Between birth and two years, your baby will develop at an extraordinary speed, and each of their advancements will be a new source of wonder for you. Discover with us the major milestones of their development and how to interact with them to stimulate their awakening.
This summer, you might have the opportunity to fly for the first time with your baby. It’s a mode of transport suitable for toddlers, provided you're well organized! Discover our tips for traveling with your family with peace of mind.
From what age?
Babies are allowed to fly much earlier than you might think. If they are healthy and born full-term, newborns are accepted by most airlines from one week old for a short-haul flight, and from 3 weeks old for a long-haul flight.
However, if you can postpone your trip, it's better to wait until your baby has received their first vaccinations before flying: the confined atmosphere of cabins is conducive to the transmission of viruses. It is also not recommended to take your baby to regions of the world affected by diseases against which they are too young to be vaccinated (malaria, yellow fever, etc.).
Finally, if your baby was born prematurely or suffers from a health problem, always ask your doctor's advice before flying with them.
Preparing the trip well
To avoid unpleasant surprises at the airport, know that your baby is subject to the same regulations as you: they must have their own identity card to travel in Europe, and their own passport (as well as any necessary visas) for the rest of the world. Several weeks are needed to obtain these documents: remember to plan ahead!
When booking your tickets, also inform your airline that you will be traveling with a toddler: this way you can benefit from a more spacious seat, a bassinet, or even a bed for your baby on some airlines. Most also accept babies in their carrycots or in a Maxi-Cosi type car seat. If you want a separate seat for your child, don't forget to ask for it: by default, babies under 2 years old travel on their parents' laps. An economical solution, but not always very comfortable...
Finally, inquire about the rules regarding strollers: foldable models are sometimes accepted on board, while large strollers are always checked into the hold. In this case, remember to bring a baby carrier, which will be very useful after checking in your luggage.
Tips for a calm flight
Most often, your baby is entitled to their own hand luggage: take advantage of this to bring a large supply of diapers, wipes, and spare clothes, for them and also for you. This way you will avoid having a bad trip if they spill a glass of water on you or in case of a small regurgitation on your shoulder.
Also, know that the security rules regarding liquids carried on planes do not apply to toddlers: you are allowed to bring powdered milk, mineral water, or baby food jars to feed your baby. But be careful: security agents may ask you to taste them before accepting them! It is therefore better to package all this in resealable containers. Other liquids, such as cleansing water, body lotion, or physiological saline, must not exceed 100 ml to be tolerated in the cabin: samples and travel-size containers are perfect for this use.
During takeoff and landing, the change in altitude causes decompression which can be painful for your baby's ears. There is only one solution to clear their ears: sucking, whether breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or pacifier. If their nose is stuffy, clean it before takeoff and before starting the descent upon arrival.
Finally, on board, the air conditioning is constant and the temperature is rather cool. Cover your baby well and bring a blanket and hat in addition to their clothes. A little cold is quickly caught!
Keeping your baby occupied on board
While infants sleep for a good part of the trip or are content to stay in your arms, older children often have trouble sitting still throughout a flight! There is no miracle solution, but a few tips can help you.
First and foremost, for long-haul flights, always choose night flights: your baby will sleep and you can also rest. Also remember to bring some of their favorite toys on board, avoiding those that might disturb other passengers – especially those that make noise or music. Depending on your child's age, opt for books, comforters, small cars, drawing materials, and other silent activity supports. Draw your child's attention to everything around them: people passing by, flight attendants, the sky and clouds visible through the windows... A plane flight is an opportunity for many discoveries for them! Often, cartoons are also offered on the screens: a good solution to occupy your baby for a while. Finally, if the cabin crew allows you, get up with them for a short walk in the aisles: the change of position will help them calm down if they get agitated.
