How Soon After Birth Can a Baby Travel by Plane?

Introduction

Taking your newborn on their first plane ride can seem like a daunting task for parents. But with the right preparation and knowledge, flying with a newborn can actually be a safe and enjoyable experience. To ensure a successful flight, it’s important to understand the guidelines and restrictions around air travel with an infant.

For the purposes of this article, we will consider a “newborn” to be any baby up to three months of age.

What to Consider Before Taking a Baby on an Airplane

Before booking a flight, there are some factors to consider when determining if it’s safe for a newborn to fly. These include health concerns, comfort considerations, and restrictions from the airline or government.

Health Considerations

The most important consideration when deciding whether to fly with a newborn is the baby’s health. According to Dr. Caroline Quashie, a pediatrician at Children’s National Health System, “Babies under two weeks old should not travel. This is because they may not yet be able to regulate their temperature, blood sugar, and breathing as well as older infants.”

It’s also important to make sure the baby is up-to-date on all vaccinations before flying. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that babies get the hepatitis B vaccine and any other necessary vaccines at least two weeks before traveling.

Comfort Considerations

In addition to health concerns, it’s important to think about how comfortable the baby will be during the flight. This includes making sure the baby has enough room in their car seat or bassinet, as well as having plenty of diapers and wipes on hand. It can also be helpful to bring a few toys or books to keep the baby entertained.

Travel Restrictions

Finally, it’s important to check the restrictions for air travel with a newborn. Each airline has different policies for ticketing and security procedures for babies, so it’s important to do your research ahead of time. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) also has specific guidelines for screening infants and young children.

The Benefits of Flying with a Newborn

Despite the concerns, there are many advantages to flying with a newborn. Here are a few of the benefits:

Easier Transportation

One of the main benefits of flying with a newborn is that it can be much easier than other forms of transportation. This is especially true if you’re traveling a long distance or with a large group of people. Taking a plane can save time and energy compared to driving or taking a train.

Cost Savings

Another benefit of flying with a newborn is that it can save money. Airlines often offer discounts for infants and young children, so it can be cheaper to fly than to drive or take a train. Plus, if you’re traveling with a large group, it can be much more cost-effective to book one flight than multiple tickets.

Stress Relief

Finally, flying with a newborn can help reduce stress for parents. Many airlines offer special services for families traveling with babies, such as pre-boarding and priority boarding. This can make it easier to navigate the airport with a newborn and can help relieve some of the anxiety associated with flying.

What You Need to Know About Flying with a Baby

Once you’ve decided to fly with a newborn, there are some things you need to know before you book your flight. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

Ticketing Policies

It’s important to be aware of the ticketing policies for flying with a newborn. Most airlines require you to purchase a separate ticket for your baby even if they’re sitting on your lap. Some airlines also offer discounted fares for infants, so it’s worth checking to see if there are any deals available.

Security Procedures

When flying with a baby, you may be required to go through additional security procedures. This includes submitting proof of age for the baby and providing additional identification. It’s important to check with the airline ahead of time to make sure you’re prepared for any extra steps.

Required Documents

Finally, you may need to present certain documents at the airport. This includes a birth certificate or passport for the baby, as well as proof of guardianship. It’s important to make sure you have these documents on hand before you arrive at the airport.

Safety Tips for Traveling With a Newborn by Plane

Once you’ve taken care of the paperwork, there are some safety tips to keep in mind when flying with a newborn. Here are some of the most important ones:

Booking an Aisle Seat

When possible, try to book an aisle seat. This will give you more room to move around and access supplies for the baby. It can also be helpful to request a bassinet seat, which is designed for infants and gives them a place to sleep during the flight.

Checking In Early

It’s also important to check in early. This will give you plenty of time to get through security and board the plane without feeling rushed. It can also be helpful to request a bulkhead seat, which is located near the front of the plane and typically has more legroom.

Keeping Baby Warm and Comfortable

Finally, make sure the baby is warm and comfortable during the flight. This means dressing them in layers and bringing a blanket or shawl to keep them warm. It can also be helpful to bring a pacifier or bottle to help the baby feel secure.

When is it Safe to Fly With a Newborn?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends waiting until after the baby is two weeks old before flying. This is because the baby’s immune system may not be fully developed before then. It’s also important to make sure the baby is healthy and up-to-date on all vaccinations before flying.

If the baby has any underlying medical conditions, it’s best to check with the doctor before flying. The AAP also recommends avoiding flights longer than four hours with a newborn.

How to Prepare for Your First Flight with a Newborn

Once you’ve determined it’s safe to fly with a newborn, there are some steps you can take to make sure the flight goes smoothly. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Researching Airlines

First, do some research on the airline you’re planning to fly with. Check to see if they offer any special services for families traveling with babies, such as pre-boarding or discounted fares. It’s also important to read up on the ticketing and security policies for the airline.

Packing Supplies

Next, make sure you have everything you need for the flight. This includes diapers, wipes, bottles, and snacks for the baby. It can also be helpful to pack a few toys or books to keep the baby entertained. Don’t forget to bring a few extra changes of clothes in case of accidents.

Making Arrangements

Finally, make sure you have all the necessary documents and identification for the baby. This includes a birth certificate or passport, as well as proof of guardianship. You may also need to provide proof of age or vaccination records, so it’s important to check with the airline ahead of time.

Common Questions about Flying with a Newborn

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about flying with a newborn:

Can I Breastfeed on the Plane?

Most airlines allow mothers to breastfeed on the plane, but it’s best to check with the airline ahead of time to make sure. If you plan to breastfeed, it can be helpful to bring a nursing cover or blanket to provide some privacy.

Can I Bring Formula on the Plane?

Yes, you can bring formula on the plane. Most airlines allow passengers to bring up to 4 ounces of liquid in a sealed container. However, it’s important to check with the airline ahead of time to make sure.

Can I Take a Bassinet on the Plane?

Some airlines offer bassinets for infants on board the plane. The availability of bassinets varies by airline, so it’s best to check with the airline ahead of time to see if they offer this service.

Conclusion

Flying with a newborn can be nerve-wracking, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right preparation and knowledge, flying with a baby can be a safe and enjoyable experience. By following the guidelines and safety tips outlined in this article, parents can have peace of mind knowing their baby is safe and comfortable during the flight.

For more information on flying with a newborn, visit the TSA website here or the CDC website here.