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Travelling with a baby: flight day

Seat choice, security rules for milk and formula, what to carry and how to get through take-off.

26 items · 5 sections · travel, flight, airport, packing, family

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Before the day (6)

  • Check the airline's minimum age and ask your doctor about young babies
  • Check baby documentsPassport, visa, birth certificate. Also a consent letter if one parent is not travelling.
  • Decide: own seat or on your lapThe FAA strongly recommends an approved child restraint in the baby's own seat. A ticket is the only way to guarantee that.Open
  • Check a car seat for the label "certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft"
  • Ask about a bassinet seat if you have a long flight
  • Ask the airline what baby gear flies free

Carry-on bag (6)

  • Nappies: one for each hour of travel, plus spare for delays
  • Wipes, changing mat, rash cream and sealable bags
  • Formula, breast milk, food and bottles, more than you think you need
  • Two changes of baby clothes, and a spare top for you
  • Muslin, a light blanket and a favourite toy
  • Any medicines your baby needs

At security (5)

  • Tell the officer about milk, formula or baby food at the startAt US airports these can be over 3.4 oz (100 ml) and need not fit a quart bag. Rules abroad vary.
  • Expect them to be screened separatelySay so if you do not want them X-rayed or opened. Extra checks may follow.
  • Take the baby out of the stroller or car seatThey go through the X-ray or are checked by hand.
  • Carry the baby through the walk-through detectorA sling or carrier may be fine, though extra checks can follow.
  • Ask for a private screening if you prefer

At the airport (4)

  • Arrive early: 30-60 minutes more than usual
  • Tag the stroller at the gate
  • Change the nappy just before boarding
  • Ask about boarding early with a baby

On board (5)

  • Use the infant seatbelt, or the approved seat, as the crew shows you
  • Do not use a carrier or a booster at take-off and landing
  • Feed or offer a dummy on take-off and landingSucking can ease ear pressure.
  • Give plenty of feeds. The cabin air is dry
  • Do not worry about the crying. It happens

Written from www.tsa.gov

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