Nowadays, it is normal to include babies in all everyday activities as far as possible. We have safe seats for car journeys from day one, we have stable pushchairs for all occasions and we even have the option of travelling longer distances with babies.
If you are travelling by plane, there are a few things you should bear in mind.
Babies should be at least one month old when travelling by plane for the first time. Although travelling by plane does not harm the baby itself, it is very susceptible to infections, especially in the first month of life, as its immune system is not yet very well developed. The environment in an aeroplane favours the spread of viruses, as stale air is inhaled.
There is no air exchange in the enclosed space, so the same air is breathed by all passengers until the doors are opened again after landing, but only for a short time. Then the next passengers board, who in turn can spread viruses, bacteria etc. in the cabin.
Air travel before the first month of life should therefore only be undertaken if absolutely necessary.
After a month, the immune system is already more stable, but you should still be aware that travelling by plane is stressful for both baby and parents. It is exposed to loud noises, bright lights and lots of people, so you can hope that the baby will spend most of the time asleep.
The journey should definitely be well prepared in advance, because in the cramped space of an aeroplane it is often difficult, if not impossible, to have everything you need to hand and take care of it.
There is a fold-down changing table in the toilet facilities and the aircraft staff are usually helpful when it comes to warming up bottles or baby food, or handing out bags and utensils from the storage compartments.
It is important to know that although the emergency seats are equipped with more legroom, for safety reasons no bags may be placed there during take-off and landing; they must be stowed in the overhead compartments.
Most airlines do not offer seat belts, so the baby is held in a sitting position on the lap; this applies to all babies up to the age of two. Only then do you book a separate seat for them.
Very few airlines allow infant carriers on board, as there are regulations that severely restrict the type of seat. However, some airlines offer harnesses for slightly older babies for additional safety, which can be hooked onto an adult's belt.
If the aircraft is not full, it is often possible to take a free neighbouring seat. On some airlines, the staff will help you with this, while on others the first rows of the aircraft are always reserved for families with children.
Pushchairs are not counted as part of the weight of the suitcases carried, but can be carried in addition. Many airlines allow pushchairs to be carried until boarding. It is only stowed in the luggage section of the aircraft when boarding. The pushchair is returned later either directly on disembarkation or when the suitcase is returned via the conveyor belt.
You should find out about this in advance, as it can be useful to protect the pushchair from getting dirty on the conveyor belt by tying it up in a large plastic bag, which you must have ready for this yourself.
