How can I ease my baby's ear pain during a flight?

Feeding, offering a dummy, or giving a drink during take-off and descent encourages swallowing, which helps little ears equalise pressure. Keeping your baby awake for descent can help too, since swallowing is more frequent when awake. If your child is unwell or you have concerns, check with a doctor before flying.

Do babies need their own seat and ticket?

Infants under two can often travel on a lap for a reduced fare, while an older toddler usually needs their own seat. Buying a seat and using an approved child restraint is generally the safest option if your budget allows. Policies vary by airline, so confirm before booking.

What should I pack in my carry-on for a baby?

Pack more nappies and wipes than you expect to need, a change of clothes for the baby and a spare top for you, feeds and snacks, a favourite comforter, and a few quiet toys. Keep essentials in an easy-to-reach bag so you are not digging through luggage mid-flight.

Can I take baby milk and food through airport security?

Most airports allow reasonable quantities of baby milk, food and water through security when travelling with an infant, often beyond the usual liquid limits, though you may be asked to open or test them. Rules differ by airport, so check your departure airport's guidance before you travel.

Flying with a Baby or Toddler: A Practical Guide (2026)

Reviewed by the ScanFlyGo team · Last updated: July 2026. General guidance only — confirm airline and airport policies, and check with a doctor about your child's health before flying.

Quick answer

Flying with a baby is far more manageable with a little planning: book seats that suit your family, feed or offer a drink during take-off and landing to ease ear pressure, pack more supplies than you think you need in an easy-reach bag, and build in extra time everywhere. Most airports allow baby milk and food through security in reasonable amounts. Stay calm — babies pick up on it, and a relaxed parent usually means a smoother flight.

Find family-friendly flights on ScanFlyGo →

Before you fly: booking smart

Where you sit shapes the whole trip. A bulkhead row often gives more space and, on some long-haul aircraft, a fixed bassinet for small infants. Consider the timing too — a flight that overlaps a nap can buy you a quieter journey. If your budget stretches to a separate seat with an approved restraint, that is generally the safest choice for little ones.

Choice	Why it helps
Bulkhead seat	More legroom and possible bassinet for infants
Nap-time flight	Baby may sleep through part of the journey
Aisle seat	Easier trips to change or walk a restless toddler

Easing ear pain

The most common worry is ear discomfort during take-off and descent. Swallowing helps small ears equalise pressure, so offer a feed, a dummy or a drink at those moments. Keeping a baby awake for the descent can help, since they swallow more when awake. If your child has a cold or ear infection, or you have any concern, speak to a doctor before travelling.

What to pack in your carry-on

More nappies and wipes than the flight length suggests, in case of delays.
A full change of clothes for the baby and a spare top for you.
Feeds, snacks and a spill-proof cup or bottle.
A favourite comforter and a couple of quiet, novel toys.
Any essentials in a small, easy-reach bag so you are not searching mid-flight.

Getting through the airport

Security is smoother when you are prepared. Most airports let you carry reasonable quantities of baby milk, food and water when travelling with an infant, sometimes above the usual liquid limits, though staff may ask to open or test them. Rules differ by airport, so check your departure airport's guidance in advance. Give yourself extra time — rushing with a pushchair, bags and a toddler is where stress builds. For more, see our airport security tips.

On board: feeding, sleep and calm

A predictable rhythm helps. Feed on your baby's usual schedule where you can, dim their world with a comforter for sleep, and rotate small distractions rather than unveiling everything at once. Cabin crew are used to families and can often warm a bottle or help you settle in. If a toddler gets restless, a slow walk down the aisle can reset the mood. Above all, keep your own tone easy — children take their cue from you.

On the day you travel

Delays are harder with a little one, so it helps to know early. A live flight tracker shows if your inbound aircraft is running late before the board updates, giving you time to feed, change or move at your pace rather than in a scramble. Track any flight live on ScanFlyGo →

Frequently asked questions

How do I ease my baby's ear pain?

Encourage swallowing with a feed, dummy or drink during take-off and descent, and keep the baby awake for landing. Check with a doctor if your child is unwell.

Do babies need their own seat?

Infants under two can often fly on a lap for a reduced fare, while toddlers usually need a seat. A separate seat with an approved restraint is the safest option; confirm airline policy.

What should I pack?

Extra nappies and wipes, a change of clothes, feeds and snacks, a comforter and a few quiet toys, all in an easy-reach bag.

Can I take baby milk through security?

Most airports allow reasonable amounts of baby milk, food and water with an infant, sometimes beyond usual limits, though they may be tested. Check your airport's rules.

The bottom line

Flying with a baby or toddler is mostly about preparation and a calm mindset: choose your seats well, ease ear pressure with feeding, over-pack the essentials, allow plenty of time, and keep your cool. Do that and even a long flight becomes doable. Start a live search on ScanFlyGo to find the right times and compare family-friendly routes.

Some links on ScanFlyGo are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This is general guidance, not medical advice; consult a doctor about your child's health before flying.