can baby travel with birth certificate international

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International travel documents for children

See what documents a child needs to travel to or from the U.S. alone or with a parent or relative.

Non-U.S. citizen children traveling to the U.S.

All children, including infants, must have their own travel documents, such as a passport or visa to enter the U.S.

Additionally, if the child is traveling alone, with only one of their custodial parents, or with a guardian to the U.S., they should have:

• Each country has its own rules for the specific documents it requires for a child to be allowed to leave their home country without both of their custodial parents or with a guardian. Contact the embassy or consulate of the country the child is a citizen of to find out what specific documents the country requires to allow the child to leave their country.
• The letter should say: "I acknowledge that my child is traveling outside the country with [the name of the adult] with my permission."
• A parent who frequently crosses the border by land with a minor should always carry a letter of permission from the other parent.
• A parent with sole custody of the child they are traveling with should carry a copy of the custody document.

If your child is traveling alone by air, the airline may require you to submit an unaccompanied minor form and pay a fee for unaccompanied minor service. This service provides an airline employee escort for your child at the airport and on board the plane. In addition, you and the person picking your child up at their destination may also need to provide the airline with identification and contact information.

Contact your airline before your child’s trip to find out:

• What age requirements the airline has for their unaccompanied minor service
• If you can book a ticket with a connecting flight
• What documents and fees are required

U.S. citizen children traveling outside the U.S.

Children traveling to most other countries are required to have a U.S. passport. 

Learn how to get a passport for a minor under 18.

Depending on the country, the child may also need a visa and other travel documents. Search for the country the child will be visiting to find out what documentation that country requires.

Providing parental consent when a child travels without both custodial parents

Ports of entry in many countries have security measures to prevent international child abduction . If your child is traveling alone or with only one parent or legal guardian, they may need a letter of consent from the other custodial parent. 

• The letter of consent, preferably in English and notarized, from the other parent (if the child is traveling with one custodial parent) or signed by both parents (if the child is traveling with a guardian or alone) should say: "I acknowledge that my child is traveling outside the country with [the name of the adult] with my permission."

Additionally, if a minor is traveling abroad alone:

• Contact the embassy or consulate of the country your child will be visiting and ask about entry and exit requirements for that country.

U.S. citizen children traveling to Canada or Mexico

Traveling by air.

All U.S. citizen children who are traveling by air to Canada or Mexico must have a U.S. passport or Trusted Traveler Program card. 

Traveling by land or sea

• U.S. passport, or
• An original or a copy of their birth certificate, or
• A Certificate of Naturalization, or 
• A Consular Report of Birth Abroad 
• Age 16 or over: show a U.S. passport or Trusted Traveler Program card

Parental consent documentation for travel to Canada and Mexico

A child traveling with only one custodial parent or a guardian or who is traveling alone may need to present a written letter of consent at the border. 

LAST UPDATED: June 28, 2024

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6 Documents You Need to Travel With an Infant (Internationally)

When planning to travel by land, sea, or air with your little one, you’ll need to be prepared with the correct documents in hand to prevent avoidable heartbreaks or delays. We started traveling with our son when he was 3 months old and I know that I wanted to be overprepared — Detailed explanations and exceptions will follow (below), but here is a quick list of the 6 documents that you may need to travel with an infant internationally:

• Birth certificate
• Boarding Pass
• Vaccination record
• Physician’s note
• Notarized parental consent letter

*The following information applies to infants who are US citizens.

What Documents Does a Baby Need to Travel Internationally?

Your baby (aged 0-2) may need up to 6 important documents to fly internationally, depending on your airline, destination, and the circumstances of your travels (such as whether or not it’s a land border, whether you’re flying or driving, or whether you’re traveling alone or with the other parent present — these kinds of details are important).

Please carefully review the table below to find out which documents you’ll need to travel with your infant.

Does a Baby Need a Passport to Travel Internationally?

An infant (aged 0-2), just like anyone else, needs to show a passport to travel internationally — The exception being that minors (aged 0-15) traveling between the US and Canadian border or the US and Mexican border, by LAND or SEA , can cross with just their birth certificates (this is not applicable to flying) [ Source ; Source ]. Everyone, including infants and minors, need a passport to travel internationally by air .

It’s better to be on the safe side and get your baby’s passport as soon as possible if you’re planning on traveling internationally with them. To get your baby a passport, follow the State Department Travel guidelines .

At What Age Can a Baby Travel Internationally?

Although there is no age at which babies are officially prevented from traveling internationally, infants less than 48 hours old are advised by the WHO to avoid air travel, and advise parents to wait until the infant is at least 7 days old. Still, many parents will wait until 2-3 months, due to concerns such as lack of routine infant vaccines and passport requirements.

Many airlines have policies requiring that babies less than 7 days old carry a physician’s note with them, clearing them for air travel.

In many cases, you will need time in order to complete the paperwork for your baby’s passport anyway, and will have to wait for it to be processed — unless you are planning on traveling with your baby’s birth certificate only (by land or sea between the US and Mexico or Canada).

Additionally, the CDC lists many, many health considerations that parents should be aware of when traveling with an infant internationally (including preventing food and water illnesses, and making sure to buy family health insurance).

Because of these concerns, it may be more appropriate for you to wait until your infant is at least 2-3 months old before traveling with them. Of course, talk to your doctor to find out the best course of action.

The Mayo Clinic states that air travel is appropriate for most healthy, full-term babies but that parents should be aware of certain issues and make the proper preparations before taking your baby on a plane. These include:

• Hygiene — Your baby’s immune system is not yet fully formed and they will not have their first round of routine vaccinations until 2 months of age. We can make sure to practice good hygiene during our travels, such as wearing a mask and wiping down the seat armrests and tray table.
• Ear pressure — The changing pressure in an airplane may upset your baby so having a pacifier or something for your child to suck on is important.
• Safety seat — it’s recommended that your child be in a safety seat (which isn’t always in our plans for a lap infant flying for free)

Documents Needed for Child Traveling Alone with One Parent

If you’re traveling alone with your baby internationally and your partner also shares custody of your child, make sure to bring a notarized and signed consent letter with you. Because of international parental kidnapping cases, there are some protections in place that require one parent to present a letter or a Minor Travel Consent Form in order to take a child abroad on their own.

This is actually for your best interest — your partner also needs a consent letter to take your child abroad without you present — and this is a good thing, despite being a bit of a pain.

Download the travel consent form linked above or write a letter and have your partner sign it. Visit a local notary and then have this letter ready to present in case an airport worker or immigration officer happens to ask you for it.

If your partner refuses to sign a consent letter or form, you will most likely need to get a court order issued.

Can a Child Enter the US with a Birth Certificate?

A child (aged 0-15) can enter the US with a birth certificate (and no passport) only if:

• They are traveling by land or sea (not flying)
• They are entering from Mexico or Canada
• They are a US citizen

In all other cases, a child entering the US will need a passport.

The Documents I Carry With Me For My One-Year-Old Baby (Internationally)

I hope the table above helps to answer your questions regarding your infant and the documents they’ll need to travel! We have been traveling with our 13-month-old son for almost a year and have taken multiple international flights with him.

We always travel with: his passport, his birth certificate, and his vaccination record (with all of his up-to-date routine childhood vaccines). Additionally, we make sure to have a boarding pass/ticket for him. Sometimes, this means calling the airline ahead of time and making sure that his name is included on my ticket as a lap infant.

Because he’s older than 7 days, we’ve never needed a physician’s note. And because I’ve never flown with him solo between countries (only domestically in Spain), we have not needed a notarized parental consent letter so far. If I travel alone with him internationally in the future, I will be sure to bring a parental consent letter or form signed by my husband.

Brittany is a Wayfaring Human who loves to adventure with her husband and son. When she's not having adventures, she's taking pictures of them and writing about them.

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Flying Internationally with an Infant: The Complete Guide

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I think you will agree that the prospect of traveling with your little, let alone flying internationally with an infant, can be scary, overwhelming, and downright daunting. I do not want to discourage you from flying internationally with your children.  However, I want to be honest and encourage you to work through all your trepidations and not to be hindered by your fears. This is because traveling, and specifically traveling with your children, is so magical and inspiring and personally it feeds my soul.

Let me preface this post with this: Initially, for me, flying internationally with my infant was extremely overwhelming and anxiety provoking.  I still have some of that anxiety but I have been able to travel through it and I live for the next trip. I want to encourage you to try it and experience traveling internationally with a baby for yourself.  My hope with this post is to alleviate your anxiety and consolidate a lot of useful resources into one place. This post WILL make flying internationally with an infant easier and more palatable for you.

I have found that international plane travel with an infant is all about preparation and managing your own expectations.  Before my son turned two, I flew with him 18 times (9 round trip-trips). Four of those trips were domestic and five were international.   I did one domestic trip on my own and I did four of the ten international legs by myself.  So, I understand all of the questions and preoccupations that you may have, whether flying with a companion or on your own.

I have organized this post into seven parts, I hope that you read the entire post, but feel free to jump to the part that interests you!

• Booking Tickets
• Planning your stay and Packing
• Airport & Boarding

Disembarking

• Notable Considerations

Booking Tickets for an International Flight with an Infant

Lap baby vs. buying a ticket.

When considering how to fly with your baby, you generally have two options.  (1) If your child is under two, they can fly as a ‘lap infant.’ This means that you would not have to purchase a full-priced ticket for them and they would fly sitting on your lap.  Although you may have heard that lap infants fly free, they do not; you will typically pay 10% of your fare (or full price fare) for your infant.  Generally, you will need one adult per lap child.

The main benefit of having your child fly on your lap is that it’s a lot cheaper. The primary downside is that it can be cramped and it is less safe than purchasing them their own seat. If you gate-check your car seat then before you board you can ask if there are any empty seats on the plane. Provided that there are empty seats on the plane many airlines will let you bring your car seat on board and basically ‘give’ you a seat in which you can install your car seat (and your baby).  On many overnight flights, airlines will have a bassinette option (this is still part of the ‘lap infant’ option). Typically, you would purchase your ticket on the airline’s website and then have to call in to select the bassinette seat.  I will discuss the bassinette in more detail below, but this is a great option if available.

(2) The second option is to purchase your infant his or her own seat.  If you do this then you will pay the full price for your child’s seat, regardless of their age. Some airlines have ‘child’ fares; however, these are generally more expensive as they are typically refundable. If you purchase a seat for your infant then you will be able to bring your car seat on board and secure it to the seat with the seat belt.  Your car seat must be FAA approved.  This is beneficial as it is the safer option and your child will have their own space and you obviously will too.

Here are some considerations in deciding on whether to purchase a seat for your child or not:

• The duration of your flight.
• One trick here is: if you are flying with a companion, select the window and aisle seats and leave the one in the middle open.  People are less likely to select the middle seat and if someone does, they will gladly switch with you on the flight.
• The temperament of your child.

While my son was under two, I never purchased him a seat; he always flew as a lap child.  This was because I was cheap.

Documentation That You Will Need for an International Flight with an Infant

If you are flying internationally then you will need a passport for your baby. (Note: if you are flying within the United States you will not need a passport for your infant).  Flights to Hawaii, Alaska or one of the U.S. territories do not require a passport for your baby.  If you are traveling to a far-flung (American) destination and you have a layover in a foreign country, you will need a passport for your baby.   When you apply for your child’s passport you’ll want to get a U.S. Passport Book NOT a U.S.  Passport Card!  You cannot use a U.S. Passport Card for international air travel. You can use the Card at certain land and seaports, but I would recommend just getting the Book.

Here is a link to the U.S. Department of State’s website  which contains information for applying for a Passport Book for children under 16.

Here are some notable considerations when applying for your infant’s passport:

• Social Security Number: You will need your baby’s SSN before you can apply for the passport. Here are the average wait times, by state, for parents who have applied for their baby’s SSN in the hospital.   ( We live in Illinois and it took us 2 weeks to receive our son’s social security card).
• Birth Certificate: You will need your infant’s birth certificate to show that they are a United States citizen. Contact your county’s office for vital records to inquire about how long it takes to receive your infant’s birth certificate.
• If you have sole custody, one parent cannot appear or one parent cannot be located, please see the U.S. Department of State’s website to assess your options. 
• Processing Times: Routine processing is 4-6 weeks. Expedited processing is 2-3 weeks. If you need your passport faster than that, click here to see permissible reasons and application options. 

