Flying with a baby

The first time with a baby is so wonderful, but new parents are actually always in need of a vacation. And why not? During parental leave, vacation is just as possible and permitted as always, if your family feels comfortable with it. Flying with a baby often sounds stressful at first, but with the right preparation, it's not a problem at all. From booking to applying for the baby's passport to changing diapers on board, we will share with you the best tips and tricks for an ideal start to your first vacation with your little explorer.

Before departure

1. Don't forget to apply for your passport!

"as relaxed as possible" is the motto when it comes to a vacation with an infant
or a toddler goes. Your calmness will transfer to your baby and ensure that it feels safe and secure even on the plane. Therefore, you should take care of as much as possible beforehand. Most importantly: Your baby needs a ... from the very first day of life. own Passport , when you fly abroad. A biometric passport photo is required for this. Make sure to apply for not only your passport but also your child's passport in time.

2. When can it start?

When are babies allowed to fly? This question cannot be answered with a general rule. According to ADAC are allowed with most airlines from the age of two weeks. However, you should always find out directly during the booking process. Either way, babies only fly when they are completely healthy . Therefore, have it checked first by the pediatrician clarify whether a flight is okay. The doctor can also, if necessary, provide tips for the Baby Travel First Aid Kit give. Such a should always be with you for all cases.

3. Lap or car seat, where is your baby sitting?

When booking, you can already clarify how your baby will travel with you. Will it sit on the
Parent's lap or does it require its own seat ? Most airlines allow babies to fly until the age of two without a separate seat with. Important: If the baby turns two years old during the holiday, it will need its own seat for the return flight.

If your baby is still younger, you can request a baby bassinet on many airlines.
to book additionally. Please note that sometimes special seats are required for this. Also, check whether strollers and child seats are transported free of charge on the plane or count as checked baggage. A direct flight is probably the most comfortable with a baby. If that's not possible, make sure to allow enough time for the transfer. Rushing through the entire airport with a baby doesn't make either the child or the parents happy. Especially not when you have to carry the baby und You must carry luggage. At many airports, you can keep the stroller until boarding or borrow a buggy from the airline. Find out in advance how this works on your trip.

On the day before departure

Shortly before the travel day, you can still prepare a lot to get ready for the start of your vacation
make it as stress-free as possible. If possible, use the online check-in, the
saves you some queuing at the airport. A packing list – including for carry-on luggage – makes packing for the vacation with a baby more relaxed. Think sufficiently Diapers und Wet wipes , a warm blanket and activity materials for your baby. Additionally, depending on the airline, it may be advisable to bring boiled water for baby food yourself. (Baby food and the liquid for it are exempt from the carry-on regulations.) In many airplane galleys, the water is not boiled but only warmed to drinking temperature.

To start your journey relaxed, check online beforehand where the children's areas with changing facilities, restrooms, and cafés are located at the airport. This way, you can wait stress-free before departure and quickly take care of necessary tasks.

Baby on board

1. Perfectly packed diaper bag

It sounds obvious, but pack diapers, wet wipes, change of clothes, and more in your hand luggage so that they immediately ready to grab are. If your baby on board has a full diaper, you won't have to rummage around for long. The Diaper bag counts, by the way, as "baby's carry-on luggage" for most airlines – it's best to check the regulations of your airline beforehand. Just before boarding, you'll have another chance at the airport to change your baby's diaper with a bit more comfort and space. Additionally, if needed, you can ask at one of the cafes for hot water for a Little bottle please.

2. The ideal baby care

On board, the air is usually very dry and rather cool. A gentle baby cream prevents dry skin before. A large muslin cloth or a thin blanket Keep your little explorer warm. Also, that your baby during the flight drinks sufficiently , is important. Breastfeeding or a bottle also help with pressure equalization during takeoff and landing.
Warning: The cabin air pressure is different from at ground level, which also affects liquids. Open bottles carefully so that your seat neighbor doesn't get anything! ;)

3. Change the diaper in a timely manner

For diapering on board, it is advisable to have your own to avoid any unpleasant surprises in the airplane restroom. About 30 minutes before the scheduled landing, you should change the diaper again – once the seatbelt signs are on, you are no longer allowed to leave your seat.

Have a good flight!

A flight with a baby should be well prepared and organized. Still, something unforeseen can always happen. Therefore, don't hesitate to ask the cabin crew for help if you need it. Maybe fellow travelers will even offer assistance – if you feel comfortable with it, accept their help. But the most important thing is that your little explorer feels safe and secure with you. Take a deep breath, hold your baby safely in your arms, and always remember that a wonderful family vacation is waiting for you. Everything else is just minor turbulence!