Are you looking for screen-free alternatives to help keep your child entertained on an upcoming flight? Or a family road trip, camping trip, train ride, cruise (when wouldn’t these come in handy?!)?

Look no farther than these screen-free favorites — no charging cord or batteries required!

Better still, these travel toys will help keep your child’s imagination and hands busy in constructive–and tidy–ways. See recommendations below!

This post contains affiliate links, which help support TravelswithBaby.com.

1. Tangrams

What are tangrams? Traditionally, a tangram is a Chinese geometric puzzle, starting with a square cut into 7 geometric shapes. These shapes can be used to create seemingly infinite representations of animals, numbers, letters, boats, buildings, flowers, and the list goes on!

This travel-friendly tangram set (for kids 3 years+) includes a booklet with 240 possible puzzles to create with the magnetic tiles on the fold-out work space. Of course, your child is free to improvise as well — imagination’s the limit!

While there are many kits or box sets available in travel-friendly sizes (see more here), my kids have most enjoyed having a baggie full of wooden tangram pieces and a booklet of animals to make. They follow the patterns as well as create their own imaginary scenes, sometimes laying the design flat (like this fox) and other times stacking them for a 3-D effect.

Click here to see more tangram puzzle sets.

2. Wikki Stix

If you haven’t yet added Wikki Stix (or similar product) to your travel toolbox, these can be a great activity with no mess or clean up required (just don’t let that cute Wikki Man melt into the dashboard of your rental car, ahem).

They are bendable, reusable, and can be used to make simple flat designs, or rolled and wrapped to make 3-dimensional objects. Most sets include idea cards that show simple ways to make a design.

Recommended for children 3 years and older. Click here to see more Wikki Stix sets.

3. Travel Doodle Pro (Tag Along).

Stamp-initiated drawings, freehand scribbles, your next round of tic-tac-toe? If you missed my ode to the travel-size Doodle Pro some years back, you can click here to read in detail (and rhyme) how it’s helped our family, saved my sanity, and yes, inspired poetry.  Just imagine what it might do for your family!

As you can see, it’s handy for even the youngest scribblers and is always ready for more. Click here to see the line-up of travel-size Doodle Pro drawing boards.

4. Log cabin art with coffee stir sticks

This kids craft travel kit is free, reusable, compostable, and so much fun that you’ll have a hard time not building one on your own fold-out airplane tray.

Just don’t forget to swipe a handful of complimentary wooden stir sticks from the airport cafe before your flight (with plenty of extras for yourself). Stash in the pocket of your purse or day pack and you’ll have an instant activity wherever you find yourselves waiting…

See more in your copy of Take-Along Travels with Baby or in this post.

5. Crayola Color Wonder activity kits

All the joy of marker madness with non of the marker mess! These marker tips distribute only CLEAR ink except where they come in contact with Crayola’s special papers. Genius?

This travel-friendly set includes a handy carrying case, makers, papers, and Crayola Color Wonder stamps for good measure. You can add to and switch out other Color Wonder products as you see fit.

For best results, don’t let your child use them at home in advance of your trip. Better yet, save the surprise until well into your flight, when the freedom to paint feels most unexpected–and appreciated!

Pack along a spiral drawing pad or just use airline-issue napkins. Click here to see this kit and additional Crayola Color Wonder products.

More screen-free alternatives to keep kids entertained during travel?

Want more screen-free alternatives to help keep your kids busy during travel? There are dozens of tips, ideas, and inspiration for the younger set in Take-Along Travels with Baby.

And don’t forget these HUGE HELP pages for more family travel tips:

The Best Tips for Flying with a Baby or Toddler

How to Travel with a Car Seat (Without Losing Your Mind)

And for school-age kids, check out these screen-free and battery-free favorites on FamilyTravel411.com.

Here’s wishing you the best of luck on your next family adventure!

Safe journeys,

Curious about this content? See my editorial content disclosure. An earlier version of this was first published in May 2012. It’s since been updated.

The post Five Favorite Screen-Free Travel Toys for the Preschool Set appeared first on Travels With Baby.

Whether or not you’ll need your child’s birth certificate, a passport, or other travel documents when you fly with your baby or toddler depends on a few things. And you don’t want to get caught without the right documents or ID at the airport — including your own REAL ID for flights within the U.S. now (or passport).

So before you plan any flight with your child, consider these questions–even if you’re “just” crossing the border to Canada or Mexico from the U.S.

1. Will you be traveling domestically in the U.S. with your baby?
2. Will you be traveling internationally with your baby?
3. And will you be traveling internationally with your baby without the other parent?

Let’s take a closer look at what it means to fly with a baby or toddler in each of these situations.

Documents needed for children flying within the U.S. with at least one parent:

As a general rule, babies and children flying with at least one parent within the U.S. do not (as of writing) need identification. However, proof of age for your airline may be another matter.

Is your baby riding free on your lap? Or did you get a discounted “child fare” for them to fly in their own seat on the airplane? If so, proof of age may be required. This can be your baby’s birth certificate (a physical certified copy, not a picture of it in your phone) or passport.

