headphone can be used to block the engine noise which can also be used at music festivals

• Respect your baby’s sleeping schedule and bedtime routine as much as possible.

• Use a baby carrier to walk down the aisle if your baby can’t sleep.

• Most commercial airlines will have a changing table right above the toilet.  If you don’t see one or prior to going to the bathroom, ask the flight attendant if there is a changing table in the airplane toilet.  If not, ask if you can change the baby on the galley floor using your foldable changing pad or travel towel.

• Ask the flight attendant if there are open seats available on the airplane. Perhaps they can move you to an open seat. That way, your baby ends up getting his own space.

You made it to your final destination

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to your destination. The weather is currently sunny and 25 degrees outside. Thank you for flying with us.

As a parent, this will probably be the highlight of your air travel. Those words will mean that you made it. The hard part is over. Of course, especially if flying abroad, you’ll still need to go through immigration and customs and pick up your checked bags. But this is nothing compared to everything else you had to go through.

As eager to get the hell out of the airport, you should actually take your time or at least, don’t be in a rush.

• Get off the plane last.
• Take the necessary time to gather up your things, making sure you didn’t forget anything.
• If you need to and haven’t already done so, change your baby (clothes and-or diaper).
• Put your baby in the baby carrier.

Dealing with jetlag

Luckily, babies aren’t too much affected by jetlag compared to us adults. Under a year old it isn’t a big issue for babies as their internal clock is not entirely regulated. Usually within 48 hours things get back on track, at least for baby.

To make sure things go smoothly, make sure you rest after your arrival. Take it easy.

• Respect the rhythm and routine of your baby but on the new time line.

• Spend as much time outside during the day to get accustomed to your new timeline.

• Make sure that the naps occur in daytime with daylight.

• Walk around the neighbourhood and locate the closest supermarket in case your run out of something or forgot something.

You can plan ahead, before the trip, to locate where the closest pharmacy and supermarket will be when you arrive at your lodging. Then upon arrival, physically locate it and get your necessities if need be.

While air travel is not entirely stress free, we hope that by following these little guidelines, you’ll be able to enjoy your first airplane ride with your baby.

Bon voyage!