Birthday Gift
Rewards Points
Member Coupon
If it's your first time on a plane with your baby or even your first time travelling with an infant, then flying with a 6-month-old can be daunting. Countless families fly with their babies every day, and many of them notice good adjustment of their little ones at six months. The more prepared you are, the better you'll be able to survive this journey, easier on you, and less stressful.
Is It Okay to Take a 6-Month-Old on a Plane?
Yes, it is 100 percent safe and allowable to travel with a six-month-old via air. Usually, airlines allow infants up their two weeks of age. Six months, with accomplished immunizations and a maturing immune system, is a marker that your little one would have been accustomed to a more consistent daily life and a smoother flight.
Remember, however, there are some things that you need to consider:
- It is imperative to consult with your baby's pediatrician before driving, especially if the child was born prematurely or has had an underlying set of issues.
- Observe the ear of your baby when the aircraft takes off and lands. Cabin pressure fluctuations sometimes can be annoying, but nursing or even a pacifier can spare your baby, often relieving the situation.
- Approach feeding, diaper changes and sleep sessions like you do at home, but give yourself a bit more wiggle room and a greater sense of patience.
Whether enjoyable or not, the right combination of good preparation and a clear understanding of expectations makes flying with a six-month-old doable. Many babies are surprisingly not bothered by air travel.
What Does a 6-Month-Old Need to Fly?
In order to fly with a baby at six months, you have to get organized and select dependable equipment. Because babies at this age are still dependent on fed and care, but at the same time, more responsive and mobile, your travel supplies should be comfortable but with chances for new experiences.
If you're going for vacation or any family visit, refer to this guide to find out what your baby will need to fly comfortably, product tips, along useful tips for every item.
- Baby Carrier for Hands-Free Travel
Recommended: Momcozy PureHug Baby Carrier with attached sunshield.
Baby carrier use during airport movement is very important. It allows you to travel with one hand free, to make tasks like passing through security, checking in, or managing carry-on easier. With its soft and breathable fabric and its careful ergonomic design, Momcozy WeeSnug gives excellent comfort to your back and shoulders.
Travel Tip: Do not open your stroller or car seat when going through security with your baby by bringing him in the carrier. The Transportation Security Administration usually allows you to pass the baby through the security with the carrier on without taking the baby out.
- Portable Breast Milk Cooler
Recommended: The Momcozy Portable Breast Milk Cooler – 22oz Capacity!
This cooler helps to preserve your breast milk or formula for feeding while you go. It has a constant temperature, perfect for flights of all durations and long layovers. This cooler is effective for carrying infant food or purees when your baby is introduced to solid food.
Travel Tip: As long as it’s separated for screening, it’s not a problem to carry breast milk or formula over 3.4 oz when traveling with your baby.
- Nursing Cover for Feeding Privacy
Recommended: Momcozy Privacy Nursing Cover
A soft, breathable nursing cover is perfect for breastfeeding in public without drawing attention and without making the baby uncomfortable. With the poncho design, you get total coverage without sliding, plus it can also be used as a portable car seat or act as a shield from the sun in a stroller.
Travel Tip: Get familiar with the nursing cover by practicing at home so you’re ready for your trip.
- Spacious Diaper Bag Backpack
Choose a travel backpack that has padded shoulder straps, a bottle insulation area, and contains a built-in changing pad. Shopping for one with many compartments will help organize feeding gear, clothing, and toys, so it is easy to find the things you need when the baby turns rowdy on the plane.
Travel Tip: Do not forget to put two sets of baby clothes and an additional shirt for yourself in the diaper bag, just in case of an unexpected spill or blowout.
- Cabin-Approved Travel Stroller
Lightweight, compact construction and small folded size enable their easy positioning in an aircraft overhead bin. The Momcozy strollers are ideal for airport terminals, getting to the gate, or being delayed. Most airlines do allow strollers that are gate-checked if your stroller is not appropriate for the cabin.
Travel Tip: You should also carry a stroller bag or cover so that you do not damage your stroller when packed in the airport baggage handling.
