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Flying With Babies — Ear Pressure, Sleep, and Age Guidelines
Everything parents need to know about flying with a baby — from minimum age guidelines to managing ear pressure and cabin dehydration.
Everything parents need to know about flying with a baby — from minimum age guidelines to managing ear pressure and cabin dehydration.
Most airlines have a minimum age policy — typically 48 hours to 2 weeks after birth. Beyond that, flying with a healthy full-term baby is safe. Here is what to actually worry about and what to ignore.
For a healthy full-term baby there is no medical reason to avoid flying after the airline's minimum age. Cabin pressure equivalent to 6,000–8,000 feet altitude can cause mild hypoxia in babies with underlying respiratory or cardiac conditions — these should be cleared by a paediatrician before flying.
Feed your baby during take-off and landing — breast or bottle, either works. The swallowing action equalises ear pressure. A dummy can also help. Do not give decongestants to clear the ears.
Breastfeeding on a plane is straightforward. For formula: bring pre-measured powder and use hot water from cabin crew, cooled appropriately. Pre-made liquid formula is easiest for flights.
Change of clothes for baby and one for you · Nappies and wipes plus extra · Formula or expressed milk · Prescription medicines in original packaging · Dummy · Small familiar toy
NHS Flying with babies · Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) · RCPCH · Reviewed April 2026.