Air travel with a baby

Taking a flight to your holiday destination can make some people a little anxious. Add in the prospect of a screaming baby in a confined space and dealing with jet lag and you're going to need all the help you can get. Read our advice on how to lower the stress levels when travelling by plane with your little one.

• Very young babies do not have the same resistance to infection as older children and adults, and germs can be easily circulated in the warm air of the aircraft - so it’s best to wait a few months after birth before flying.

• If you’re going overseas, make sure that everyone travelling gets all the vaccinations they need well in advance of flying.

• Dress your baby in layers for air travel – the air temperature inside a plane is usually comfortable and you can take layers on and off as you need to. Ensure that you have a change of clothes for both your baby and you in your carry-on luggage so if your baby throws up you don't have to stay in stinky clothes the whole flight.
  

• Do a little research before you book about which airlines are good at dealing with children – visit Kidspot Social and ask other mums for advice. Don't be afraid to ask the airline staff for assistance.
  

• Try to book flights that will accommodate your baby’s sleep routine. While this will make the actual travelling as pleasant as it can be, you will still may have to contend with jet lag when you get to your destination which can really mix things up a bit!

• Consider using a sling or pouch to carry your baby when travelling as it will free up your hands and make it less likely that you’ll lose something along the way. Your airline may also allow you to use your stroller to and from the plane or utilise your own car seat on the plane.
  

• Check out whether the airline you’re flying with have bassinettes available. Some airlines have bassinettes in the bulkhead which allow your baby to sleep well in something other than your arms, giving you a break. Try to feed your baby during take-off and landing for comfort and to help equalise his/her ears. Your baby will need to wear a special seatbelt during take-off and landing that connects to your own seatbelt.
  

  Find more

  • Summer events in your area
  • Water safety tips
  • Delicious summer food recipes
  • What to pack if you go camping
  • Fun family activities
  • Sunscreen and your kids
  • Sun safe tips for summer
  • Games for the car

  This article was written by Ella Walsh for Kidspot with editing by Julie Scanlon. Sources include Raising Children Network .