Short answer: Healthy babies can usually fly from about one week old, though many doctors suggest waiting until two to three months if you can, to reduce the risk of catching infections. Book early and ask about bassinet or bulkhead seats; the safest option is an approved car seat on its own seat. Let your baby feed or suck a dummy during take-off and landing to ease ear pressure. Pack more nappies, clothes and food than you think you'll need, and remember your baby needs their own passport for international travel.
You've been running through the flight in your head for weeks, and there's really only one scenario that scares you: three hours of screaming while a whole cabin turns round. Most flights with babies go far better than that.
How old does my baby need to be?
The American Academy of Pediatrics says it's generally safe for a healthy newborn to fly from about seven days old, but ideally you'd wait until two to three months, because crowded airports and planes increase the chance of picking up colds and other infections. If your baby was premature or has a health condition, ask your doctor first.
Before you book
- Passports: your baby needs their own passport for international travel. In the UK, a child passport is valid for five years. Don't book until it has arrived.
- Lap or seat? Most airlines let under-twos travel on your lap with an extra infant belt. The AAP points out that turbulence is a leading cause of children's injuries on planes, and recommends an approved car seat on its own seat as the safest option, if you can.
- Bassinet or bulkhead seats: on longer flights, many airlines have a limited number of baby bassinets on bulkhead rows. Ask when you book.
- Window or middle seat: safer than the aisle, where hot drinks, trolleys and falling bags are a risk. Families with small children aren't allowed in exit rows.
- Pushchair and car seat: these often don't count as luggage and can sometimes be taken to the gate, but airline rules vary, so check.
Ears: the one real sticking point
Changes in air pressure during take-off and landing can make your baby's ears uncomfortable. Swallowing helps equalise the pressure, so let your baby breastfeed, drink from a bottle or suck a dummy during take-off and the descent. It can be worth gently waking your baby for the descent if they're asleep.
If your baby has had an ear infection or ear surgery in the two weeks before your trip, ask your doctor whether it's OK to fly.
Many babies sleep for much of the flight. The hum and vibration of the cabin can be surprisingly soothing.
Security
Baby food and baby milk are allowed in hand luggage in larger amounts than the usual liquid limits, but they may need to be checked separately. Tell security staff you're carrying them, and only take what you need for the journey (plus a delay).
What to pack in hand luggage
- More nappies than you think you'll need, wipes and nappy bags.
- Two changes of clothes for your baby — and a clean top for you.
- Milk and food for the whole journey plus a possible delay.
- A thin blanket; cabins can be cold.
- A few small, new things to look at or play with, handed out one at a time.
- A sling, which keeps your hands free at the airport.
- Any medicines your baby needs, and infant paracetamol or ibuprofen if your baby is old enough — follow the dosage instructions.
During the flight
- Board early if families are invited to, so you can settle without a queue behind you.
- Your baby needs to be held on your lap with the infant belt, or in their car seat, during take-off, landing and turbulence.
- Change a nappy just before boarding — aircraft changing tables are tiny.
- Walk up and down when the seatbelt sign is off, and ask cabin crew for help; most are glad to.
- Cabin noise is loudest at take-off. Some parents use baby ear defenders or noise-reducing headphones.
As for the other passengers: far fewer of them are annoyed than you imagine. Many are parents themselves.
After you land
With a time difference, expect a few days of disrupted sleep. Get into the local rhythm quickly: daylight and activity in the morning, dim and calm in the evening, and keep your usual bedtime routine. Babies often adapt faster than adults.
When to check with a doctor before flying
- Your baby is under a few weeks old, was premature, or has a heart or breathing condition.
- Your baby has a cold, ear infection or fever.
- You're travelling somewhere that needs vaccinations or malaria prevention — ask your GP or a travel clinic well in advance.
Related reading
Month by month: The First Year (PDF, English) guides you through your baby's first twelve months.
Sources
- American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org — Flying with baby.
- GOV.UK — Hand luggage restrictions at UK airports and Get a passport for your child.
- NHS — Travel vaccinations.
Written by the Bloom Guides editorial team. Last updated: 20 October 2026. General information only — not a substitute for advice from your doctor or airline.