Travelling by plane with a baby

20 March 2008

You may want to have your first holiday nearer to home with your baby, but sometimes a holiday in the sun is just what is needed and can do you all good. It needn’t be a nightmare with some careful planning. You may not be the passengers travelling the lightest either, but hopefully, we can give you some advice on how to leave th kitchen sink behind!
Before you plan to far ahead though, it is worth knowing that babies less than 48 hours old can not fly and babies less that a week old need a note from your doctor. Likewise, mothers who have given birth within 48 hours are unable to fly. Other than that get yourselves ready to take baby on their first trip!
For more general information about flying look at our article on travelling by plane with young children.

Travelling light?
Well, OK may be not. You may need an extra plane to carry all of your baby’s equipment, but think and plan.
Most resorts can organise a travel cot for you, so that one less thing to worry about.
Pushchairs come in all shapes and sizes and it is relatively easy to find a suitable, light-weight pushchair for your baby.

On the plus side, it is cheaper to fly with a baby than an older child. Airlines for example usually let under twos travel for free. Most major long-haul carriers provide travel cots that can be assembled in front of front-row seats. These are free of charge, but when booking you are advised to say you will be travelling with a small baby, so you can have seats in front of the main bulk-heads that give extra leg room. The cots are recommended for babies under six months. For take-off and landing parents must hold their babies on their laps.

Ear popping
Although young children often complain of ear-popping pain, particularly on landing, babies tend not to suffer as their eardrums are still underdeveloped.

If your baby does appear to be in pain, giving him or her a dummy to suck on can help. It may also help to breastfeed while the plane is descending – but airlines say you must ensure your child is still strapped in with the specially extended seat belt.

Food and Drink
If your baby is breastfed only then there really no more to take other than yourself! You might want to try and book a seat by the window for privacy when you are feeding and to avoid being cramped in a middle seat or next to the aisle where other passengers and crew may catch you or baby when they are passing.

If your baby is bottle fed make sure to take adequate formula or preprepared cartons of milk. The cabin crew will happily warm your bottle for you, but bear in mind that they may not be able to do it straight away, so ask before you need it if you can. You should check the temperature of the milk when it is returned to you. Don’t rely on the crew member having done this as they are busy and it’s easy for them to forget.

The same applies to baby food. The crew will happily warm this for you, but you need to think ahead and check its temperature when it is returned.

Don’t forget the essentials such as a spoon and plastic dish too for your babies food and ensure you have plenty of bibs and the all important change of clothing!

Nappy changing
Check before you go what nappy changing facilities you can expect at the airports and on board the plane.
Take 2 or 3 nappies with you, depending on the length of your flight. You’ll need adequate supplies of nappy sacks too! Changing bags are a godsend especially with a small changing mat, so you can have everything you need stored together.

Don’t forget to expect the unexpected. Flights can be delayed. Make sure you have adequate supplies in your hand luggage should you find yourself waiting at the airport for longer than you expected.