What should you pay attention to when flying with a baby?

Taking children abroad is always a test of a parent’s courage and wisdom, not to mention an infant who can’t even talk yet and can only express themselves by crying. There's no room for oversight, as any little mistake could lead to unexpected issues. For first-time moms flying abroad with a baby, don’t panic. Let us guide you through everything you need to know about flying with a little one.

Why do babies often cry during takeoff and landing? It’s not because they’re hungry or thirsty, but simply because they’re uncomfortable. This discomfort is caused by changes in air pressure during the ascent and descent of the aircraft. A baby’s body is not fully developed—their Eustachian tubes are shorter, and their nasopharynx is often blocked by mucus. When there’s a sudden change in air pressure, it has a greater impact on their ears. Not only do they experience temporary “ear blockage” similar to adults during takeoff and landing, but they may also suffer from intense ear pain, which leads to crying.

For babies, protecting their eardrums during the flight is extremely important, as their eardrums are thinner than those of adults and can withstand far less pressure. When flying with a baby, it’s essential to take the right and effective measures to open their Eustachian tubes during takeoff and landing to prevent aviation-related otitis media. So, how should parents prepare?
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1. Feed your baby or give them a snack during takeoff and landing
During takeoff and landing, feed your baby or give them a snack to encourage them to swallow frequently. This action has the same effect as an adult chewing gum.

2. Don’t forcibly stop your baby from crying
If you’re sure that the baby isn’t crying due to hunger or thirst, don’t try to stop them forcefully. Crying helps open the Eustachian tubes, and once the source of discomfort is resolved, the crying will naturally stop.

3. Don’t let your baby sleep during takeoff and landing
Always remember not to let your baby sleep during takeoff and landing, as the risk of eardrum damage increases significantly during sleep. Be sure to wake your child up.

1. Pay attention to the age definitions of infants and children
There are different discounts for tickets between infants and children, so travelers often have questions about the distinction. Generally, an infant is defined as someone aged 14 days to 2 years old, while a child is someone aged 2 to 12 years old (based on the flight departure date).

2. Provide corresponding documents when purchasing
Passengers purchasing infant tickets should provide proof of the infant’s age, such as a Birth Medical Certificate or household registration book.

3. Each flight has a limit on the number of infants it can carry
For aviation safety reasons, the maximum number of infants allowed on each flight should be fewer than the total number of rows on the aircraft, and no more than one infant is allowed per row of connected seats.

4. Children traveling with more than one infant need to purchase child tickets
Each adult may only accompany up to two passengers under the age of twelve (including both children and infants). If a passenger is traveling with more than one infant, the additional infant must be charged the corresponding child fare, may occupy a separate seat, and is entitled to the free baggage allowance according to the ticket class.

1. Babies under 3 months old should avoid flying if possible. The significant air pressure changes during takeoff and landing may cause certain stimulation or harm to the child’s eardrums.
2. For older children, parents can teach them to balance the pressure by chewing or yawning, but infants who are too young cannot learn these methods.
3. Airports are relatively enclosed spaces. If someone has an infectious disease or if a nearby passenger has a cold, babies with relatively weaker immunity and resistance can easily catch it. It is recommended that children fly after they are six months old.
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