Regardless of whether you buy a ticket for your baby, children under 2 still need to be added to the airline reservation. Plus, some parents may find that long flights can be easier when babies have their own space, especially if they can sleep in their car seat. That way, during unexpected turbulence, the baby will be securely strapped in. Still, the Federal Aviation Administration says that the safest way for children to fly is strapped into their own harness, which can be an approved car seat or other type of approved restraint. Consider buying your baby a ticketĬhildren younger than 2 generally fly for free domestically because they can sit on caregivers’ laps (although you may need documentation, such as a birth certificate, to prove the child’s age). You may also wish to consult your child’s pediatrician. For example, United says infants must be at least seven days old to fly, while American Airlines says infants as young as two days old may fly, but will need a doctor’s approval if they are less than seven days old (upon request, airlines provide a form directly to the doctor).Ĭheck with your airline about the rules in advance. First, make sure your baby is old enough to flyĪirline policies vary widely. While there’s no need to pack dozens of gifts in your diaper bag, travel and parenting experts recommend other strategies to increase your chances of a smooth flight with your baby. Indeed, George and Amal Clooney, world travelers and parents of twin babies, made headlines late last year for gifting headphones to some passengers, along with a note apologizing in advance for any crying. Babies have such a bad reputation when it comes to staying quiet on plane rides that some parents go so far as to hand out treats to fellow passengers before the plane has even taken off.

Strong As a Mother by Kate Rope