Planning to travel with your newborn can bring up a lot of questions, especially when it comes to air travel. Many parents wonder, “Can You Fly With A Newborn safely?” The good news is, generally, yes. Air travel is usually safe for healthy, full-term infants after they are a few weeks old. However, there are important considerations to ensure your baby’s well-being and your peace of mind.
Is it Safe to Fly with a Newborn? Understanding the Basics
For most healthy babies born at full term, flying is considered safe after the first few weeks of life. Medical experts often advise waiting at least seven days after birth before flying. Some healthcare professionals even recommend waiting for a few months to allow the baby’s immune system to strengthen further.
However, it’s crucial to understand that premature babies, or pre-term infants, may have different considerations. Their lungs might still be developing, and air travel in pressurized cabins or visits to high altitudes could pose risks. Similarly, infants with existing heart or lung conditions require clearance from a healthcare professional before flying. It’s always best to consult with your pediatrician before planning air travel with a newborn, especially if your baby was born prematurely or has any health concerns.
Key Considerations for Newborn Air Travel
To ensure a smooth and safe journey for you and your newborn, here are crucial aspects to keep in mind:
Baby’s Age and Overall Health
While airlines often permit newborns as young as two days old to fly, health experts generally advise against flying within the first week. A newborn’s immune system is still developing, making them more susceptible to germs. Airports and airplanes can be breeding grounds for bacteria and viruses. While the risk of illness is similar for adults and babies when traveling, the consequences for a newborn can be more significant, often requiring closer medical attention.
Caregiver Health and Travel Planning
Your health as a caregiver is also paramount. Traveling with a newborn can be physically demanding and lead to sleep deprivation and increased stress. Adults are also exposed to new germs while traveling. Before your trip, check for any prevalent illnesses in your departure area and your destination. Practicing diligent handwashing is even more critical when traveling with a baby to minimize germ transmission.
Managing Baby’s Ear Discomfort During Flights
Changes in cabin pressure during takeoff and landing can cause ear discomfort for babies. A simple and effective way to alleviate this is by encouraging your baby to suck during these critical phases of flight. Breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or offering a pacifier can help equalize the pressure in their ears. Try to time feedings to coincide with takeoff and landing.
If your baby has recently had ear surgery or is experiencing an ear infection, it’s essential to consult your pediatrician to determine when it’s safe for them to fly.
Airplane cabin noise, particularly during takeoff, can be quite loud. Consider using cotton balls, noise-canceling headphones designed for infants, or small earplugs to minimize your baby’s exposure to loud noises, which can also help them sleep more comfortably during the flight.
Ensuring Baby’s Safety Seat on Airplanes
While airlines often allow infants to sit on a caregiver’s lap, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) strongly recommends that infants and small children be secured in certified safety seats during flights. Most infant car seats are FAA-approved for air travel. If you prefer to use a car seat but haven’t purchased a separate ticket for your baby, inquire about seat availability when boarding. If there are unoccupied seats, the airline might allow you to use one for your baby’s car seat.
Avoiding Medications for Sleep
It might be tempting to give your baby medications like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) to help them sleep during the flight. However, this practice is not recommended by healthcare professionals. These medications can have unpredictable effects on babies and are generally not advisable for this purpose. Focus on creating a comfortable environment, managing ear pressure, and maintaining your baby’s routine as much as possible to encourage sleep naturally.
Conclusion
Flying with a newborn is generally safe with proper planning and precautions. Prioritize consulting with your pediatrician, especially if your baby is premature or has health issues. Focus on hygiene, manage ear pressure effectively, and consider using a car seat for in-flight safety. By addressing these key considerations, you can confidently navigate air travel with your newborn and enjoy your journey.
References:
- Jana LA, et al. Flying the family-friendly skies. In: Heading Home With Your Newborn: From Birth to Reality. 4th ed. American Academy of Pediatrics; 2020. https://www.aap.org/en/shopaap. Accessed Oct. 30, 2023.
- Newborn-flying and mountain travel. Pediatric Patient Education. https://publications.aap.org/patiented. Accessed Oct. 30, 2023.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Traveling safely with infants & children. In: CDC Yellow Book 2024. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2024/family/infants-and-children. Accessed Oct. 30, 2023.
- AskMayoExpert. Infant Fever. Accessed Nov. 18, 2023.
- Schmitt BD. Pediatric Telephone Protocols: Office Version. 17th ed. American Academy of Pediatrics; 2021.
- Child safety on airplanes. Federal Aviation Administration. https://www.faa.gov/travelers/fly_children/. Accessed Nov. 18, 2023.