See more about when and why–and what might be needed in the way of age-verifying I.D. for your baby in “Do infants and babies need I.D. for flights?” and check your airline’s website for specifics.

Documents needed for babies and toddlers on international flights with both parents

For international air travel with BOTH parents, your baby or toddler will need a passport. For help getting your child’s first passport -– and passport photo (even when he can’t yet support his head), see Chapter 6: The Baby Abroad in Travels with Baby. 

You can start your child’s first passport application here on the TSA website. And for kids applying for passports at 15, 16, or 17 years old, be sure to read this post. 

Documents needed for children flying internationally with only one parent or other caregiver

For international travel with only one parent, babies also need a notarized letter of consent to travel abroad from the other parent or related documentation. For help with this, see “Will your child need a ‘letter of consent’ or other documents for international travel? (Sample letter included).

Don’t forget, there are tons more resources and tips for flying with babies and young children right here on this site and in my guidebook Travels with Baby: The Ultimate Guide for Planning Travel with Your Baby, Toddler, and Preschooler. 

Safe journeys,

Shelly Rivoli, author of the award-winning Travels with Baby guidebooks and Hiking with Kids Southern California: 45 Great Hikes for Families

The post What documents do I need to fly with a baby or toddler? appeared first on Travels With Baby.

Will you be flying with a car seat for your baby, toddler, or preschooler? This post helps with ALL SORTS of questions and issues (see topics below).

But a good place to start–especially if you’re debating whether or not to use a car seat on your flight–is my post: 5 Things You Should Know BEFORE Flying with a Car Seat, in case you haven’t seen it yet. Now for the rest…

If you’ll be flying with a car seat on airplanes, this post can help you with:

• Where can you use a car seat on an airplane?
• Car Seat Certification Labels and Requirements
• Will your car seat fit in the airplane seat?
• What’s the best way to get a car seat to check in or to the gate?
• What are the options for flying without a car seat?

And for help traveling with a car seat BESIDES FLYING, see the MEGA INFO post: How to Travel with a Car Seat (without Losing Your Mind). Now then… let’s get to your questions about FLYING WITH CAR SEATS!

This post may contain affiliate links that help fund this independent site at no additional cost to you.

Where can you use a car seat on an airplane?

If you plan to use your child’s car seat on the airplane, he’ll need to have his own airplane seat reservation. In most cases, this will need to be a window seat on a non-emergency row.

On most wide-body aircraft, you may also use a center seat in the middle section, where it would not block other passengers from exiting.

Note: Some airlines will not allow a car seat in first or business class seating. Check with your airline if there’s any question.

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Car seat certification labels and requirements:

Remember, your child’s car seat needs to be approved for air travel by the Federal Aviation Administration (with the FAA-approval sticker to prove it) if flying in the U.S.

Alternatively most U.S. airlines and airlines serving European travelers will also accept a child safety seat with the European Standards Mark or labeling that verifies it was manufactured under the standards of the United Nations.

Some car seats, such as the travel-friendly Doona infant car seat with fold-out wheels, may have the TUV Rheinland Tested for use in aircraft certification label that shows international approval (shown above).

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Will your car seat fit in the airplane seat?

But equally important, your child’s car seat also needs to FIT in the airplane seat! Most airline economy seats are around 17″ to 17.5″ wide. However, a car seat rated for use with kids up to 6 years and/or higher height and weight limits may be much wider.

In fact, very few child safety seats measure less than the 17″ wide airlines typically recommend for cabin use. One exception is the Pico WAYB folding car seat for toddlers (see full review here and read customer reviews on Amazon). See more toddler car seat recommendations here (including dimensions) and infant car seat recommendations here.

Extra cup holders and comfy armrests may be the last things you want to squeeze into your row. If these items are removable, you might want to take them off ahead of time so they’ll be out of the way.

Also, a rear-facing car seat that needs to recline enough for newborns or young infants may not be able to with ever-decreasing legroom and reclining front neighbors. The fix? You can avoid this by booking a bulkhead row window seat. But remember seats on bulkhead rows often have fixed arm rests that can’t be lifted out of the way if needed.

For more on this topic, see What Can You Do if Your Child’s Car Seat Doesn’t Fit in the Airplane Seat? And be sure to see the tips for installing a car seat on airplanes below in the On the Airplane tips.

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What’s the best way to get a car seat to the ticket counter or the gate?

It’s generally best for your car seat — and for your odds of having it meet you on the other end — to check your car seat at the gate instead of the ticket counter. Sending it through the airport baggage system along with 50 lbs. suitcases could cause damage you might not see.

There are lots of clever ways to help get your car seat through the airport and to your gate. To see which might be best for your child’s current car seat and your travel plans (and logistics!) see Seven Easy Ways to Get Your Car Seat Through the Airport.

A protective car seat travel bag can also be a good investment–and provide extra storage for stashing extra jackets, toys, or blankets you’ll want at your destination. See my recommendations in the Best Car Seat Travel Bags & Carriers.

There is SO MUCH MORE help for traveling with babies, toddlers, and young children on this website! Here are more popular posts and pages that may be of interest to you (and of course there is the Ultimate Guidebook!):

The Best Tips for Flying with a Baby or Toddler — Start here!