Other Things to Consider when Booking Tickets for International Flight with an Infant:

• No Layovers: I avoid layovers at all costs. I know that sometimes they are unavoidable, or it may be financially advantageous to book them but particularly with an infant, it’s just not worth it.
• Scheduling/Flight Times: I try and schedule my international flights (well, any flight really) around my baby’s sleep schedule. And what I mean by that is, for example, the Chicago → Dublin flight has two departure options, 3:50 pm and 8:20 pm. I once chose the 3:50 pm flight, with the idea that once we boarded, settled, ate dinner and the lights dimmed, that would be about time for bed.  Well, that backfired on me; the baby was so overstimulated that he just cried the entire time and I ended up bouncing him in the aisle for four hours, so as not to wake the baby in the next seat over. So, I always book the 8:20 flight now; he sufficiently tires out by the time we get to ‘bedtime.’
• Bassinette Option: Call the airline and ask if there are bassinette options; all other things being equal, an airline with an available bassinette seat may tip the scales.
• Baby Meals: Call and ask about baby meals. The only experience that I have with this is on Aer Lingus- they have baby meals (I saw another family get one). The next time I flew I called and requested one and the operator told me that those did not exist.  I pushed back and told her that they did so she went and spoke with someone and when she came back I magically had a baby meal!!
• Note: There may be other things particular to you that are important. I cannot overstate the importance of asking questions and advocating for yourself and your child. You can do this in a calm, measured, and constructive way.  Do not be afraid to do it!
• Good Resource: Have a look at Seatguru.com for airplane layouts; you can double check your airline’s site for plane models and then check ‘seat guru.’ This can be handy if you want to see if your airplane has a bassinette row and if so, where they are located.  You can also check out things like where the bathrooms are, where the Galley(s) are, etc.…  Please note that these are not always accurate; airlines do change out planes without notice (however, I have only had that happen to me one time).

• This is British Airways flight 294, Chicago → London, you can see where the bassinet options are (sometimes they can be spread out throughout the plane); there appear to be four in aisle 28.
• Please note that many times there are more than one version of a plane; you can check the different versions for bassinet seats (and other amenities) on seatguru.com. In our example above, version one appears to have four bassinets and versions two and three do not appear to have any. In this situation I would call the airline to verify my particular flight/date.
• Also note: I am not affiliated with Seat Guru, in any way. It’s just a great resource that I use often.

How young can baby fly?

Many airlines have policies on how young babies can fly; however, these likely will not be a problem for international travel as it will take as long to obtain your baby’s social security card and get their passport.  If you are flying within the United States you will only be bound by your airline’s policy (as you do not need a passport to fly domestically).  The other consideration that I have had has been that a lot of babies receive many of their *first* vaccinations (for example, in a series of vaccinations) at the two-month checkup.  If being un-vaccinated or under-vaccinated is a concern for you (it was for me) while flying on a plane, I would recommend that you speak with your pediatrician about your concerns.

Planning Your Stay and Packing: the most important thing is to plan ahead, even if you are the fly-by-the-seat-of your-pants type

So, when flying internationally with an infant, you need to consider three different packing situations:  (1) What food/drink are you going to pack for the flight?; (2) What items are you going to pack for on the flight (carry-on/diaper bag/personal item)?; and (3) What are you going to pack for your arrival at your destination? The third question is heavily dependent upon what your destination is (hot, cold, rainy, etc. …) and with whom you are going to stay (friends/family, hotel, will you be able to do laundry, etc. …).

Food & Beverage for the Flight

The Transportation Security Administration’s website will tell you what consumables you can and cannot bring on a plane and is found here: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/special-procedures/traveling-children.   In this article, I am just going to cover food and beverages, as it pertains to children.

The first thing to know is that whatever you thought you knew about TSA rules— as they pertained to your childless-self—no longer apply.  Keep in mind, though, that the same old rules still apply to you (no jug of water for you); on the other hand, you can pretty much bring anything through airport security for your child.

Below is an overview of what you can and cannot bring on the plane, for an infant and a toddler:

According to the TSA website, “an infant is defined as a child who must be physically carried by an adult throughout the screening process. A toddler is defined as a child who receives assistance in walking by an adult throughout the screening process.”

The most important thing to note is that liquids for the infant are exempt from the 3.4 ounce/100 millimeter limit.  In other words, you can bring liquids for the infant, in larger quantities, than is normally permitted.  The website states that you can bring these items in “reasonable quantities,” so don’t go crazy.  Just bring what you will need for the flight; any excess foodstuffs, you can pack in your checked bag. The website specifically mentions formula, breast milk and juice, however, I have also brought pouches and other ‘liquids’ that were larger than 4 ounces and not had a problem. You can also bring your sippy-cup with water through Security. They will test these items for explosives.

You should inform the TSA officer that you have these items with you and set them aside. I ‘pack’ all of my food and liquid items in a brown paper Starbucks handle bag and then when I get to Security I just hand that over. You do not want to be fishing out food items from the depths of your diaper bag with 50 hostile-looking people behind you.   You can also tell the TSA officer if you do not want your formula, breast milk or juice x-rayed or opened.

Honestly, this process usually goes so fast that I have never seen them open my food/beverage items. I’ve never seen it but it could have happened.  Sometimes items will come up positive for ‘explosives’ and they will re-test them and then they’ll come back clear. This sometimes happens with pouches; it must be something in the packaging (EEK). Just make sure to leave extra time to get through Security.  Below, I’ll discuss how to get through security without a hitch!

In Flight: Carry On, Diaper Bag, Personal Item

This may or may not be an overnight flight. If it is an overnight flight, you will have slightly different items than a daytime flight.  I cannot overstate this: DO NOT OVER PACK. I always over pack and it’s always horrible.

Here are the basics of what you need on the flight: a new toy, book or sticker pack—whatever— just something new and novel. The $1 bin at Target is great for this!  If it’s an overnight flight I bring a stuffed animal or something from baby’s crib, to put in the bassinette, so they know it’s for sleeping and that it’s something familiar.

In the diaper bag, for an overnight flight, I bring anti-bacterial hand wipes, two changes of clothes for baby, a pair of pajamas for baby, and a change of shirt for me.  People often overlook bringing themselves a change of shirt, but spit-ups happen, spills happen, body odor happens— it can’t hurt.  Also, if your child is prone to blow-outs, bring an extra change of clothes.  Additionally, I bring a muslin blanket—this has two purposes: if you are breastfeeding this can be used as a cover and when baby goes to sleep it can be used as a blanket.  Muslin is great because often at beginning of a flight, it is sweltering on the plane and then it can get quite cold during cruising. Muslin is a great lightweight, breathable fabric for those conditions.

Then you’ll also need diapers and wipes. I cloth-diaper my son but on long-haul flights I use disposables. I just bring one diaper for every 2-3 hours of total travel time the (from the time you leave your house until you will arrive at your ultimate destination)— if it’s an overnight flight, I’ll leave kiddo in the diaper for the ‘night,’ which is usually about 5 hours.

Packing for When you Arrive at Your Destination

What you will pack, for when you arrive at your destination, is largely dependent upon the weather and where you are going. Things to consider are: will you have access to a washer and/or dryer (lots of places around the world have washers but no dryers), duration of stay, access to a grocery store or corner store (example: I buy wipes when I get where I am going because they are heavy; however, if I were going somewhere with no store, I’d bring them).

My advice is to pack the bare necessities and buy the rest when you get there.  If you are on a budget, many times things will be cheaper at your destination.  If you want to save money and you think that bringing certain items with you will save you money, then get very specific about the quantities that you’ll need and pack accordingly.  Bags can get very heavy very quickly, especially when traveling internationally with an infant. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been that lady in the airport with her bag open, re-arranging stuff.  An overweight checked bag will result in a very heavy and overly stuffed carry-on bag. (unless you want to pay for baggage overweight fees—and who wants to pay that?)

General Note on packing food/beverage items

There are certain places in the world that will not permit you to bring certain food items into their country. So although you can bring these items on the plane they will not permit you to bring them into your final destination country.  One example is New Zealand.  New Zealand is very remote and they do not allow certain fruits, vegetables and seeds into the country.  This is to prevent the introduction of invasive and foreign agricultural items into their eco-system.  Check with the Customs section of your destination country to see if there are any country-specific restrictions on food items.  I’d hate for you to spend hours making the perfect trail mix and then have to pitch it when you arrive at your destination.

Planning Where to Stay While Internationally Traveling with a Baby

In deciding where to stay once you reach your destination, there are lots of considerations that you did not have pre-baby.  The first one that comes to mind for me is safety; the second is quiet.  You need to find somewhere that is safe and secure (read: a lock on the door).  For me, I also need somewhere quiet, as baby needs a good nap and/or a good night sleep. So, staying at the party-all-night hostel is no longer an option.  On our honeymoon, back in 2011, my husband and I backpacked around New Zealand for a month and we stayed in some dodgy hostels. Don’t get me wrong, those establishments have their time and place in the antiquity of my travel history— just not any more.

Other possible considerations are proximity to public transit (or other mode of transit), access to washer/dryer, air conditioning/central heat, closeness to children’s activities and whatever else is important to you.  I did not realize that air conditioning was important to me until we stayed with my five-month old in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Shenandoah National Park, in September, when it was 90 degrees and our air conditioning went out.   Now that’s a priority for me.  Also think about how you are going to get around. If you have a rental car, great, but do you want to have to park that in downtown Paris?  Or perhaps you’ll take the Metro from place to place; if so, you may want to look at options near public transportation.

But everyone is different; evaluate what items are indispensable to you and those that you would like to have but could do without and go from there.

Another thing that I learned the hard way is that if you book a standard (one room) hotel room, then you are pretty much going to sleep when baby goes to sleep.  If you are the type of person who likes to read, watch tv, have a night cap or just not go bed at 7 or 8, then I recommend getting a hotel room with a separate bedroom or looking for an Airbnb.  A hotel with a separate bedroom is a good option, as you can put baby to bed and then retreat into the room and not disturb baby. The downside to this is that these can get pricey, fast.  Another thing that I have heard of is to put the baby’s pack-n-play in the bathroom; however, this means that you will have to use the lobby bathroom.

Another great option is using a service like Airbnb or HomeAway.com. When we do this, I put ‘minimum 2 bedrooms’ as a search-filter and go from there.  These are usually cheaper than hotel rooms and they usually offer more options. There are similar services available, depending on what country you are traveling to, so Google your destination to see if they have any ‘house sharing’ sites available.

Navigating the Airport & Boarding the Plane with an Infant

WEAR THAT BABY!!!  I cannot understate the idea of baby-wearing your infant to and around the airport.  Whether you bring a stroller or not and whether you gate-check the stroller or check it at check-in, my advice is to wear that baby!!  When you wear the baby that allows you to have your hands free and your child contained, which are the two most important things at this juncture.

Checking In

They will issue a ticket/boarding pass for the baby, even if you did not book a ticket for him/her.  (for example, on Southwest you book nothing for a lap child; you just show up with the child and proof that they are under 2).

Stroller and Car Seat

Stroller: the question is to check your stroller during check in or to gate-check the thing? Personally, I always gate-check my stroller because I can’t afford to buy another one if it gets damaged or lost during transit. I also advocate gate-checking the stroller because you can always plunk the kid into it or use it to carry your bags through the airport (diaper, personal and/or carry-on).

Car Seat: this is a bigger question. The first question is whether to bring one at all or get one from your rental car company.  The second question is: if you do bring one, do you bring it on the plane, do you gate-check the thing or do you check it during check-in?

