The safest way to fly with a newborn is in an FAA-approved car seat installed in a purchased seat, as it provides secure restraint during turbulence, but wearing them in a secure baby carrier (sling/pouch) is essential for navigating the airport and boarding, keeping hands free while ensuring close contact and comfort. Always have your baby feed during takeoff/landing (breast, bottle, or pacifier) to help with ear pressure, use wipes to clean surfaces, and consider booking bulkhead seats for extra space if using a bassinet.
The safest way to fly with a baby is to book them a separate seat and secure them safely in their FAA approved car seat. If you're constrained by budget, or simply don't want to fork out the dough for another seat, your child flies free under two if they sit on your lap.
Generally, you should avoid flying with your newborn until they are at least 7 days old. Ideally, wait until your baby is two or three months old to fly. Air travel (and being in crowded airports) can increase a newborn's risk of catching an infectious disease.
Simple ways to protect your baby's ears
Sucking and swallowing help equalise pressure. Offer a dummy if used: The sucking action can relieve pressure when feeding is not due. Keep baby awake for ascent and descent: Swallowing is less frequent in sleep, so try gentle play or a cuddle to keep them alert for these phases.
Use the Valsalva maneuver during takeoff and landing.
Gently blow, as if blowing the nose, while pinching the nostrils. Keep the mouth closed. Repeat several times, especially while landing. This can keep the pressure between the ears and the airplane cabin equal.
And did you know that babies' hearing is extra sensitive? Sounds on an airplane can be overwhelming. Hearing protection not only helps with loud noises, but also prevents overstimulation and makes it easier to take a nap on the way.
The 40-day rule after birth, often called confinement or "The Golden Month," is a widespread cultural tradition emphasizing a mother's deep rest, healing, and bonding with her newborn, with family often handling chores and visitors, promoting physical recovery (like stopping bleeding) and mental well-being, rooted in ancient practices from Asia, Latin America, and religious traditions like Judaism and Christianity. Key aspects involve nourishing the mother, sheltering her from stress, and focusing solely on resting and bonding, a stark contrast to Western pressures to "bounce back" quickly.
Good news: flying does not damage a baby's ears. The ear pain or discomfort babies feel on planes is only temporary. Still, for children and infants who may be suffering from a cold or ear infection, the change in pressure on an airplane can become even more painful or longer lasting.
Engage In Distractions
Distractions are extremely valuable in calming crying babies during plane travel. Even the simplest items or activities can have a big impact. You can make the little ones' time in the loud and metal contraption easier.
The hardest week with a newborn is often considered the first six weeks, especially weeks 2-3, due to extreme sleep deprivation, constant feeding demands, learning baby's cues, postpartum recovery, and a peak in inconsolable crying (the "witching hour"), making parents feel overwhelmed as they adjust to a new, exhausting routine. While the first week is tough, the challenges often intensify as the baby becomes more alert but still fussy, with major developmental hurdles like cluster feeding and increased fussiness peaking around 6-8 weeks.
Hold your baby until they're in a deeper sleep. Babies start in 'active sleep' (with faster, uneven breathing) and move into a deeper sleep after about 20 minutes. That's a good time to transfer them into their sleeping place. Many babies don't like being put down into a cot.
Why Does SIDS Peak at 2-4 Months? The widely accepted explanation for the SIDS peak has to do with the timeline of brain development. “Up to 4 months old, the part of the brain that controls breathing and wakefulness is under a lot of development,” Juliet explains.
✈️ What's the hardest age to fly with kids? Research points to the toddler window (12–24 months) — when little ones are mobile, curious, and full of big emotions, but not yet able to sit still or self-regulate. 👶 Newborns can often fly once cleared by their doctor (many recommend after 2–3 months).
Most airplanes have fold-down changing tables—ask the crew if needed. Change before boarding. A fresh diaper before takeoff helps reduce mid-flight changes. Be flexible.
The 2-hour rule for babies means they shouldn't stay in a car seat (or travel system seat) for more than two hours at a time, whether in or out of the car, because the semi-upright position can strain their developing spine and restrict their breathing, increasing the risk of low oxygen levels, especially for newborns and preemies. For long journeys, parents should take breaks every two hours to take the baby out, allow them to lie flat for a while, stretch, and feed, ensuring they get proper head/neck support and circulation.
Pacifiers or Teething Toys: These help soothe and distract, especially during takeoff and landing. Favorite Comfort Item: A small toy or blanket can provide a sense of security in a new environment.
First, choose the bulkhead, the window, and near the toilets. These seats are the most convenient spots for families when flying. Second, if you have an infant, get a bulkhead seat, and request a bassinet, a crib that attaches to the cabin's front wall.
Air travel is not recommended for babies younger than seven days of age. This is because cabin pressure in an airplane changes often, and newborn babies' systems may have trouble adjusting. Airlines have different policies about age of air travel, so it's best to check before you make plans.
In the US it is very common for mothers to return to full time work at 3 months, so at that age the infant can handle 8 hrs away from mom.
In those first few weeks postpartum, your cervix is still somewhat dilated, regardless of whether you had a vaginal delivery or a c-section. There's a theory – though no research has confirmed this – that tub water could travel into your uterus, introduce bacteria, and cause an infection.
You may shower, bathe or wash your hair at any time after the birth of your baby. During your first six weeks, avoid strenuous work. You may choose to limit visits with family and friends during the first two weeks, as it may cause undue fatigue for you and could also be detrimental to your baby's health.
Chew gum or suck on hard candy (only if your child is over 3 years old). Take a bottle or pacifier or breastfeed. If you bottle-feed, make sure your baby is sitting upright while drinking. Yawn frequently.
Have your child chew sugar-free gum or suck on hard candy when taking off and landing. It helps with ear pressure. Most children can learn to do this at about age 3. Bottles (for infants), breastfeeding, or sucking on pacifiers can also help prevent ear pain.
Try a Pacifier
If your baby isn't interested in a snack during takeoff or landing, sucking on a pacifier can help keep their ears open. Make sure to bring backup options, especially if this is your baby's first flight.