How to Travel with a Car Seat (Without Losing Your Mind)

Safe travels!

Shelly Rivoli, author of the award-winning Travels with Baby ultimate guidebook, the e-book travel companion Take-Along Travels with Baby: Hundreds of Tips to Help During Travel, and Hiking with Kids Southern California: 45 Great Hikes for Families

The post Everything You Need to Know About Flying with a Car Seat appeared first on Travels With Baby.

And let’s face it, between caring for your baby and making the most of your trip, there may not be a whole lot of time (or much of any?) for self-care. 

If you do get a chance for some TLC, your eyes are often an afterthought. Yet eye care and hygiene are essential for a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable trip.

There are also many ways to care for your eyes that don’t consume a lot of time or take a lot of effort, so you won’t have to worry about spending too much time away from your baby OR your travel plans.

Here’s how to practice proper eye care and hygiene while traveling with your baby.

This post may contain affiliate links, which help fund this independent website at no cost to you.

Wear sunglasses

Whether you’re heading to a tropical getaway or a winter wonderland, sunglasses should always be part of your packing list.

Prolonged UV exposure can significantly damage your eyes, increasing your risk of developing eye conditions like cataracts or macular degeneration (no thanks!).

However, wearing shades outdoors is an easy way to care for your eyes without exerting a lot of effort or taking up a lot of time—helpful when traveling with a baby. (And baby, will you look cool!)

A pair of sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection is non-negotiable, but you can also consider polarized lenses to help block glare from reflective surfaces like water and snow or prescription shades if you need vision correction.

Opt for sunglasses from top brands like Ray-Ban, known for durability, craftsmanship, and comfort. Your baby can also benefit from infant sunglasses, especially since their eyes aren’t as adept at dealing with UV rays. 

Choose the right contact lenses

If you’re a frequent contact lens wearer, they’re something you’d want to consider before traveling with your baby. Contacts require a careful and thorough cleaning routine, which can be a hassle when you’re focused on looking after your baby.

However, choosing the right contacts can help you maintain hygiene and comfort on the go. Clearly offers a wide range of contact lenses that suit various vision needs.

What’s more, moisture is important for keeping the eyes comfortable and safe from infections, so you can consider the Air Optix Plus HydraGlyde lenses that feature SmartShield and HydraGlyde technologies that retain moisture and protect the contacts from contaminants.

Daily lenses like the Dailies Total 1 are also ideal for traveling. You won’t have to clean and store them every day since you dispose of them after use. You’ll save a lot of time and prevent bacteria build-up, allowing you to spend more time vacationing with your family. 

Use glasses on the plane

Even if you’ve chosen high-quality contact lenses, there are times when it’s best not to wear them while traveling — and flying is one of them.

As the airplane cabin can be dry (and drying), over time it affects the comfort of your contacts. And if you’re dealing with eye discomfort, it’ll be harder to relax or keep an eye on your baby during the flight. 

Instead, use your eye glasses while on the plane for a stress-free experience. They’re more convenient and comfortable while flying, giving you one less thing to think about on the way to your destination.

Of course, glasses are also safer if you end up dozing off since sleeping with your contact lenses on can be detrimental to your eye health. Just keep your contact lenses in your personal bag or carry-on and you can easily switch to them when you reach your destination. 

You might also like our feature at Family Travel 411: Tips for Buying Sunglasses for Kids

More help for traveling with your baby or toddler:

Flying with a Baby or Toddler Advice Index (start here!)

How to Travel with a Car Seat (Without Losing Your Mind)

Car Seat Alternatives for Travel 

Review of the WAYB Pico Folding Car Seat

Seven Easy Ways to Get Your Car Seat Through the Airport

Best Lightweight Travel Strollers

Worldwide Directory of Baby Gear Rentals

Baby and Toddler Travel Beds

Convertible Car Seats for Travel

How to Plan Your Best Vacation with Baby

Review of the Bubble Bum Inflatable Booster

Airline-Specific Tips for Flying with Babies and Toddlers

The post How to Practice Proper Eye Care and Hygiene While Traveling With Your Baby appeared first on Travels With Baby.

If you’ll be flying with a baby soon (or a toddler or preschooler–or any combination thereof), I’m glad you’re here! For more than 15 years, I’ve helped answer the real questions parents ask when preparing for travel with babies and young children (more about me here.)

This page (written by a human, mother of 3, and travel guidebook author) will lead you to answers and advice about several topics I’ve covered here on TravelswithBaby.com and in the Travels with Baby Tips blog.

Now, let’s get ready for your flight!

Here are the major “Flying with a Baby or Toddler” topics covered on this page, divided into three categories:

1. Before You Fly,

2. At the Airport, and

3. On the Airplane.

PART 1: Before You Fly

• Documents: Birth Certificates, Passports, and Required Travel Documents
• Flying with a Lap Baby or Lap Child
• Using Airline Bassinets, Bassinet Seats, or Skycots
• Flying with a Car Seat
• Flying without a Car Seat
• Airline-Specific Tips (Need to Know)
• Packing Tips for Carry On Bags and Checked Baggage

PART 2: At the Airport

• Checking In for Your Flight
• Clearing Airport Security with a Baby or Toddler
  • Screening babies and toddlers at airport security
  • Screening car seats, strollers, and other baby equipment
  • Baby carriers, wraps, and slings at security
  • Breast milk, formula, and baby food at security
• TSA Pre-Check and Clear with kids

PART 3: On the Airplane

• Preventing ear pain and relieving pressure
• More sanity-saving tips for your flight (diapering, toys, seat-kicking etc.)

But first, be sure to pin this to your travel board for future reference!

This post contains affiliate links to help fund this independent website at no cost to you.

BEFORE YOU FLY:

Planning Ahead for Flights with a Baby or Toddler

In addition to “What documents do I need to fly with a baby or toddler?” answered here… Here are the important things you’ll want to know BEFORE you go — off to make your flight reservation and to the airport.

But first! Have you downloaded your copy of Take-Along Travels with Baby: Hundreds of Tips to Help During Travel with Your Baby, Toddler, and Preschooler to your phone? You’ll have easy access to my on-the-go, sanity-saving tips when you need them most–after you leave home!

Can you — or should you fly with your baby on your lap?

What’s allowed when–and for how much–when flying with lap children?

Pretty much every commercial airline on the planet will allow you to fly with your infant on your lap up until his second birthday.

For U.S. domestic flights, your lap baby will fly for no extra charge. However, don’t forget to bring proof of age (notarized birth certificate, passport) as mentioned above if your child is traveling for any age-based discount whatsoever. (See “Do infants and babies need I.D. for flights?”for more.)

For international flights, most airlines charge 10% of the adult fare for a lap infant. Some airlines may have their own flat-rate fee for infants depending on the route or government-imposed taxes or fees.

PLEASE NOTE: If your child turns 2 years during your trip, she will be required to have her own airplane seat reservation for the return trip. (Sorry, no free flights for 2-year-olds, not even on their birthdays!)

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Don’t surprise the airline (or flight crew) with a “bonus baby”!

Whether you’re flying internationally or domestically with your baby, you should let your airline know you will have an infant on your lap. If this isn’t possible through the online booking process, call to confirm.

Why? There can be limits to the number of oxygen masks on a given row of the aircraft, for one. And that can mean a limit to the number of extra passengers seated there. Some airlines may require your baby be issued a special infant ticket or boarding verification document (a baby boarding pass) as well.

Also, only one lap child is allowed per adult passenger (and with good reason!). If you’ll be flying with twins or with two lap-held children of different ages, you’ll need either a second adult along for the ride or to reserve a seat for one of the babies. Take a look at “Flying with twins on separate rows (and why you might want to)”for more details.

And for international travel, you may need to pay separately for the infant fare. American Airlines, for example, has parents pay for lap babies on international flights over the phone (more in this post).

BONUS ALERT! Some overseas carriers and foreign airlines may also have extra amenities (baby food, toddler meals, free diapers!) or better seats for travelers with lap babies and toddlers on laps (see next point on infant bassinets as an example). So it’s a good idea for many reasons to call and confirm your unseated passenger with the airline.

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But is it safe for your baby to fly on a lap?

Nobody (who could be held responsible) is saying that. Turbulence is the most common risk and likely source of injury to lap-held infants flying in general.

And while some foreign airlines will provide a “belly belt” to attach your baby to your safety belt with during flight, the FAA does not allow U.S. airlines to provide these.

Instead, you can purchase your own flight safety vest for your lap infant or young toddler to use during the cruise portion of your flight. You can read more about these helpful products in my recommended Car Seat Alternatives for Travel.

You can also read more safety tips in my post Tips to Help Keep Your Lap Child Safer in Flight.

But in case of an emergency (landing), you would probably much prefer your baby to be strapped into a protective car seat with a harness. And some airlines feel the same way.

That’s why you might be able to get an infant discount for purchasing an airplane seat for your child under 2 years. (If not shown in online booking options, call the airline to ask.)

For more about flying with a car seat or child restraint system, don’t miss the section below.

Flying with baby – Ten reasons flying with an infant may be easier than you think.

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Will airplane bassinets be available on some of your flights?

An airplane bassinet (sometimes called a skycot, cot, or bassinet seat) can be a sanity saver on overseas and long haul flights. However, they’re not offered by all airlines or on all long haul flights that an airline may have.

What’s more, even an airline providing bassinets onboard can’t provide them in all seating positions. But if you’ve managed to make it that far in the process of reserving a bassinet for your flight? Wait for it…

There are also age, height, and weight limits for airline bassinets, which can vary by airline, too!

Here are some posts to help you navigate the exciting world of flying long haul with airline bassinets:

• Five Things You Should Know Before Flying with an Airplane Bassinet
• Checklist for Getting an Airplane Bassinet
• Watch out for age, height and/or weight limits with airplane bassinets
• See also: One very good reason to fly British Airways with your lap-held toddler or older baby

What are my options for flying without a car seat?

The Federal Aviation Administration does not require children to use a car seat on airplanes, but they do strongly recommend it for kids about 4 years and around 40 lbs. and smaller. (If you’re flying with a baby or toddler on your lap see info above.)