• To bring or not to bring your own car seat: I always bring a car seat because you have no idea what the car rental agency will have and I have seen car rental agencies have only forward-facing car seats.  You also do not know the history of the seat that you are given; you do not know if it has been in any accidents or if it has any structural deficiency.  With an infant car seat this may be an easier question as you can usually click into the stroller.  For the convertible car seat we purchased the Cosco Nextera convertible seat that we use just for traveling.   Here is a link to the seat that we have for traveling.   It’s light, it received great safety reviews and it was inexpensive enough that if it gets damaged, we can afford to replace it.
• Taking your car seat on the Plane: This is the ideal scenario, for safety. You can install the car seat directly into the plane seat, and secure your child into the car seat.  This is the safest thing for your infant and also the safest option for the car seat.  If you have booked a lap infant this will not be an option, unless there are empty seats.
• Pros to Gate-checking: if you gate-check the car seat, there is a lower possibility that your car seat will be damaged (than if you check it at check-in). It’s the kind of thing that you need when you arrive at your destination because you’ll need it for whatever car/taxi, etc… that you get into. If it is damaged, you will have to replace it prior to leaving the airport, which could be a PITA. Chances of this happening are low, but you never know. For the car seat,  we put the car seat in this bag , whether we gate-check or regular check.  And for the stroller, we use this bag .  The bags are big and red so our items are easily identifiable.  If you gate check it or check it at check-in, always inspect it thoroughly for damage upon arrival.
• Downside to Gate-checking: you’ll have to lug it through the airport. If the car seat clicks into your stroller, like if you have a stroller/car-seat system, this is less of a consideration. This is more of an issue when you have a convertible car seat (vs. an infant/baby car seat). When our son was an infant the travel system that we used for everyday use was clunky.  The stroller was big and handled like a tractor-trailer and we did not want to lug it on an airplane; we opted to get this smaller, cheaper stroller frame for flying and just attached our infant car seat into the frame.  It worked very well and if the stroller got damaged, no biggie.  With a little bit of research, you can find a cheapie frame to snap your car seat into.
• Checking the car seat at check-in: In my opinion, this is the least preferable option. If you check the car seat at check-in, the likelihood is higher that it will be damaged in transit. If you do check it at check-in, you should inspect it thoroughly for damage upon arrival.

Getting through Security with an Infant

Navigating security can be an overwhelming experience.

• If you are baby-wearing, you can wear baby through Security and you do not have to go through that X-ray machine (as an aside: you can opt out of that big scanner machine even without a baby).  The website states that you should remove your baby from the carrier; however, I have never been asked to do that.  Under no circumstances should you be separated from your child.
• Wear shoes that you can easily slip on and off; children under 12 are not required to remove their shoes.
• You should collapse your stroller, if it will fit through the baggage X-ray machine. As an aside, you should know how to collapse your stroller (security is not the place to figure it out) and preferably be able to do it with one hand.
• You should have your liquids/food/sippy-cup, etc. … in a separate bag (even a plastic grocery store bag), so you can just hand that over to the TSA agent.
• As soon as I get through Security I usually let my son out of the carrier so that he can run around and stretch his legs.

Boarding with an Infant

Families usually get to board after first class-boarding. But every airline is different. Another consideration is sometimes you will have to obtain a gate-check tag for your stroller and/or car seat, from the gate attendant.  When I get to my gate, I always ‘check in’ with the desk to ask when we get to board and if there is anything else that I will need to gate-check my items. If you have a lap infant this would also be the time to ask if there are any empty seats and if so, can you bring your car seat on the plane (if you want to).

Flying with an Infant

You should be able to board fairly early and thus get settled into your seats.  If you’ve gotten a bassinette seat you will most likely be along the bulkhead, which typically has 3-5 seats across.  You will have a lot of leg room in this row and typically two bassinettes can be affixed to the wall, side by side.  I have gotten the bassinette seat for every international flight that I have taken; however, my son has only slept in the bassinette once.  Nonetheless, I strongly believe that even if your kid does not use the bassinette to sleep, it is still a great amenity.  You will have a lot of leg room, in which they can play, or roll around, etc. … You can also use the bassinette to put your things into.  It just gives you an extra area to use.

Notes on the bassinette seat:

• You will be the primary seat holder with the ‘bassinette seat’; the seat next to your seat is your ‘companion’ seat. If you are flying with another adult you can reserve this seat for him/her.
• When the bassinette is installed, it can come down into your personal space.   This can be problematic for a few reasons: (1) you may not be able to open/close your tray table or release/hide your television and (2) you may be confined to your seat.
• In the bulkhead row your tray table generally folds down into your arm rest and the in-flight entertainment (television) folds down under the seat (these are generalizations; every plane is different). You should check to see if these things can be deployed while the bassinette is installed; if not, make sure to get them out if you will want them before the bassinette is installed.
• Typically, the two other seats in the row are occupied by a family or are empty. On occasion the airline will sell these seats to adults.  On one trip to Dublin there were three adults in the row, along with myself and my baby.  That was awkward. On the other hand, the guy next to me ended up being wonderful!  He had kids himself and was very empathetic to my plight.  By the end of the flight, people thought he was my husband– HA!

Crazy baby contained in the bassinette!

On Board for the Long-Haul

• Using the bathroom on board : If you have managed to get your baby to sleep, you will not want to use the bathroom. I try and avoid beverages, at all costs, when I know that I’m going to be putting baby to sleep. On one occasion BB passed-out in my lap, and I was stuck for 4 hours with my legs jammed against the wall to support him. There was no blood flow for the last 3.5 hours of that experience!  If you are alone, and the baby is awake, do not be afraid to pawn that baby off onto a flight attendant or some random passenger.  I mean, read the person, but most people love that sort of thing.  Long-haul, monotonous flight… who doesn’t want to play with your bouncing bundle of joy for 5 minutes?!!
• Crying baby on board: Don’t worry about it, seriously. I don’t subscribe to the “bring treats” school of thought.  Most people are so nice, generous and comforting, more than anything else. You’ll get way more pity than eye rolls if your kid is bawling their eyes out.  There will be some grumps on the flight but generally just be positive, smile and wave at people and they’ll smile and wave back, even if your kid is crying hysterically.  The only time I *worried* about it was on an overnight flight to Ireland and there was a family next to me who had managed to get their kid to sleep in the bassinette.  I DID NOT want my crying kid to wake up their kid and then we’d have two crying babies. So I stood in the aisle for 4 hours and bounced my kid up and down, which calmed him down (although did not put him to sleep).

Don’t get me wrong, when my child cries on a plane it stresses me out to the nth degree and it makes me very anxious. What I mean by ‘don’t worry about it’ is try not to worry about what other people will think or about disturbing other people.  Because you know what? You really have no idea whether your child is disturbing them or not and all you can do is what you can do. There’s no sense in putting more stress on yourself for something that you have absolutely no control over.

• Breastfeeding on a Plane: My approach to this (if there is someone sitting directly beside me) is to just politely tell them, at the beginning of the flight that I will be breastfeeding my son at some point on the flight. No one has ever had anything negative or nasty to say.  Honestly, most people are a little caught off guard by it but most people say something like, “Oh, my wife breastfed our children until they were 2” or something comforting about some relation they have, who breastfed.  I imagine they are trying to relate, but it’s actually reassuring to me when someone says something positive as their response.

When disembarking I usually wait until everyone else has disembarked (unless I am in the front bulkhead of the plane). You likely have a lot of stuff, or at a minimum, it’s going to be awkward for you to get your stuff down and off the plane.  When you do make it off the plane you will likely have to wait, with all your stuff, just outside the plane doors for your stroller and car seat (if you gate-checked either of them). It gets real awkward real fast when folks are streaming off the plane and you are standing there with another human being strapped to you and 2-3 ‘smallish’ bags. I just wait.

I fly Aer Lingus pretty regularly; occasionally, with that airline, the gate-checked items do not come up to meet you at the gate (another reason to wear that baby!!). If you’ve been waiting a while, politely ask an airline official and they’ll give their best guess as to where your items are (read: they’ll tell you if you are standing there in vain). If it becomes apparent that your items are not going to come to the gate, the stroller and/or car seat will likely show up in the oversized baggage section, near baggage claim. This can be a little unnerving because typically, once you reach your baggage, you have already cleared customs, etc. … and there is no going back for your long-lost stroller or car seat.  Not to worry or get in a panic state (which I have done a few times); just talk to customer service and they’ll tell you where you’re likely to find your items. If they don’t appear, in say, 15-20 minutes, check back with customer service so someone can hunt these things down!

Jet Lag with an Infant

I have written a separate post on jet lag because there is not enough time here to go over all of my experiences with this beast. Also, check out the ‘Tales from the Trenches’ section of the website to read actual people’s accounts of dealing with jet lag with their infants!

But some notable things to remember are: if you are flying east (USA to Europe) when you arrive in Europe your infant will likely wake up for the first few nights at 11 pm and think it’s party time. You will have to just go with it for a few nights. Also, if possible, try not to have to be anywhere important the day after you arrive.  Everyone is exhausted and if you need to be on some sort of schedule, it’s going to be tough to convey that memo to your infant.

Another thing that I will note: on every international trip with my infant, it has been my experience that if baby is on 2 naps (for example) then he is going to want two naps, no matter what time they are.  For example, if your flight gets in at 9 am but baby has only slept 4 hours, if he sleeps for another 4 in the car to wherever, when he wakes up at 1 pm, he is going to think that he just woke up for the day. And he is going to be looking for 2 naps before his next ‘night sleep.’

What this means practically is, when you put him down for bed at 8 pm, he will wake up at 10 pm thinking that he just had his last nap. How you deal with this will vary by baby and by age.  You can try to coax him back to sleep or you can get him up for a few hours and then try to put him down for the night. For me, personally, I have found that the younger the baby, the more difficult it is to disrupt this rhythm.  The older my baby has gotten, the more easily I can coax him back to sleep at whatever ungodly hour.  Most important thing is to be flexible and just roll with it!!

Notable Considerations for Flying with an Infant

• Ask Questions: ask all questions you have and then ask some extras. There are no stupid questions! I still ask questions and I’ve done this a bunch!
• Ask for help!! Especially if you are on your own. People are happy to help!!  Read people; you can get a good sense of someone by making eye contact.
• Give yourself extra time. For everything. This is key. You already know that things take forever with an infant and they’ll take even longer when you’re on the road.
• You won’t be able to use the bathroom. I’m going to reiterate this one. In the airport, if you are wearing your baby, you can wear him or her to the bathroom. But on the plane, once the kid falls asleep, you may not be able to go.
• Visas- this will vary from country to country and depend on the nationalities and citizenships that you hold, but be sure to know whether you need a visa to get where you are going. And even if your infant flies as a lap infant, he may need a visa to get wherever you are going.  If you need a visa to enter your destination country and you don’t have one, they will not issue you a boarding pass or let you on the plane, so plan ahead on this one.

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Great article with lots of helpful info! I love when friends and family visit us from Canada with small kids, it’s the best way to meet Italians.

This guide is so complete! There are so many things I never thought of in it. I always check seatguru, though… everytime we fly. This guide is wonderful for anyone with a baby that needs to fly, especially internationally. I wish we could do non stop flights, but we need to connect just to get out of the US.

Just great information! Luckily, I’m now out of the baby stage, but this is such helpful info for anyone flying with littles!

Thank you so much for sharing, this is really helpful! I will be saving this post for reading again and again, we’ll be starting to travel with an infast next year. That will be an adventure for sure but I am so looking forward to it 😀

SUCH good tips! Especially the ones about purchasing them their own ticket, and about infant passports. It is always good to read up on this information. Thanks!

The best guide for new moms traveling for the first time. You explained everything so clearly and thoroughly. Thank you so much for this guidance. It helps alot!

Thank you Tulsi, I really appreciate that!

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Step-by-Step Guide for International Travel With an Infant

Written by:

Barbara mighdoll.

So you've got this adorable new addition to your family and you're itching to introduce them to the wonders of the world. Good news! The third and fourth months of your baby's life are the perfect time to start traveling – road trips, domestic flights in the United States, and yes, international trips too. Your little one can snooze through most flights (especially in a comfy bassinet seat) or car rides, doesn't require their own plane seat, and can be easily transported from place to place in a compact stroller.

But hold on, there's a bit of groundwork for you new parents to lay before you can jet off on international travel. It might seem like a mountain of tasks, but trust me, it's easier than you think! We had grand plans to whisk our firstborn, Caden, off to the South of France or Tuscany, Italy… and then, well, COVID happened. So, our dream three-week family trip got postponed until our second baby, Willow, was born. We learned A LOT about traveling internationally with an infant (and toddler) from our trip to Italy when Willow was 2 months old .

We were so eager to travel that we'd already booked our flights and accommodations before Willow's arrival, so when it came to getting her passport, we had to be quick off the mark. Now, our kids are seasoned travelers, ready to globe-trot with us at a moment's notice. Aside from numerous U.S. destinations, they've explored Mexico, Italy, and next on the list… Portugal. 

Needless to say, we are big fans of travel as a family, and I’m here to show you it can be done with tiny little newborns!  I hope these baby tips and tricks for international travel that we've picked up along the way will be helpful to you.

