Flying with a baby: how to make the first flight easier

Flying with a baby – how to make the first flight easier

Your baby’s first flight can feel intimidating: you worry about crying, feeding, changing diapers in a tiny toilet and whether other passengers will be annoyed. With a bit of planning, the experience can actually be much easier than you expect.

In this article we cover:

• when airlines allow babies to fly,
• whether you need a separate ticket and seat,
• essential documents for travelling with a baby,
• baggage rules, strollers, car seats and bassinets,
• what to pack in your cabin bag,
• and how to make the trip to and from Belgrade airport as smooth as possible.

When can a baby fly?

Each airline sets its own minimum age, but typical rules are:

• some airlines accept infants from around 7 days of age,
• others prefer babies to be at least 4–6 weeks old,
• for long‑haul flights many recommend that the baby is at least 3 months old.

Before booking tickets:

1. check your airline’s conditions for infants,
2. talk to your paediatrician about your baby’s health and the length of the trip,
3. consider how long you will be in the air and whether you as parents are ready for it.

Do you need a separate ticket for a baby?

Children under 2 years usually travel as infants without their own seat – they sit on an adult’s lap and are secured with a special belt. Airlines normally charge only a small fee (percentage of the adult fare or a fixed amount), but the exact rules differ.

Important points:

• the child’s age on the day of the flight counts, not the day you buy the ticket;
• once the child turns 2, they must have their own seat and ticket;
• children from 2 to 12 years often receive a discounted fare.

Passports and documents for babies

Even if you are only flying within Europe, your baby usually needs their own passport. Being listed in a parent’s passport is no longer enough.

• both parents normally have to agree to the passport application,
• if one parent is travelling alone, a consent letter from the other may be requested at the border,
• check how long the passport must be valid for your destination (often 3–6 months after return).

Keep all documents – passports, boarding passes, insurance certificates – in a small organiser that always stays in your hand luggage.

Getting to the airport with a baby

Reaching the airport is often the most stressful part of the trip. With a baby, stroller, travel cot and several bags, relying on taxis or public transport can be tricky.

The most comfortable option is to drive in your own car and leave it at Carport airport parking Belgrade. Our fenced and monitored parking is just a minute away from the terminal; we shuttle you to departures and pick you up again when you return.

See services, location and pricing for details, and check our FAQ for answers to common questions.

Baby baggage: what is usually allowed?

Airline policies differ, but in general:

• some carriers do not include checked baggage for infants,
• others allow one checked bag for the baby (often up to 10 kg),
• almost all airlines allow you to take a stroller and/or car seat free of charge in addition to your own baggage.

For cabin baggage you should pack:

• enough diapers and wet wipes for the entire journey,
• a change of clothes (or two) for the baby,
• a light blanket or muslin cloth,
• favourite toys or a pacifier,
• any medicines prescribed by your paediatrician,
• basic food for the flight – formula, baby food, snacks.

Liquids for babies are usually allowed in reasonable quantities, but always declare them at security and follow staff instructions.

Using a stroller at the airport

A lightweight folding stroller is ideal for air travel:

• you can use it throughout the airport right up to the aircraft door,
• just before boarding, fold the stroller and hand it to airline staff,
• it will be stored safely in the hold and returned to you at the aircraft door or on arrival at the gate.

Most airlines do not charge for strollers, but it is worth double‑checking when you book.

Car seats and baby bassinets on board

If you want your baby to have their own seat, you can book a child fare and bring an approved car seat.

• ask the airline which car seats are allowed and where they can be installed,
• make sure the seat is certified for use in aircraft,
• expect to be seated by the window when using a car seat for safety reasons.

On some long‑haul flights you can also request a baby bassinet that attaches to the bulkhead in front of you. Numbers are limited, so request it early when booking and confirm availability for your specific flight.

Feeding your baby on the plane

• Bring enough formula, bottles and baby food for the entire trip, plus some extra in case of delays.
• Most airlines are flexible with baby food and water, but you may be asked to open containers at security.
• Feeding during take‑off and landing (breastfeeding or bottle) helps equalise pressure in the ears and can prevent crying.

What to pack in your baby bag – quick checklist

• diapers, wipes, nappy cream,
• 1–2 spare outfits, socks and a hat,
• muslin cloth or small blanket,
• pacifier and 1–2 favourite toys or books,
• baby carrier or sling for walking through the airport,
• thermos or bottle of water (according to security rules),
• any necessary medicines.

Everything else (spare packs of diapers, extra clothes, larger toys) can go into your checked suitcase.

Making the flight comfortable for everyone

• Choose flight times that match your baby’s usual sleep patterns if possible.
• A window seat offers more privacy for breastfeeding; an aisle seat is better if you expect to walk a lot.
• When the seat belt sign is off, walk up and down the aisle to calm a restless baby.
• Don’t panic if your baby cries – most passengers understand that this is part of travelling with children.

Why Carport airport parking is especially useful when flying with a baby

Travelling with a baby means more luggage, more equipment and more things to think about. Parking at Carport airport parking Belgrade removes at least one worry:

• you decide exactly when to leave home,
• you load the car the night before and keep all baby gear close at hand,
• you avoid squeezing a stroller and multiple bags into a small taxi,
• your car is waiting for you on a secure lot when you land.

Combined with the tips above, this makes flying with a baby from Belgrade much more manageable – and even enjoyable.