Flying with a baby for the first time: month-by-month guide (2026)

Last updated: May 2026. We regularly update this guide with the latest airline policies and parent-tested tips.

Planning your first flight with a baby can feel overwhelming – we get it. After flying with R pretty much every month since he was 4 months old (including two long-haul trips to the US), we’ve learned exactly what changes as babies get older and what actually matters at each stage (not to mention packing challenges!).

This guide covers everything from choosing airlines to surviving your baby’s first takeoff, with a month-by-month breakdown because flying with a 4-month-old is completely different from flying with an 11-month-old. We’ll share what worked (and what definitely didn’t), along with practical tips backed by real experience across short-haul European flights and long-haul US trips.

In this guide:

When can babies fly? Month-by-month guide Choosing an airline Airline comparison Best seats Best flight times What to pack Formula & security Flying with a pram Car seats on planes Travel cots

Baby’s first flight: when can you do it?

Airlines often let infants as young as two weeks old fly, but it’s important to consult with your doctor at that age as well as check the airline’s policy. We chose to fly with our baby once he had completed his 8, 12, and 16-week vaccinations but we didn’t have a need to fly before then.

I have found that R has got mildly poorly a couple of times during or after travelling. I can’t say it’s from the plane, and I think likely due to us using far more public changing facilities (he touches everything!). Try to wipe their hands and feet after every nappy change, and these Milton wipes are good for on-the-go sterilising toys etc.

My blog on the best types of holidays for babies might help you decide what kind to book, and my ten-step guide helps make sure you don’t miss anything in your holiday planning.

A person walking along a gravel path in a green landscape, pushing a stroller, with trees and a blue sky in the background.

Flying with baby by age: month-by-month guide

Your 4-month-old and your 11-month-old are completely different travellers. Here’s what to expect at each stage, based on our experience flying with R throughout his first year.

0-4 months: the sleepy stage

What to expect from your baby:

Will sleep A LOT during flights (use this to your advantage!)
Can’t move independently (easier to manage)
Feed frequently (and may fall asleep on the boob/bottle)
Small enough to hold comfortably for the entire flight

R’s first flight at 4 months:
We took R on his first flight when he was 4 months old, and it went better than expected. He slept for most of the flight in his car seat (which we brought on board in his own seat), meaning I was completely hands-free. At this age, he was past the tiny newborn stage but not yet mobile – the absolute sweet spot for flying for the first time.

Best for:

First-time fliers (both baby AND parents!)
Daytime flights (they’ll nap through them) – though to be honest any time works at this stage
Building confidence before the mobile stage hits

Challenges:

Feeding can’t be delayed (when they’re hungry, they’re HUNGRY)
Need multiple outfit changes (reflux/spit-up or poonamis)
Heavy nappy bag essentials

5-7 months: still pretty easy

What to expect:

Longer stretches between feeds
More predictable nap schedule
Starting to engage with toys
Generally can’t crawl (a blessing on a plane!)
Getting heavier (your arms will know it)

Best for:

Short-haul European flights (2-3 hours)
Daytime travel (awake but content providing you align with nap time)
Parents getting confident with flying

Challenges:

Heavier to hold for extended periods
More aware of surroundings (harder to settle)
Possible teething starting

8-9 months: the transition

What to expect:

Sitting up independently, possibly starting to crawl
VERY curious about everything
Grabby hands (will touch EVERYTHING on the plane and may get sick afterwards)
Starting solids (more packing!)
Still naps reasonably well

Our US flight with R at 8 months:
We flew long-haul to the US when R was 8 months, and while it was harder (he was awake more), it wasn’t too bad. He still slept for a good chunk of the flight, and crucially, he wasn’t mobile yet. The bassinet worked brilliantly during nap time.

Best for:

Direct flights only (connections get tricky)
Overnight long-haul (they’ll still sleep)
Destinations worth the effort

Challenges:

Wants to explore (sitting still is boring)
Everything goes in their mouth (hygiene nightmare!)
Needs more active entertainment

10-12 months: the active stage (AKA the challenge)

What to expect:

Crawling, possibly cruising or walking
VERY strong opinions about being confined
Won’t sit still for long
Much better at eating (snacks are your friend)
Shorter, less predictable naps

Our US flight with R at 11 months:
This was noticeably harder. R slept less, required constant entertainment, and was much more mobile. The saving grace? He was eating really well by this point, so snacks bought us valuable peace. We rotated through toys, snacks, and walks up and down the aisle (so many walks). It wasn’t as bad as I feared – but we got lucky that he wasn’t teething.