1. Secure your flights and bulkhead seats before your baby is born

2. obtain your baby’s official birth certificate and social security number asap, 3. complete form ds-11, but hold off on signing it, 4. attend your passport application appointment as a family, 5. select spacious accommodations with home-like amenities, 6. plan a conservative itinerary, 7. add a lap infant to your flight reservation, 8. set up your baby for global entry, 9. schedule baby’s vaccinations at least 2 weeks ahead of your travel, 10. buy the right baby gear, 11. craft a smart packing list, 12. plan for breast milk and formula on the flight, 13. strategize airport security, 14. airtag all your checked baggage, 15. enjoy exploring the world as a family, when to book your flights.

Book your trip far in advance – you aren’t going to want the stress of planning an international trip when you are a sleep deprived, exhausted parent of a 2 week old. Figure out the ideal dates for your trip based on when you expect your baby to be no less than 8 weeks old. You may be asking… how soon can you travel with a newborn? Most pediatricians recommend waiting until your baby is at least 2 to 3 months old since your baby’s immune system is still developing. Check with your doctor for guidance.

You're going to want to buy refundable tickets for travel. Yes, refundable tickets might be a bit pricier, but they're worth every penny for the peace of mind they offer in case either baby or Mama aren't up for international travel. Again, you should consult with your pediatrician before traveling. We haven’t done this, but you may want to consider travel insurance depending on your circumstances.

Seats to reserve

Plus, booking well in advance means you're more likely to snag those coveted bulkhead seats. Of course the extra space is nice, but that's where you can also secure the airplane bassinet so that you don't feel the need to buy your baby an extra seat for long haul flights. Do check with your airline to confirm which seats – the ones by the window or the ones in the center of the plane – have bassinet access. For instance, when we flew United, we initially bought the row of bulkhead seats by the window, only to find out that the bassinet attachments were only available in the center group of seats. So, we had to switch.

You may be having the big debate of splurging for business class. My 2 cents: at minimum get yourself Premium Economy (one class up from Economy Plus). But if you plan far in advance you can take advantage of credit card bonus point deals to upgrade yourself to Business class tickets in time for your trip!

Apply for this credit card to get upgraded on your trip

American express business platinum.

Currently you can earn 120,000 membership reward points if you make $15k in purchases within the first 3 months. Apply now.

• Points Transfer: 1:1 ratio for most airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Flight Upgrades: Use points to upgrade flights on over 20 airlines
• Airline fee credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits for fees including checked bags and in-flight refreshments
• Lounge Access: Includes The Centurion Lounge, Delta Sky Club and Priority Pass Select
• Global Entry or TSA Pre-check: Statement credit up to $100

To apply for a U.S. passport , you'll need your baby’s birth certificate and their social security number. Both of these can only be obtained after your baby is born. In the hospital, you'll likely receive a certificate, but for your baby’s passport, you'll need the “certified birth certificate” (issued by your city, county, or state, depending on where you live). Once you get the official birth certificate, double-check that both parents’ names are printed correctly as it will be used as proof of parental identity. Typically, you'll receive the official birth certificate one to two weeks after giving birth. In some cases, you can request to pick it up instead of having it mailed if you're in a rush and the records office is nearby.

Pro tip: Get in touch with your hospital administration (or whoever handles processing) ASAP once your baby arrives. They usually only submit to the City/County/State once or twice a week, so you'll want to get it in early if you're in a rush, definitely before the weekend. There can be added fees for expediting, but if you're pressed for time for an international trip, ask if there's anything the hospital can do to speed things up.

The DS-11 form is the official application for your infant's passport. You'll need your baby’s social security number to fill out the form, along with the basics like date of birth, place of birth, gender, and contact info for both parents. You can find the Form DS-11 right here . *Important* don't sign the forms just yet — you'll need to sign in person during your passport appointment!

When you submit your application, you'll also need to send both the original copy of your baby’s official birth certificate (don't worry, they'll mail it right back to you!) and a photocopy of it. Both parents need to submit their own IDs. This, along with the birth certificate, verifies that you are indeed the baby’s parents. Your passports or driver’s licenses will work for this. You'll need to bring your passport/license to your appointment, along with copies for each of you.

Pro Tips: 

• If you're in a rush, schedule your passport appointment before your baby arrives. We did this and walked right into the post office when Willow was 7 days old.
• Make sure your identification copies are on white, 8.5” x 11″ standard paper, black and white, and single sided.
• If you've adopted your baby, you'll need to bring your adoption decree and copies of it as well. 

The Passport Appointment

You'll need to schedule an in-person appointment with both parents/guardians present. If one parent can't make it, fill out a “Statement of Consent” (Form DS-3053) for the non-appearing parent and get it notarized. You'll also need a clear copy of the non-applying parent's government-issued photo ID, front and back. In most cases, I highly recommend making this appointment as soon as you have the birth certificate and social security number just in case there's a wait!! Our local post offices only accept appointments 4 weeks in advance. While you wait for your appointment date, start preparing all of the forms and materials you need to bring with you.

During the appointment they'll take your baby’s passport photo, review all your forms, and check your identification. Then, you'll sign the DS-11 form in front of them, they'll attach your baby’s photo to the application, and you'll pay the fee to officially submit it. It’s $100 for the passport itself, and $35 for the processing fee. It’s important to note that the state department is a bit old school, and you must submit a check (personal, certified, cashier's, traveler's) or money order payable to “U.S. Department of State”. Unfortunately, credit and debit cards are not accepted. 

Ahead of your appointment, confirm if the location offers passport photo services because it's time to take that perfect shot of your baby for their passport, but don't worry, there's a bit more flexibility with baby passport photos. It's understood that getting a photo of a newborn with their eyes fully open, looking at the camera, and sitting up is a tall order. For tips on a DIY passport photo, check out tip #3 on this baby passport FAQ .

Tracking Your Baby's Passport Progress

After your application is submitted at your appointment, you can track your baby’s passport application with the government’s passport application tracker . For expected processing times, check out tip #7 on my baby passport FAQ.

Forgot this critical step?

Forgot to get your baby a passport and now have no time before your trip? Don’t panic. There are services for this. There are some qualifying criteria first: 

a) If you have not yet applied, you must be traveling internationally within 14 calendar days. 

b) If you have already applied, you must be traveling internationally within 5 calendar days. 

If one of these circumstances describes you, then you need to quickly find your nearest Passport Agency and call their office to make an appointment. You can find a map of these here . Be aware that these agencies and centers are different from passport acceptance facilities (for example, USPS is an acceptance facility but not going to cut it as a passport agency when you need urgent results).

Pro Tip: If you choose to expedite your passport processing, there is an additional $60 fee. Technically, that $60 additional expedited fee is for once the passport arrives. To avoid issues with mail transit, you should invest in certified tracking or pay additionally to expedite (yes this is on top of passport, processing, and expedited fees).

When traveling with an infant, your choice of accommodation can make a big difference. Instead of the usual hotel room, consider booking a vacation rental that offers more space and home-like amenities.

Having separate sleeping and living areas can be a lifesaver when traveling with a baby. You can put your baby down for a nap or bedtime in a quiet room, while you relax, squeeze in a workout, or plan your next day.

Look for accommodations with a kitchen or kitchenette. Having the ability to store and prepare baby food, formula, or breast milk can make meal times easier and more flexible. Plus, you can save money by eating meals in. We personally love shopping local and cooking meals with fun local ingredients.

Also, consider the location of your accommodation. Staying in a central location can reduce travel time and make it easier to return for nap time or if you forget something. 

Pro tip: check if your accommodation offers baby gear like a crib or high chair. Many family-friendly accommodations do, and it can save you the hassle and space of bringing your own.

Traveling with an infant means slowing down. Gone are the days of jam-packed itineraries, adventurous bucket list checking outings, rushing from one tourist spot to another. With a baby in tow, you'll want to plan a more relaxed and flexible schedule. Our go-to is always TripAdvisor to research the best local spots and tours.

Babies need frequent breaks for feeding, diaper changes, and just to relax and play. So, instead of trying to see everything, pick one, yes I said one, big outing each day. This could mean wine tasting at a beautiful winery in Tuscany, soaking in the sun with a beach day in the South of Spain, or exploring The Louvre followed by a picnic lunch in front of the Eiffel Tower. 

Also, consider your baby's nap times. If your little one sleeps well in a stroller or carrier, you might plan your day around a long walk or a museum visit during nap. If your baby prefers a quiet, dark room, you might head back to your hotel or vacation rental for nap time.

And don't forget to plan some downtime for yourself too! Traveling with a baby can be exhausting, and you'll enjoy your trip more if you're not worn out. So, whether it's a leisurely lunch while the baby naps, a quiet evening cooking dinner with local ingredients in your villa, or even a relaxing bath after the baby's bedtime, make sure to take some time for yourself doing absolutely nothing.

The goal of your trip is to enjoy your time as a family, not to see and do everything. So, take it slow, be flexible, and savor this special time with your baby.

Next up, you'll want to add your infant to your flight reservation as a lap child. Even though your baby will be on your lap for the journey, airlines still need to know they're coming. This process varies by airline, but typically, you can add a lap infant during the booking process or by calling customer service after you've booked your own ticket.

While your baby might not need their own seat, there could be additional fees for a lap infant on international flights, but the cost is nothing compared to an adult fare. So, make sure to check with your airline about any extra costs.

Pro tip: As soon as you walk onto the airplane, ask the flight attendant to set up the baby bassinet after takeoff if you were lucky enough to get the bulkhead seats. It's a good idea to board during family boarding for extra time to get on the plane and get situated in your airplane seat.

Consider setting up Global Entry for your baby. This program can make re-entry into the U.S. a breeze, saving you time and stress at customs.

To do this, you'll need to apply for Global Entry for your baby, just like you would for an adult. The process involves filling out an online application and scheduling an interview.

Keep in mind though, unlike TSA pre-check, even if both parents have Global Entry, it doesn't extend to your baby. Each individual, regardless of age, needs their own Global Entry to use the expedited lanes.

Pro tip: You can actually do your interview upon arrival back in the U.S. from an international trip. This is called “Enrollment on Arrival” and it's a great way to knock out the interview without an extra trip to the airport.

Check to ensure traveling with your infant is safe by your doctor. Ask about the specific vaccinations your destination requires, whether your baby can wear sunscreen or bug spray, and the methods to protect your baby from diseases prevalent in the area you plan to visit

If you plan to travel when your infant is 8 weeks old, you can usually administer most, if not all, of the 2-month shots safely from 6 weeks old. We chose this approach for Willow to ensure her full protection by the time we traveled when she was 8 weeks old. *I am not a medical professional, and you need to consult with your pediatrician on what is best for your family.

The must-have baby gear

You’ll need the right baby gear to make your travel simpler. Here are my must-have travel essentials along with the actual brands we use:

• a compact, lightweight stroller that fits in the overhead bin | UppaBaby Minu V2 with the car seat adapters for the UppaBaby Mesa
• comfortable baby carrier | Artipoppe (get $50 off) or cheaper option is the Wildbird Aerial Carrier  
• travel diaper bag | No Reception Club Getaway Bag Code: NMM20 for $20 off 
• car seat travel bag | versatile option from Amazon

If the hotel or vacation rental you’re staying at does not have a crib, you’ll also need to bring a lightweight portable travel crib (we love the Guava Lotus ) and depending on the age of your baby, you'll also want the Slumberpod . However, I strongly recommend booking one that does have a crib so you don’t need to pack this!

The nice-to-have baby gear

Some other items I couldn’t live without: I highly recommend packing the Baby Bjorn Bouncer if your baby is not sitting up on their own yet. It may be bulky to travel with, but you can bring it as a carry on in this handy Travel Bag and it's 100% worth the hassle to have a safe place to set down your infant while you are getting ready, during meals, really any time of the day. Another travel must for me was the SnuggleMe Feeding Pillow , which allowed for hands free feeding on the airplane, and hands free napping on Mama on the airplane or during meals out and about.

Packing list for your infant

Packing for a trip with an infant requires a bit more thought and planning. You're not just packing for yourself anymore, but for a tiny human who has their own set of needs. So craft your packing list well in advance of your trip.

First, make a list of all the everyday essentials your baby will need. Diapers, wipes, clothes, feeding supplies, and comfort items like a favorite blanket or stuffed animal.

