Traveling with a newborn for the first time can be just as overwhelming as it is exciting.
Learning the dos-and-don’ts of airplane travel with a newborn can help the experience run more smoothly for your entire family. Below, we’ll answer all your questions about flying with a newborn and offer a few tips to help make the entire process as easy as possible.
Can a Newborn Baby Fly in an Airplane?
Fortunately for traveling parents, there are no official age limitations for air travel. As a result, you can theoretically go straight from the delivery room to the airport.
Of course, the major reason that isn’t such a good idea (and why most doctors recommend waiting two to three months to travel) is your baby’s immune system. Newborns take between 2-3 months to finish developing their immune system after birth.
How Soon Can a Newborn Fly?
So, just how soon can a newborn fly? Most doctors agree that the longer you can stand to wait to travel, the better for your baby.
As we touched on above, newborns’ immune systems aren’t fully developed until around three months old, and most doctors recommend waiting up to six months before taking your baby on a flight to minimize their chance of catching a serious bug.
Does a Newborn Need a Passport to Travel on an Airplane?
If you’re traveling domestically, your newborn only needs one form of identification (like a birth certificate) to board with the rest of your family. But if you’re planning a trip overseas, everyone, including your newborn, will need a valid passport.
How to Protect Baby's Ears on an Airplane
While ear popping and pressure changes can be uncomfortable for adults, they can be outright painful for newborns and small children. So for parents wondering how to protect your baby's ears on a flight, try following these steps to protect your baby’s ears on airplanes:
- Using pacifiers - Pacifiers aren’t just for soothing your newborn - they can also relax pressure in the ears to help minimize popping.
- Bringing appropriate earplugs - Some companies make pressure-blocking earplugs specifically designed for babies and small children.
- Engage your baby during take-off and landing - Sleeping during ascent and descent can increase the pressure in your baby’s ears due to reduced swallowing activity while snoozing.
- Distract them - An engaging toy or a flurry of kisses and tickles can help distract your baby during moments of discomfort.
Can I take breast milk through airport security?
Taking breast milk through airport security should be quick and convenient.
According to TSA regulations, “formula, breast milk, and juice for infants or toddlers are permitted in reasonable quantities through the security checkpoint. Remove these items from your carry-on bag to be screened separately from the rest of your belongings.”
Can Baby Formula Go Through Airport Security?
If you’re considering flying with a newborn, it’s natural to wonder, “can baby formula go through airport security?” Luckily for jet-setting parents across the country, the answer is yes, you can take formula through airport security.
The TSA recognizes baby formula, milk, and foods as “permitted in reasonable quantities.” TSA agents will ask that you “remove these items from your carry-on bag to be screened separately” before allowing you through security. After a quick scan, you’ll be all set and ready to board.
Do airports sell baby formula?
Unfortunately, opportunities to buy baby formula, food, diapers, and other essential items are extremely rare at most airports. A successful flight with your new baby hinges almost entirely on your at-home prep – don’t count on an airport shop to have that one item you accidentally forgot!
Can I Take Baby Food Through Airport Security?
Baby food is treated like formula or milk by the TSA, which means parents should have no problem getting their baby’s favorite meals and snacks through security. For added convenience, use refillable, squeezable pouches to pack and safely store your homemade baby food on the go.
Can I carry my baby through airport security?
Yes, you can carry your baby through airport security. In fact, parents have multiple options for getting their newborns through airport security. The TSA guarantees children will not be separated from their parents or guardians, and allows parents to:
- Remove infants and children from their carriers and carry them through the metal detector
- Carry infants in a sling through the metal detectors, although this can subject parents to additional screening.
Do diaper bags count as carry-on?
Your diaper bag may be considered a personal, carry-on item, but it depends entirely on your chosen airline's regulations and policies. Each airline has unique rules regarding carry-ons, so make sure to research the company’s baggage rules before buying tickets.
What should I bring when flying with a newborn?
Any time you travel with your newborn you should be sure to bring formula or milk, food, sanitary equipment like diapers, wipes, diaper cream finger shields, multiple changes of clothes, and attention-grabbing toys.
Here’s a comprehensive checklist of everything you might need to bring when flying with a newborn:
- Diapers
- Diaper cream
- Finger Shields
- Changing pad
- Sanitizing wipes for surfaces and changing stations
- Plastic bags for wet or dirty clothes and diapers
- Burp cloths and bibs
- Nursing cover
- Blankets
- Carrier or sling
- Change of clothes for baby
- Pacifiers
- Snacks (cereal, puffs, crackers, fruit)
- Breast Milk or formula
- Canned or jarred baby food
- Extra bottles
- Travel documents
- First-aid kit
- Infant medications, including antihistamine and acetaminophen
- Teething toys and soothers
There are also a wide variety of modern gadgets designed for new parents on the go. If you’re preparing to fly with your newborn, consider these space, time, and sanity-saving products:
- Convenient, one-step baby food makers
- Reusable, high-quality baby food pouches
- Three-in-One sleep suits and swaddles
- And ultra-gentle, fingertip-style massagers
For more tips on traveling with your newborn, check out our blog!