The car seat strategy (our secret weapon)

Throughout R’s first year, we’ve bought him his own seat and brought his Maxi Cosi car seat on board (except for long-haul flights). This has been absolutely worth the extra cost because:

He sleeps better – familiar, comfortable, contains him safely
We’re hands-free – can eat, read, relax while he naps
Car seat arrives undamaged – no checking expensive equipment
Use it immediately on arrival – in taxis, car rentals

What I wish I’d known before R’s first flight

The truth: I was terrified before R’s first flight. I’d read every story on Mumsnet about screaming babies and judgmental passengers.

The reality: It was fine. Actually, it was better than fine – R slept most of it, and the few times he fussed, giving him milk sorted it quickly. Not a single passenger gave us dirty looks.

Younger is easier – The 4-7 month window is the easiest. Don’t wait.
Babies feed off your energy – The calmer you are, the calmer they are.
The car seat is worth it – Hands down our best decision.
Snacks solve everything – Once they’re eating solids, pack triple what you think you need.
Other passengers are kinder than you think – Most are understanding. The ones who aren’t? You’ll never see them again.
Lower your expectations – Either way, you’ll survive and you’ll be at your destination soon enough.

Selecting the right airline when flying with a baby

Consider the following when booking flights with young children:

Ticket cost. There tend to be two ticket types: infant (under 2) who sits on an adult’s lap, and child (2-15) who gets their own seat. Often an infant costs a portion of the adult ticket (usually 10% + taxes).
A little-known fact is that you can book a child’s seat for a child under 2, sitting them in an approved car seat – something we’ve done for every European flight this year. You can even pop a CoziGo on top to make it a dark nap pod.
On-board luggage. Airlines differ quite a bit here. With all of them, you’re allowed to bring baby pouches and milk on board.
Checked luggage allowance. Very airline-specific – check before booking.

A baby partially visible inside a travel cot with a mesh cover, placed on a table. — R in his CoziGo on a recent flight to the US

UK airlines baby policy comparison

Here’s a quick comparison of major UK airlines’ baby policies to help you choose the best option for your family:

Airline’s family policy	Infant ticket cost	Infant cabin baggage	Infant checked baggage	Cabin bag dimensions	Bassinet available
British Airways	10% + taxes	Extra bag allowed	23kg + equipment	56cm x 45cm x 25cm	Yes (long-haul)
Virgin Atlantic	10% + taxes	Extra bag allowed	23kg + equipment	56cm x 36cm x 23cm	Yes (long-haul)
Ryanair	€25/£25 each way	Small changing bag only	Equipment only	55cm x 40cm x 20cm	No
EasyJet	£25 each way	Small changing bag only	Equipment only	56cm x 45cm x 25cm	No
Jet2	Free	Small bag only	Equipment only but +10kg increase on your bag allowance	56cm x 45cm x 25cm	No
Norwegian	10% + taxes	No extra bag but ‘reasonable’ baby food/milk allowed	5kg + equipment	55cm x 40cm x 23cm	Yes (long-haul)
Wizz Air	€32/£29 each way	Small changing bag only	Equipment only	55cm x 40cm x 23cm	No
TUI	Fixed fee (varies)	No extra bag	10kg + equipment	55cm x 40cm x 20cm	No
Aer Lingus	€25/£25 each way on European routes / 10% of adult fare on flights from/to USA	No extra bag	Equipment only within Europe, +10kg when flying transatlantic	55cm x 40cm x 24cm	Yes (long-haul)

Please note: Equipment includes pushchair, car seat, travel cot, or baby carrier (check individual airlines). British Airways and Virgin don’t allow checked baggage for infants if you book a low-cost ticket type. Ryanair has the most restrictive cabin bag dimensions. All airline information is correct at the time of writing.

See our guide to the best kids suitcases and toddler luggage for picks across every trip type, including ride-on options for the airport.

Picking the best seats when flying with a baby

Many airlines make you pre-book seats when travelling with children. I like sitting near the front to get off quickly, but it’s fairly irrelevant for loading – you can often get on first with young children, or choose to board last to minimise time in your seats.

On short-haul flights, you often need to sit at a window seat if you have a baby on your lap, as there are 2 oxygen masks provided above those seats. If you want to sit in the aisle but are conscious of breastfeeding in public, these nursing covers provide a slightly darker, cosier environment.

