Does my baby need a car seat on an airplane?

The FAA's safest recommendation is to buckle your baby into an FAA-approved car seat in their own purchased seat rather than on your lap. Look for the label stating the seat is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft. Most children using one weigh 40 lbs or less.

When can a newborn fly on a plane?

Air travel is generally considered safe once a newborn is at least 7 days old, though waiting until 2 to 3 months gives more protection against infection. Crowded airports raise exposure risk for the youngest babies, so confirm with your pediatrician.

How often should I stop on a road trip with a baby?

Take a break every 2 to 3 hours during the day and every 4 to 6 hours at night. Never leave your baby alone in the car, and do not let them keep sleeping in the car seat after you arrive, since it is not a safe sleep surface outside the car.

How do I help my baby's ears during takeoff and landing?

Have your baby nurse, take a bottle, or suck a pacifier during takeoff and landing. The sucking and swallowing help equalize ear pressure and reduce discomfort.

Is a hotel crib safe for my baby?

Not always. Hotel cribs and play yards may not meet current safety standards. Ask for a replacement or bring your own, and make sure the surface is firm and flat with no blankets, pillows, or stuffed animals.

How do I keep my baby from getting sick while traveling?

Wash hands often, carry sanitizer and disinfecting wipes, and make sure routine vaccinations are up to date before you go. Limit a young baby's exposure to crowds during winter virus season and keep sick contacts away.

Can I give my baby Benadryl to sleep on a flight?

No. Pediatricians advise against using diphenhydramine (Benadryl) to sedate babies for travel, because it can cause serious side effects. Keep your baby's routine instead and offer feeding or a pacifier for comfort.

Winter safety · All ages

Holiday travel with a baby: seat, sleep, sanitize.

Winter travel adds car seats on planes, crowded airports full of germs, and an off-schedule baby. A few decisions made before you leave handle most of it.

2 min read Seasonal Safety Updated June 2026

Car seats on planes

The safest place for a baby on a plane is buckled into an FAA-approved car seat in their own purchased seat, not held on a lap. Look on the seat for the label reading that it is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft.

Most young children who use a car seat on a plane weigh 40 lbs or less. For children 22 to 44 lbs, the FAA-approved CARES harness is an alternative made for aircraft only. Booster seats and backless restraints are not allowed during taxi, takeoff, and landing.

Road trips

Install the car seat correctly and keep bulky winter coats out from under the harness; buckle in thin layers, then add a coat backward over the straps or a blanket on top. Run the pinch test: if you can pinch slack at the shoulder, tighten it.

Plan breaks every 2 to 3 hours during the day and every 4 to 6 hours at night. Never leave a baby alone in the car, even briefly, and do not let the baby keep sleeping in the car seat once you arrive, since it is not a safe sleep surface outside the car.

Germs and when babies can fly

Wash hands often and carry sanitizer and disinfecting wipes, especially after diaper changes. Make sure routine vaccinations are up to date before you travel.

Crowded airports raise infection risk for the youngest babies. Air travel is generally considered safe once a newborn is at least 7 days old, and ideally waiting until 2 to 3 months gives more protection. To ease ear pressure, have your baby nurse, take a bottle, or use a pacifier during takeoff and landing.

Sleep away from home

Keep your baby's usual sleep schedule and routines as much as you can. The biggest risk on the road is an unsafe sleep space.

Hotel cribs and play yards may not meet current safety standards, so ask for a replacement or bring your own. Wherever your baby sleeps, the surface must be firm and flat with no blankets, pillows, or stuffed animals. Avoid couches, adult beds, and inclined sleepers.

Bring a portable play yard or bassinet you know is safe
Firm, flat surface with nothing loose in it
No couch, adult bed, or inclined sleeper
Keep nap and bedtime routines consistent

Common questions

Does my baby need a car seat on an airplane?: The FAA's safest recommendation is to buckle your baby into an FAA-approved car seat in their own purchased seat rather than on your lap. Look for the label stating the seat is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft. Most children using one weigh 40 lbs or less.
When can a newborn fly on a plane?: Air travel is generally considered safe once a newborn is at least 7 days old, though waiting until 2 to 3 months gives more protection against infection. Crowded airports raise exposure risk for the youngest babies, so confirm with your pediatrician.
How often should I stop on a road trip with a baby?: Take a break every 2 to 3 hours during the day and every 4 to 6 hours at night. Never leave your baby alone in the car, and do not let them keep sleeping in the car seat after you arrive, since it is not a safe sleep surface outside the car.
How do I help my baby's ears during takeoff and landing?: Have your baby nurse, take a bottle, or suck a pacifier during takeoff and landing. The sucking and swallowing help equalize ear pressure and reduce discomfort.
Is a hotel crib safe for my baby?: Not always. Hotel cribs and play yards may not meet current safety standards. Ask for a replacement or bring your own, and make sure the surface is firm and flat with no blankets, pillows, or stuffed animals.
How do I keep my baby from getting sick while traveling?: Wash hands often, carry sanitizer and disinfecting wipes, and make sure routine vaccinations are up to date before you go. Limit a young baby's exposure to crowds during winter virus season and keep sick contacts away.
Can I give my baby Benadryl to sleep on a flight?: No. Pediatricians advise against using diphenhydramine (Benadryl) to sedate babies for travel, because it can cause serious side effects. Keep your baby's routine instead and offer feeding or a pacifier for comfort.

Sources & further reading

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This guide reflects current AAP, CDC, and other public-health guidance and is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. ParentFlow is a wellness companion — not a substitute for your pediatrician. For any medical concern, contact your healthcare provider.