- Lightweight Blanket or Swaddle
A muslin blanket turns out to be one of the most useful packing items. It can also be a sunshade, burp cloth, nursing cover, or pillow. Look for an option that is lightweight, soft, and allows for airflow, avoiding taking the precious packing space.
Travel Tip: Cool cabin air in the cabin is not unusual – loosely wrap the baby during naptime or feeding to help keep the baby comfortable.
- Pacifiers and Teething Toys
A pacifier can take the edge off for your baby during the rising and descending portions of the flight. If your baby doesn't grow fond of pacifiers, a popular teething toy, such as Sophie la Girafe or Comotomo silicone teethers, can provide comfort and keep your baby occupied.
Travel Tip: Clip the pacifier so that it does not go out of sight and does not get lost.
- Baby Noise-Canceling Headphones (Optional)
If you are concerned about loud noises in flight or your baby reacts to noise, baby headphones can mitigate the aspect of flight. These headphones can also calm your baby down during noisy trips, such as concerts, later in their travels.
Travel Tip: Let the baby get accustomed to the headphones at home before the trip.
- Diaper Changing Kit
Include:
- Diapers to be used for 2 hours (plus tires for safety reasons).
- Travel wipe supplies (stored in a small refillable or disposable clutch).
- Portable changing pad
- Diaper cream in a TSA-compliant tube
- Scented disposable diaper bags
Travel Tip: Airport restrooms have changing tables, but they tend to be on the small side. Try to change your baby before getting on board to avoid unforeseen circumstances during the flight.
Tips for Flying with a Six-Month-Old Baby
A smooth journey is a possibility even when accompanied by a baby. Some preparation and attitude may make a huge difference. Below are practical advice for each stage of your trip:
Before You Travel
- In case you can, consider takeoffs during naps, 'cause early morning flights typically imply a less turbulent ride.
- Choosing a window seat lets you have more comfort and privacy if you’re nursing or holding your baby.
- Contact your airline ahead of the trip and discuss your choice of early boarding, as well as your preference for bassinets, and learn about stroller policies.
- Pack your diaper bag well so that you can easily get to such items as wipes, bottles, and pacifiers.
At the Airport
- The use of a baby wearing a carrier secures your mobility across security and onto the flight.
- Plan your arrival time in advance so you don’t have to rush your way through check-in and security.
- Choose family restrooms where you will find changing tables as well as an extra room.
- Pack your stroller and car seat and bring them on board when you fly — most planes accept these on board and take them on to the plane.
During the Flight
- During the rise and drop, feed your baby to cool down the pressure in the inner ear.
- Provide a pacifier when your baby doesn't feed during takeoff and landing, if needed.
- Changing your baby prior to leaving for boarding can reduce spillage mishaps on planes.
- Give your baby some toys or books they are familiar with to distract them or calm them down.
- Be patient and flexible – babies respond to yours, so you’ll both like it better if you remain calm.
What Documents Does a 6-Month-Old Need to Fly?
For Domestic Flights (U.S.)
- Traveling with a parent or guardian, infants under 2 years old do not need an ID.
- You can be required to show age confirmation, e.g:
- It may be necessary to present a birth certificate, and a copy is enough.
- When you have a passport, make your passport available online or in a hard copy.
- Immunization record
- It is prudent to make a check with your airline because policies are not always standard.
For International Flights
Everybody has to show a valid passport to travel international flight, even babies.
Some countries may require:
- A visa
- When traveling as a single parent, make sure that all required consents are in order.
- Health documentation (like vaccination proof)
- Get your baby's passport in advance because it could take a few weeks to get one.
Conclusion
It is scary going for a flight while carrying an infant below six months, but adequate preparation, planning, and arrangement will make the trip exciting for you both. Ensure that you bring the appropriate essentials to ensure your journey becomes less stressful and more enjoyable for both of you. Although flights may be quirky, applying your patience, flexibility, and thoughtful planning can get you and your baby on a plane without any problem.
