Can newborn travel by plan?

Question

How old be the baby to travel by plan? please let me know and what precautions should be taken while trevelling.

Thanks

Answer 1

Talked to our pediatrician and other doctors (several of whom had traveled early with their own kids). We left Alaska for Europe when he was 6 weeks old. It all went fine. (Had to expedite the passport photos and application.).

Mom had everything he needed or wanted. A Baby Bjorn carrier was very helpful in negotiating the airports, subways, and museums. We could do whatever we wanted (The Louvre, Rodin Sculpture Garden, hike the Black Forest) as long as it was in 2.5 hour periods because every 3 hours we needed to be in a comfortable place to nurse.

Travel before 6 months is easier than travel from 6 months to 3 years. Once they can have a conversation and read, there are more distractions and interests during the long flights and airport waits.

Precautions: Try to plan to nurse during take-off and descent to minimize air-pressure build-up in your baby's ears. Bring new, interesting toys. Plan on being high energy - it isn't a vacation for you, you're still "on" 24/7. Work with the reservation agent to select flights that are likely to have empty seats. Take seats near the back because those fill up last. Take a window and an aisle seat because no one wants the middle seat and you'll be more likely to have an empty seat for the car seat.

Consider paying the 50% fare to gaurantee the use of the car seat.

Compare your plight, at 35,000 feet with drinks and meals being provided in a perfectly heated cabin to the situation 150 years ago as families crossed the plains in covered wagons. Really, we don't have it so bad.

-David in Alaska

Answer 2

Any age. Treat it like you would for a drive in the car. Buckle up the baby in a carseat, then buckle that into seatbelt. Put a small pillow under the baby's head, in case of some air turbulence, or a rough takeoff or landing, otherwise it could result in a head injury to the baby. Bring some toys for it to play with, to keep it entertained so it doesn't cry, and a bottle or two of milk so it won't be hungry. Finally, bring a blanket, but not a big one, so it stays warm without disturbing the person sitting next to it.

Answer 3

Most airlines like a baby to be at least 2 weeks old - this is to ensure that both Mother and baby are fully recovered from the birth. Flying poses no extra risk to a young baby, although you may like to nurse on take off/landing to prevent any ear pain.

Visit http://www.homemade-baby-food-recipes.com/air-travel-with-baby.html for tips on flying with an infant.

Answer 4

Different airlines have different rules. Call around and see. It is a legal precaution on their part, so that they don't get sued if something goes wrong. It is also so that other passangers can have a relaxing flight. Nothing worse that hearing a newborn scream for 3 hours.

Answer 5

You mean (I assume) "by plane"? Yes, you can travel with a baby by plane. I've done it with a 3 month old (that's actually a good age to travel; they're very portable then!!). The most important thing is to nurse on take off and landing to protect the baby's ears...

Answer 6

I flew overseas to Germany whenon e of mine was only 2 months old!! Plenty of daipers and wipes.. and changes of clothing for both of you. Babies have a way of spitting up at the worst times... it's nice to have a change of clothes handy for you too!! Only worry I ever had was if there was congestion in the head (stuffynose..) Then get some decongestient from the dr, and some of the saline nose drops are good too.

Answer 7

Technically a baby can. the mother has to make preparations according to the distance and hours involved in the whole travel. No idea if it is legally barred

Answer 8

Yep just be sure to have there safety seats with you for car travel before and after flights and have something for then to suck on during take off and landing for the ear pops. They don't know enough at that age to swallow to stop it from happening like we do and you could really damage the ears if you don't give them soming to suck, the sucking promotes the swallowing which will help the ear pop

Answer 9

I took my babies on a 4 hour flight when they're only 3 months old. The doctor said it's ok.
Make sure you give them a drink during take-off and landing .. so the pressure on their ears isn't too hard on them. My babies seemed to be ok, no complaint at all. I think, make sure their stomach's full too, so they're not crying .. in order not to disturb other passengers.

Answer 10

I would ask the doctor. I don't think its a good idea until they are at least 6-8 months old. I would think it would be hard on their ears and the different climate if traveling far. exposure recirculated air.