This year, you’re going on a family trip and need to take a flight. You’ve been dreaming of this vacation, but flying with a baby can feel a little stressful. We understand, and that’s why we’ve put together the ultimate guide to Traveling by plane with a baby .

At what age can a child take a plane?

It is recommended to wait one week of life for short trips and 3 weeks for long-haul flights . Before age 2, your baby travels on your lap. After age 2, they will have their own seat on the plane.

On most airlines, bassinets are available for babies weighing less than 10 kg. They attach to a wall of the aircraft, so be sure to check your seat placement. It is recommended to reserve one and confirm the reservation and location a few days before departure.

What documents should be prepared?

For several years now, a child, even a baby, must have their own identity document. You cannot include your child on your passport , even if you are traveling with them. Your children’s identity documents must be presented at the airport at the same time as yours. Depending on the type of trip you are taking and the situation, 5 documents may be requested:

• The identity card for travel within France and the European Union.

• The passport for the rest of the world.

• A visa , if the destination country requires it. It is mandatory from birth.

• The family record book , if only one of the two parents is traveling alone with the child. Some countries require it.

• The Exit Authorization from the Territory (AST) for minors traveling without their parents.

How to organize for boarding?

Whether the trip is long or short, it’s best to prepare well for boarding. This is the moment when you need to move around with all the necessary gear for your children, which can feel a bit stressful. Here are a few tips to help you stay efficient when boarding the plane.

Before getting on the plane

You can change your baby’s diaper , put them in pajamas if needed, and gently prepare them for this event, which can sometimes feel impressive. Since space on the plane is limited, hygiene practices are easier to take care of before boarding.

For older children, encourage them to move around. They’ll be sitting for a while, so it’s better to burn off some energy before getting on the plane. You can even race while watching the planes take off. It will probably be a bit noisy, but it’s for their own good. The time before boarding can feel long, and this gives them a chance to let off steam.

Manage boarding

If your little one is under 5 years old, you get priority boarding . This allows you to board the plane while it’s still relatively empty, settle in without the stress of holding up other passengers, and find space in the overhead bins. It’s a real advantage that helps you stay relaxed and keep up with your child’s pace.

If your child is older, give them responsibilities. They’ll feel valued and can take charge of their small backpack, for example, which will lighten your load a bit.

What equipment to take for the flight time?

On a plane, space is limited, so it’s best to optimize your carry-on luggage. That said, a few essentials are still a must:

• Medications and baby foods , which you can carry in the cabin without size restrictions, even if they are liquids and without a prescription. During security checks, agents may ask you to taste your baby’s food, so consider using containers that can be resealed, such as petits pots .

• Hygiene products, with liquids limited to 100 mL. You can use <...> wipes to change your little one and freshen up the whole family. To change your little adventurer, our tapis de changement sont idéaux pour voyager. Pensez à utiliser une crème hydratante, car les avions ont tendance à assécher la peau. A small first aid kit can also be useful.

• Spare parts pour tous les bébés, enfants et parents. Priorisez également des vêtements confortables.

• Certain airlines allow a stroller or a car seat in addition to your child's carry-on luggage. If you plan to use the car seat during your stay, it is more suitable than the seat and your child will sleep better in it.

What to do during stopovers?

If a stopover lasts less than 2 hours , you’ll likely have just enough time to make the transfer to your next flight. This is one of the best-case scenarios.

If the stopover lasts between 2 and 4 hours , you can relax a bit at the airport. Some airports have dedicated areas for children and offer activities for the whole family.

Between 4 and 6 hours , the stopover can feel a bit long for your children. However, if it lasts more than 6 hours , you may decide to explore the city. Be sure to check the entry requirements.

How to handle minor injuries during the flight?

Changes in atmospheric pressure at altitude can cause discomfort during the flight. Three areas are most affected: the ears, the nose, and the stomach.

The ears

Altitude in an airplane causes a pressure change at the eardrum and can cause pain similar to an ear infection. Children are more susceptible than adults because they have a harder time equalizing pressure. The most significant changes occur during takeoff and landing. If your little one is prone to ear infections, chronic rhinitis, or already has a blocked nose or an ear infection, the pressure will be harder to regulate.

For your baby, it is generally recommended to breastfeed , offer a baby bottle , or give a pacifier, which helps them swallow and relieve pressure in their ears . For older children, have them drink water, preferably with a straw; blowing bubbles through it can help reduce pressure while keeping things fun. You can also ask your child to yawn or exhale with their mouth closed while gently pinching their nose.

The nose

A blocked nose makes it harder to balance pressure. It is recommended to rinse your child's nose with a saline solution, which helps improve airflow. For children over 6 years old, you can ask your doctor about a nasal decongestant.

The belly

During long flights, the decrease in atmospheric pressure can cause abdominal bloating, especially in children. You can massage your child's stomach to reduce this discomfort and have them lie on their stomach if possible.

How to keep your child occupied on the plane?

Keeping your child entertained during the flight can be the hardest part. As you know, little ones often struggle to sit still for long. Here are our favorite tips.

Prepare to entertain your little one

You can prepare a bag with surprises (stickers, books , a small toy, etc.) that your child doesn’t know yet. This will keep them busy for a while, because they’ll be focused on discovering their new treasures . Some airlines also offer small gifts for children.

As for screens, they can still be quite practical. You’re doing your best, and that’s what matters. Well-designed interactive systems are sometimes made for children and can keep them occupied for a little while.

You can also walk down the aisles and stretch in areas where you won’t disturb others. And of course, the best activity to pass the time on a plane: SLEEP . Your little adventurers will need energy for all the discoveries ahead.

Feed the little ones, and let the older ones nibble.

The aircraft crew can provide suitable water for your baby's bottles. You can also bring an empty bottle to fill at the airport fountains.

For children under 2 years old, you can bring food to feed them. For older children, you can pack a few snacks for the flight. Make your children happy, and they’ll be in better spirits. One extra tip: pack some drinks and food in your suitcase, because the journey isn’t over the moment you get off the plane.

Traveling by plane with a baby can feel intimidating, but with good preparation, you’ll feel more relaxed . One last tip: don’t worry about other people’s judgment. Your children are, well... children! They can be impatient and noisy, but you’re already doing your best to make everything go smoothly, so don’t add extra stress for yourself.