Whether you’re headed on an unforgettable family bonding trip or traveling out of necessity for a family event, flying with a newborn can be intimidating. Often, when faced with getting on a plane with a newborn, it’s somewhat unexpected. At least, it probably wasn’t your original plan to hop on a flight with a newborn baby. Because of this, it can stir up lots of feelings of stress and anxiety. But, don’t worry, we’re here to help!
When you fly with a baby, there are some extra steps you need to take and some additional info you need to know. Today, we’re going to walk you through what you need to know, what you need to do, and what you need to bring. Hopefully, this will help keep the trip as enjoyable as possible!
What You Need to Know About Traveling With A Newborn On A Plane
When you’re traveling with a newborn, preparation is everything! These tips for flying with a baby should help you get ready for your next flight. However, if you want more advice for traveling with infants, check out these posts:
- Safe Airplane Travel
- Hacks for Travel with Kids
- The Ultimate Baby Travel Checklist
- Newborn Travel Essentials
How Old Does A Baby Have To Be To Fly?
Every airline has different rules, but most will allow newborns to travel even at a few days old. However, it’s recommended by airlines you wait until the baby is at least 4 to 6 weeks old, and pediatricians recommend waiting until 2 to 3 months if possible. This has to do with the baby’s vulnerable immune system. You’re exposed to many germs when traveling, which can be concerning for newborns. Discuss it with your pediatrician before making plans and check with the airline to confirm they’ll be allowed to fly.
How To Travel With A Newborn On A Plane
Pack the necessary documents.
If traveling domestically, you may need a birth certificate and doctor’s note to get your newborn on the plane. Usually, airlines require birth certificates to confirm a child’s age to ensure you’re not bending the lap child rules. As always, we recommend buying a seat for the baby on the plane, as that is the safest and easiest option.
If you’re traveling internationally, you will need a passport. They may also need immunization records and a birth certificate. Again, checking with the airline and researching your international destination before making plans is a good idea.
Check airline policies before you leave (especially if it’s international.)
Of course, you want to check the airline policies regarding necessary documents, but you also want to check with your airline on other things, too! You want to know about lap child guidelines, car seat installation approval, family boarding availability, baby gear baggage allowance, and more! It is essential to check airline policies if you travel internationally. The policies could differ significantly from what you’re used to flying domestically!
Book a separate seat for your newborn and plan to bring a car seat.
You’re probably aware that children under two can ride on your lap on planes. That means you don’t need to buy a separate seat for them. However, this is not the safest option. That is why the Federal Aviation Administration, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and we here at Safe in the Seat recommend bringing and installing your own car seat on the plane.
In extreme turbulence or a rough landing, keeping your child in your arms can be very difficult and unsafe. So, purchase a ticket for your newborn and bring their infant car seat! A restraint system is essential for kids under 40 lbs. As a bonus, you’ll now have your car seat for your rental car or rideshares at your destination! This is great because car seat rentals can also be risky for your children.
Ensure your infant car seat is FAA-approved.
It’s true that you can install car seats on planes. It’s true that you can install most car seats on planes. However, you can’t install every car seat on planes. There are those out there that are not approved for airline use. So, look for a sticker with red lettering on your car seat that clarifies that your seat is FAA-approved, or consult the manual. Also, check the manual to see how to install your seat on an airplane. Most don’t allow the base to be used on board, but a handful of them allow or even require the base.
If your seat is not FAA-approved, or you want something better for travel, take a look at our favorite car seats for airplane travel. Then, watch our video on how to install a car seat on a plane!
Decide what you’ll do with your stroller.
If you’re bringing a newborn, you’ll likely want to bring your stroller as well. Yes, car seats and strollers are bulky, and it may seem easier to check them both, but we really don’t recommend this! It’s no secret that putting your luggage through the airline security and shipping process can be hard on your items. The same goes for your car seats and strollers!
So, yes, bring your seats and stroller. If you can, get a travel-friendly stroller that can fit in the overhead bin. However, if you’ll need to bring your travel system that goes with your infant carrier, it won’t fit in the overhead bin so you’ll have to gate check it. Many stroller companies make padded bags to protect strollers while traveling. Alternatively, you could use a stroller or car seat combo. Here’s more on traveling with a car seat and stroller.
Shop Strollers and Wagons Here.
Install the car seat during pre-boarding.
