Airline minimums: easyJet 14 days, Ryanair 8 days, British Airways 7 days, Lufthansa 7 days. Some carriers require a doctor's letter under 14 days. Practically, most paediatricians recommend waiting until your baby has had their first set of vaccinations (around 8 weeks) and your post-natal recovery is well underway.
In-cabin pressure changes are the main issue. Encourage feeding (breast, bottle, or dummy) on takeoff and landing to help babies equalise their ears. Avoid flying within 2 weeks of an ear infection.
Practical tips that matter: book the bulkhead row (extra floor space and bassinet attachment for under-12-month-olds), bring more nappies and wipes than you think you need (count flight time + 2 hours minimum), and pack a full change of clothes for both baby and parent in your hand luggage. The plane will get you and your baby covered in something at some point.
On arrival, allow extra time at airports. Buggies typically come down the oversized-luggage chute, not on the regular belt, and getting through immigration with a sleeping baby in a sling is much faster than waking them.
Useful next steps
More from the FAQ
What is the youngest age for a hotel kids club in Europe?
Several luxury European resorts accept babies from 4 to 6 months in supervised childcare; a handful in Austria take infants from as young as 7 days.
Are hotel baby clubs safe?
The best are very safe; the worst are essentially unsupervised playrooms. Look for published staff ratios, dedicated baby carers, and recognised qualifications.
When is the best time to travel to the Mediterranean with a baby?
May to mid-June and September to mid-October. Warm enough to swim, cool enough to nap, and quieter than peak July-August.
Are hotel kids clubs free?
It depends. All-inclusive resorts usually include kids club; many luxury non-inclusives charge €20 to €50 per session for under-2s.