So how can you avoid bringing a car seat into the cabin – and still keep your kid safe on the airplane? (And if you’re wondering when kids are big enough to safely fly without a car seat see this post for more.)

Option #1 – For Kids 1 Year+ Flying in Their Own Seats

Kids 1 year and older who weigh 22 lbs. or more AND are flying in their own seat on the airplane, you can use CARES (see my full review here). The CARES flight safety harness creates a 4-point harness with the airplane’s lap belt and is FAA-approved for use in all phases of flight.

TIP: BEWARE of CARES counterfeits and listings of products that show up in searches for CARES and look similar but are NOT CARES. These are not made from the same grade of materials, have not been tested to meet the required standards, and do not have FAA-approval or labeling. The real CARES is made by Kids Fly Safe/AmSafe.

And if you’re not using your child’s car seat in the airplane? See “What’s the best way to get a car seat to check in or to the gate?”

Option #2 – If you want to avoid bringing a car seat to the airport, but need something for your destination…

Here are some possible scenarios that might work for you depending on your plans and your child’s age:

• Rent a car seat or booster from a local baby gear rental agency (some will meet you at the airport or deliver to your rental car agency) – See Worldwide Directory of Baby Gear Rentals here
• Consider using the RideSafer travel vest instead of a car seat for kids 3 years+
• Or consider using the Bubble Bum inflatable safety booster seat for kids big enough to go backless
• Rent a car seat through your rental car service – Compare rental car prices and available agencies at locations worldwide AND add a car seat or booster to your reservation (where offered).

As well, you may be able to get transportation to and from the airport from a transfer service that can provide an appropriate car seat for your child.

• You can read about my recommended Paris airport shuttle providing car seats and boosters in this post.
• I’ve also included some New York City ride services that can provide car seats and booster seats in this post.
• If you’re wondering about car seat laws and taxis or rideshare services like Lyft and Uber, see this post

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Information for Flying Specific Airlines with Babies and Toddlers

These posts will tell you what you need to know when flying with a baby or toddler on these specific airlines:

• AER LINGUS – Flying Aer Lingus with a Baby or Toddler
• ALASKA AIRLINES – Flying Alaska Airlines with a Baby or Toddler
• AMERICAN AIRLINES – Flying American Airlines with a Baby or Toddler
• CHINA AIRLINES – Flying China Airlines with a Baby or Toddler
• GULF AIR – Flying Gulf Air with a Baby or Toddler
• RYANAIR – Flying Ryanair with a Baby or Toddler
• SOUTHWEST AIRLINES – Flying Southwest Airlines with a Baby or Toddler
• VIRGIN ATLANTIC – Flying Virgin Atlantic with a Baby or Toddler

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What is the Best Stroller, Car Seat or other Baby Gear for Flying?

These pages will show you my travel-friendly baby gear recommendations that are helpful when flying with a baby or toddler. Follow the links to the best lightweight travel strollers, car seat travel bags, stroller accessories, baby travel bed and portable cribs and more.

Baby travel gear by category featuring products hand-picked by me:

• Best Lightweight Strollers for Travel
• Recommended Toddler Car Seats for Travel
• Car Seat Travel Bags, Strollers, and Carriers
• Best Infant Car Seats for Travel
• Car Seat Alternatives for Travel
• Baby Travel Beds, Portable Cribs and Toddler Sleeping Solutions
• Car Seat Travel Accessories

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Reviews of individual products I recommend for trips by airplane:

• CARES Flight Safety Harness Review
• RideSafer Travel Vest Review (use in ground transportation, not in the airplane!)
• Review of the WAYB Pico Folding Car Seat

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Packing Tips for Carry On Items and Checked Baggage

This section helps with packing details before you head to the airport with your little one(s). For specifics about clearing security with breast milk, formula, baby food, strollers, etc., see the advice in the At the Airport section below.

How to pack liquids for your baby and toddler to use in flight – How to prepare your baby or toddler’s excess liquids for carry-on (milk, formula, medicines, baby food)

Packing your baby’s carry-on Travel Kit – Remember to 3-1-1 your child’s Travel Kit for carry-on

Checking car seats at the gate vs. check in counter – Why you should check car seats at the gate

Tips for packing checked suitcases for your family – Cost-saving tips for families packing checked baggage

Packing a checked suitcase for multiple children – How to pack 1 checked bag for 3 children (Family Travel 411)

Changing diapers on airplanes advice – Simplify diaper changes on airplanes with a handy “diaper purse”

Baggage fees and babies – Navigating airline fees as applied to your family

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AT THE AIRPORT

Checking in for Your Flight

When flying with a baby or toddler, plan to arrive at the airport AT LEAST one hour earlier than you might otherwise. You’ll want to allow for surprises like traffic snarls, a diaper blowout, and a bonus growth-spurt feeding.

Plus, unusually long lines in airports are to be expected these days. Also, getting gate-check tags for your stroller or car seat will be faster and easier if you arrive early at your gate.

If you’re hoping to use an airline bassinet on your flight, remember these are usually first-come, first served! (See more about airline bassinets here.)