Second, think about what you'll need for the flight itself. Pack enough diapers in your carry-on bag for 3 days, and 3 changes of extra clothes – you never know if your flight will be delayed, diverted or canceled.

Third, consider what you can buy like diapers and formula at your destination. But if you are like me, and are very particular about the products you use on your baby or if your destination is a bit more remote, I recommend utilizing the extra space in your checked car seat bag to fill it with enough diapers for your trip .

Fourth, plan for the medical unknowns. Pack an infant thermometer , infant tylenol, infant ibuprofen, infant benadryl, medicine dispenser , nose frida with extra filters, saline spray , natural vapor rub , antibiotic ointment, bandaids, adult tylenol, adult cold and flu medicine, and tums. You can usually find most of these items at a local pharmacy, but pharmacies often don't operate 24/7.

Lastly, pack items that will help maintain your baby's sleep routine, like a portable white noise machine, swaddle or sleep sack. I love how small the new Hatch’s Rest Go sound machine is.

Your packing list

For your own packing list, I know it is HARD, but I recommend fighting the urge to overpack for the “just in case” moments. Instead, build a thoughtful capsule wardrobe to save space in your luggage and minimize shoe options (both Jason and I basically lived in our Birkenstocks for 3 weeks in Italy). It’s a fun project during your middle-of-the-night feedings in those hazy first few weeks of newborn life 🙂

For luggage, we brought 3 roller bags: two large checked bags and one small carry-on bag. My favorite carry-on bags are Beis The Carry On Roller or July Carry On Pro .

Nursing while traveling

If you're breastfeeding, consider your comfort and privacy while on the move. Many airports offer nursing rooms, but on the plane, you might want a window seat for a bit more privacy. A nursing cover can also be a lifesaver (literally every single friend of mine owns this one ). Personally I opted for this with Caden, but with my second baby, Willow, I embraced feeding in public and cared less about modesty.

Pumping while traveling

If you are at all reliant on pumping, bring your breast pumps with you in your carry-on bag. The last thing you'll want to stress about is your luggage getting lost with your pump in it. I also highly recommend bringing a manual breast pump as a backup in case your pump stops working or you lose a part.

I tested multiple coolers and ice packs and these are the winners to bring with you on the plane:

• Hydro flask 20L Carry Out Soft Cooler
• Cooler Shock Reusable Ice Packs

Using formula while traveling

For those using formula, pack enough for the long flight and bring 3 days of extra formula in your carry-on luggage for any unexpected delays or difficulties in finding formula at your final destination. Pack a travel sized formula container and ask the airline for hot water.

• TSA allows you to bring a reasonable amount of breast milk, formula, and baby food for your infant. It's exempt from the 3-1-1 liquids rule, but you do need to declare it at security.
• Pack a few extra bottles, a bottle warmer and portable bottle cleaner and soap.
• Pack these breast pump cleaning wipes for on-the-go pumping.
• To avoid ear pain, plan to feed your baby during takeoff and landing.

Navigating airport security with an infant requires a bit of strategy when you have young children. Jason and I literally talked through the entire ordeal prior to arriving at the airport – who would wear the baby, who would lift the stroller, etc.

If you do not have TSA pre-check check if the airport has a family lane. These lanes are designed for families, and can make the process smoother without having an annoyed traveler giving you dirty looks behind you.

Baby gear like strollers and car seats need to go through the X-ray machine. Decide who will be in charge of folding up your stroller. If you bring your car seat through security, you'll need to clip the straps together and flip it upside down to go through the machine.

Wear your baby in a baby carrier if possible. This frees up your hands for handling IDs, tickets, and luggage. In most cases, you will not be asked to remove your baby from the carrier during the screening process.

Plan to do a diaper change after you get through security, before boarding.

Pro tip: If you are traveling with the UppaBaby Vista, it won’t fit through the X-ray machine. You’ll need to wait for a TSA agent to conduct an extra security check. This stroller is bulky and heavy to be traveling with, which is why I’m the absolute biggest fan of the UppaBaby Minu V2 .

When it comes to international travel with an infant, keeping track of your belongings becomes even more crucial. Airlines, unfortunately, can misplace luggage, and this risk seems to increase with international travel. To help prevent this, consider using Apple AirTags on your checked luggage, including gate-checked stroller bags. Use different colored keychain holders and assign the colors to your Find My app. Make note of which bag is which color. The airline actually lost our gate-checked stroller when we went to Italy and it took 8 days to get it back. By having the AirTag we were able to locate our stroller and help the airline coordinate delivery.

Always make sure to have your most valuable and essential items – like passports, wallets, and necessary baby supplies – in your carry-on luggage. And when it comes to gate-checked items, make sure they're securely packed and labeled with your contact information. 

Once you reach your final destination, expect jet lag to take three days to wear off. We had one of the most magical experiences on our international family trip to Italy during our parental leaves. Will my kids remember it? No, but there is photographic proof they were there, and it was made so much more special because of it.

So, there you have it, a step-by-step guide full of my best tips to traveling internationally with an infant. Follow these steps to enjoy the adventure of a lifetime with your little one. If this still seems too overwhelming, but you're anxious for a getaway, consider a roadtrip (and here are some tips )!

Interested in an extended international trip with your baby?

And if you are ready for an extended international trip, I’m excited to share we’ve booked a two-month “ Boundless Life ” experience next summer. This program is for digital nomad families, with co-working space for adults and daycare, preschool and elementary school for the kids. Want to join us? I’ll be writing more about Boundless Life and our decision to take this adventure soon. But in the meantime, 2024 cohorts are almost sold out, so book an intro call, and use code NEWMODERNMOM for €400 off your trip. 

I live in San Francisco with my husband, Jason, toddler, Caden, one year old baby, Willow, and Bernese Mountain Dog, Bear. I previously held multiple VP of Marketing roles at tech startups before deciding to take the leap to build New Modern Mom full time in an effort to find fulfillment and flexibility in my life. I also was a fitness instructor in an earlier life. I created this space to curate the best products and real advice on pregnancy, motherhood, cooking, travel and more to make doing it all for ambitious moms like me a whole lot easier.

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Becoming a mom introduced a new dimension to my identity, transforming my perception of ambition and success. At 29, I had already achieved my dream role through dedication, hard work, and unrelenting strides beyond my comfort zone. But with the arrival of my first child, the dream job I had so passionately chased suddenly lost its luster. I was caught in the dichotomy of wanting to be present as a mother and seeking fulfillment in a thrilling career. I felt like I couldn’t lean into either side without sacrificing something. So I spun up a passion project, now turned full time career. I built New Modern Mom as a resource to help you simplify the daily chaos of motherhood. But New Modern Mom is more than just a publishing platform, it’s a mission to empower mothers striving to find that delicate balance between a rewarding career and cherishing precious moments of motherhood. It's about living a fulfilled, balanced, present, and beautiful life amidst all the chaos. 

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Required Documents for International Travel With Minors

Traveling with kids outside your home country? In general, each adult in your party will need a passport , and minor children will need either passports or original birth certificates.

Documentation requirements become more complicated when one parent or guardian is traveling alone with a minor. In general, besides your passport, you should bring written consent from the child’s biological parent(s) along with the child’s birth certificate. Many countries require that the consent document be witnessed and notarized. Several websites let you download or print  free parental consent forms .

Country-Specific Rules

Be aware that specific rules about documentation can differ substantially from country to country. You should check the US State Department International Travel website for information about requirements for your destination country. Find your destination country, then the tab for "Entry, Exit, & Visa Requirements," then scroll down to "Travel with Minors."

These excerpts regarding Canada, Mexico and the Bahamas (a popular port of call on Caribbean cruises) are good points of reference and demonstrate how varied the rules can be:

“If you plan to travel to Canada with a minor who is not your own child or for whom you do not have full legal custody, CBSA may require you to present a notarized affidavit of consent from the minor’s parents. Please refer to the CBSA website for more details. There is no specific form for this document, but it should include dates of travel, parents’ names, and photocopies of their state-issued IDs.”

“Effective January 2, 2014, under Mexican law travel by minors (under 18 years of age) must show proof of parental/guardian permission to exit Mexico. This regulation applies if the minor is traveling by air or sea; traveling alone or with a third party of legal age (grandparent, uncle/aunt, school group, etc.); and using Mexican documents (birth certificate, passport, temporary or permanent Mexican residency).

"The minor is required to present a notarized document showing the consent to travel from both parents (or those with parental authority or legal guardianship), in addition to a passport, in order to leave Mexico. The document should be in Spanish; an English version must be accompanied by a Spanish translation. The document must be notarized or apostilled. The minor should carry the original letter (not a facsimile or scanned copy) as well as proof of the parent/child relationship (birth certificate or court document such as a custody decree, plus photocopies of both parents’ government-issued identification).

"According to INM, this regulation does NOT apply to a minor traveling with one parent or legal guardian, i.e., a consent letter from the missing parent is NOT required. In addition, the regulation is not intended to apply to dual national minors (Mexican plus another nationality) if the minor is departing Mexico using the passport of the other nationality. However, if the minor is departing Mexico using the Mexican passport, the regulation does apply. The Embassy nevertheless recommends that dual nationals travel prepared with a consent letter from both parents.

"The U.S. Embassy in Mexico City has received numerous reports of U.S. citizens being required to provide notarized consent forms for circumstances falling outside of the categories listed above, and/or being asked for such permission at land border crossings. Therefore,  the Embassy recommends all minors traveling without both parents carry a notarized consent letter at all times in the event airline or Mexican immigration representatives request one.

"Travelers should contact the Mexican Embassy, the nearest Mexican consulate, or INM for more information.”

The Bahamas

“Minors traveling unaccompanied or accompanied by a guardian or chaperone: What is required to enter The Bahamas may vary greatly from what is required to re-enter the country of origin. In general, a child under 16 years of age may travel into the Bahamas merely with proof of citizenship. Proof of citizenship can be a raised seal birth certificate and preferably a government-issued photo ID if on a closed-loop cruise or a U.S. passport if entering by air or private vessel. 

"The Bahamas requires compliance with regulations to divert child abduction. Any child traveling without one of the parents listed upon the birth certificate must have a letter from the absent parent granting permission for the child to travel. This should be sworn before a notary public and signed by the absent parent(s). If the parent is deceased, a certified death certificate may be necessary.

"It is advisable to have the minor carry a written notarized consent letter from both parents (if both are listed on the child’s certificate of birth) before sending your child to travel as a minor with a guardian or chaperone.”

Are you flying with kids within the US? You should know about REAL ID, the new identification required for domestic air travel.

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12 tips on how to travel internationally with a baby

Traveling with an infant is already an adventure -- and traveling abroad with one is an even bigger feat to tackle.

Knowing the rules, researching and prepping ahead of time and packing the right things can make (or break) your first international trip with a baby. If you're in the know, you can take advantage of all the options afforded to traveling families, from bassinets on the plane and security shortcuts to special infant fares and other perks.

Covering everything from booking and documents to travel insurance and even jet lag, this guide provides everything you need to prepare for an international trip with your baby.

Want more travel news and advice from TPG? Sign up for our daily newsletter .

Get your baby's passport

Before you get too far into planning a trip abroad, you'll need to get your baby's first passport .

While you're at it, make sure everyone else in the family has a valid passport, too. Remember, U.S. passports for children under 16 expire after five years, not 10 years like adult passports. Also, make sure everyone's passport isn't nearing expiration. Many countries require three or six months of validity to enter, which effectively means that child passports are really only valid for 4 1/2 years, which go quickly.

When getting a passport for your baby , here are the main steps to follow:

• Get their birth certificate.
• Find out where to apply.
• Make an appointment. You'll need to go in person and bring your baby with you.
• Take their passport photo. It can be difficult to get a photo of your baby. Rules for photos state that the child/baby should be looking directly at the camera with a natural smile or neutral look. If you can manage to get the baby's eyes to stay open, that's typically enough for their first passport photo. The background should be white and the size 2 by 2 inches with no filters. Within that size, your baby/child's head needs to be 1 to 1 3/8 inches (25 to 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head. If you're struggling to get everything just right, the ItsEasy App can help you crop and size your photo to the correct dimensions.
• Gather the paperwork. Fill out Form DS-11 and take your baby's birth certificate plus photocopies of each document. Bring a couple of photos, a valid ID for each parent, a photocopy of parental IDs and the fee (you can pay by check). Fees are currently $100 for the passport and $35 for processing.
• Attend the appointment in person with both parents present . If only one parent can go, fill out and bring parental consent form DS-3053 plus a copy.

