Air Travel with a New Baby?

Q: As a baby, I flew cross-country at 4 weeks old. When is the youngest you’d suggest a baby can make a plane flight?

A: The pediatricians I work with agree that any age is safe, but suggest the best age is after your infant has received his/her vaccines at two months.  If possible, avoid air travel during flu season.

Most airlines allow children up to 2 years of age to sit on your lap.  You should consider buying an extra seat because your baby should be snapped into his/her car seat during the flight, as recommended by the FAA.  I always recommend an aisle seat so you can get up easily and walk with your baby in case he or she becomes restless.

Your carry-on bag should include several diapers, clothing changes and any hygiene products you regularly use.  During take off and landing offer your baby a pacifier or bottle of breast milk or formula to equalize the air pressure and avoid ear pain.

Elizabeth Stein is a nationally recognized women’s health expert and Certified Nurse Midwife of 25 years.  Her practice Ask Your Midwife, PC is based in New York CIty.

By Pregnancy Editors

The Editors at Pregnancy are constantly scouring the news and best information to provide readers with the most accurate advice and latest trends in pregnancy and new motherhood. Together we've experienced most of the ups and downs of the pregnancy journey and are here to share and help you along the way.