Air travel with babies and children

Each airline has a minimum age for flying. Many airlines don't recommend flying with a baby younger than 7 days old. With a doctor's clearance, some airlines may allow flying from 3 days old.

Most children can travel by air without restrictions. If you're planning to travel with a newborn, especially on an international flight, it's best to check with your doctor first. Babies who are too young to be vaccinated are more likely to catch some diseases. This is because they are not yet protected through immunisation.

For older children, speak with your doctor 4 to 12 weeks before your trip. Ask if they need any vaccinations or preventative medicines for your destination.

Airlines have different rules when travelling with babies and children. It may be helpful to check what services and baggage allowances they offer for children before you book your flight.

Documents and travel rules

Children travelling internationally will usually need their own passport. They may also need their own visa, depending on your destination.

If your child is travelling with only one parent or on their own, they might need extra documents, such as a letter giving them permission to travel. You may want to:

• contact the embassy or consulate of the country you're visiting in Australia
• ask your travel agent for more information
• visit the smartraveller website

There are rules about how much powders, liquids, aerosols and gels you can carry on international flights. These rules don't usually apply to domestic flights unless you leave from an Australian international terminal. You are allowed to take powdered baby formula on all flights, but you'll need to show it at security.

You're also allowed to bring items you may need to use during the flight, such as:

• toddler products
• prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medicines
• special dietary products
• medical supplies or equipment

Choosing the best time to fly

Flying at night may be different from flying during the day.

A night flight might suit your child better if they can sleep through most of it. If you are travelling with a baby, remember that the flight might disrupt their regular sleep routine.

Airfares and seating

If you're flying with a baby or toddler, most airlines allow one child under 2 years old to sit on your lap. They will provide you with an infant seat belt extension.

If you are planning to travel alone with more than one baby or toddler, each extra child will need their own seat. Your child must be able to sit upright on their own or use an approved car seat or restraint.

If you are travelling within Australia, your baby can usually travel on your ticket. For international travel, your baby needs their own ticket even if they don't have their own seat.

On longer flights, you might be able to book a bassinet for your baby to sleep in. Bassinets are only suitable for babies under a certain weight or size. Check with your airline before booking. Children over 2 years old usually need their own seat.

If you bring a child car seat or restraint on board:

• it must meet airline safety standards
• it must be approved ahead of time
• car seats usually aren't allowed in emergency rows or aisle seats

When booking seats, think about being close to a toilet with a change table.

Airlines have different rules about travelling with children, including fares and seating arrangements. It's best to check with your airline about their rules before you buy the tickets.

Health checks

If you or your child have been unwell or have an ongoing medical condition, check with your doctor before you travel. Your doctor will tell you if your child is well enough to fly, and give you a medical certificate if you need one.

If you are travelling internationally, see your doctor 6 to 12 weeks before you go. You may want to ask:

• about any potential health concerns at your destination
• if you or your child need any vaccinations before travelling
• if you or your child need any medicines to take with you

If your child takes any medicines, make sure you pack enough for your trip. Ask your doctor if you need a letter from them to travel with your medicine.

All passengers, including babies, must go through airport screening. Some airports may offer special assistance or family lanes to make this easier.

You'll need to take your baby out of their carrier or stroller. Strollers and baby carriers will need to be screened.

You can usually keep your stroller until you get to the gate. Before you board the plane, staff will usually take the stroller and store it in the aircraft hold (storage area) and return it to you right after landing. Some airports offer loan strollers for you to use after you check yours in.

Tips for travelling with babies and children:

• Check the airline's rules for services and carry-on baggage when travelling with children.
• Some airlines allow a compact, lightweight stroller to be used on the plane. Check with your airline before you travel.
• You may be able to pre-order child meals and specify any dietary needs. Bring some food with you from home too, in case your child is hungry between meals or won't eat the airline's food.
• If your child has an allergy, make sure they wear a medical-alert accessory and bring an adrenaline kit.
• Bring a few of your baby's favourite things, such as their blanket, dummies, small toys, books or a tablet.
• Pack plenty of nappies, wipes and a change of clothes for you and your child in your carry-on luggage.
• Dress your baby in layers, so you can adjust if the cabin temperature changes.

Feeding your baby during the flight

It is best to bring your own food and formula when feeding your baby during a flight, especially for longer trips.

Tips on what to pack:

• expressed breast milk (in storage bags or bottles)
• sterile water (boiled and cooled water or purchased sealed bottled water)
• pre-measured formula powder
• baby food

How to manage ear pressure during take-off and landing?

Changes in cabin pressure can be uncomfortable for your baby or young child. This is because their eustachian tubes (which help balance ear pressure) are smaller and more sensitive. Babies and young children often cry or seem uncomfortable during take-off and landing, but it doesn't harm their ears.

Tips to help ease ear pain:

• give your toddler something to eat or drink
• breastfeed or bottle-feed your baby during take-off and landing
• offer a dummy (pacifier)
• for older children, chewing gum or sucking on a lollipop may help

If your child's ears feel blocked, teach them to gently blow out through their nose while pinching it closed and keeping their mouth shut.

It is recommended that your child avoid flying within 2 weeks of an ear infection. Ask your doctor if it's safe for your child to fly if they've had an ear infection recently.

If you have changed time zones, your child may be affected by jet lag. They might be grumpy or tired and not want to eat or sleep at the right time in the new time zone.

Tips to help with jet lag:

• Try to adjust your child's routine slowly to the new time zone before you leave.
• When you arrive, spend time outside in the daylight.
• Let your child have short naps if they're tired.

• smartraveller has information for Australian parents and children travelling overseas.
• The National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) has information about travel vaccinations.
• Qantas offers a family travel guide for travelling with newborns and children.
• The Department of Home Affairs has information on Australian restrictions for powders, liquids, aerosols and gel.

For more information, call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 or video call. Available from 7 am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week (including public holidays).