Flying with baby

A first plane trip with baby can be very distressing for parents. Rest assured, with good organization, you can get away with it! What should be put in the baby bag or how to relieve his ears? We tell you everything.

For some time now, you have been on a little cloud: you have finally become parents! This long-awaited little being has completely changed your daily life. You can no longer organize in pairs but must have an extra baby. And when the holidays come, it can be a real headache. Especially when we decided to travel by plane! At what age can your infant board and what are the precautions? We take stock.

At what age can baby fly?

Technically, a baby can fly by the age of one week (seven days) in most airlines. It is however recommended for parents to wait until their little one is at least three weeks before boarding, until he has received his first vaccines. Especially for long trips (requiring a long-haul flight). Do not hesitate to seek the advice of your pediatrician before booking.

Before the age of two, your cherub can travel on your lap. After 24 months, however, you will need to reserve an additional seat. Be aware that you can install your infant car seat on their plane seat. On long-haul flights, airlines can offer a cradle to comfortably place the child (up to 11 kg). Changing tables are also available in the device’s toilet for changing dirty diapers.

When booking, be sure to specify that you are traveling with a toddler. You will board as a priority.

How much does the baby plane ticket cost?

Again, it all depends on the airline. Some offer discounts of only 10-30% on the ticket price for a child under the age of two, based on the adult ticket price. Others, such as Air France, offer up to 90% off if they travel on your lap! Note that you will also have to pay airport taxes.

Do not hesitate to compare companies before booking your trip! Favor direct flights, even if they are often more expensive, for baby's comfort. If you have to make a stopover, try not to exceed 2 hours maximum. Or on the contrary, take a long stopover allowing you to get out and get some fresh air with your brat. For his first trips, why not stay in France or in Europe, so as not to impose too long a flight? If you are going far, take a night flight instead. So baby can sleep for a few hours.

How much baby luggage?

In general, if your child is less than two years old and has no assigned seat, only cabin baggage (up to 12 kg and whose dimensions do not exceed 55 x 35 x 25 cm) as well as light checked baggage ( 10 kg maximum) are accepted. On the other hand, if it is more than two years old or if you have reserved a seat for it, the number of luggage allowed is the same as that for an adult ticket. This information is of course to be checked with your airline, several days before departure … to avoid unpleasant surprises!

Regarding strollers, you can place them in the hold for free. Just like the car seat. If you want to keep the stroller (especially if you have a stopover or a few hours in front of you before boarding) you must ensure that its dimensions comply with those of cabin baggage (mentioned above). Otherwise, they will not be authorized. Rest assured, today, most compact and foldable strollers sold on the market comply with aircraft regulations. Provide a baby carrier anyway, in case your company does not accept strollers in carry-on baggage.

What to take in the baby bag?

Take food for your child during the flight and at the airport. Or, small jars, doses of milk powder, compotes, etc. Some airlines offer small pots or meals suitable for children. Make sure this is the case before your trip! And still plan some food in case the flight is delayed. Don't forget to take a bottle of water for your little one, babies get dehydrated quite quickly on a plane. You can also ask the crew to warm up your potty or bottles in a bain-marie or microwave. Some brands offer special airplane meals for babies, such as infant milk in small bottles. This can be a good alternative if you don't want to clutter up.

Normally, small jars and milk are no problem at customs level. However, they may have passed through control machines. Allow a little room before boarding. As for adults, liquids larger than 100ml are not accepted and everything must be placed in a plastic bag.

As with any outing, take layers and what to change it. The temperature on the plane can be quite low, so also take something to cover your child in the device so that he does not catch cold, as well as spare clothes. Also remember to take an extra t-shirt for yourself, in case your baby decides to return his meal. Carry paracetamol with you to relieve it in case of pain and take your health record. If he's on treatment, keep his medication on you.

What documents to take?

The documents to take with you when traveling with your baby are the same as for adults. That is, an identity card for a trip to Europe or a passport for other countries. Pay attention to the deadlines! For an ID card, there is usually a three-week wait. For a passport, count six to seven weeks instead.

Plan ahead, ask for a European health insurance card before traveling (two weeks delay). It may cover medical costs if something happens. If you are traveling outside Europe, find out about your social security on site.

How to protect baby's ears?

Like adults, children experience altitude changes during takeoff and landing. So they can also experience decompression in the eardrums, which is never pleasant for anyone. The trick to keep them from suffering too much is sucking! Breastfeed at that time, a bottle, a pacifier, the breast etc.

If your baby seems to be sick, this is where having paracetamol on you will come in handy. If he has a cold before boarding the plane, have his eardrums checked by a doctor! Clean his nose before takeoff and landing. The drop in blood pressure can cause abdominal bloating in your baby. Try massaging her belly to relieve it.

What if baby yells?

The greatest anguish of parents when traveling on a plane with a baby is to see him howling. However, this seems almost inevitable. He knows nothing about all this and can quickly feel lost! Do not hesitate to plan games, books, stuffed animals, as a distraction. If he starts to cry and you can, go back and forth down the aisle, rock him.

In no case should you feel uncomfortable because of the accusing looks. A crying baby is the most normal thing. It's not your fault, especially when you do everything you can to appease it. Just worry about her well-being and safety. Prefer trips with baby as a family or as a couple, so that someone can take you on the plane.

Also read:

Vaccination calendar: To not miss any of the baby vaccines

4 tips for your child to wake up later in the morning

The testimony of a mother who chose not to breastfeed

Video by Coline Amar