For pediatric professionals (or knowledgeable new parents) only! -How soon can a newborn fly commercially?
Sep.07, 2010 in
flies
I am wondering, with a normal healthy infant, what is the recommended age for a safe first flight? I know an infants lungs still have to develop after birth, and the oxygen levels and pressure aren’t tightly controlled on a plane. What do you tell your patients (or have been told by a pediatric professional)?
Tags: age, birth, first flight, Flight, fly, INFANT, lungs, new parents, oxygen, oxygen levels, pediatric professionals, plane, pressure, recommended age
September 28th, 2010 at 9:36 am
A friend adopted a newborn from another state. She was able to fly a day after the baby was discharged from the hospital (so like 4-5 days old). The airline required a doctor’s note saying it was safe.
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October 18th, 2010 at 11:36 am
i took a 3 month old and he was fine, i have also seen brand new newborns, i would just give a quick call to your pediatritians office and they should be able to tell you. i was told he was fine but that during take off and landing to make sure that he was sucking on something, so that his ears wouldn’t pop, it worked really well. good luck
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November 3rd, 2010 at 2:37 am
It’s wise to wait until after their 4 month vaccinations. Airplanes are a terrible risk for illness, as the air is recycled.
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November 15th, 2010 at 3:37 pm
I took my daughter on a trip by airplane when she was 4 months old. I nursed her on take off and landing so that she wouldn’t get the build-up of pressure in her ears. You could also do a bottle or pacifier to sooth your little one. When I asked my pedi how old she needed to be they told me it’s not about the age it’s about being able to relieve the pressure and keeping them calm throughout the flight. Oh also I gave my little one a little benadryl to help her sleep through the flight. It all worked out great for me!! Good Luck!
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November 25th, 2010 at 6:36 pm
when i looked into flying with my infant (southwest airlines) at the time it was 6weeks, under 6weeks they require a doctors release. i would say it wouldnt hurt to get a doctors release anyway.
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December 3rd, 2010 at 5:36 pm
As long as your child has had a check-up with the doctor and everything is fine, your child will be safe to fly almost immediately.
If he/she has even a slight cold, the pressure in his/her ears during take-off and landing (even if you do the precaution methods) could leave his ears aching for days after the flight.
Most doctors recommend that if anyone is sick (such as being stuffed up or already having an earache), not to take the flight because of the potential damage to the ears. I know my husband and other pilots do not work if they are sick because of this danger.
I’ve been flying internationally and domestically with my children since they were 2 months (now 7&5). Here are some tips and advice that have always worked for me and I hope will help you:
1.) You will need to have all your baby’s documents in order. It is a good idea to keep a copy of his/her notarized birth certificate with you. If it is an international flight you will need a passport and possibly a visa for your child as well. Verify what travel documents you will need in advance to make sure you have everything.
FAA regulations currently allow children under the age of two to fly free of charge as “lap children” (not required to have their own seat).
The Flight Attendants should place you in a front seat where you will have more room. Depending on the airline and length of flight, the Flight Attendants might give you a bassinet that attaches to the front wall to put your child in (however you can not uses this during taxi, take-offs, landings, or turbulence).
This is not the safest way for a child to fly and the airlines recommend children to have their own seat with a child safety device.
2.) I advise using a CRS (Child Restraint System) because it is safe for the child – especially during turbulence, makes them feel secure, is more comfortable for both parent and child, will help your child sleep, and gives both of you the opportunity to relax a bit.
A CRS is a hard-backed child or infant safety seat that is approved by the government for use in both motor vehicles and aircraft.
In order to be certified for use on an airplane, the car seat has to met the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Check the labels on the side of your car restraint for a sticker (words will be printed in red) for verification that your seat is safe for airplane use.
Many airlines offer half-price tickets so parents can be guaranteed that their child can travel in a CRS device. You should call your airline to ask for a discount and/or ask what the airline’s policy is for using empty seats.
3.) For take-offs and landings, the best thing you can do to help with the ear popping, is if your child is nursing, nurse him/her. If he/she is not nursing, give your child a bottle to drink (formula, water, (juice for older babies)- it doesn’t matter) or a pacifier.
Baby formula is fine to take, and you are not limited to the amount you can bring aboard (as long as your child is with you), do not worry. http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/formula.shtm
New regulations allow you to take beverages (including water) from home as long as they are less than 3oz, -OR- beverages (including water) of any size that you have purchased from inside the security area onto planes. You can also bring a limited amount of baby food onto the plane with you. http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm#10
Save your money when it comes to buying water though because the Flight Attendants will provide you with hot or cold water (or any other drink) free at any time that you request, no matter how many times you request it.
Another trick is that if your child is not taking to the pacifier or wanting to nurse or drink, gently rub his/her neck from the chin down to the chest several times – this will cause a swallowing motion which will help with the ears popping.
4.) Make sure to pack plenty of things to entertain your child, such as comfort things such as books and a few toys, and one or two comfort things, such as a favorite blankie or stuffed animal.
5.) Be sure to pack 2-3 changes of clothes for your child. You will need this in case he/she gets sick, spills something on him/herself, or in case your luggage gets lost.
6.) Keep your diaper bag well stocked with plenty of diapers, wipes, ointments and other essential things. Baby nail clippers and scissors are not allowed though. Just remember the new law regulating liquids, gels, and such and pack accordingly. You can usually find travel size baby products in stores and they are wonderful for plane use.
You should be respectful of other passengers and always change your child’s diaper in the restroom. They do have diaper bed changers in there, although they can be a little small.
7.) Keep your doctors name and number with you. Also get the name and number of a doctor where you are visiting in case an emergency should come up.
8.) Bring any medications that you might need for your child should he/she get sick or that he/she takes regularly. Remember that if they are not prescription medications, the 3oz rule applies to them and they must be kept in a clear plastic bag.
Do NOT give your child medicine with the hopes of it making him/her sleep. This is not only cruel, but dangerous as well.
9.) Last but not least, if help is offered to you, take it.
If I can be of any more help or assistance, please feel free to contact me.
Husband is a pilot
Frequent world traveler
Have been traveling internationally with my two children since they were 2 months (now 7&5)
http://360.yahoo.com/jamie_hassen
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/formula.shtm
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm#10
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