On long-haul flights most airlines offer a bassinet or seat attached to the bulkhead wall for infant bookings – be sure to actually book seats with this in front of them (look for the baby symbol on the seat map). BA’s bassinet is only up to 6 months, then they swap for an infant seat – R napped well in it, especially paired with our CoziGo. And if you’re flying business, read our full guide.

Child safety seat mounted on an airplane fold-out table. — British Airways’ infant seat in the bulkhead

The best flight times for babies

A lot depends on age and how many naps your baby is having. You want to align flight times with when your infant will be at their sleepiest – think about nap times, and for long-haul, overnight is likely to work best for maximising sleep. Another option is to align flights with arriving for bedtime, which you can read more about in this expert guide to beating jet lag.

A baby with headphones is interacting with a colourful toy on a seat in a vehicle.

Packing essentials for baby air travel

Pack a small, easily accessible bag with essentials to avoid rummaging through overhead luggage. If you’re travelling with a partner, split key items between bags so someone always has one within reach. For your overall trip, I’ve created the ultimate packing list.

Nappies and wipes: Pack enough for the flight plus extras in case of delays. Bring nappy bags too – if you have any incidents you’ll want to pop dirty clothes in something. I pack everything in a compact nappy bag and use a different colour bag for extra wipes. These plastic linkages also make a great mini toy and distraction.

A flat lay arrangement of baby care items including a pack of Huggies wipes, a disposable changing mat, a nappy, a purple teething ring, and a blue plastic bag.

Feeding supplies: Bottles, formula or breast milk, and plenty of snacks if your baby is eating solids. I’d also recommend these Alpine baby ear defenders – R seemed more content wearing them for takeoff and landing. Update: Jack left these at home for our latest flight and R cried a lot more during takeoff!
Comfort items: New toys (= prolonged entertainment), dummies, and a blanket or comforter. Some of the toys that got us through travel in the first year include these suction spinners, this Freddie the Firefly toy, a musical tablet, and this busy cube. See my baby travel toys guide from newborn to 18 months.
Change of clothes: Planes can be hot so don’t overdress, but also pack for a cold plane. Choose the easiest outfit for nappy changes in confined spaces and pack spares – for you too.

A baby seated in a car seat on an airplane, surrounded by colourful toys, playing with a toy with buttons and sounds.

Flying with baby formula and baby food: how to get it through airport security

You can carry on board infant milk, baby food, powdered milk formula, and sterilised water, as it’s deemed medically necessary. You can take as much as you need, even if it exceeds the usual liquid limits – though it still has to fit within your airline’s baggage weight rules. Airlines will usually give you hot water to heat up food or bottles too.

Some airports such as Heathrow allow parents to travel with unlimited containers (max 2 litres each) of liquid expressed breast milk on board in transparent containers, even when travelling without their baby.

I recommend taking what you need for the flight plus some extra, and keeping the rest in your checked luggage. One tip: pre-order formula from Boots or the airport pharmacy via click and collect.

Bonus tip: check if your terminal has a kids zone. At Heathrow Terminal 5 there’s a soft play area which even babies as young as 7 or 8 months can enjoy.

Indoor soft play area designed for young children, featuring colourful padded obstacles, climbing shapes, and animal-themed wall murals. — London Heathrow Terminal 5 play area

Flying long-haul with a baby: how to sterilise on the plane

There are no microwaves on planes, so you’ll need to decide on your preferred method of sterilisation. One option is to take multiple bottles (as many as you’ll need), and use Milton sterilising wipes for everything else. Another is to buy a portable Milton steriliser, which you can use with bottled water and their cold water tablets. The latter would be my preference.

Flying with a pram: how to get it from A to B

If you can, take your pram through to the gate and check it there, unless you have a cabin-approved folding pram that also fits the specific airline’s locker sizing (we’ve learned these don’t always align!). I often put Apple AirTags in my luggage so I can always see where it is.

For the sake of a couple of hundred pounds, I’d genuinely invest in a travel pram – I’ve compared several popular ones against airline policies in this guide.

Another option is to rent a travel pram at your destination. We’ve had a great experience with BabyQuip in the US.

I strongly suggest taking a baby carrier on board. Our Ergobaby Omni360 makes a huge difference when we land and get off the plane hands-free. For longer walks or hiking destinations, I also rate our LittleLife backpack carrier.

One more option worth knowing about for parents of young toddlers: the Carry On Kiddie is a parent carry-on with a built-in child seat and harness on top, so your toddler rides on your suitcase through the terminal rather than walking (or refusing to). It’s been a brilliant hands-free solution on busy airport days.

A person wearing a floral shirt carries a child in a backpack carrier while overlooking a sandy beach and a body of water under a blue sky with clouds.

