Are you planning to fly with your baby for the first time? It's a perfectly suitable means of transportation for toddlers, provided you're well-organized!
Discover our tips for traveling with family with peace of mind.
FROM WHAT AGE?
Babies are allowed to fly much earlier than you might think. If they're healthy and born at full term, newborns are accepted by most airlines as early as one week old for short-haul flights, and as early as three weeks old for long-haul flights.
However, if you can postpone your trip, it's best to wait until your baby has received their first vaccinations before flying: the confined atmosphere of cabins is conducive to the transmission of viruses. It's also not recommended to take your baby to regions of the world affected by diseases against which they are too young to be vaccinated (malaria, yellow fever, etc.). Finally, if your baby was born prematurely or suffers from a health problem, always seek the advice of your doctor before flying with them.
PREPARE THE TRIP WELL
To avoid unpleasant surprises at the airport, be aware that your baby is subject to the same regulations as you: they must have their own identity card to travel within Europe, and their own passport (as well as any visas) for the rest of the world. It takes several weeks to obtain these documents, so remember to plan ahead!
When booking your tickets, also specify to your airline that you will be traveling with a toddler: you may be able to benefit from a more spacious seat, a cradle-hammock, or even a bed for your baby on certain airlines. Most also accept babies in their bassinet or in a maxi-cosy car seat.
If you want a separate seat for your child, don't forget to ask: by default, babies under 2 years old travel on their parents' laps. A cost-effective solution, but not always very comfortable... Finally, find out about the rules regarding strollers: folding models are sometimes accepted on board, while large strollers are always put in the hold. Remember to bring a baby carrier, which will be very useful after checking your baggage.
TIPS FOR A SMOOTH FLIGHT
Most of the time, your baby is entitled to their own carry-on baggage: take advantage of this opportunity to bring a large supply of diapers, wipes, and spare clothes, for them but also for you. This will help you avoid a bad trip if they spill a glass of water on you or if they spit up a little on your shoulder. Also, be aware that the safety rules regarding liquids on the plane do not apply to very young children: you are allowed to bring powdered milk, mineral water, or baby food to feed your baby. But be careful: security agents may ask you to taste them before accepting them! It is therefore best to pack everything in resealable containers.
Other liquids, such as cleansing water, cleansing milk, or saline solution, must not exceed 100 ml to be tolerated in the cabin: samples and travel pods are perfect for this use. During takeoff and landing, the change in altitude causes decompression, which can be painful for your baby's ears. There is only one solution to unblock their ears: sucking, at the breast, with a bottle, or with a pacifier. If they have a blocked nose, clean it too before takeoff and beginning the descent upon arrival. Finally, on board, the air conditioning is constant and the temperature is rather cool. Cover your baby well and bring a blanket and a hat in addition to their clothes. A small cold is easy to catch!
KEEPING YOUR BABY OCCUPY ON BOARD
While babies sleep for a good part of the journey or are content to stay in your arms, older children often have trouble sitting still for an entire flight! There's no magic solution, but a few tips can help. First and foremost, for long-haul flights, always choose night flights: your baby will sleep and you can rest too. Also, consider bringing a few of their favorite toys on board, avoiding any that might disturb other passengers—especially those that make noise or play music. Depending on your child's age, consider books, comforters, toy cars, drawing materials, and other quiet activity materials.
Draw your child's attention to everything around them: the people passing by, the flight attendants, the sky and clouds visible through the windows... A plane flight is an opportunity for them to make many discoveries! Cartoons are often also shown on the screens: a good solution to keep your baby occupied for a little while.
Finally, if the flight attendant allows you, get up with him for a short walk down the aisles: the change of position will help him calm down if he gets upset.