Infant in airplane, from what age and what documents are needed

Have you just had a baby and are already thinking about that vacation you missed? Or do you need to visit relatives who haven't met the little one yet? The question is always the same: but can you bring a newborn baby on plane? Since when?

Good news: yes, babies can fly, and even sooner than you think. There are details to know, however, so you don't find yourself unprepared at check-in.

From what age can an infant fly

According to SIP, Italian Society of Pediatrics, healthy babies born at term can technically fly as early as 48 hours after birth. So yes, even an infant who is only a few days old can get on a plane.

But, and this is important, it is strongly recommended to wait at least the first week of life. The reason? The immune system of the baby is still developing, and the plane with its air recirculation is not exactly sterile. If you have no urgency, it's best to wait at least 7 days.

Many pediatricians suggest waiting until 2-3 months, when the bones are firmer and the immune system stronger. If your baby was born prematurely or has respiratory or heart problems, you should definitely talk to the pediatrician first.

Remember: every airline has its own rules. Some accept infants from 7 days, others want at least 14. Before booking, check the company's website.

The documents for the newborn

Even newborn babies need a personal document to fly. Which document you need depends on where you go, and beware of release times.

For the domestic flights you only need the child's identity card. You can apply for it at the municipal registry office from birth, it is valid for 36 months, and is issued in about 6 working days. Both parents must show up.

To fly In Europe or in countries with bilateral agreements you need an identity card valid for expatriation. When you apply for it, specify that you need it to travel abroad, otherwise they issue you the basic one valid only in Italy. Again, quick issuance time: about a week.

For non-European travel An infant's individual passport is needed. And here comes the problem: the issuance time is long. At best it takes 2-3 weeks, but often it takes a month or even longer (up to 2-3 months during peak periods such as summer or holidays). So if you have to fly out of Europe with a newborn baby, it is virtually impossible to do so in the first few weeks of life. A passport must be applied for at police headquarters by both parents, it is valid for 3 years, and you have to plan well in advance.

How the infant travels by air

Up to 2 years old, children can travel in their parents' arms without paying for a ticket (or paying only fees, depending on the airline). The staff gives you a special belt to attach to yours, and you hold the baby in your arms for the entire flight. You can also use baby carrier or baby belt.

If the trip is long and you want more comfort, you can reserve a seat for him too. You pay a discounted ticket and bring an approved car seat. Some companies offer bassinets (baby cot) for babies up to 6 months old, to be requested at the time of booking.

All companies allow you to carry the stroller, usually all the way to the gate. The staff picks it up and puts it in the hold, handing it back to you on the way out. If it is small and resealable, some companies allow you to keep it in the cabin.

For luggage, the larger companies give you an extra bag for the baby's necessities: diapers, changes, bottles. The low-cost ones are more stretched but make exceptions with newborns. And the liquids? Milk (formula or liquid), sterilized water, and homogenized food. do not follow the 100 ml rule. You can bring as much as you need, you just have to declare it at the controls.

The question of ears

This is the part that scares many parents. During the takeoff and landing, the pressure in the cabin changes quickly, and the ears become plugged. For us adults, it is annoying But we know how to handle it: chewing gum, yawning, swallowing. But how does an infant in an airplane?

The trick is simple: you have to make him swallow. During takeoff and especially during landing (which is the worst phase because the pressure rises), give him a bottle, attach him to the breast if you are breastfeeding, or at least give him a pacifier to suck on. The swallowing motion opens the Eustachian tubes, those little canals that connect the ear to the throat, and equalizes the pressure. Problem solved.

If the baby sleeps during these stages, some parents prefer to wake him up to feed him or the pacifier. Others let him sleep. There is no set rule, but if he wakes up screaming because his ears hurt, you know what to do next time.

When NOT to fly with an infant and other tips

If the child has a severe cold with a stuffy nose, avoid the airplane. Mucus worsens ear discomfort during pressure change and can cause otitis. If he already has otitis in progress, flying is not recommended: the pain becomes unbearable.

Even with acute infectious diseases, recent surgery or severe chronic respiratory illness, talk to the pediatrician first.

Dress baby in layers: on the plane the temperature changes between early heat and cold air conditioning. Carry at least one full change (preferably two) in your carry-on luggage; leaky diapers and spit-ups happen.

If the flight is long, choose times when the baby usually sleeps. The white noise of engines relaxes many infants. And remember that each company offers different services for families such as priority boarding, changing tables, bottle-warming facilities. It's worth inquiring.

A few final considerations

Flying with an infant requires organization but is doable. The important things: right documents (ID card or passport), wait at least 7 days of age, manage ears with bottle or pacifier during takeoff and landing.

What if the infant on the plane cries? Just play it cool. You have the right to travel with your baby.

• travel with children