Baby's First Flight: When Can Babies Fly & How to Handle Ear Pain

Planning your baby's first flight? "When can babies fly?", "What if their ears hurt during takeoff?" We've compiled everything you need for a comfortable flight with your baby.

When Can Babies Fly?

Airline Regulations

Most airlines allow:

• Domestic flights: After 7 days old
• International flights: After 14 days old

However, just because it's allowed doesn't mean it's recommended.

Recommended Age

Pediatrician recommendations:

• 2-3 months+: Basic immunity developed
• 6 months+: Better suited for long flights
• 6-15 months: Most challenging period (can't express discomfort)

💡 Tip: Start with flights under 2 hours. Both baby and parents need adjustment time.

Pre-Flight Check

Visit pediatrician before departure:

• Check for recent colds or ear infections
• Verify vaccination schedule
• Get fever reducer/pain reliever prescription if needed

Why Do Babies Get Ear Pain on Planes?

The Cause

Air pressure changes rapidly during takeoff and landing. Adults adjust by swallowing or yawning, but babies:

• Have immature Eustachian tubes (connects ear to throat)
• Can't regulate pressure themselves
• Can't verbally express discomfort

Result: Ear pain → Crying → More crying cycle

The Hardest Moments

• Landing hurts more than takeoff
• Start preparing 30 minutes before landing

How to Handle Baby Ear Pain on Planes

Feeding/Bottle

Most effective method:

• Sucking motion opens the Eustachian tube
• Time feeding with takeoff/landing
• Prepare 30 minutes before landing

Breastfeeding moms:

• Bring nursing cover
• Window seat offers more privacy

Formula-feeding moms:

• Pre-mix formula in bottles
• Request warm water from cabin crew

Pacifier/Snacks

Under 6 months: Pacifier 6 months+: Puffs, crackers, chewable snacks

Chewing and swallowing helps regulate pressure

If Baby Keeps Crying?

Soothing methods:

• Hold and rock
• Play white noise app
• Let them look out the window
• Bring out a new toy

⚠️ Warning: Don't fly if baby has a cold or ear infection. Ear pain will be much worse.

Choosing Baby-Friendly Seats

Bassinet Seats

What is a bassinet?

• Wall-mounted baby bed
• Usually at bulkhead (front row)
• Weight limit varies (typically 10-11kg)

How to reserve:

• Call airline after booking
• Popular routes fill fast → request early
• Reconfirm 72 hours before departure

Benefits:

• Baby can lie flat when sleeping
• Extra legroom
• Easier diaper changes

Seat Selection Tips

Recommended:

• Bulkhead (front row): More space, bassinet available
• Window: Nursing privacy, baby can look outside
• Aisle: Easy bathroom access, can walk to soothe baby

Avoid:

• Emergency exit rows (no infants allowed)
• Last row (seats don't recline, engine noise)

Baby Flight Packing Checklist

Carry-On Essentials

Feeding supplies:

• Bottles + formula (twice what you need)
• Thermos with warm water
• Nursing cover
• Pacifiers

Diapering:

• Diapers (2 per flight hour + extra)
• Travel wipes
• Changing pad
• Plastic bags

Clothing:

• 2+ spare outfits
• Light blanket
• Socks (cabins are cold)

Soothing items:

• 2-3 new toys (still wrapped)
• Familiar stuffed animal/blanket
• Downloaded videos on phone

Checked Baggage

• Stroller (gate check available)
• Car seat (if renting car)
• Extra pack of diapers
• Multiple spare outfits

Flight Day Tips

At the Airport

Check-in:

• Use family/infant priority counters
• Use stroller to gate, then check
• Reconfirm bassinet reservation

Security:

• Declare liquids (formula, baby food) separately
• Baby food exempt from 100ml limit
• Stroller, carrier screened separately

Boarding

Priority boarding:

• Use family priority boarding
• Note: Early boarding = longer wait on plane
• Decide based on baby's condition

Getting settled:

• Request bassinet setup
• Raise armrests for more space
• Place diaper bag at feet

During Flight

Takeoff:

• Feed or give pacifier
• Fasten seatbelt (baby on lap)

Cruising:

• Place in bassinet
• Check diapers regularly
• Keep hydrated

30 minutes before landing:

• Prepare feeding/snacks again
• Landing hurts ears more than takeoff!

FAQ

Q: How much are baby tickets?
A: Infants under 2 usually fly free on domestic flights and pay 10% of the adult fare internationally. In this case your baby sits on your lap without a separate seat. If you prefer a dedicated seat, you can often buy one and use an approved car seat, so check with your airline in advance.

Q: Can I bring a stroller?
A: Yes. You can use it all the way to the gate and gate-check it, so you can keep your baby in the stroller until just before boarding. Some compact, foldable travel strollers also fit in overhead bins. At security, the stroller and baby carrier are usually screened separately.

Q: What if baby won't stop crying?
A: Get up and walk the aisle slowly to soothe them, or offer a feed or pacifier. Crying during takeoff and landing is usually caused by ear pain from pressure changes, so timing a feed to those moments really helps. Most passengers understand, so handle it naturally rather than apologizing in advance.

Q: Is there baby food on planes?
A: Most airlines offer infant meals. You'll need to request them when booking or at least 24 hours before departure, so arrange this ahead of time. To be safe, also pack plenty of your baby's familiar snacks or formula in case the meal isn't available.

Track Records While Traveling with BebeSnap

Don't miss feeding, sleep, and diaper records while traveling.

• Jet lag tracking: Record in local time
• One-hand recording: Tap while holding baby
• Family sharing: Family at home sees real-time updates
• Download on App Store
• Download on Google Play

References

• AAP HealthyChildren - Flying with Baby