Our first family holiday is coming up, and we are really looking forward to it. However, when it is time to pack the hand luggage, many parents find that their excitement is mixed with a little anxiety. How can you help your baby equalise the pressure in their ears? What should you do if they cry? And what are you allowed to take on board?

✈️ The most important things to know about the flight

• Equalising ear pressure is essential: Breastfeeding, bottle feeding or offering a dummy during takeoff and landing can help your baby equalise the pressure in their ears.
• Baby food is exempt from the usual liquid restrictions: Powdered formula, boiled water in a thermos flask and baby food can be taken through security, even in quantities larger than 100 ml.
• Dress your baby in layers: Air conditioning can make the cabin feel cold quite quickly. Several light layers and a pair of warm socks are ideal.

Essential items for your hand luggage

Space on the plane is limited, so it is worth packing your hand luggage carefully. Here is our tried and tested checklist for your changing bag:

• Nappies and wet wipes: Pack one nappy for every hour of travel, plus two extra in case of delays or emergencies.
• Changing mat and small bin bags: The changing tables in aircraft toilets are very small. A soft changing mat and scented bin bags for used nappies can be extremely useful.
• Spare clothes for your baby and for you: If feeding gets a little messy during the flight, your baby will appreciate a clean bodysuit, and you may be grateful for a fresh T-shirt too.
• A light muslin blanket: This is a useful item with several purposes. It can be used as a light cover against the air conditioning, as a privacy cover while breastfeeding or as a burp cloth.

Equalising ear pressure: How to protect your baby’s ears

Adults can deliberately swallow or yawn when the pressure in the cabin changes. Babies cannot do this consciously, so the pressure in their ears may become uncomfortable.

How to help your baby: Swallowing is the key to equalising pressure. During takeoff, as soon as the aircraft begins to accelerate along the runway, and when the aircraft starts to descend, hold your baby close and breastfeed them or offer a bottle. If your baby is not hungry, a dummy can have the same effect.

💡 Our tip for parents: If your baby has had a mild cold, place a few drops of saline solution in their nose about 30 minutes before takeoff. This can gently reduce swelling in the mucous membranes and make it easier for them to equalise the pressure.

Comfort and entertainment during the flight

If your baby is not asleep, they may need some entertainment. For toddlers in particular, having to stay in one place can be challenging.

• A baby carrier: This is extremely useful at the airport because it leaves both hands free for tickets and luggage. It can also help on the plane if you need to walk along the aisle and gently rock a restless baby to sleep. Please note that during takeoff and landing, your baby must be removed from the carrier and secured on your lap with the safety belt provided.
• Introduce toys one at a time: Do not take everything out at once. When your child loses interest in one toy, offer another one that you have kept out of sight.
• Everyday objects often make the best toys: An empty plastic cup from a member of the cabin crew, a clean sick bag or the buttons on the seat may be more interesting than an expensive favourite toy.

Frequently asked questions about flying with a baby

Can I take the pushchair to the gate?
In most cases, yes. You can usually take your buggy or pushchair to the aircraft door. The crew will place it in the hold, and after landing, it may be returned at the aircraft door or at the baggage carousel.

How do I book a baby cot or bassinet on the plane?
On long-haul flights, most airlines provide small bassinets that attach to the partition inside the aircraft. Seats in these rows are limited. It is best to contact the airline as soon as you have booked your flight to reserve a bassinet. Please note that weight and size restrictions usually apply, often up to approximately 11 kg.

Does my baby need their own seat?
Children under the age of two usually travel on a parent’s lap, secured with a special loop belt, and pay only a small proportion of the full ticket price. If you prefer your baby to have a separate seat for greater comfort or safety, for example when using an approved child seat, you will need to book a standard child’s seat and pay the full fare.

Can I take liquids such as boiled water for a bottle through security?
Yes. The usual 100 ml limit for hand luggage does not apply to baby food, including boiled water in a thermos flask, breast milk, prepared formula and baby food. You can take as much as your baby is likely to need during the flight and in case of delays.
Tip: Keep the baby food within easy reach. At security, you will usually need to place it separately on the conveyor belt, where it may be checked using a quick and harmless scanning process.

What should I do if my baby cries and disturbs other passengers?
This is one of the main concerns for parents travelling by plane. Remember that your baby has every right to be on board, and crying is simply how babies communicate. The more anxious you become, the more unsettled your baby may feel. Most passengers are understanding, and many will use headphones to reduce the noise. It may also help to place your baby in the carrier and walk along the aisle for a few minutes.