Get your baby Global Entry

If you already have Global Entry , you won't be able to use the service as a family if your little ones don't have it. So, get a start on your baby's application. Or, if this is something your whole family wants to do, apply simultaneously, making expiration dates and renewals easier to complete for everyone at the same time.

Do note that with TSA PreCheck , kids 12 and under won't need to have their own number to accompany parents through these special security lanes -- but that's not true for Global Entry, which you use to return to the U.S.

Check with your doctor

Check with your pediatrician to see when your baby can start flying.

To give you an idea, TPG talked to Dr. Jenny Yu , medical director at Healthline , to find out when it's typically safe for babies to travel. "While babies typically develop their immune system around 1 month, most pediatricians would recommend waiting until 3 to 6 months for travel," she said. For premature babies, it might be a little longer.

Also, with international travel, it's important to factor in any additional vaccines they might need, especially if you're traveling to emerging countries. Start by checking with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for recommendations on which vaccines both adults and babies should get, then talk with your pediatrician to see what is best for your family, baby and travel situation.

Other important questions to ask your doctor should be if your baby can wear sunblock or mosquito repellent and how to keep your baby and your whole family safe from tropical or waterborne diseases, COVID-19 and any other possible infections, which can depend highly on your destination.

Pick the right destination

Whether it's a far-flung visit to Asia, a trip to visit family in Europe, a Caribbean escape or an African safari, you can travel anywhere with a baby as long as you and your family feel comfortable doing so. Choose a destination that makes you feel joy, not anxiety or stress at the thought of getting there and enjoying it with your baby.

Consider things like the activities you want to do, and if the destination is a place that feels welcoming for families. Also think about logistics, like the language barrier, climate and local transportation, when deciding if that particular destination is right for your family.

Book tickets

Depending on how old your baby is, you have some options when flying abroad with them. Here are a few to consider:

• Lap infant: If your baby is under 2 years old, they don't need their own seat. They can instead sit on the lap of a ticketed adult. For international travel, some airlines charge 10% to 30% of the adult ticket price or just the taxes and fees for a lap infant, and some airlines don't charge anything at all. This table shows the costs by airline to buy your baby a lap ticket. Make sure to check on luggage policies when traveling with a lap infant. Most airlines allow for a stroller and car seat checked free of charge. You may also be able to check or carry on additional baggage, too, but more on that later.
• Bassinet for lap infant: Many airlines have bassinet options, especially aboard larger aircraft that fly internationally. See if you can select this option while booking or call the airline for more information on securing a bassinet. Bassinets are usually free, but given to those who request them first. Ask for one right after booking to ensure you'll be assigned a seat with one when available. In most cases, bassinet weight limits max out at 20 to 24 pounds, so they're best for smaller babies and newborns.
• Extra seat with car seat or restraint for babies 2 years and up: If your baby is older than 2 years, you must pay for their seat. Many airlines have discounted tickets for children. If the child weighs more than 44 pounds, they won't need any additional restraint system within their own seat. If they weigh less than 44 pounds, see the information on a certified child restraint or car seat below.
• Additional seat with car seat or restraint for babies under 2: If your baby is less than 2 years old, you can still book them their own seat. In fact, the Federal Aviation Administration suggests that children under 44 pounds wear an FAA-approved harness (such as the CARES harness ) or certified child restraint to help keep them safe during turbulence, takeoff and landing. Make sure to check your car seat to see if there is an FAA-approved sticker on it.

It's worth noting that car seat, bassinet and harness options and policies vary wildly by airline and class of service. For more information on these policies by airline, read this article on 23 airline car seat and bassinet policies around the world .

Note that when booking seats for your family on an international flight, there are areas where kids and babies are not allowed to sit, like exit rows. Malaysia Airlines doesn't allow babies in its first-class cabins on A380 and 747 aircraft. Some international airlines such as AirAsia, Scoot and IndiGo also have kid-free and quiet zones where families with babies and children under a certain age (usually 10 or 12) aren't allowed to sit.

Additionally, if your baby is closer to 2 years old, you might want to compare the price of a lap ticket to the price of getting them their own seat. Sometimes, the price difference may not be that much, and it could make the flight more comfortable for the entire family.

Organize documents, including visas and COVID-19 forms

Passports aren't the only documents you'll need for international travel these days. Check to see if you and your baby need a visa to enter whatever country you're visiting. If you're traveling without your partner, look into completing a Child Consent Form.

Have proof of vaccines, complete any health forms and entry forms and take those COVID-19 tests if required to enter the country. Be clear on if your baby or children need to wear masks during the flight and plan accordingly. While babies 2 and up need to wear masks on board U.S. airlines, international airlines have different rules. For example, Iberia only requires children 6 and up to wear masks. Presently, British Airways has made masking up for all passengers a "personal choice" when not required by international law. We expect these rules to continue to rapidly evolve.

It's worth checking what documents you need for the trip when booking and again before traveling to ensure that you have everything you need as rules and regulations frequently change, especially in this era of pandemic travel .

Understand luggage rules

Different airlines have varying rules for how much luggage you can take when traveling abroad, especially when traveling with lap infants or children/babies occupying their own seats. Most airlines allow you to check a stroller and/or car seat. Many also offer additional checked luggage, as well as a carry-on bag or item for the baby.

For example, British Airways allows both lap infants and children ages 2 and up to have a carry-on item and a checked bag in most cases, giving parents a little flexibility when bringing along all those key items babies need . Cathay Pacific allows lap infants two additional bags at 10 kilograms each when flying between most destinations.

If you aren't clear on the luggage rules, call the airline before traveling to confirm so you won't get stuck with any surprises or have to pay additional fees.

Know the rules for breast milk and formula

Thanks to the Friendly Airports for Mothers Improvement Act, all large- and medium-size airports in the U.S. now provide lockable, non-bathroom places to pump or nurse babies in every terminal and at least one men's and one women's restroom with changing tables in each terminal. This may not be the case abroad, so if you're concerned, research your destination airport to see what options are provided when it comes to these services.

You shouldn't have any issues flying with breast milk or formula on your outbound trip from the U.S. , as regular Transportation Security Administration liquid regulations don't apply to these special liquids. According to the TSA , "reasonable quantities" of these liquids are allowed, but you must take them out during screening for the security officer to test.

You can look up rules to see what's allowed when returning from your destination. For example, the United Kingdom allows breast milk past security in containers up to 2,000 milliliters. You can also take formula, milk and bottled water for the baby, but the baby must be present. In the European Union , you can take breast milk and formula through security and when flying as long as your baby is traveling with you.

Your airline may also provide clarity on these types of rules. Cathay Pacific, for example, states that breastfeeding is allowed during all phases of the flight, using an electric pump is allowed once electric devices can be switched on and travelers can even bring along suitably packed dry ice to refrigerate expressed milk, assuming it's declared during check-in.

According to some airlines, if you're taking a large breast pump along, this may count as a medical device and not be part of your carry-on allowance, but these regulations often aren't very clear. Contact your airline for more information and print out the rules in case you have any issues during security screening or boarding.

If you're traveling from a very obscure destination within an emerging country and you can't find answers about bringing breast milk, it may be best to have a Plan B in place, such as bringing along enough formula in powder form to last you for the flight or planning to pump or breastfeed in flight.

Should you want to ship your breast milk abroad, options are available for you depending on your destination, such as Maven Milk and Milk Stork .

Book accommodations

When booking accommodations in your destination abroad, take things into account like baby necessities, baby-friendly items, the option to do laundry and the availability to heat, cool and store milk and formula. Choosing a vacation rental instead of a hotel may be the right idea if you need more space, a kitchen and laundry facilities.

If your baby is eating solid foods, make sure there are restaurants or supermarkets nearby where you can get exactly what you need. Doing a little pre-trip research can help you feel confident and comfortable when traveling with your baby regardless of which hotel or home rental you choose to stay in.

Pack strategically

Packing with a baby can seem precarious, but it doesn't have to be. Just make sure you have enough of everything you need to get through the flight, plus a bit extra in case of delays or cancellations. For an exact list of everything you need to pack, see this article on how to pack -- and prepare -- for travel with a baby .

For extra-long flights, try to have everything to help your baby comfortably nap on hand, like a lovey, blanket, pacifier and more. Have changes of clothes on hand for the whole family in case of a messy situation, and enough layers for a plane that may be hot or chilly. A baby carrier can be key, too.

When packing for a trip abroad, the most important items to remember are everyone's passport, visa and key documents, plus anything essential that you know you can't get in another country. Babies live all over the world, so you can easily get items like diapers, wipes, formula and more anywhere. However, you may not find the exact brand you want, or if you're going somewhere rural or far-flung, like on a safari in Africa, you may want to bring enough for your entire trip.

For example, Enfamil, a popular baby formula brand, is found all over Europe and even in the Caribbean and Latin America. However, it may not be available in Africa or Asia, so do your homework.

If you're traveling with items that need to plug in to charge, like a breast pump, baby monitor or nightlight, bring converters if necessary. You can always rent baby items abroad, too, rather than lugging everything along with you. It's possible to preorder diapers and wipes in many destinations, as well.

Strongly consider travel insurance

Things happen. While getting the flu abroad may not be a big deal for an adult, a sick baby can be scary and stressful, especially if you're in a foreign country. Having travel insurance that covers accidents and emergencies -- and COVID-19, too -- can set your mind at ease and save the day if something happens.

Before travel, note where the nearest hospital or health care facilities are, as well as any international hospitals where staff may be more likely to speak English. Know exactly how to use your insurance, like what numbers to call or what to do if a situation arises. Check if any of your credit cards have travel insurance that may cover you and your family if things go awry.

Plan for jet lag

Jet lag stinks. Jet lag with a baby might be even worse. There are things you can do to make jet lag a little less stressful, though, especially when traveling abroad to very different time zones.

First, give yourselves a few days to adjust, planning big events later in the trip. Limit your baby's naps when possible. If your baby takes a five-hour nap, they definitely won't be sleeping through the night.

Shift mealtimes, naptimes and bedtimes to the new time zone as quickly as possible, getting daylight during the day and darkness at night, so internal clocks begin to adjust for the whole family. If the time zone difference is small, you may want to keep your baby on the original time zone to minimize disruption, especially for a shorter trip.

For more tips on combating jet lag with a baby in tow, read this guide on surviving jet lag with your baby .

Bottom line

Planning and taking an international trip with a baby can be simple and create memories for a lifetime if you prepare just right. With a little bit of extra research, you'll be armed with everything you need to know, do and bring to make your trip abroad smooth and hassle-free.

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Do babies need passports? How to get a passport for a newborn

Whether you’re a parent, about to be a parent or thinking about becoming a parent, and you love to travel internationally, you’re probably already thinking about whether or not a baby needs a passport. The simple answer: yes, always if they’re flying abroad. There are a few exceptions but generally speaking, it’s best to get a passport for your baby. Here’s everything you need to know about baby passports, including how to get one.

In this post

Do babies need to have a passport?

How soon can a newborn get a passport, applying for your baby’s passport, can newborns travel without a passport, can babies use real ids instead of passports, our tips for your baby’s passport application.

For the vast majority of international trips, American babies do need passports. The exceptions are travel to Canada and Mexico by land or sea, as well as closed-loop cruises . As with adults, domestic travel across the U.S., including its territories, does not require a passport for babies.

Expert tip : Even though you don’t technically need a passport on a closed-loop cruise, it’s best to take one with you, just in case an emergency requires you to disembark in a foreign country and fly home. That extends to babies, too.

Newborn passports can be issued immediately after birth, though the process does take several weeks or months. You can, however, expedite the passport application process for newborns, just as adults can. You can also apply for emergency passports if you must travel imminently for life-or-death reasons.

Applying for a passport for minors, including babies, requires a few additional steps compared to applying as an adult.

What do parents need to get a baby passport?

To apply for a baby passport, parents provide:

• a completed Form DS-11 for their child;
• their child’s social security number if they have one;
• their child’s birth certificate or other form of citizenship evidence, as well as a photocopy of it;
• documentation proving their parental relationship to the child, such as a birth certificate or adoption decree;
• their own IDs, such as a passport book or driver’s license, as well as a photocopy;
• a document showing parental consent from both parents or guardians (if you’re a sole legal authority, you must provide documentation like a court order or death certificate);
• a valid passport photo;
• and the application and execution fees for the passport book ($100 and $35, respectively).

