Parents, here’s the answer to your question, “When can a newborn travel?”
With the arrival of COVID-19 vaccines and the lifting of travel restrictions, many families have resumed their vacation plans. Travelling with a newborn can be challenging. However, there are precautions you can take to ensure that you and your infant have a safe and enjoyable journey.
What can you read in this article?
- When can a newborn travel?
- When is it safe to travel with a newborn by plane?
- How soon after birth can a baby travel by plane?
When can a newborn travel?
In general, doctors advise delaying flying until your baby’s immune system has matured. For full-term infants, this might occur as soon as one month, however, most doctors prefer three to six months.
Because of the reduced air pressure in an airline cabin, premature newborns or babies with heart or lung disorders may have difficulties breathing. If this is the case with your child, consult with your pediatrician first before making any travel arrangements.
If you’re thinking about taking your baby on a road trip, here are some guidelines to keep your baby safe and pleasant throughout the ride.
When can the baby travel by car?
When can newborn travel: Consider travelling when it is most convenient for your infant’s routine and plan on things not going as planned
Other than the basic warning about immune-system development, your newborn most likely arrived home by automobile, so there are no limits on road journeys. However, you still need to ensure your child’s safety while he’s in the car. Here are some travel safety tips:
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Inspect the car safety seat.
If you intend to take a long drive, make sure that your infant’s car seat is properly installed. The car seat must be installed rear-facing and at the proper angle.
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Stay in the backseat with your child.
It is usually preferable to have an adult or a responsible older child in the backseat with your baby so that you can easily take care of their needs during the ride.
Take frequent pauses.
To avoid unrest, you and your infant should get out of the car every few hours and stretch. For a day journey, try to take a break every 2 to 3 hours and every 4 to 6 hours at night to change diapers or soiled clothes or to feed your baby. Breastfeeding should never be attempted in a moving vehicle.
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Keep the necessities close at hand.
Pack a diaper bag or a cooler on the back seat to keep things close at hand. This could include:
- extra diapers, wipes, diaper cream, changing pad, clothing, diaper rubbish bags, and hand sanitizer
- formula or breast milk stored on ice or in a cooling bag, as well as bibs
- pacifiers, a favorite calming toy, books, and a device to play music for entertainment
- a thermometer
Have snacks and drinks on hand for yourself as well! If you need to stop for a coffee on the way, don’t leave your kid in the car, even for a few minutes. In overheated automobiles, children can swiftly succumb to heatstroke.
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Consider travelling when it is most convenient for your infant’s routine.
If you need to travel for a few hours, consider going early in the morning while your kid is still asleep, or during longer nap times. Consider travelling at night, when your infant is generally asleep for the night, for longer excursions.
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Plan on things not going as planned.
Travelling with an infant might be challenging. It’s critical to take minor setbacks in stride and not become overly concerned when things don’t go exactly as planned. Consider the advantages: travelling by car allows you to make as many stops as you need and to follow your own timetable.
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When is it safe to travel with a newborn by plane?
Although newborns can fly soon after birth, parents should be aware of a number of health and safety problems.
According to Elizabeth Berger M.D., most pediatricians believe that a 4-6 week old baby can handle airplane travel. However, this only applies to healthy babies who have received the go-ahead from the doctor.
Premature infants, as well as those suffering from respiratory or other health problems, may fare better on the ground. In addition, doctors may advise an extended rest period for mothers who experienced problems during birth or C-sections.
Always get a go signal from your infant’s pediatricians when you’re making plans to travel to another destination via plane.
Image source: iStock
How soon after birth can a baby travel by plane?
Infants must be at least 16 days old to travel by air. Infants under the age of two must be held by an adult during takeoff, landing, turbulence, and when the “Fasten Seat Belt” sign is on.
A parent or guardian who purchased a seat for a newborn but does not have an approved child restraint system (CRS) must remind the infant to be held on their laps throughout takeoff, landing, turbulence, and when the “Fasten Seat Belt” sign is illuminated.
Considerations for Air Travel with a Newborn
Although flying travel is generally safe for babies, parents are advised to keep the following concerns in mind.
Many airlines use recirculated air, which means that if one person gets a cold, the ventilation system spreads germs across the plane. Adults have matured immune systems that can fight off pathogens, so this isn’t a concern. However, an infant’s immune system is ineffective against certain viruses and germs that circulate on planes and in airports. Wash your hands frequently and avoid sitting near sick passengers.
Ordinary cabin pressurization can cause severe pain in the ears of newborns. However, this can be mitigated slightly by letting the baby suck or drink during ascent and descent.
Because airplanes have reduced air pressure, sometimes babies may have difficulty breathing, particularly if they are premature or have heart, lung, or respiratory disorders. If your child meets the criteria, consult your doctor for more information.
Screaming, crying, and overall fussiness may arise because of the unfamiliar environment as well as unpleasant ear pressure. Make sure you’re prepared to deal with the worst-case scenario.
While other passengers and airlines are more accommodating to their younger passengers, it’s best to come up with a plan in case your baby gets too fussy and disturbs other passengers. Breastfeeding usually works or keeping the infant entertained with a toy or your voice.
Should you travel via plane with your newborn, don’t forget to make the necessary arrangements such as making sure you request a bassinet for baby when booking your flight, and checking in with the airlines if you can bring your baby’s water or breastmilk on board.
Travelling with a baby allows you to see the adventure from a different perspective, allowing you to adjust to a slower pace. Not only is it safe to travel with most babies, but here’s even better news: you and your family don’t have to abandon your travel goals.
However, for your baby’s wellness and safety, make sure to consult with her pediatrician first before going on a long trip, especially ones that involve long-haul plane rides.
