Your baby may experience ear pain during takeoff and landing. To alleviate this pain and pressure, give your baby the recommended dose of baby ibuprofen half an hour before you take off and land. You may also encourage your baby to take a pacifier, the bottle or the breast during this time --- sucking eases ear pain and pressure as well.
If you're wearing your baby in a sling or carrier, you'll be asked to take the baby out to go through security. If you have the child in a stroller, you'll have to take the baby out and fold the stroller up and send it through security separately. If your child can walk unassisted, help him to walk through security alone; then you can pass through alone. If you carry your baby through the security gate and you set off the sensor, you and the baby will have to be checked. You'll never be asked to separate from your child at any point. All baby items such as diaper bags, car seats and other accessories need to be put on the conveyor belt or checked by a security employee.
There are exceptions for families with babies that allow them to travel with more than 3 oz. of liquids. Breast milk, formula, juice and liquid medications can be carried through checkpoints in reasonable amounts if you're not displaying any suspicious behaviors, which is determined at the discretion of security personnel. Parents are encouraged to bring only the amount of liquids they need.
You have the option of buying an airplane seat for your baby or placing the baby on your lap if she's under 2 years old. If you buy a seat for your baby, you may want to bring her in her car seat so she feels more comfortable. If you don't bring your own car seat, and your child has her own seat on the plane, she needs a special five-point harness, called a CARES harness, to keep her safe in her seat. CARES harnesses are used for babies and children who are riding in their own seat and who weigh between 22 and 44 lb. Consider booking bulkhead seating if you think your child will sleep during the flight. The extra legroom area allows you to stretch your legs out, which can be more comfortable if you have a child sleeping on your lap. If you think your child will stay awake, the bulkhead seating may be more of an inconvenience because you can't store your bags under your seats.
Bring toys, books and other distractions for your baby. Pack extra clothes, diapers and a blanket for your child. Large items such as strollers and car seats can sometimes be rented at your destination, saving you the hassle of lugging large items through security. Be sure to have infant pain reliever on hand, as well as snacks and juice for older babies.