What is the process to follow?

Parents must bring all the documentation to a passport acceptance facility, and both parents must be in attendance. If one parent cannot attend, you must fill out and bring a Form DS-3053 signed in front of a notary public with a photocopy of the front and back of the absent parent’s ID. If neither parent can attend, a third party can apply on behalf of the parents, again with a Form DS-3053 or a notarized statement giving this third-party individual permission to apply for the child’s passport.

Expert tip: The application process for a baby passport is just as long as the application for an adult passport, so apply well in advance of your trip abroad.

Newborns can travel domestically without a passport. This includes travel to U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico or Guam; these territories are particularly ideal for beach vacations. Newborns can also travel internationally to Canada or Mexico by land or sea without a passport, but they must have their birth certificate with them on their travels.

Expert tip : If only one parent is traveling with their child abroad, it’s wise to travel with a consent letter from the other parent. Border agents are frequently concerned about child abduction in custody cases, as well as trafficking.

No, babies cannot use Real IDs instead of passports for international travel. Minors do not need to present ID for domestic travel if they are traveling with an adult companion.

• Be sure your baby’s passport photo is compliant with all standards, including a white or off-white background, a color image and an image that is less than six months old.
• Don’t forget to have your child’s social security number on hand. If they don’t have one yet, you’ll need to declare under oath that they do not have a social security number.
• If your travels abroad are limited to Canada or Mexico by land or sea, consider applying for a passport card instead of a passport book for your child. The application is $15 versus $100 for the book.
• Keep in mind that passports for children under 16 expire every 5 years.

Babies need passports to travel internationally unless they are traveling to Canada or Mexico by land or sea, or on closed-loop cruises. Still, it’s worth applying for a passport when your baby is a newborn to give your family the most options for traveling abroad. For more information about traveling with infants, check out our guides to babyproofing your vacation rental and breastfeeding while traveling .

How KAYAK knows what to put in this guide

As a travel writer, I always stay up to date on the latest passport regulations, including the time it takes for applications and renewals. As a supporter of family vacations abroad, I believe it is in a parent’s best interest to get a passport for their child as soon as possible. For this guide, I researched the passport policies for minors of the U.S. Department of State, the agency responsible for U.S. passports.

Frequent questions about passports for babies

Yes, babies need passports to go to Mexico if they are traveling by air. If they are traveling by land or sea, they only need to bring their birth certificate.

Yes, babies need passports to go to Canada if they are traveling by air. If they are traveling by land or sea, they only need to bring their birth certificate.

It depends on the cruise. Closed-loop cruises that start and end in the U.S. technically don’t require passports for passengers. Other cruises do require passports for babies.

The foregoing article was last updated on the 21st of August 2024. It does not contain legal advice and is for informational purposes only. KAYAK does not guarantee, and accepts no legal liability arising from or connected to, the accuracy, reliability, currency, or completeness of any of the information contained in this article and/or any of the content linked to within it. Always check the official government website of your departure and arrival destinations prior to travel for up-to-date information. Sources: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/fees.html https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/know-before-you-go/your-trip https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/get-fast.html https://www.dhs.gov/real-id/real-id-faqs https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/passport-help/faqs.html   https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/under-16.html

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Infant Air Travel

We’re here to take you and your family wherever you need to go.  Infants or children under 2 years of age can travel on the lap of an adult for free (within the United States) or at a reduced fare (for international travel). You also may purchase a ticket and use the child’s own seat on the aircraft as long as it meets the FAA-approved child safety seat specifications or use a CARES harness. Our step-by-step guide explains how to easily add a lap-held infant (Infant-in-Arms) to your ticket yourself.

Due to FAA safety requirements, 1 adult passenger may only carry 1 lap-held infant. If an adult passenger is traveling with 2 infants, a seat must be purchased for the additional infant. Infants occupying a seat on domestic flights require a ticket and pay the applicable fare.

Pregnant Passengers

Child & infant age restrictions, infant-in-arms or child in safety seat, you will need to purchase a ticket for your child if you:.

• Have a child that is 2 years old or older
• Have a child that turns 2 during the trip
• Prefer the child sit in a seat with an FAA-approved child safety seat
• Already have a child that will be sitting in your lap, regardless of age
• Want your child to earn miles for their SkyMiles account
• Will be traveling between countries, regardless of whether or not the child occupies a seat

Child Safety Seat Guidelines

If you decide to use a child safety seat aboard the airplane and purchase a ticket for your child, there are a few restrictions and guidelines you'll need to follow.

The window seat is the preferred location for an approved child safety seat (child restraint system or car seat). Other locations may be acceptable provided the seat is not installed between other passengers and the aisle. An accompanying adult must sit next to the child. More than one car seat may be in use in the same row and section of seats. Per FAA regulations, children under 2 years of age are not allowed to sit in a seat equipped with an airbag seat belt.

When using a child safety seat, don’t select seats in the following areas: 

• Aisle seats
• Emergency exit rows
• Bulkhead seats when the safety seat is a combination car seat and stroller
• Flatbed seats in the Delta One ™ area of the following aircraft: Airbus A330-200 or A330-300 aircraft *

* Child Safety Seats are not permitted in this area since the airbag seat belt cannot be deactivated .

An adult (18 years or older) may hold an infant (Infant-in-Arms) or place the infant in a FAA-approved child restraint in their seat during takeoff and landing. Booster-type car seats are not permitted for use during taxi, takeoff and landing.

Delta flight attendants will check with accompanying adults to ensure that children are properly secured in their safety seats and in the aircraft seat. The accompanying adult, however, has the following responsibilities when using a child restraint during takeoff and landing:

• Ensure that the child restraint seat meets FAA guidelines , Go to footer note
• Ensure that the child restraint seat functions properly and is free of obvious defects
• Secure the child according to the manufacturer's instructions
• Ensure the child does not exceed the restraint's weight limit
• Ensure the child restraint is secured to the aircraft seat using the aircraft seat's safety belt

All child safety seats or restraints include labeling that indicates their compliance with safety requirements. Restraints that meet the qualifications and labeling are approved for use on Delta flights.

Restraints manufactured within the U.S. after 2/25/85 with the following labels:

• Conforms to all applicable federal motor vehicle standards
• Is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft

Restraints manufactured within the U.S. between 1/1/81 and 2/25/85 with the following label:

Restraints manufactured outside the U.S. with the following labels:

• Has the approval of a foreign government
• Was manufactured under standards of the United Nations

Restraints that are not permitted:

• Booster seats, even if they bear labels indicating they meet U.S., UN or foreign government standards
• Vest and harness-type child restraint devices other than the FAA approved CARES restraint device

Bassinets or SkyCots

For some of our smallest passengers on some international flights, we offer onboard baby bassinets. They’re ideal for babies weighing up to 20 lbs. (9 kg) and up to 26 inches (66 cm) long.

• Onboard bassinets, also known as SkyCots, are available free of charge for passengers in select seats on equipped aircraft for some international flights
• SkyCots can be requested by contacting Reservations before arriving at the airport and then speaking with the gate agent at the boarding gate, but cannot be guaranteed due to a limit of two SkyCots per aircraft and weight restrictions
• Please note that all infants must be held during takeoff, landing and whenever the seat belt light is on

Additional Infant Travel Information

For children under the age of two, we recommend you purchase a seat on the aircraft and use an approved child safety seat. Here are some other helpful tips for traveling with your infant or toddler:

Breastfeeding

Delta fully supports a woman’s right to breastfeed on board Delta and Delta Connection aircraft and in Delta facilities. Breast pumps are allowed on board. At the airport and if you prefer, many airports do offer private lactation rooms or spaces. Ask a Delta associate if you need assistance locating one at an airport.

Booking Your Trip

When traveling with an infant or toddler, you may find it helpful to allow a little extra time between flights to take rest or bathroom breaks along the way. Our Airport maps can help you plan your layovers before you even reach the airport.

International Flights

If your travel destination requires a passport and/or travel visas, you will need a passport for your child, and possibly extra documentation. To review required documentation in each country you’re visiting or stopping over in, visit the U.S. Department of State’s Special Requirements for Children .

Infant Baggage

Review our Infant & Children's Items guidelines for specific details on carry-on items, including child restraint seats, strollers and diaper bags. During security check in, the TSA will usually make a special provision for items like medications, breast milk and baby formula. Check out the Traveling with Kids section of the TSA website for information and helpful videos about travel with infants and carry-on baggage restrictions.

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• Special assistance

Traveling with children

Traveling with children and infants.

We are committed to caring for people on life’s journey and want you and your children to have a safe and positive travel experience. To allow enough time for check-in, arrive early and be sure to have any required travel documents. You may have to present proof of age like a birth certificate for any children under the age of 18.

• Families with children under 2 years old can ask to board early at the gate.
• Only 1 carry-on diaper bag per child is allowed.

You can travel with a breast pump and small, soft-sided cooler of breast milk in addition to your carry-on or personal item. These items don’t have to be checked and are allowed even when you’re not traveling with a child. Also, most airports have nursing rooms and stations available for your convenience.

If you’re a family traveling with children under 15, we want to help make sure you’re seated together on your flight. Here are some tips for when you book:

• Be sure to book everyone in the same reservation.
• The farther in advance you book, the better. (Seats become limited closer to the day of travel.)
• On the seat map, choose seats for your entire family or skip seats for that flight.
• It’s better to skip seats than to choose just a few seats or seats scattered throughout the cabin. Our gate agents can try to reseat you but getting seats together the day of travel is difficult.

If you skip seats

If you’re unable to choose seats, don’t want to pay for seats, or chose a Basic Economy fare, our system will detect that you’re a family traveling. The system will search for seats together automatically before the day of departure. We’ll try our best to keep you together, but if seats are limited, we’ll assign seats so children under 15 are next to at least 1 adult.

Children and adults traveling in separate reservations

If you and your children are traveling together but have separate reservations, call Reservations so we can note it in each reservation.

Contact Reservations

Children 2 or older are required to have their own seat, a ticketed adult fare. Children under 5 can’t travel alone under any circumstances.

If you don't choose seats in Main Cabin or Basic Economy, we’ll assign seats a few days after you buy your tickets so children under 15 are next to at least 1 adult they’re traveling with.

We welcome infants as young as 2 days old, but infants under 7 days old must have a doctor's letter stating that they are medically cleared to travel.

Keep in mind:

• Only 1 infant may be seated in the lap of each ticketed accompanying adult and the infant must be included in the reservation.
• Additional infants under 2 years old must be ticketed and occupy an infant safety seat or in a separate aircraft seat.
• The infant must be under 2 years of age for the duration of the trip. If they turn 2 during a trip, they will need their own seat for the remainder of the trip.

Adding an infant to your trip

If you’re traveling within the U.S., including Puerto Rico, you can add an infant to your trip when you book on aa.com, or later once it is ticketed. You only need to contact Reservations if you’re traveling with an infant who is under 7 days old; or if you’re traveling outside of the U.S. (taxes and a percentage of the adult fare may apply on international trips).

Book a new trip

• Book your trip on aa.com
• Enter your information on the ‘Passenger details’ page
• Select ‘add infant in lap’

Book a trip

Update an existing trip

• Find your trip on aa.com
• Scroll to the ‘Passengers’ section

Find your trip

Call Reservations if:

• You’re traveling with an infant who is less than 7 days old
• You’re not traveling within the U.S., and Puerto Rico

Reserved seat

If your infant will travel in their own seat, you must buy a ticket. The infant must either travel in a safety seat approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or be able to sit upright in their seat without assistance and have their seatbelt securely fastened during taxi, takeoff, landing and whenever the 'fasten seatbelt' sign is on.

Bassinets and changing tables

• Changing tables are available in the lavatories of all wide-body aircraft.
• Bassinets are available on a first come, first serve basis at the gate for travel only on 777-200, 777-300 and 787 aircraft.*
• Bassinets are not available in First / Business cabins.

*Infants using bassinets must be younger than 2 years old and weigh no more than 20lbs (9kg)

Acceptable safety seats

Most safety seats that are approved for use in motor vehicles are acceptable for use in aircraft. The seat must have a solid back and seat, restraint straps installed to securely hold the child and a label indicating approval for use on an aircraft.

