Tips for Flying With a Baby

A baby under two is usually allowed to sit in your lap, although for long-haul flights, some airlines will not allow this. Either way, you may be more comfortable if your infant has his own seat, and seats for babies are often discounted. Select your seats early and check the airline's requirements ahead of time for travelling with your baby. Keep your stroller until the very last minute if possible. It gives you mobility in the airport and a place for baby to sleep. Most airlines will allow you to bring the stroller onboard along with your carry-on, and will have it ready just outside the cabin doors for when you disembark. Ask if your flight is full when checking in. If it's not, the airline will sometimes block out the seat next to you and baby. Early boarding is usually offered to parents travelling with children and, by staying in your seats at the end of the flight until everyone else has left the cabin, you are most likely to get assistance disembarking from the cabin crew.

To avoid earache due to air pressure changes during take-off and landing, either nurse your baby or give him a bottle or pacifier to suck on. Have a few changes of clothes for baby and more diapers than you think you will need. Airplane bathrooms are small. Keep a small bag with everything necessary for just one change in a side pocket of your bag so that you can bring only this when you take baby to the bathroom. Replenish the bag when you get back to your seat so you're ready for next time and will not need to bring your entire bag with you. Bring snacks and formula, breast milk or juice. The latter three liquids are allowed in reasonable quantities and will be inspected at the security checkpoints. Bring lots of things to keep baby amused, such as stories, noiseless toys and movies on a personal video player.