If you're a mom that has to fly with a baby, then you know it can be a daunting task. But don't worry; we've got some tips for flying with a baby that will make your journey much more manageable. From bringing the right supplies to dealing with crying babies, we've got you covered. So read on and prepare to take on air travel with your little one!
Flying With a Baby: The Proper Age
There's nothing quite like taking to the friendly skies with your infant in tow. The anticipation of showing your little one the world from up high is enough to make any parent giddy with excitement. But before you book that flight, it's essential to consider your child's age and whether or not they're developmentally ready to fly.
At what age can an infant fly? It's a question that many new parents ask. The answer, unfortunately, is not as straightforward as we would like. There are several factors to consider, including the infant's age, health, and flight length.
Doctors generally advise waiting to travel until your child's immune system has matured. This might happen as early as one month for full-term newborns, while most physicians advocate between three and six months.
Another factor to consider is the infant's health. If the infant has any underlying medical conditions, it is best to check with their doctor before booking a flight. Sometimes, it may be best to wait until the infant is a bit older or only to take short flights.
It would be best if you also considered the length of the flight. If you are only going on a short domestic flight, it is probably fine to bring your infant along. However, if you are traveling internationally or taking a long-haul flight, it may be better to wait until your infant is a bit older. This will help reduce their chance of developing jet lag or getting fussy during the flight.
Do you have any other questions regarding caring for your infant? Visit our blog to get the answers you need!
What Your Baby Needs To Have
You'll need to purchase a ticket for your baby if they fly with you. Most airlines require infants to be at least 14 days old to fly.
You'll also need to bring along a passport if traveling internationally. All U.S. citizens, even babies, must have their own passports for foreign travel. To receive one for your child, you must fill out a DS-11 form. Babies and children under 18 do not require a passport for domestic flights.
An official birth certificate: Sometimes, airlines request evidence of age for infants and children under 18 years of age. We recommend calling the airline beforehand to see whether it is required.
A letter of authorization for travel: Unless an infant or kid is traveling with both parents, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection highly advises obtaining a notarized letter providing parental approval for overseas travel. If the kid is traveling with one parent, the note must be authorized by the other parent.
Related Link: Baby Won't Stop Crying? Here's What to Do
Boarding the Plane with Your Baby
It's important to check with the airline ahead of time to see their infant travel policy. Some airlines require that infants have their own seats, while others allow them to fly as a lap infant.
When it comes time to board the plane, you'll need to bring your infant in a government-approved car safety seat. The seat must be able to fit in the airplane seat and must be appropriately secured. You may be able to request a bulkhead seat, which has extra space in front of it, so you can better position your infant's car seat.
Related Link: Advice for New Parents: 5 Things You Need to Know
Flying With Your Baby
During the flight, you'll need to keep an eye on your infant to make sure they're comfortable and not overstimulated by the noise and commotion of the airplane cabin. If they start to cry, try nursing them or giving them a bottle. You can also walk up and down the aisle with them or rock them in their car seats.
Air Pressure
A main concern of parents regarding flying with a baby is that their baby’s may not be able to handle the pressure changes associated with ascent and descent. There's no need to worry, as babies are actually quite resilient when it comes to air pressure changes. Their bodies are designed to adjust quickly to different pressures. They typically start crying only when the cabin pressure gets too low for their comfort. So if you see a baby crying on a plane, it's nothing to be concerned about - they're just adjusting to the new environment.
The air pressure inside an airplane cabin is lower during flight than when on the ground. This shift in oxygen levels poses little danger to relatively healthy infants. However, if your infant has persistent heart or lung issues, was born prematurely, or has upper or lower respiratory symptoms, you should consult a medical professional before traveling.
Need more information about infant care? Visit 123BabyBox for further advice on sleeping, feeding, and keeping your infant healthy.
Flying with a Baby
Flying with a baby can go smoothly if you take precautions and plan ahead. By following our tips for flying with a baby, you'll be able to relax and enjoy your flight while knowing that your little one is safe and comfortable. We hope this article has given you the information you need to feel confident about flying with your little one.
Related Link: Teaching Self-Soothing: The Cry It Out Method