Have These Documents Ready When Flying with an Infant or Toddler

Whether you’re checking in for a domestic or international flight, have *all* of your necessary travel documents ready for check-in:

• Domestic flights – Be sure you have your child’s age-verifying document (eg. certified birth certificate or passport) if he’ll be flying free on your lap or for any age-based discount.
• International flights – Be sure to have your child’s passport in addition to your own and a letter of consent to travel from the absent parent if you’re flying internationally without them.
• Documents for lap babies and toddlers on any flights be sure to have their boarding verification document if issued with your online ticket purchase or at the check-in counter.

For more details on travel documents and I.D., see the earlier section on Birth Certificates, Passports, and Required Travel Documents.

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Clearing Airport Security with a Baby or Toddler

This section addresses the policies of the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) you are likely to encounter when traveling with babies and young children within the U.S. For the latest rules and policies or additional information you can check online at https://www.tsa.gov/travel/tsa-cares/traveling-children.

Scroll down to see or click to jump to:

• Screening babies and toddlers at airport security
• Scanning car seats, strollers, and other baby equipment
• Baby carriers, wraps, and slings at security
• Breast milk, formula, and baby food at security

1. Screening Babies and Toddlers at Airport Security

Walk-Through Metal Detector – You may carry your baby or toddler in your arms through the walk-through metal detector at security. Toddlers and preschoolers who are old enough to walk through by themselves will need to do so. You can encourage them with open arms — and possibly a sticker — on the other side.

Advanced Imaging Technology and children (AIT) – Kids who are old enough to hold the required position for the AIT scanner for 5 seconds may do so. However, anyone carrying a child should go through the metal detector instead.

What about SHOES? All kids under 12 years old DO NOT need to remove their shoes at U.S. TSA checkpoints.

2. Screening car seats, strollers, and other baby equipment

Basically everything that flies with your child needs to be placed on the X-ray belt at security. That means your car seat, diaper bag, stroller, formula, baby food, etc.

Anything that doesn’t fit through the X-ray scanner will be scanned separately by TSA officers. Some holes for the X-ray belt are impossibly small for car seats!

3. Baby carriers, wraps, and slings at airport security

It can be extremely helpful to wear your child in a baby carrier or sling to help keep your hands free at security.

But be warned that you may be asked to remove your carrier, wrap, or sling before walking through the scanner yourself. This can vary by airport so you may have a different experience on your return trip.

Also, if you do wear your child through the metal detector in a child carrier or sling, you may require some additional screening (eg. hand wand) on the other side.

4, Breast milk, liquid formula, and baby food at airport security

Traveling with breast milk, liquid formula, baby food, puree pouches, ice packs, or other excess liquids for infants and children? When flying with a baby or toddler, you’re allowed larger quantities of these items than the 311 carry-on rules allow.

For tips on how to best pack and present these liquid items at security, see my posts:

• How to Pack Excess Liquids for Flights with Babies and Toddlers – Beyond the 311 Rule.
• Tips for Clearing Airport Security with Baby Bottles and Baby Food
• What to Pack in Your Baby’s Travel Kit for Carry-On

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Using TSA PreCheck or the CLEAR Lane with children

All children 17 years and younger may accompany a parent enrolled in TSA PreCheck or CLEAR through security without having their own account.

For TSA PreCheck, it’s important to make sure you are both on the same ticket reservation so that the PreCheck indicator is shown on your child’s boarding pass. It will be stamped there automatically if you have made your reservation together.

However, your spouse, any adult children, or other relatives 18 years and older will need to have their own CLEAR or TSA PreCheck account in order to join you in these expedited lanes at the airport.

Find more help for clearing security in the Travels with Baby guidebooks:

Travels with Baby: The Ultimate Guide for Planning Travel with Your Baby, Toddler, and Preschooler – Countdown to Takeoff, At the Airport and On the Plane, Special Situations, and The Baby Abroad.

Take-Along Travels with Baby: Hundreds of Tips to Help During Travel with Your Baby, Toddler, and Preschooler – Includes a Pre-flight Checklist, Airport Security Ready List, Preparing Liquids for Carry-on, What to Double-check at Check-In, and more.

ON THE AIRPLANE

Using Car Seats on the Airplane

If you’re just starting to think through using a car seat on airplanes, look at Everything You Need to Know About Using Car Seats on Airplanes. That is the section to read BEFORE YOU GO!

Once you’re on the plane, tips from these posts may still be helpful:

• Five Tips for Installing a Car Seat on Airplanes
• What can  you do if your child’s car seat doesn’t fit in the airplane seat?

And be sure to see the wide-ranging topics covered in Sanity-Saving Tips for Your Flight below.

Keeping Babies Comfortable on the Airplane

Preventing ear pain and pressure for babies and toddlers

Let’s start with one of the most common questions parents ask before flying with a baby or toddler. “How can I help my baby’s ears adjust on an airplane?”

Many people will tell you to simply give your baby a bottle or breastfeed during takeoff, or to hand your toddler his sippy cup. But we parents know it isn’t always that simple or straightforward!

