The first time with a baby is truly wonderful, but new parents often feel like they could use a vacation. And why not? During parental leave, taking a vacation is just as possible and allowed as ever—if your family feels comfortable with it. Flying with a baby may sound stressful at first, but with the right preparation, it doesn’t have to be. From booking to applying for your baby’s passport to changing diapers on board, we’ll share the best tips and tricks for a smooth 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. Your calmness will transfer to your baby and help them feel safe and secure—even on the plane. That’s why it’s best to take care of as much as possible beforehand. Most importantly: Your baby needs a ... own Passport from the very first day of life when you fly abroad. A biometric passport photo is required for this. Make sure to apply not only for your passport, but also for your child’s passport, in good time.
2. When can it start?
When are babies allowed to fly? This question can’t be answered with a one-size-fits-all rule. According to ADAC , babies are allowed on board with most airlines from the age of two weeks. However, you should always confirm this directly during the booking process. Either way, babies should only fly when they are completely healthy . Therefore, have your pediatrician clarify whether a flight is okay. If necessary, the doctor can also provide tips for the Baby Travel First Aid Kit . You should always have one with you, just in case.
3. Lap or car seat, where is your baby sitting?
When booking, you can already clarify how your baby will travel with you. Will they sit on a
parent’s lap, or do they need their own seat ? Most airlines allow babies to fly until the age of two without a separate seat . Important: If your baby turns two years old during the holiday, they will need their own seat for the return flight.
If your baby is younger, you can request a baby bassinet on many airlines
as an additional booking. Please note that special seats may be required for this. Also, check whether strollers and child seats are transported free of charge or count as checked baggage. A direct flight is usually the most comfortable option with a baby. If that’s not possible, be sure to allow enough time for the transfer. Rushing through the entire airport with a baby won’t make either your child or you 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 for your trip.
On the day before departure
Shortly before travel day, you can still do a lot to make the start of your vacation
as stress-free as possible. If possible, use online check-in, which
saves you some waiting in line at the airport. A packing list—including one for carry-on luggage—makes packing for a vacation with a baby much more relaxed. Think of enough 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 needed for it are exempt from the carry-on regulations.) In many airplane galleys, the water isn’t 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 calmly before departure and take care of anything you need to do quickly.
Baby on board
1. Perfectly packed diaper bag
It sounds obvious, but pack diapers, wet wipes, a change of clothes, and more in your hand luggage so they are immediately ready to grab . If your baby has a full diaper on board, 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—so it’s best to check your airline’s regulations 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 helps prevent dry skin . A large muslin cloth or a thin blanket will keep your little explorer warm. Also, making sure your baby drinks sufficiently during the flight is important. Breastfeeding or a bottle can also help with pressure equalization during takeoff and landing.
Warning: Cabin air pressure is different from ground level, which also affects liquids. Open bottles carefully so your seat neighbor doesn’t get splashed!
3. Change the diaper in a timely manner
For diapering on board, it’s advisable to have your own changing mat 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’re 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. Fellow travelers may 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 remember that a wonderful family vacation is waiting for you. Everything else is just minor turbulence!