Installing a car seat and getting a newborn situated takes about as long as you imagine. It’s not a quick process! So, if the airline staff announces pre-boarding for families, take advantage of that! In this case, you can be done boarding the plane before it gets crowded, and the flight attendants will be available if you have any questions.
Keep your newborn essentials in your carry-on.
Once that plane takes off, you’re locked in that metal tube for the next few hours, no matter what. There will be no running to the store for extra diapers, no quick washing of soiled clothes, and no turning on the warm water to get that perfect bottle temperature. The hope may be that the baby sleeps the whole way, but no matter when you fly out, there’s no guarantee. You need to be prepared for everything, and all your supplies should be in your carry-on in the overhead bin or a smaller bag under the seat in front of you.
Feed your newborn during takeoff and landing.
No one likes that feeling of the pressure change in your ears during takeoff and landing. To prevent this in your newborn, use a pacifier during these times. If your baby will not take a pacifier, you could give them a clean finger to suck on as well. Take-off and landing are some of the most dangerous parts of air travel, so your child should be in their car seat.
14 Travel Essentials For Newborn
Travel Documents
Of course, don’t forget any of your essential travel documents! Put them in a document holder and keep them in your personal bag, so you can easily access them during security.
Diapers and Wipes
Bring plenty of diapers and wipes! These are the last things you want to run out of. Diapers are especially hard to find at airports. Plan for a few more hours, even beyond the projected flight time, in case any problems keep you at the gate, on the runway, or in the air longer than expected.
Extra Large Changing Mat
You want a wipeable space that’s plenty big for diaper changes on the plane or in the airport. This can also double as a play space while you’re waiting at the gate prior to the flights or during layovers.
Extra Clothing
Bring at least two extra outfits in case the one you bring is soiled. Keep the outfits comfy and easy to take off and on.
Wet Bags
You need a place for your soiled clothes and likely dirty diapers until you can get off the plane. Bring wet bags to contain the mess and smell.
Burp Cloths
You don’t want your clothes to be soiled either! Bring burp cloths to catch any spit-up that may come up during burping.
Feeding Supplies
Newborns only really do three things: eat, sleep, and poop. To cover the eating side, make sure you have everything you need to feed your baby plus backups. If you formula feed, bring plenty of formula and whatever you need to prepare bottles a bottle warmer, bottles, etc. (Don’t worry about formula at TSA security.) If you pump, bring your pump, breast pump cleaning wipes, and a manual breast pump (as a back-up). Of course, if you breastfeed you may want a cover, but won’t need much else.
Toys and Pacifier Clips
Newborns don’t usually need much as far as entertainment depending on how old they are. However, bringing a few can help you both pass the time and bond on your long flight.
Hand Sanitizer
Babies and airplanes can both be unsanitary. You’re probably not going to want to get up and shuffle to the lavatory to wash your hands every time you touch the tray table (even if you’re in an aisle seat.) Hand sanitizer can help prevent the further spread of germs!
Blanket
Airplane temperatures are unpredictable to say the least. It might be hot . . . it might be cold. So, bring a blanket or two to make sure your little one can stay cozy if those temps drop. Also, we know that sometimes newborn babies cry just because they’re uncomfortable. Luckily, you can safely swaddle your baby in their car seat to give them a sense of security and comfort.
Travel Diaper Bag
You can just use your normal diaper bag, but also don’t feel bad about getting one that’s more functional for this specific trip. Practicality and organization is everything when it comes to easy travel with a newborn.
Zipper Pouches
Speaking of organization . . . these zipper pouches are our favorite hack for keeping your carry-on and diaper bag orderly. Everything can be easily found without digging and hunting, which is a life saver when you’re already in tight quarters!
Stroller
As we discussed, you’ll need a stroller. You’ll want it for navigating airports, public transportation, and the new city you’ll be exploring.
Car Seat
Of course, you’ll need a car seat as well! An FAA-approved infant carrier or convertible car seat will be perfect for the plane and whatever transportation you have set up when you arrive at your destination.
Travel smart with your newborn using these infant travel tips!
Traveling with a newborn is never easy, but with some preparation, you can make it much easier on yourself!
We hope these tips helped you make a plan, collect the essentials, and prepare for a stress-free flight. But we have more resources for parents wanting the full 411 on travel with kids. Check out our Wheels Up: Airplane Travel Class for all the essential information. Have a great flight!
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