Sometimes your flight was delayed, your baby already fed, or your exhausted child is finally blissfully asleep as your airplane leaves the runway…

I have loads of tips for helping to prevent ear pain and relieve ear pressure for babies and young children in the two-part post: How to Avoid Ear Pain in Flight – Tips to Help Babies and Children.

Also, take comfort knowing that ears generally don’t experience pain during takeoff. It’s more important to help babies’ ears adjust during the descent!

More sanity-saving tips for your flight:

• Flying with toddlers – Four ways to keep your toddler from kicking the airplane seat in front of you
• Diaper changes on airplanes – Simplify diaper changes on the airplane with a handy “diaper purse”
• Entertaining kids on the airplane – Five screen-free favorites to keep kids entertained during long flights
• Flying overseas with a 1-year-old – Tips for flying with baby on a long-haul or overseas flight
• Keeping kids hydrated in flight – Just say no to juice in flight, and say yes to a fruit tea “cocktail”

Find more tips and advice for time spent at the airport and on the airplane with little ones in the books:

Travels with Baby: The Ultimate Guide… Chapter 15 – Planning Your In-Flight Entertainment, Preparing Toddlers and Preschoolers for the Flight, Chapter 16 – Clearing Security with Small Children and a Small Mountain of Gear, The Great Pre-Boarding Debate, Chapter 17 – Flying Solo with Baby.

Take-Along Travels with Baby: Hundreds of Tips… Breastfeeding on Airplanes, Ear Pressure/Pain and Relief, Soothing Fussy Babies in Flight, Managing Toddlers on Aircraft…, Entertainment to Go

Safe travels,

Shelly Rivoli, author of the award-winning Travels with Baby guidebooks and Hiking with Kids Southern California: 45 Great Hikes for Families

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The post The Best Tips for Flying with a Baby or Toddler (Written by a Human and Mother of 3!) appeared first on Travels With Baby.

Topics I cover in this post:

• Flying with a lap infant (or toddler under 2 years on your lap)
• Baggage policies for infants, toddlers, and baby gear
• Passengers with breast milk and pumps
• Important note on strollers and American Airlines
• Using car seats on American flights
• Using airline bassinets on American flights
• More help for travel logistics
• Great gear for flying with babies and toddlers
• More airline-specific advice

As always, if you have general questions about flying with babies and young children, head to my Flying with a Baby or Toddler Advice Index page.

And make sure you’ve downloaded Take-Along Travels with Baby: Hundreds of Tips to Help DURING Travel with Your Baby Toddler, and Preschooler to your phone for easy reference in the moments you need it most!

But first — be sure to pin this to your Pinterest travel board for future reference and to help others!

This post may contain affiliate links, which help fund this independent website at no cost to you.

American Airlines baggage policy for infants and children:

Do you have to pay extra to check baby gear or bring a diaper bag onboard?

Flying with a lap child or child in his own seat, with breast milk and pumps? This section addresses the possible scenarios you might face and more.

1. Passengers with babies and toddlers under 2 years:

American Airlines allows one free checked (or gate-checked) stroller, one free checked (or gate checked) car seat, and one complimentary carry-on diaper bag for each child under 2 years traveling without his own seat (see details about flying with a lap infant for more).

Note: American Airlines will only let you gate-check your choice of a travel stroller OR a car seat — but not both. If you need to travel with both a car seat and stroller, and you don’t plan to use your child’s car seat on the plane, you’ll have to decide which to check in at the ticket counter. And be sure to see the important note on strollers and American Airlines below.

See my recommended Best Car Seat Travel Bags and Carriers for help protecting your child’s car seat. And don’t miss How to Travel with a Car Seat (without Losing Your Mind) for help with all facets of traveling with car seats (and without).

Also, for help packing your diaper bag / carry-on, see What to Pack in Your Baby Travel Kit for Carry On. And if you’re wondering what liquids (baby food, formula, etc.) you can bring onboard beyond the 311 rules, see Tips for Bringing Excess Liquids on Flights with Babies and Toddlers.

2. Passengers with infants and toddlers flying in their own seats (paid):

Infants and children flying American in their own paid seats are entitled to the same baggage allowance as their parents. They are also entitled to the same stroller and car seat allowances of lap infants as described above.

3. Passengers flying with breast milk and pumps:

For breastfeeding moms and travelers with breast milk, American Airlines will not count a small soft-sided cooler, stored breast milk, or breast pump toward your carry-on bag or personal item limit.

4. Flying with baby gear not mentioned above?

Other baby gear, such as Pack ‘n Plays, play pens, baby and toddler travel beds, portable bassinets, and wagons, will each count as one checked bag — with the exception of any item folding compactly enough to pass for one seated passenger’s carry-on item.

HOT TIP: If you’d like to rent baby gear at your destination, head to my Worldwide Directory of Baby Gear Rentals.

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Heads up! American Airlines does not accept all strollers at the gate.

First, there is one stand-out difference from other airlines you should be aware of before heading to the airport. American Airlines will not accept strollers weighing 20 lbs. or more at the gates of its flights.

