When Is It Okay To Take A Newborn On An International Trip?

Air travel with a newborn baby is generally safe for most healthy, full-term infants after the first few weeks. However, it may not be a good idea for babies born before their due date, as they may not have the necessary passports or travel visas. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) discourages unnecessary air travel for babies shortly after birth, as it increases the risk of catching infectious diseases.

Generally, it is recommended to avoid flying with a newborn until they are at least 7 days old, and ideally wait until they are two or three months old to fly. Air travel and being in crowded airports can increase a newborn’s risk of catching an infectious disease. Some doctors recommend delaying unessential travel for the first few weeks after birth, sometimes until babies are at least 2 to 3 months old.

For safety reasons, children above the age of seven 7 days and under the age of two 2 years can travel as infants. However, people traveling with children should consider several issues before departure. Many people may feel more safe flying after a baby is (initially) vaccinated, which typically happens around 2 months of age. Most pediatricians recommend waiting until your baby is at least 2 to 3 months old since your baby’s immune system is still developing.

In general, infants must be at least two weeks old before they can travel, although some airlines allow seven-day-old infants on board. It is important to follow safety tips and consult with a pediatrician before taking a long-distance trip by car or plane with a newborn baby.

How long do babies ears hurt after flying?

Ear pain in children is temporary and usually eases within a few minutes as Eustachian tubes open to equalize air pressure on both eardrums. If a child has an ear infection, delaying flying until the infection is gone can help avoid increased pain and eardrum rupture. Ear tube surgery can also help equalize air pressure more easily. To ease ear pain during air travel, follow these tips:

1. Encourage your child to wear earplugs and use earplugs to help equalize air pressure.
2. Avoid using electronic devices while flying to avoid ear infections.

Does pacifier help baby ears on plane?

Ear pain during take-off and landing can be caused by changes in pressure between the outer and middle ear. If your baby has had ear surgery or an ear infection in the past two weeks, consult their doctor before flying. Babies can help by drinking from the breast or bottle, or using a pacifier. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be helpful for cold or ear infections. Reduce jet engine noise exposure by using cotton balls, small earplugs, or noise-canceling headphones.

Sleeping babies are easier for everyone, so travel at a time when your baby naturally sleeps or delay a nap until flight time. Flight delays can backfire if your exhausted baby screams instead of sleeping.

How soon can a newborn fly internationally?

Flying with a newborn baby by plane is generally safe, as doctors recommend waiting until the baby’s immune system is better developed, which can be as early as one month for full-term infants. Premature or babies with heart or lung problems may have difficulty breathing due to lower air pressure in an airplane cabin. Airlines vary in their policies on infants flying, with Delta requiring a baby to be over a week old, while JetBlue lowers the standard to three days old.

Can I travel 2 months after giving birth?

Medical professionals recommend waiting at least three to six months for newborns to fly long distances due to increased risks of viruses and illnesses. Atmospheric pressure can cause ear discomfort, exposure to germs and viruses, and breathing issues due to humidity and level changes. It is essential to consult with an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) before flying to ensure a safe and comfortable journey. Asking questions about the procedure, potential risks, and the best time to fly can help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for your newborn.

At what age is it safe to travel 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.

What age can you take a newborn abroad?

Infants typically need to be at least two weeks old before traveling, although some airlines allow seven-day-olds on board. Booking policies vary between airlines, so it’s essential to check directly with the airline. Three to seven months is a good window for travel with a child. Pre-baby journey prep involves packing a bag and a drink at the airport, but traveling with a child can be daunting. Here are some tips to help things go smoothly:

1. Plan your trip with essentials, such as baby and toddler gear, snacks, and water.

2. Pack essentials for the journey, such as diapers, wipes, and snacks.

3. Consider the length of your journey and pack accordingly.

How to protect baby ears during flight?

Baby headphones or earmuffs can help muffle sound and reduce pressure discomfort during flights. Pack them in your carry-on or crossbody pack belt bag to block out some noise. To ease baby’s airplane ears, use ear muffs, pacifiers, or breastfeeding during the flight. Tushbaby’s clip-on pacifier case, The Pod, can keep your pacifier handy during high flight pressure. This saves you from ruffling through bags for binky when needed. Baby ear protection products like baby ear muffs can also help muffle out scary noises.

Another way to help babies relieve pressure or pain in their ears is to allow them to cry. Cries open their eustachian tubes, similar to how ours open when we yawn or chew gum on a plane. This can help clear up the baby’s ears and reduce pressure and pain during the flight.

How soon is too soon to travel with a newborn?

Air travel is generally safe for healthy, full-term infants after the first few weeks. However, premature or pre-term babies may need time for their lungs to mature, so it’s important to consult a healthcare professional before flying in a pressurized cabin or high-altitude places. Infants with heart or lung problems should also be cleared for air travel. Factors to consider include the baby’s age, health, and basic flying basics.

What is the hardest age to travel with a baby?

The author shares their experience of traveling with their second daughter, who is currently a mobile 10. 5 month old. They believe that the hardest time to travel with a child is from when they become squirmy and mobile by 9 months old until they hit the age of reason bargaining/cartooning/snacking at 18 months. Travel doesn’t get easier again until they are between 3-4 years old, but somewhere between 18-24 months it starts to get easier. The author is not afraid of a family travel challenge, as there is fun to be had away from home at every age.

They advise against booking non-refundable trips before their baby is born, especially not for at least the first three months if possible. They also advise against booking trips during this “hardest age to travel” unless they are up for a challenge, as it may not be pretty and may not be relaxing.

Is it OK to travel with a 2 week old baby?

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.

Can you travel internationally with a 3 week old baby?

Baby travel is possible after birth, with airlines recommending a minimum of two days old. A passport and visa are required, and travel insurance is essential. Young babies are good travelers if they feel secure, feed regularly, and sleep well. However, long journeys may be advisable if the baby has colic, is tongue-tied, or you feel overwhelmed with new parenthood. If you haven’t had time for feeding and changing, consider waiting a few weeks until you feel more settled. Young babies generally make good travelers if they feel secure and comfortable.