The complete UK parent's guide to flying with babies, toddlers and kids — airport survival, customs rules, what to pack, suncream advice and printable checklists.
Every child, including newborns, needs their own passport. Allow up to 10 weeks for a first child passport. Check the 'expiry rule' for your destination — for most of Europe a passport must be issued within the last 10 years AND valid for at least 3 months after your planned return.
Check gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice for the country you're visiting. From 2026 UK travellers will need ETIAS for Schengen countries. The USA requires ESTA, Canada requires eTA — both needed for children too.
If your child has a different surname to the parent travelling, carry the FULL (long-form) birth certificate showing both parents' names. Border officials, particularly at South African, US and some EU borders, routinely ask. A photocopy is rarely accepted — bring the original.
Carry a signed letter of consent from the absent parent including their contact details, passport number, dates of travel and a signature. Ideally have it notarised. Also bring a copy of the absent parent's passport photo page. For divorced/separated parents, carry a copy of the custody order.
A signed parental consent letter from BOTH parents is essential, plus copies of both parents' passports and the child's full birth certificate.
Bring prescriptions in their original packaging with the pharmacy label, plus a GP letter for any controlled medicines (including liquid Calpol over 100ml). Carry GHIC/EHIC card and travel insurance policy number.
Different surname? Bring the full birth certificate.
UK Border Force, US CBP and Spanish/Portuguese authorities are well known for stopping parents whose surname doesn't match the child's. Carry the original long-form birth certificate (the one showing both parents) — not just the short version. If you're a single parent or your partner isn't travelling, also bring a signed consent letter from the other parent with a copy of their passport.
The 100ml rule does NOT apply to baby food and milk.
UK and EU airports allow reasonable quantities of baby milk, formula, expressed breast milk, sterilised water and baby food in hand luggage — even over 100ml. Security may scan or ask you to taste. New CT scanners at Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester and many EU airports allow larger liquid containers without removal — but rules vary, so always pack as if the old 100ml rule applies.
You CAN take reasonable quantities through UK airport security, even over 100ml. Formula powder, ready-made cartons, expressed breast milk and cow's milk for a baby are all allowed. Security may ask you to open and taste it, or scan it separately. Frozen breast milk is allowed if fully frozen solid.
Allowed in reasonable quantities for the journey. Bring more than you think — delays happen. Pouches are easier than jars (lighter, no broken glass risk).
Cooled boiled water in a baby bottle is allowed in cabin baggage in any quantity needed for the journey. Or buy bottled water airside after security.
Liquid medicines over 100ml are allowed with a doctor's note or prescription. Always pack medicines in hand luggage in case the hold is lost. Keep in original packaging.
Standard 100ml liquid rule applies — must fit in a 1 litre clear resealable bag, one bag per passenger. Buy suncream at your destination if you need more than 100ml.
Round-tip baby nail scissors are usually fine. Adult metal cutlery, scissors over 6cm and knives must go in hold luggage.
From EU and non-EU you can bring £390 of goods, 18L wine, 4L spirits and 200 cigarettes per adult. Children have no tobacco/alcohol allowance. Declare anything over the limit at the red channel.
You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into the EU from the UK — including ham sandwiches and a flask of milk for the baby. Exception: infant formula, baby food and medical food for under-3s in personal quantities (max 2kg).
Keep baby out of direct sun completely. NHS advice: use a pram parasol, UV swim suit, wide-brim hat and shade. Suncream is not recommended on babies under 6 months except on small unavoidable areas.
Use a mineral (zinc oxide / titanium dioxide) SPF 50+ — gentler on skin and reef-safer. Look for 'broad spectrum' UVA+UVB, water resistant. Brands to consider: Childs Farm SPF50+, Green People Scent Free SPF30, Bondi Sands Baby, La Roche-Posay Anthelios Dermo-Kids.
Apply 20 mins before sun, reapply every 2 hours and immediately after swimming or towelling — even with 'once-a-day' formulas. Use a 50p-size blob per limb. Don't forget ears, feet, neck and parting in the hair.
Keep babies and toddlers out of direct sun between 11am–3pm. Plan beach time for early morning or late afternoon. A pop-up UV beach tent (SPF 50+) is a brilliant investment.
In temperatures over 25°C offer extra milk/water every 20–30 mins. Signs of heat stroke in children: hot dry skin, lethargy, vomiting, very few wet nappies — get into shade, sponge with cool water and seek medical help.
A small zip-up pouch in your hand luggage will save you a panicked midnight pharmacy hunt abroad. Pack:
