Flying With a Newborn Baby
Recently my wife and I adopted a baby boy in another state. This forced me to have to consider how to get a newborn baby the 700 miles from his birthplace in Florida to North Carolina where I live. My initial idea of driving the 11 hours (not including frequent stops) was crushed when the pediatrician told us a newborn should not stay in a car seat for more than 90 minutes at a time. That left us with 2 options. Drive for 2-3 days, stopping every 90 minutes to give the baby a break from the car seat or fly home and expose our newborn baby to airport crowds, germ filled seating, and ear pain from air pressure changes. We chose to fly.
Flying with an infant can be a daunting experience, especially for new parents. However, with the right preparation and planning, it can be a smooth and stress-free experience. In this post, we’ll cover the ins and outs of flying with an infant, from booking your flight to landing at your destination.
Booking your flight
When booking your flight, try to choose a flight time that works best with your baby’s sleep and feeding schedule. If possible, choose a non-stop flight to minimize travel time and avoid any potential disruptions. If it is a long flight, you may also want to consider choosing a seat that is close to the bathroom, as this will make it easier to change diapers and attend to your baby’s needs.
It’s important to note that most airlines have restrictions on flying with infants who are less than 14 days old. Many airlines require a doctor’s note before allowing newborns to fly, while some airlines may not allow infants under 7 days old to fly at all. This is because newborns are particularly vulnerable to infections, and the air pressure changes during a flight can affect their delicate immune system and cause discomfort. If you need to fly with a newborn who is less than 14 days old, it’s important to check with the airline’s policy and consult with your pediatrician. Your doctor may advise against flying with a newborn during the first few weeks of life.
We decided to book a flight on American as they had the most reasonable flight times for the next day. Most airlines, including AA, allow children under age 2 to fly for free in the lap of an adult. On the booking page, there is a button to add “infant in lap”. If the baby is less than 7 days old AA will not allow you to book online. Since our newborn baby was only 4 days old we had to book over the phone. The phone agent originally wanted us fill out one of their forms and have it signed by a doctor, but we told them we had a note from our pediatrician and they were ok with that.
Packing for the flight
When packing for the flight, make sure to bring all the necessary items your baby will need during the flight, such as diapers, wipes, formula, and bottles. It’s also a good idea to bring a change of clothes for your baby, as well as a few extra outfits for yourself in case of any accidents. Having a travel bag for car seats and strollers will help protect them from damage. Don’t forget to bring any necessary documents, such as your baby’s birth certificate or passport, if you’re traveling internationally.
Getting through security
When going through security, be prepared to remove your baby from their carrier or stroller. TSA agents will inspect the stroller while you and the baby walk through the metal detectors. You are allowed to bring baby formula, breast milk, or juice on the plane, but they will need to be inspected at the security checkpoint. In our case, they took one of our formula bottles and stuck it into some machine before giving us our diaper bag back. The whole security process took several minutes longer than normal due to the extra screening the baby equipment required.
Boarding the plane
When it’s time to board the plane, try to board early if possible, as this will give you more time to get settled and organized before takeoff. Most airlines give people travelling with small children the opportunity to board early. If you’re traveling with a stroller, you can usually gate-check it, which means it will be waiting for you when you land.
During the flight
During the flight, try to keep your baby comfortable and entertained. Bring along some toys or books to keep them occupied, and be sure to offer them a bottle or pacifier during takeoff and landing to help with any ear pressure. If your baby gets fussy or restless, don’t be afraid to walk up and down the aisle or take them to the bathroom to change their diaper.
We were lucky and were upgraded to first class. If possible I would recommend paying for an upgrade to at least premium economy or main cabin extra. The extra room is useful when you have an infant in lap. We were also lucky in that our baby slept through every minute of the flights!
Landing at your destination
When landing at your destination, be sure to take your time getting off the plane and gathering your belongings. If you gate-checked a stroller, you may have to wait a few minutes on the jet bridge for them to bring it out to you. I had my wife carry the baby into the airport while I waited on the jet bridge for the stroller.
In conclusion, flying with an infant can be challenging, but with some preparation and planning, it can be a smooth and successful experience. Remember to book your flight with your baby’s schedule in mind, pack all the necessary items, and be prepared for security and boarding procedures. During the flight, keep your baby comfortable and entertained, and take your time getting off the plane when you arrive at your destination. Happy travels!