The label may include:

• These notes: 'This child restraint system conforms to all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards' and 'this restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircrafts' or 'this restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft.'
• Approval of a foreign government or a label showing that the seat was manufactured under the standards of the United Nations.
• The safety seat can't be used in an exit row or in the rows on either side of an exit row; window seats are preferred.
• Install the seat in the direction appropriate for the size of the child and according to the instructions on the label.
• The child must remain in the safety seat with the harness fastened during taxi, takeoff, landing and whenever the 'fasten seatbelt' sign is on.
• To carry on a safety seat, you must have bought a seat for the child, or a seat must be available next to you. If an unoccupied, adjoining seat is not available, the gate agent will check the safety seat to your final destination.

Review seat dimensions before your trip.

Safety seats are not allowed in First or Business on select planes due to the seat angles.

Airbus 321T

• Boeing 777-200
• Boeing 777-300
• Boeing 787-800
• Boeing 787-900
• Any device without an approval label
• Booster seats with no approval label or shoulder harness
• Vest and/or harness-type devices, except Aviation Child Safety Devices (ACSD) showing the FAA aircraft approval label
• Belt extensions that attach to the parent or the parent's restraint
• Any device that positions a child on the lap or chest of an adult

Carry-on and checked bags

If you’re flying internationally with an infant on your lap, we’ll issue the infant a ticket. You may check 1 bag for the infant at the same rate as the adult’s first checked bag.

• Each ticketed customer is allowed 1 stroller and 1 car seat to be checked free of charge
• Strollers over 20 lbs / 9 kgs must be checked at the ticket counter
• All other strollers should be checked at the gate before boarding
• If you have a stroller and a car seat only 1 can be checked at the gate
• Breast pumps and a small, soft-sided cooler of breast milk don’t count as your carry-on or personal item
• Play pens, wagons, cribs and 'pack and play' count as regular bags
• If any of these exceed carry-on limits they’ll be checked and incur regular fees

International documents

Children or infants traveling outside the U.S. are required to have the same documentation as an adult. If anyone under 18 is traveling internationally without both parents, they may be required to present a Letter of Consent.

International travel

Traveling during pregnancy

If your due date is within 4 weeks of your flight, you must provide a doctor’s certificate stating that you’ve been recently examined and you’re fit to fly.

Special assistance throughout your trip

For domestic flights under 5 hours, you won’t be permitted to travel within 7 days (before and after) your delivery date. If you need to travel within this time frame:

• Approval from your physician and a special assistance coordinator is required.
• Your physician will be required to fill out a passenger medical form before your flight. A special assistance coordinator will send the form directly to your physician.

Clearance from a special assistance coordinator is required for international travel or travel over water:

• Within 4 weeks of your due date (travel also requires a physician's note stating that you’ve been examined within the past 48 hours and you’re fit to fly)
• 7 days before or after your delivery (travel also requires a passenger medical form to be completed by your physician)

Flying on a partner airline?

Find helpful information if your trip includes 1 or more flights with our partner airlines.

• British Airways
• Japan Airlines
• Qatar Airways

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• For U.S. Citizens/Lawful Permanent Residents
• Know Before You Go

Before Your Trip

Booking your tickets.

Match Names on Tickets and Documents

Purchase your travel tickets in the exact same name that appears on your passport or official ID. Ensure that all travel documents match that name precisely.

If the names don't match, your travel carrier or the Transportation Security Administration may require additional documents to verify your identity before allowing you to board.

Each Country is Different

Learn the required travel documents for each country you will visit. Find out about specific travel warnings, U.S. import restrictions, and other rules that apply to the countries on your itinerary by visiting www.state.gov/travelers .

Find the latest on making your return to the United States problem free - go to www.cbp.gov/travel .

Documents You Will Need

Carry - do not pack - all travel documents.

• All U.S. citizens need U.S. passport books if re-entering by air. Land and sea border crossings accept additional travel documents, such as U.S. Passport cards and Trusted Traveler cards. Child travelers have additional options - see the Traveling with Children section.
• Green card (Form I-551), or document for lawful permanent residents, or advance parole (Form I-512) if your Form I-551 is pending.
• A visa or other entry document for the countries you will visit.
• Receipts or registration ( CBP Form 4457 ) for new electronics, such as a camera or laptop, that you are taking abroad. (Only suggested if the goods are less than six months old.)
• Proof of rabies vaccination for dogs traveling abroad. Check the requirements for other pets at www.aphis.usda.gov .
• Valid license for driving overseas and for use as a second form of photo ID.
• Permits and/or certificates if bringing restricted animal or plant products - go to www.aphis.usda.gov .
• Medications in their original packages. Bring only the amount of medication you will need. Prescription medications have to be under the traveler's name.
• Envelope to hold the receipts of your purchases abroad.

Traveling with Children

When U.S. citizen children under the age of 16 arrive by land or sea from Canada or Mexico they may present an original or copy of their birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Naturalization Certificate.

Groups of Children: U.S. citizen children under the age of 19 arriving by land or sea from Canada or Mexico and traveling with a school group, religious group, social or cultural organization or sports team, may present an original or copy of their birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Naturalization Certificate. The group should have a letter on organizational letterhead with:

• The name of the group and supervising adult(s).
• The names of the children on the trip and their primary address, phone number, date and place of birth, and name of at least one parent or legal guardian for each child.
• A written and signed statement of the supervising adult certifying that he or she has parental or legal guardian consent for each child.

ORDER YOUR BIRTH CERTIFICATE ONLINE

Do Kids Need ID to Fly?

What Documents Does a Child Need to Fly Within the US?

What documents does a baby need to fly inside the us, what documents does a child need to fly internationally, what documents does a child need to fly unaccompanied.

Parents traveling with their little ones for the first time, whether a baby, infant, lap-child, or toddler, often wonder: “Does my child need an ID to fly?” the simple answer is, it depends on each case.

What ID and Documents Does My Child Need to Fly?

Whether kids need ID to fly depends on:

• The child’s age
• Whether they are flying domestically within the US or internationally
• As well as who is accompanying the minor on their trip

Additionally, some airlines have different policies than others, and some documents required for minors to fly take weeks to be issued, so it’s best to be prepared ahead of time.

In general, children between the ages of 2 and 18 traveling domestically are not required by TSA to carry identification documents when flying with an adult companion . The accompanying parent, however, does need to provide acceptable identification documents.

Adults flying with minors need to travel with a government-issued identification document such as:

• A driver’s license
• A passport card
• A passport book
• A Social Security card

Many parents then find themselves wondering “ Do I need to bring my baby's birth certificate when flying? ”

Airlines allow infants under the age of 2 to travel without their own ticket as long as they are flying on their parent’s lap, not in their own seat. Once a child turns 2, though, they will no longer be allowed to travel as a lap child and be required to purchase their own full-fare ticket.

Although TSA does not require a baby to have identification documents when traveling with their parents, they may be asked by the airline at check-in to prove their child is, in fact, under 2 . The easiest way to prove a child’s age is by presenting their US birth certificate .

Parents who don’t have their child’s birth certificate at hand may order a certified copy of the birth certificate online by filling out a simple web form ahead of their trip. It is advisable to have a copy easily reachable while carrying your child —for instance in the front pocket of your luggage or diaper bag.

A parent unable to prove their infant is under 2 can be asked to purchase a last minute ticket for their baby —often at premium pricing— if there are still seats available on their flight.

Other acceptable forms of ID when flying with baby —aside from their birth certificate— include:

• Immunization records

When flying with a newborn under 14 days old , it is important to check with the airline if additional documents are needed —many require a formal doctor’s note stating they consider it safe for the infant to fly.

Infants traveling abroad —outside the US territory and its dependencies— will need a passport .

Applying for a passport requires a certified copy of a birth certificate , passport photos, and proof of the relationship between you and the child. Both parents need to be present when applying for a minor’s passport . When only one parent is present, a notarized Statement of Consent or proof of sole custody will also be accepted

Additionally, if the child is flying to a destination that requires a visa or one that requires a travel authorization, the minor will have to have their own permit issued as well.

Please note the age of adulthood may differ from one country to the next. Certain parts of Canada, for instance, consider that a citizen is an adult once they reach 19, whilst others consider 18-year-olds adults.

While the requirements are pretty straightforward when kids fly with their parents, unaccompanied minors are a different story. The documents needed for a child to fly alone may vary by airline carrier, however, some basic standards can be found across the industry.

Children fly alone need the following documents —check with the airline whether any more documents are needed:

• Child travel consent form —this document is often provided by the airline and can be often called an unaccompanied minor form or authorization. It needs to be completed by the parent and should contain information about the adult dropping off the child at the airport as well as the adult in charge of picking the child up at arrival.
• Consent letter signed by both parents —children with one deceased parent may be required to have a copy of the late parent’s death certificate attached to the later signed by their living parent or guardian

Older teens can have one of the following documents on them while traveling:

• Driver’s license
• Learners permit
• Passport card
• Credit card
• Library card
• Birth certificate
• Social security card
• Organization ID (athletics club, theater group, etc.)
• Proof of auto insurance in the passenger’s name

Although the airline does not require identification documents, it is still advisable that the child carry some form of identification just in case .

Read more at: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification

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Insurance benefits underwritten by BCS Insurance Company (OH, Administrative Office: 2 Mid America Plaza, Suite 200, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181), rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best Co., under BCS Form No. 52.201 series or 52.401 series, or Jefferson Insurance Company (NY, Administrative Office: 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233), rated “A+” (Superior) by A.M. Best Co., under Jefferson Form No. 101-C series or 101-P series, depending on your state of residence and plan chosen. A+ (Superior) and A (Excellent) are the 2nd and 3rd highest, respectively, of A.M. Best's 13 Financial Strength Ratings. Plans only available to U.S. residents and may not be available in all jurisdictions. Allianz Global Assistance and Allianz Travel Insurance are marks of AGA Service Company dba Allianz Global Assistance or its affiliates. Allianz Travel Insurance products are distributed by Allianz Global Assistance, the licensed producer and administrator of these plans and an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company. The insured shall not receive any special benefit or advantage due to the affiliation between AGA Service Company and Jefferson Insurance Company. Plans include insurance benefits and assistance services. Any Non-Insurance Assistance services purchased are provided through AGA Service Company. Except as expressly provided under your plan, you are responsible for charges you incur from third parties. Contact AGA Service Company at  800-284-8300 or 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233 or [email protected] .

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Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Birth Certificate Guidance

TSA will accept only the following birth records:

• A long-form U.S. state/territory-issued certified/sealed Birth Certificate; or
• A U.S. state/territory-issued certified/sealed Birth Abstract that meets the requirements of a Birth Certificate (see below. Please note that Birth Registration/Certificate of Birth Registration records are not acceptable); or
• A birth certification card that meets the requirements of a Birth Certificate or abstract (see below) (Birth Registration or Notification cards are not acceptable); or
• An electronic “Birth Certify” birth record obtained through NAPHSIS/EVVE.

Document Requirements for Birth Certificates/Birth Certification Cards/Certified Abstracts of Birth

• Issued by the city, county, or state of birth
• Lists applicant’s full name, date of birth, and place of birth
• A full name consists of a first and last name; middle name is not required. "Unknown” entries for one or both parents on a valid birth certificate are acceptable, as long as the parent names fields are present. Additionally, a blank space or asterisks (****) in the space where a mother’s and/or father’s name would be listed will be deemed acceptable, since there is no standard input across agencies to indicate that one or both parents are unknown.
• Has the signature of the city, county, or state official or registrar.
• Has the date filed with registrar's office.
• Has the seal of issuing authority (seals may appear, but are not required to be printed, as an embossed or raised overt security feature).

TSA will NOT accept Birth “Registration” or “Notification” Cards, or Birth Registration/Certificate of Birth Registration records . 

Unacceptable U.S. Birth Documents

• Document illegible due to wear/tear or damage
• Private hospital-issued document
• Any birth document titled with the word “Registration” or “Notification”
• Foreign Birth document that is not an acceptable State Department record of birth abroad
• State-issued document stating applicant was born in a foreign country
• The Government of Puerto Rico passed a law invalidating all Puerto Rican birth certificates issued prior to July 1, 2010, and replacing them with enhanced security birth certificates with features to combat passport fraud and identity theft.
• Only Puerto Rican birth certificates issued on or after July 1, 2010 will be accepted as primary evidence of U.S. citizenship.
• “No Record Certification of Birth” document
• Notarized copies of documents and digital identity documents are not acceptable.