The summer travel season is upon us, and if your plans include air travel, keep reading for air travel tips, tricks and hacks with infants.
Purchase a Seat for Your Infant
Experts say the safest way for your baby to fly is in their own seat, secured in an airplane-approved rear-facing car seat. If you are unable to purchase a separate ticket for your baby, you can always ask at the gate if they happen to have an extra seat for your infant and car seat.
Another advantage to using your child’s car seat on the plane is that it provides a familiar environment and it may help them rest better.
All children ages 2 and older are required to purchase and sit in their own seat.
Time Your Flight
While planes may be more comfortable than car-travel, as you can stand up with your child and take them out of their seat as needed, keep in mind that unexpected turbulence and policies of not lingering in aisles/common areas will limit your mobility. It may be helpful to time your flights around your child’s bedtime or naptimes so that they sleep through all or part of the journey.
Call your Airline With Special Requests
If you have a longer flight with a baby, inquire with your airline to see if they offer bassinets and what the requirements are (for example, under 20 pounds in weight). These are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
If your flight will offer meal-service, ask your airline if they offer infant/child meals. These typically need to be pre-ordered.
Baggage Allowance
Most airlines permit you to bring a diaper bag as a carry-on item that does not count towards your carry-on baggage allowance. Many airlines also permit a lap-child a checked bag for international travel. Always verify with your airline regarding their specific baggage policies.
Identification Documents
When flying domestic, parents are rarely asked to present proof of identity and age for their child, but you may want to carry a copy of your child’s birth certificate in the event they do ask. International travel requires children to have the same travel documents as an adult, such as a passport. If travelling internationally with one custodial parent, you will also need additional documentation.
Security Screening With a Baby
Baby equipment such as car seats and strollers will need to go through the x-ray screening process. To make sure this process is smooth, keep all accessories in your backpack or carry-on luggage instead of stowing in the stroller basket. Collapse your stroller and place it and your car seat on the x-ray belt.
With infants, advanced imaging technology isn’t used and instead, the parent will be asked to carry the infant through a metal detector. Sometimes, additional screening or a hand swab may be done.
If you are using a soft-structured carrier and baby-wearing at the security checkpoint, they typically will have you walk through the metal-detector without having to remove the baby or the carrier, but you may be subject to additional screening.
Formula, Breastmilk and Baby Food
Baby food (including puree pouches), breastmilk and formula are considered medically necessary liquids by the TSA and are therefore permitted in carry-on and checked bags. Ice/gel packs needed to keep breastmilk and formula cool are also permitted.
If bringing these in carry-on luggage, remember that these items need to be screened separately. They do not need to follow the 3-1-1 rule. It’s easiest to keep them all in a large resealable bag or container at the top of your luggage so you can easily set them out during security screening.
The TSA says water for babies is allowed in “reasonable quantities” in carry-on luggage/bags. You will need to pull this out during security screening.
Be mindful that cabin air pressure changes can affect liquids; it’s best to not fill bottles 100% full. Sippy cups and water bottles with straws will typically have water travel up them when you open them mid-flight – to avoid being sprayed, or spraying your fellow passengers, untwist the cap to release pressure, twist it back on, then open the straw.
(Hint: If your baby has had a good start on solids, bringing along puffs or similar dissolvable, bite sized foods are handy to keep a bored baby distracted!)
Gate Check a Stroller & Car Seat
In our experience, most airlines permit a stroller and car seat for each child to be checked at no additional cost but be sure to check your airline’s regulations.
If you have a direct flight and you do not purchase a seat for your infant, you might prefer to check your travel system (stroller and compatible infant car seat) in at the ticket counter and pick it up in the baggage claim upon arrival. However, if you have a layover, you may want to gate-check your travel system so that you can use it at the transit airport. Some parents are also concerned about the potential for damage to car seat if checking it in at the ticket counter.
Last, consider putting your car seat in a protective cover.
Change of Clothes – For Baby & Parent
Be prepared for leaks, blow-outs or tummy upsets and bring a change of clothes for the primary parent and a couple for your baby, especially on longer journeys! You’ll also want a large resealable plastic bag to contain any soiled clothing in.
You’ll also want to dress for a variety of temperatures. If you are stuck on the runway, it can get uncomfortably warm, whereas once you are mid-flight, cabin temperature tends to drop. Layers are the way to go.
And speaking of changes – if possible, change your child’s diaper in the airport restroom just prior to boarding. While most airplane restrooms offer a small fold-down changing “table” in their on-board restrooms, they are very cramped and difficult to maneuver in once you pull down the “table”.
Make sure you have plenty of wipes on hand to help clean up spills, wipe down tray tables, etc.
Alleviating Cabin Pressure Changes
Consider giving your child a bottle, nursing them or giving them a pacifier during take-off and landing to help alleviate uncomfortable pressure changes.
On the note of aural discomfort, you may want to bring noise-canceling headphones for your child, which will help reduce the noise from the jet engine.
Medicines
Consider packing a pediatrician approved infant pain reliever to give your child should they appear to be in pain from pressure changes. Some parents also like to bring a pediatrician-approved infant allergy medicine should their child have an unexpected reaction to something they eat or something in the environment. Keep liquid medicine containers in original packaging (and with prescription attached, if applicable) and place them in in a clear resealable plastic bag. They will need to be taken out for screening at the security checkpoint.
Toys
Small suction toys/spinners that attach to tray tables or airplane windows are favorites for many seasoned travelers. Baby link/teether connecting rings of varying textures are a fun sensorial experience for a baby, plus they can be used to tether other toys so that they don’t fall to the floor. Board books are handy as well, and based on your child’s age, can choose high-contrast books, books with flaps/textures, “find the . . .” storylines, etc. Avoid toys that make music or emit noises, for the sake of your fellow passengers.
