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Does baby need a birth certificate?
When flying domestically with a lap infant (up until the age of 2) some airlines require proof of age for your child if you intend on having them in your lap. Southwest is one US airline that always asks, but I’ve been asked flying Alaska before (and sometimes not) so it’s a good habit to have a copy of one to present in the check in line so baby can get the “lap infant” designation or their own ticket. Unfortunately this means you won’t be able to fully check in online. If you have a passport, Global Entry or another official ID you can use this in lieu of a Birth Certificate. Baby must always have a passport to fly internationally and while TSA Precheck is allowed for an infant, Global Entry requires every family member including baby.
Should I bring a car seat?
Ask customer service when checking in at the kiosk if there’s an extra seat that baby can use. They won’t be able to do this if the flight is full, so you would need to check the seat (or gate check) which is thankfully free for most airlines. Make sure it is FAA approved. It can be used on the plane without the base.
Should you purchase a seat? Some airlines offer a discounted infant rate for a seat, while others make you pay full fare. Many airlines are willing to give the baby a seat for free if the flight isn’t full but it’s not something to be expected (unfortunately!). Some argue (including the FAA) that it’s the safest for infants to be in a car seat on the plane due to turbulence. However, I understand that it can get expensive purchasing a separate ticket and have yet to see or be in a situation that had a dangerous level of turbulence.
Traveling Alone?
Let the flight attendants know when you’re boarding that you’re flying alone and they will help you. Ask them where the changing tables are on the plane so you don’t accidentally end up without one. Even if you do you can still change baby in the bathroom, you just need a changing pad to put over the toilet, sanitizing wipes (I do a quick wipe around of the area where baby’s head and hands will be…) etc.
If traveling internationally you will need a notarized letter from the child’s other parent or court orders/birth certificates verifying single parent status on it to signify to customs that it’s okay for the child to travel.
Which is better: Stroller or Baby Wearing?
This is a personal preference since not all parents are able to baby-wear. Most security will let you go through the metal detector without taking baby off but the stroller is required to go through. I bring a compact stroller that fits in the carry on compartment (you can also gate check a larger stroller) for flights that are long and grueling or with stops so I get a break.
What to Bring in the Diaper Bag
- Change of clothes for baby (a sleeper and white onesie does the trick)
- Change of shirt for parent (just in case!)
- Blanket/Sleep Sack
- Baby wipes
- Diapers
- Plastic bag/wet bag
- Sanitizing Wipes (for the plane, diaper changer, bathroom)
- Portable Changing Pad
- Clips for toys and pacifier
- Small toys/books that are “new” to baby
- Prepped feeding equipment & snacks
I put a couple sanitizing wipes, baby wipes and a diaper in my portable changing pad to take with me to the bathroom for an easy change. Those things are tiny so you don’t want to lug around a huge diaper bag if you can help it.
How to Survive
While the plane is ascending and descending try to feed or give baby a pacifier. If they don’t have a seat, consider wearing them on the plane. When we fly premium or first class we use the Koalaty diaper bag/bassinet which allowed us hold free time on several of our flights. We also used it in lounges when she was under 6 months old.
If you have the ability with a higher budget, credit card miles, etc consider flying premium or first class. You won’t regret it! Have that glass of wine or drink you want on the plane.
We use toys that have multiple play “uses” that are either new or haven’t been played with in a while. The Indestructible books or small board or crinkly books work great as well. Now that she’s almost a year we have found that she likes having a lovey so we have picked up a couple on trips when we forgot hers. On long trips we’ll buy something she’s interested in so she has her own souvenir! Below are some of Baby A’s favorite travel toys.
