Parents naturally steer clear of air travel when they have a newborn baby. This may be because of health fears about taking a baby on a plane or because they feel it would be too stressful.

However, with the following tips about travelling on a plane with a baby or toddler and some useful baby/toddler safety products, your flight can be made a lot easier.

What age can babies travel on a plane?

Babies can actually travel by airplane after a couple of weeks from birth but it is advisable to wait until they are 4-6 weeks old when they become less susceptible to germs carried around the plane’s air conditioning system.

If your baby or toddler has a cough, cold or ear infection, visit your GP before travelling.

Packing for your baby / toddler
When travelling by plane, space and luggage allowance in the cabin are at a premium so only take what you need on board, the rest of your baby products can go in the hold.

When packing nappy cream and ointments, they need to be placed in containers no bigger than 100ml. Therefore, if you need more than 100ml of creams or oils, decant larger bottles into multiple containers sized 100ml or less. Bear in mind these containers all need to fit into one bag that is 1 litre in size and it’s only one bag per person. The rest of your liquids will have to go into your checked bags.

Baby milk, formula and food are all exempt from this rule. You should take enough food for the flight (security will check that you have a reasonable amount so don’t go overboard). You’ll need to show security the food/milk/formula separately from your liquid allowance so don’t put it into the same bag as your creams and ointments.

Despite the rule about ‘reasonable amount’ of food, bear in mind that your journey may be delayed so ensure you’ve packed more feeds than you’ll need.

Breast-feeding is ideal for travelling and can help pacify your baby during take-off and landing.

If you prefer to bottle-feed, ready-made formula is a good solution as it can be fed at room temperature. A battery powered baby formula blender is lightweight and easy to clean. It can also be used with disposable bottles.

Prince Lionheart Powder Formula Mixer

If you’d prefer to take disposable bottles on board, ensure you have enough for the outbound and inbound journey. Disposable bottles are small and can be folded into tubs making them easy to store and carry. They also don’t need sterilising before use.

Bibi Disposable Feeding Bottles

If you prefer to take your usual bottles on board the plane, make sure they’re small and convenient to carry in your hand luggage. Airlines will usually provide bottle warming using a microwave. You’ll want to check the temperature of the milk before feeding so a reusable temperature indicator is ideal and can be sterilised with your feeding equipment.

Clippasafe Baby Bottle Temperature Indicators

For sterilising feeding equipment on the plane, consider some microwave sterilising bags. These bags can sterilise bottles/accessories and are lightweight, portable and reusable.

Microwave Sterilising Bags

If you’re weaning your baby, pack food that you’ve prepared at home and keep it fresh by using small feeding pots. These pots can hold 70ml and are microwave safe. If possible, carry in a cool pack or ask the cabin crew to keep them somewhere cool.

Happy Mummy Baby Cubes

Also ensure you pack plenty of wipes and nappies for the journey. Modern aircraft often have changing facilities for babies but it is worthwhile carrying a portable changing mat. These kits fold out into a full size changer with pockets to hold nappies, wipes and toys. When folded, the kit is a slim 6.3 inches by 13 inches.

Kiddopotamus ChangeAway Portable Changing Kit

Airlines have reduced the size of hand luggage you can carry on board so you’ll need a bag that can easily hold all your baby equipment and food for the flight. Our changing bags and back bags are all within airline dimensions for hand luggage. A recommended product is the Shoulder Changing Bag - this stylish leather bag comes complete with a bottle holder, changing mat and mesh pockets for all the necessary baby items you’ll need to carry.

Tippitoes City Bag

Taking a car seat on a plane

Should you take your car seat on the plane? This is often debated by parents and the decision will ultimately be yours but consider these reasons for taking one:

Travelling at your destination
If you’re hiring a car at your destination your baby/toddler will need a car seat. Many car hire companies offer car seat rental but you won’t be able to determine its quality or suitability to your child. Better to take yours.

On the plane
Parents travelling on a British registered plane with an infant have two options:

1. If your baby is under six months, they must travel on your lap with the safety belt in place. Between six months and two years, your child must sit on your lap for both take-off and landing. However, if there’s an empty seat on the plane they can sit in it during the flight.

2. You can book a seat for your baby/toddler if aged over six months. If you want to put your child in a seat on the plane you’ll need your car seat to keep them safe. The seat must conform to British Standards, be able to face forwards and have the proper restraining harnesses. Check with your airline about their criteria and the maximum dimensions for the seat before travelling. Some airlines also provide carrycots for baby to sleep in.

Most airlines won’t charge for using a car seat but your child will be occupying a seat on the plane so you’ll have to pay their air fare or the price you’ve set with your tour package. Again, check with your airline and travel agent before flying.

While you may want to avoid this cost, consider how long the flight will be and whether you can hold your baby/toddler comfortably for that period of time. Your child will also have their own luggage allowance if booked into a seat.

If you’re going to take travel with a car seat, consider using a baby car seat support. These innovative products give baby added support by raising them into the correct position.

Comfy Liner Baby Body Support

Top tips for plane travel with a baby/toddler

1. Remember, your baby now requires a passport to travel abroad.

2. Ask your airline about baby facilities and services on board the plane before you travel.

3. Night flights are best as they will cause less disruption to your baby’s routine.

4. Avoid booking seats at the rear of the plane where engine noise is higher.

5. Modern larger aircraft have baby changing tables at the front seats of the central aisle so try and book those.

6. Airlines may offer half price travel for children under two. Booking a seat for your baby will guarantee you more space and somewhere for a car seat to be secured to.

7. If you can’t book a seat for your child, arrive at check-in early and ask if there are any spare seats on the flight and if you can be sat next to one.

8. Change your baby before boarding.

9. Feed you baby on take-off and landing to avoid their ears popping from the change in pressure. If you’re not able to, get them to suck on their dummy.

10. If baby becomes restless or starts to cry during the flight, walk them up and down the aisle.

11. Ask for assistance from the cabin crew should you need it. They’re there to help.

12. When you’re washing your feeding equipment before sterilising, use bottled water rather than the water stored on the plane which could be contaminated.

13. Remember that other passengers may not appreciate your child as much as you do so keep your little one entertained. Modern aircraft have plenty of entertainment to keep toddlers and older children happy. If you’re going to take toys, only allow your child to have them one at a time.

Related articles:

Travelling by plane with a baby/toddler

Baby and Toddler Car/Plane

Baby and Toddler Feeding On Holiday