Is Flying Safe For Infants?

Air travel is generally safe for newborns, infants, and children, but people traveling with children should consider several issues before departure. Children with chronic heart conditions or those under 2 years old should wait until their baby is 3 months old to ensure seat safety. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) discourages newborns from flying unnecessarily after birth, as air travel can increase the risk of germs.

Healthy newborn infants can safely fly by air, and major airlines have removed all restrictions that formerly banned such travel. However, experts caution against flying in the first seven days after a baby is born, and some healthcare professionals suggest not traveling for the first few months. In general, babies and adults face the same risk of exposure to illness from travel, but a baby’s immune system is still learning how to protect against germs.

Generally, it is recommended to avoid flying with a newborn until they are at least 7 days old, ideally waiting until two or three months old to fly. Most pediatricians believe that a 4- to 6-week-old baby can handle airplane flights, but this guidance only refers to babies with no health complications. Most airlines require a baby to be at least 7 days old, unless a medical certificate is provided. Diaper bags typically count as a personal item, and most hospitals allow newborns to fly as early as a few days old as long as the baby and mother are healthy.

Can a 2 month old baby travel on a plane without a passport?

A US passport is required for all citizens, including newborns, infants, and toddlers, to travel abroad. Babies must complete Form DS-11, which requires general personal information, including their social security number. Documentation proving their baby’s US citizenship and their identity and relationship with the baby is also required. Parents must provide their baby’s original birth certificate and social security card, as well as their identification such as a driver’s license or passport.

The documents must be submitted along with the application, and parents or guardians must also present their form of identification. Babies must also take a passport photo, with their eyes open, and parents can take the photo themselves as long as it follows the photo requirements.

What age is best to travel with a baby?

The optimal time to fly with children is between three and nine months, when they are not yet mobile, and any time after age two or three. It is important to avoid flying with young infants, as they are especially risky. Dr. Mark Waltzman, an assistant professor in pediatrics at Harvard Medical School and pediatric emergency room physician at Boston Children’s Hospital, advises waiting until a baby has had its first set of immunizations, at least two months, unless it’s an emergency.

The air in airplanes is recirculated in a confined space, increasing the chance of contracting an illness. A newborn’s immune system is less robust, and catching a cold or fever could be more serious.

Is flying hard on babies?

Air travel is not recommended for babies under seven days old due to frequent changes in cabin pressure and potential issues with their systems. Airlines have different age policies, so it’s best to check before making plans. If your baby must travel by air, consult a doctor first. To keep your child safe during the flight, hold them securely in a parent’s lap during takeoff and landing, and avoid using a sling or front infant carrier. Parents can bring their own child safety seat, provided it’s purchased in Canada and has a certified safety label for aircraft use.

Can flying affect my baby?

Flying during pregnancy is generally safe, as changes in air pressure or humidity do not cause harm to the baby. There is no evidence to suggest that flying causes miscarriages, early labor, or water breakage. However, flying during the first trimester (one, two, or three months) is the riskiest time for miscarriage, and there may be nausea and exhaustion. The second trimester (four, five, or six months) is considered the safest time to fly, as the risk of pregnancy-related complications, including miscarriage, is lower during this time compared to the first and third trimesters. It is important to consider these factors when considering flying during pregnancy.

What is the risk to baby flying?

Experts advise against flying in the first seven days after a baby’s birth, and some healthcare professionals suggest not traveling for the first few months. Both babies and adults face the same risk of illness exposure from travel, but babies’ immune systems are still developing. Caregivers should also consider their own health, as flying with a child can cause sleep loss and stress. Knowing the spread of illnesses in your area and the destination can help prepare and take thoughtful action. Basic precautions like handwashing are even more important to prevent germ spread while traveling.

How soon can I fly with a newborn?

To fly with your newborn, it is advisable to wait until they are at least two or three months old, as air travel and crowded airports can increase the risk of infectious diseases. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) does not require a ticket for children under 2 years old, but it is recommended to keep your baby on your lap during the flight. Turbulence is the leading cause of children’s injuries on airplanes.

If you don’t buy a ticket, you may ask your airline if they allow you to use an empty seat for your baby, and if their “lap baby” policy allows this, avoid the busiest travel days and times to increase the chances of finding an empty seat.

Does flying affect babies’ ears?

Flying does not damage a baby’s ears, but the temporary discomfort they experience can be more severe for those suffering from colds or ear infections. Delaying travel and consulting a pediatrician are recommended for those experiencing ear pain or infections. Mild ear pain symptoms include pulling at the ears, fussiness, and crying. These symptoms can make a flight feel like the longest journey ever.

To ease discomfort during a flight, parents can use strategies such as wearing earplugs, using earplugs with a protective bandage, and using earplugs with a protective bandage. These strategies can help alleviate the discomfort and make the flight feel more manageable for the baby.

Why can’t newborns fly?

Pediatricians generally advise newborns not to fly until their respiratory and immune systems are fully developed, typically around three to six months old. However, some pediatricians may allow babies as young as one month old to fly internationally. Infants are more susceptible to various illnesses and infections, so travel plans should be flexible. Parents traveling with newborns should purchase travel insurance with comprehensive coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, and medical emergencies.

What altitude is safe for newborns?

It is possible to undertake mountain travel with newborns safely below an altitude of 8, 000 feet, provided that brief drives over higher passes are avoided. In the event that the newborn is not in optimal health, it is advisable to refrain from traveling above 8, 000 feet.

Do airlines check birth certificates for babies?

To facilitate a seamless check-in procedure, it is recommended that travelers arrive well in advance of the designated time and be in possession of the requisite travel documents, including proof of age for children under the age of 18. In the event that a family with children under the age of two wishes to board the aircraft at an earlier point in time, they may submit a request to the gate attendant.

Is it safe to travel with a 3 month old baby in flight?

Pediatricians generally advise newborns not to fly until their respiratory and immune systems are fully developed, typically around three to six months old. However, some pediatricians may allow babies as young as one month old to fly internationally. Infants are more susceptible to various illnesses and infections, so travel plans should be flexible. Parents traveling with newborns should purchase travel insurance with comprehensive coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, and medical emergencies.