Taking a 12 week old on his first flight

[newparent2022]

In 48 hours we are booked to take our 12 week old baby with us on a weekend break to Europe. We are being kindly accommodated by some friends who are living there temporary for work reasons (and have a 9 month old baby).

My partner said this morning that she would like to cancel the trip, as she is worried about the baby being too young for the flight. Specifically, that his ears will hurt, and that he will cry during the 2.5 hour flight.

However I am keen for us to go, because I think we will have a great time, and that the baby will enjoy the sights, sounds and experience. Additionally, I would prefer not want to cancel on our lovely friends at short notice, given that they have already bought a travel cot for us and planned a whole weekend of activities.

I wondered if Mumsnetters could briefly share their experiences of flying with 2-3 month old babies and perhaps provide some reassurance?

Thank you!

[Flatandhappy]

My kids all took their first flights at 6-8 weeks to see overseas family. So easy to travel with at that age.

[newparent2022]

Thank you everyone for your comments, these are really helpful 😀

I do think the baby will enjoy the trip though. I mean, he loves it when Ocado vans go past our front window, so seeing a tram will blow his mind!

[Marbles321]

Definitely not too young. We took ds to the US (8 hour flight) when he was 14 weeks old.
Yes yes on dummy/bottle/breastfeeding whenever they want it for comfort and ears, and be prepared for some fussing on take off.

I found that once we were airborne the noise of the engine helped calm him.

Staff generally are very helpful, and babies do cry and thats ok - don't feel embarrassed about what other people think, and just focus on what you guys need.

Pack nappies, wipes, nappy bags, milk, change of clothes, warm comforting blanket, and some distracting toys or books.

Flying with kids is never relaxing but its definitely doable and your baby will be fine :-)

Have fun!

[RandomQuest]

and they will call you forward to board first, but don’t. Board last…
I have to disagree with this one. I’d get on first to make sure you have all your stuff in the locker above you. Speaking from bitter experience, last thing you want is your bags bring scattered all over the aircraft, or worse, gate checked. Plus you have time to get settled, get a feed ready if bottle feeding etc. The only exemption I’d make is if you’re travelling very light (nothing to go overhead) and/or you’re in business class so there’s more locker space available.

[IDontDrinkTea]

The younger they are, the better they fly. Especially as they mostly just sleep at that age. I’d rather fly with a baby than a toddler anyway (speaking from experience!)

[minipie]

For the ears just make sure you have something the baby will suck on - dummy, bottle, boob.

Yes they may cry during the flight and yes it will be awkward if that happens but it’s not the end of the world. We’ve all been on flights with crying babies, it’s not a night flight so nobody is trying to sleep.

There are lots of threads on here about flights with babies but in summary - either a sling or a buggy you can take on to the plane, muslins and changes of clothes for everyone, and try to plan in some sleep times (eg journey to airport) so they aren’t overtired and screamy.

I wouldn’t kid yourself that the baby will enjoy the sights and experiences though! Not at 12 weeks old

[Louise0701]

Definitely not too young! All mine have been away around that age or younger. I prefer them at that age to toddlers actually as they tend to just feed and sleep.

[RandomQuest]

2 hour flight to France at 10 weeks old- she had a bottle during take off, fell asleep, slept until landing. That’s it.

[SW1amp]

Both mine went on their first flights at 6 weeks to go and visit family, and I took DS2 to France when he was 12 weeks for a holiday

Its by far the easiest age to fly with them
Give them a feed during take off and landing, take a bright colour toy or book, and take turns having the baby vs a bit of time to yourself (we do 30 mins on, 30 mins off)

Airports and airlines are generally very accommodating for parents. If you have a Yo-yo pram or similar, great, but if you don’t, you can take the pram up to the plan door and then hand it over to go into the hold

take a sling, take a well-equipped changing bag and try and prebook a seat either at the front or back so you are near a toilet if they need changing

and they will call you forward to board first, but don’t. Board last…