Can Infants Take Long Flights?

Appropriate Age

• Your baby's age doesn't have much bearing on whether you can fly with her, according to MayoClinic.com, but the typical recommendation is that the infant should be at least 14 days old. That isn't an absolute requirement, but you should always consult your pediatrician before booking a long flight. Because airlines don't charge you for an extra ticket if you'll be holding your infant on your lap, it's necessary to have his birth certificate with you. If you haven't received your baby's birth certificate yet, it might be difficult to convince a ticket agent to let your baby on the airplane.

Baby's Temperament

• When deciding whether to take your infant on a long flight, consider his temperament. If he tends to get fussy at a certain time of day, avoid booking your departure for that time. You might plan your trip as close to your baby's nap time as possible, so he sleeps while you're traveling. Choosing a route that includes a layover or change of planes can be helpful for fussy babies. The layover gives your baby a break from the cramped quarters of the airplane, which can often ease fussiness and crankiness.

Potential Risks

• There are potential risks when flying with an infant. The change in air pressure can cause changes in the pressure in your baby's middle ear, which can lead to pain, according to MayoClinic.com. Letting your baby breastfeed, have a bottle or suck on a pacifier can help alleviate that discomfort. The loud noise of the airplane also bothers some babies. Ask your pediatrician about using ear plugs or cotton balls to reduce her exposure to loud noises. Because you'll likely be packed into a crowded airplane with hundreds of other people, germs are another consideration. The recirculated air in the cabin makes it fairly easy for your baby to inhale or otherwise come into contact with germs that can cause a cold or the flu, which can be potentially dangerous for newborn babies. Always consult your pediatrician before taking a long flight to determine if your little one is healthy enough to fly.

Additional Considerations

• Most airlines strongly recommend purchasing a ticket (and therefore a seat) for your baby and strapping her into an Federal Aviation Association-approved safety seat. The safety seat can help protect your little one in the event of turbulence or a rough landing. It also gives your arms (and lap) a break on the long flight and can help your baby fall asleep more easily, too. If you bottle-feed your baby, you can bring prepared formula or breast milk through security. Plan ahead so you have plenty of food to last for the long flight; otherwise it's likely your baby will be cranky and loud. Pack a pacifier, too, which can help keep your little one entertained until it's time for her next meal.