Flying with a baby car seat: options to bring your car seat on the plane

We’re big fans of taking our car seat on board in its own seat. We have the lie-flat Maxi Cosi Pebble 360 and so far it’s fit really well into plane seats. We’ve used it successfully on British Airways, Ryanair and Norwegian without issue – you just need to have the baby on your lap for takeoff and landing.

R’s car seat on a Ryanair flight

There’s a great article on Which.co.uk about the types of car seats you can use and how to fit them on board. In our experience very few car seats are narrower than the cited sizing.

If you don’t take your car seat on board, you can check it in the hold with most infant and child tickets – but get a good bag for it, as damage can compromise safety.

Another option is to hire a car seat from your car hire provider. Just read reviews carefully – I’ve heard some people have been given very old or poorly maintained seats. Either way, don’t forget to pack a car mirror if you’re planning a lot of road trips.

Flying with your travel cot

Since we’ve started travelling, we see how well R sleeps in his own cot and don’t want to risk getting a poorly maintained or mis-sized crib. So now we make use of the infant baggage allowance and check ours. We also bring a couple of our own sheets, and made a protective padded case out of a quilted bedcover from Dunelm.

Our travel cot is the Joie Commuter, essentially this model but with a changing table on top (which we’ve never used). Our sheets are these organic cotton DK Glovesheet ones – so soft and fit perfectly.

If you’d rather not bring your travel cot at all, hiring baby equipment at your destination is a good option – we’ve done it in Mallorca and the Florida Keys.

Flying with a baby: what else to consider

Travelling with a baby may seem daunting, but with careful planning and a flexible mindset, it really is doable. Every baby is different – trust your instincts and don’t hesitate to ask for help.

Drop us a comment if we’ve missed something important!

Allie, Jack & R x

Frequently asked questions when flying with babies

What age can babies fly?

Most airlines allow babies as young as 2 weeks old to fly, but it’s important to check with your doctor first. We chose to wait until our baby had completed his 8, 12, and 16-week vaccinations before his first flight.

Do I need to buy a seat for my baby under 2?

No, babies under 2 can sit on an adult’s lap with an infant ticket (usually 10% of adult fare + taxes). However, you can choose to buy them their own seat and use an approved car seat, which we’ve done on every European flight – it’s much more comfortable and safer.

Can I bring baby formula and food on the plane?

Yes! Baby milk, formula, sterilized water, and baby food are exempt from the usual liquid restrictions. You can bring as much as you need for your journey, even if it exceeds 100ml containers.

What if my baby cries during the flight?

Don’t worry – most passengers are understanding. Bring comfort items and new toys for distraction, and give them something to suck during takeoff and landing to help with ear pressure.

Can I take my pram to the gate?

Most airports allow you to take your pram right to the gate and check it there (called gate-checking). It’ll be waiting for you when you disembark, although sometimes it ends up on the luggage carousel.

How do I get through security with a baby?

You’ll typically get priority security screening with small children. Keep baby formula/milk easily accessible as they may need to test it. You can keep your baby in the carrier through metal detectors, but prams will need to be X-rayed.

What’s the best time to fly with a baby?

Align flights with your baby’s natural sleep times. For short-haul, aim for nap times. For long-haul, overnight flights work well as babies often sleep better in the dark, quiet cabin environment.

Should I book bulkhead seats?

For long-haul flights, yes! Many airlines offer bassinets or infant seats at the bulkhead wall. Request these seats when booking as they’re often first-come-first-served for families.

What’s the best age for baby’s first flight?

Based on our experience, 4-6 months is the sweet spot. They’re past the fragile newborn stage, sleeping well, and not yet mobile. We flew with R at 4 months and it was much easier than our 11-month flight.

Is flying harder with a young baby or an older baby?

Older is harder. At 11 months, R wanted to crawl the aisles and loudly protest being confined. If you have a choice, fly before 9 months or after 2 years.

Should I book a seat for my baby, use the bassinet, or have them on my lap?

We’ve done all three. For flights over 2 hours with a baby 6+ months, paying for the seat is worth it. For short flights with young babies, a lap seat is fine. For long-haul, always try to get the bassinet.

How do I entertain my baby on a plane at different ages?

0-4 months: they sleep and feed – pack 1-2 toys as backup. 5-7 months: a few new toys and carrier walks. 8-12 months: new toy rotation, snacks, and walks – moderate to high effort required. Top tip: reveal new cheap toys only on the plane. Novelty buys you 15-20 extra minutes per toy.

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