Tips for Flying with a Baby

There is probably nothing more beautiful than showing the world to children and being able to discover it anew through their eyes.

If you want to fly with your baby for the first time, I have the following tips for you on how to make flying as relaxed as possible for you and your child.

Here are my best tips and tricks for flying with a baby.

Also interesting: Here you can find my checklist with the most important items for your first flight with a baby.

This article is specifically addressed to moms and dads of babies aged 0 to 18 months.

Admittedly, during your first flight with a baby, some excitement will be your faithful companion. After all, you don't know how your child will react to the new surroundings and experiences. I can only encourage you: Just find out! The first flight doesn't have to be an intercontinental journey with multiple stops. In the beginning, choose a destination that you can reach in two to four flight hours.

It's worth choosing a departure time that fits your baby's rhythm. For us, it has proven effective not to fly too early in the morning. This way, our child doesn't have to be woken up, and we avoid morning chaos, which often carries over into the whole day.

I also avoid a late arrival to prevent overtiredness and to have enough time for bedtime. For long-haul flights, I recommend choosing a night flight whenever possible. Then your baby can sleep for at least part of the flight due to the usual day-night rhythm (around 4 months of age).

Children up to two years old generally fly for free or for a small fee, but they do not have the right to their own seat. On short or medium-haul flights, your child can sit comfortably on your lap. It's best to choose a window seat for this. Especially if your child is already a bit more mobile, this makes sense so you can occasionally stand up with them or easily access the changing room.

For long-haul flights, I recommend checking with the airline before booking if the seats with baby cribs are still available. If so, make the corresponding seat selection right after booking the flight (for a fee - but it is worth it). The crib is about 70 cm long and will be hung in front of you after reaching cruising altitude. Caution:

The beds are suitable for children up to about 1 to 1.5 years; afterward, they are probably too small. Another advantage of these seats is the extra legroom. However, the downside is that these seats are usually directly next to the toilets.

Traveling with a baby no longer means traveling light. So be prepared for everything to take a little longer. Allow enough time to avoid stress for you and your baby. Remember that you may need nursing or meal breaks, and babies often need a fresh diaper just when you're about to leave.

Checking in bulky items like car seats or strollers also requires extra time. The good news is that at security checks and boarding, things often go faster because, with a baby, you typically get to skip the lines.

Many airlines have special baggage policies for babies and toddlers. For example, with Eurowings, you can check in two bulky luggage items free of charge per child. Often, you can take the travel stroller right to the plane door, and it will be brought to the cargo hold for you, or you can even bring the stroller onboard if it meets the size requirements.

We use the Joolz Aer+ travel stroller as it has an extra large sunshade and a big basket, and it can be easily folded with one hand and taken in the cabin.

Unfortunately, during a long-haul flight with Lufthansa, we had the unfortunate experience on both the outbound and return flights that we had to leave the stroller at the entrance of the plane. The overhead bins were apparently full. Unfortunately, we did not receive the stroller again at our destination, and it was only delivered by the next flight the following day.

Therefore, I would always insist on taking the stroller in the cabin.

Make it as comfortable as possible for you and your baby. In what clothes can you as a mom move easily, carry your child, and possibly breastfeed? I always fly in a shirt or a sweatshirt that I can easily open for breastfeeding. I also make sure that my outfit does not constrict the baby when it sits on my lap or lies in my arms.

Think of a comfortable and warm outfit for your baby and a head covering, as it can often be very cold on the plane. Spare clothes and a blanket, as well as extra socks (which can quickly get lost) for your child are also important. I also always carry a larger cloth to help protect the baby from drafts on the plane. Especially when you are using the crib on long flights, you can also use the cloth for shading.

Plan early what to pack and use my packing list as a guide. This way, you can start your vacation with your baby worry-free and be well prepared.

You can find a list of what belongs in carry-on luggage here: Checklist for vacation with baby: My essential items for traveling with a baby

You are seated, have your baby securely buckled in your lap, and the plane is taxiing to the runway? Then it's time to go! From experience, babies feel safest where you, as their mom, are. Especially very small babies don't realize what is happening. Our daughter has always been unfazed and acted like a little travel pro. If you feel the need to soothe your baby and help with the pressure equalization after takeoff, breastfeed your baby during that time or give them a bottle.

If you need food and drinks for your baby on board, you are allowed to bring these onto the plane. The usual liquid restrictions do not apply here (by the way, they are already defunct on many flights). You can easily bring bottles of milk, water, tea, etc., as well as puree or other meals so that your baby can maintain their eating habits. The crew will be happy to assist you in warming it up for you. Many airlines also carry baby food jars on board that you can request.

As parents, you have many questions before your first flight with a baby or toddler. Here I have answered the most important questions for you.

Are you wondering how old your baby must be to fly? Many airlines allow infants aged 1 to 2 weeks to travel. However, the general recommendation is to wait until the baby is at least six weeks old for the first flight. My daughter was three months old on her first flight.

Pressure on the ears can quickly become uncomfortable for your baby. Small children cannot yet manage the pressure equalization themselves. I recommend breastfeeding or offering a bottle to your baby if possible during takeoff and landing and as needed during the flight. The swallowing reflex usually helps relieve ear pressure. You can also offer something for older children to chew on.

Yes, the idea of being on a plane with a screaming and crying baby may not evoke feelings of happiness. I can assure you that most fellow passengers will show understanding for you and your child, and the flight attendants will do everything they can to help you. Create distractions, walk the airplane aisle (as long as the seatbelt sign is off), or take your baby in a carrier to soothe them.

Flying with a baby is certainly exciting, and it's natural that you can't think of everything and get everything perfect at first. But practice makes perfect! Dare to show your child the world. Prepare as well as possible, be ready for as many eventualities as you can think of, and try to stay relaxed. If you are calm and relaxed, that will reflect on your baby too. And even if things don't go perfectly, take it easy and give yourself and your child the necessary time. It's worth it!

I wish you a pleasant flight and would love it if you could share your experiences with us. Where did your first flight with a baby take you, and how was it for you?

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