When Is It Okay To Take A Newborn On International Travel?

Dr. Anet Varghese discusses the safety of flying with a newborn baby, highlighting the importance of considering factors such as age and overall health. Experts caution against flying in the first seven days after birth and suggest not traveling with a newborn until the 35th week of pregnancy.

Air travel is generally safe for most newborns, infants, and children, but there are risks associated with it. Children with chronic heart conditions or those with normal delivery can travel up to the 35th week of pregnancy. If traveling abroad, the baby will need their own passport and visa, and proof of family connection.

Medicians recommend waiting until the baby’s immune system is better developed, which could be as soon as one month for full-term infants. Most pediatricians recommend waiting until a baby is 3 months old before taking them on long-distance trips by car or plane. For safety reasons, children above the age of 7 and under the age of 2 can travel as infants.

Air travel is typically safe for most healthy, full-term infants after the first few weeks. However, babies born before their due date may not be suitable for air travel. Most pediatricians recommend waiting until after the baby’s first round of immunizations before traveling with the baby.

How long should you wait before Travelling with a newborn?

Pediatricians suggest waiting until a child is at least 3 months old before traveling long distances to allow their immune system to develop and become more resistant to infections. This is particularly important for full-term babies without other health conditions. Infants’ immune systems are precarious at first, so it’s crucial to avoid exposing them to illnesses during long travel. Prioritizing their comfort and well-being is essential during long trips.

Is it safe to travel with a newborn baby by flight?

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.

What age do babies fly free internationally?

Babies and toddlers under 2 years old can fly free on their parent’s ticket as a “lap infant”. They are generally free of charge, although a percentage of the full fare may be paid if traveling internationally. To make the trip smooth, book a seat for your baby, plan for security screening, and pack wisely. There is no official age requirement for air travel, but airlines have varying policies. Some airlines have no minimum age requirement, while others allow babies to fly as young as two or three days old. Delta, United, Spirit, and Frontier allow babies on board after the first week of life.

When should I take my newborn abroad?

Traveling with a baby or toddler can be a stressful journey, but there are several tips to help you make the most of your time. First, organize your baby’s passport in advance, especially if you plan to travel to countries where a visa is required. Make sure to sort travel and health insurance before you go, and find out about required travel vaccinations.

When traveling with a baby, it is best to book outside the school holidays as it is cheaper and less crowded. Airports often have dedicated areas for entertaining children and buggies, and some airlines allow you to keep your own pushchair with you. Keep your baby’s belongings in hand luggage, and check the weight limit for your airline before traveling.

For long-haul flights, request a bassinet for your child to sleep in and travel at night to help them stick to their usual routines. Use a baby carrier or sling for very young children and a back/hip carrier for toddlers to keep your hands free. Check with your airline about fluid rules allowed through security and cabin baggage.

If you need transfers from the airport, check with your airline about taking your baby car seat or arrange to hire one when you get there. Sit in an easily accessible seat on the plane and try to ease the discomfort by feeding babies, giving toddlers a dummy, and older children a sweet to suck on. Attach a luggage label to your child’s clothing with their name and flight number on it.

By train or bus, avoid rush hour, check which train stations have lifts for pushchairs, and avoid quiet zones on trains. Use a sling or baby carrier instead of a buggy to keep your hands free and find things like tickets. Sit near the toilets on trains for more space and flip-up seats for pushchair space.

Plan the most direct route to avoid awkward train changes, reserve a seat, choose a window seat for older babies and toddlers, pack a light bag with nappies, snacks, and toys, and plan how you get from the train station to your final destination.

How soon can you travel with a newborn internationally?

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.

How do I protect my baby’s ears from flying?

Ear plugs and noise-cancelling earmuffs can help reduce discomfort in babies during aeroplane flights. Ear plugs, like EarPlanes, regulate pressure gradually, while noise-cancelling earmuffs reduce noise levels. Keep babies awake during take-off and landing to help them equalise pressure. Chewing on small snacks can also help open eustachian tubes, as swallowing and sucking actions are less frequent during sleep. Encouraging older babies to chew can also help with pressure regulation.

What is the best age to travel with a baby overseas?

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, 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 confined space of airplanes increases the chance of contracting an illness when flying, as a newborn’s immune system isn’t as robust. Older kids with fever and/or active ear or sinus infections should consult their physicians before flying, as these can be uncomfortable and potentially cause a ruptured eardrum.

Does flying hurt newborn 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.

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.

What is the youngest a baby can travel internationally?

International travel with a baby requires approval from a pediatrician and a passport. Most airlines require a baby to be over a week old for flight. Travel with a child under six months old requires a passport. In new countries, there are few restrictions on travel via train, car, bus, or metro, provided you have the necessary safety equipment. If you don’t have the necessary equipment, check if it’s available for rent at your destination.

What is the youngest you can take a baby abroad?

The age limit for a baby to fly is typically two weeks old, but experts advise against it as the baby’s young immune system may struggle to cope with illness and infection. The NHS advises waiting until the baby is over two weeks old before taking them on a plane. Most airlines have their own age limits, and some allow seven-day-old babies on board. However, booking policies may differ from airline to airline, and some companies may require a fit-to-fly letter from a doctor if the baby is under a certain age.

Air travel is generally safe for most healthy infants, but parents should consider their baby’s health before booking a flight. If the baby was born premature or has respiratory or other health issues, flying before the age of one carries more risks. It is essential to check directly with your chosen airline before booking a flight.