Why? While the main issue driving this policy are the many bulky and often expensive jogging and all-terrain strollers parents hope to hand-off at the gate rather than dismantle and check through the airport baggage system.

However, you should be aware that many standard, full-feature baby strollers also weigh in over this limit. If your stroller from home is over the limit, here’s what you can do:

If you need a stroller to help you get through the airport and (or want to use it during a layover):

Make sure you bring a travel-friendly, collapsible stroller weighing less than 20 lbs. to ensure you can check it at the gate (see my recommended lightweight travel strollers here).

Alternatively, you might be able to turn your child’s car seat into a stroller at the airport with help from some recommendations in the Best Car Seat Travel Bags and Carriers page.

If you check your 20 lbs.+ stroller at the check-in counter:

Be sure to bring a protective stroller bag that fits your model (stroller travel bag recommendations here) and allow time for dismantling & packing it before checking in at the counter.

Tip: If you want a rugged stroller at your destination, but don’t need it en route, you may very likely be able to rent that BOB stroller, Mountain Buggy, or Phil & Ted tandem at your destination. Check the Worldwide Directory of Baby Gear Rentals for local baby gear rental companies.

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American Airlines Bassinets (or Cots)

You *might* be able to get an airplane bassinet for your baby if you’ll be flying long haul on one of American’s 777-200, 777-300, or 787 aircraft (but not in Business or First Class).

However, they do not officially take reservations for bassinets and say they’re only available on a first come, first served basis — for infants weighing less than 20 lbs and under 2 years — at the gate of the flight.

If you’re flying American Airlines with a baby and hope to have a bassinet on your flight, I recommend calling to see if they’re offered on your flight and make sure you’ll be in a seating position where you’d actually be able to use it.

Then, of course, BE THE FIRST ONE TO YOUR GATE! You’ll find more help in Five Things You Should Know Before Flying with an Airplane Bassinet.

Car Seat Rules and Requirements for American Airlines

If you’d like to use your child’s car seat on American Airlines flights, your child must have his or her own airplane seat reservation. Only car seats with a rigid back and built-in safety harness are accepted for use in the cabin (no backless or belt-positioning safety boosters).

Also, make sure your car seat has a label showing it’s either:

• FAA-approved for use in aircraft, OR
• Was manufactured under the standards of the United Nations.

You’ll also want to make sure your car seat will FIT in the airplane seat (of course)! Remember that just because a child safety seat is approved for air travel it doesn’t mean it will actually fit in an airplane seat. Most American Airlines economy seats measure 17.3″ wide (and up).

For help finding cabin-friendly car seats, check out the Best Car Seats for Travel. You  might also consider these Car Seat Alternatives for Travel, including the CARES flight safety harness for kids flying in their own airplane seats (see my full review of CARES here).

–> And don’t miss the ultimate guide for How to Travel with a Car Seat (without Losing Your Mind), and one of my most popular posts here: Seven Easy Ways to Get Your Car Seat Through the Airport.

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Have your choice of airlines?

Use the Airlines Comparison Chart in Travels with Baby: The Ultimate Guide… to compare the family-friendly perks, amenities, and available infant/child discounts between more than 40 airlines.

For more help planning air travel with young children, see chapters 15 – 18 in Travels with Baby: The Ultimate Guide…, and see more online Flying with Babies and Toddlers tips here.

I’ve linked additional posts you may find helpful here.

More Help for Travel Logistics and Planning:

• Flying with a Baby or Toddler Advice Index (Start here!)
• How to Travel with a Car Seat (Without Losing Your Mind)
• How to Plan Your Best Vacation with Baby
• Seven Easy Ways to Get Your Car Seat to the Gate
• Five Things You Should Know Before Flying with a Car Seat
• Worldwide Directory of Baby Gear Rentals
• Five screen-free favorites to keep kids entertained during long flights

Great Gear for Flying with Babies and Toddlers

• CARES airplane safety harness review
• The Best Lightweight Strollers for Travel
• Car Seat Travel Bags and Carriers
• Travel Cribs and Toddler Sleeping Solutions
• Car Seat Alternatives for Travel

More Airline-Specific Advice for Flying with Babies and Toddlers:

• Aer Lingus with a Baby or Toddler
• Alaska Airlines with a Baby or Toddler
• American Airlines with a Baby or Toddler
• China Airlines with a Baby or Toddler
• Gulf Air with a Baby or Toddler
• Ryanair with a Baby or Toddler
• Southwest Airlines with a Baby or Toddler
• Virgin Atlantic with a Baby or Toddler

Where will you travel next? Stop by our sister site and get inspired!

Ten Things You Should Know Before Taking Kids to a Broadway Show

The 411 on Grapevine with Kids

Six Great MEXICO Family Vacation Destinations

The 411 on Quebec City with Kids

Safe journeys,

Shelly Rivoli, author of the award-winning Travels with Baby guidebooks

Twitter     Facebook     Travels with Baby on Facebook     Pinterest

Curious about this content? See my editorial content disclosure. NOTE TO READERS: An earlier version of this post was first published on March 16 of 2018. It continues to be updated and revised.

The post Need to Know: Flying American Airlines with a baby or toddler appeared first on Travels With Baby.