How old does an infant need to be before it should travel? If you have a newborn baby, you might wonder when it is safe for them to travel for the first time. Traveling with such a tiny new infant seems...
If you have a newborn baby, you might wonder when it is safe for them to travel for the first time. Traveling with such a tiny new infant seems scary and you want to make sure your baby can handle the stresses before you introduce him to his new hectic world. Beth McGregor, co-founder of www.TravelingWithKids.com tells us, "It's really up to the parents as to when they feel ready to venture out with their newborn. There are many considerations for both the baby and the new mother. Exposing a newborn to the germs of the "outside world" should happen slowly. Your newborn is still adjusting to being out of the womb and giving him some time to adapt to the many new stimulations is recommended." When considering if your newborn is ready for travel, don't forget the new mom. Beth adds, "It is also important that the new mom not be overly taxed with planning and packing for a trip when she's just delivered a baby. Her baby, rest and good nutrition should be her focus for the first few weeks."
Checking with your baby's doctor is a good place to start when you are considering traveling with him for the first time. Beth says, "Advice from medical professionals such as those at the Mayo Clinic suggest that parents not travel with infants by air before they are two weeks old. Air travel exposes an infant to lots of people and their germs, especially in re-circulated cabin air. Also, you don't want to travel if your baby is ill, and evidence of illness in newborns may be subtle." Your doctor might want to give your baby a checkup before he gives you the go ahead to travel with him. In addition, if your baby has any health concerns it is a good idea to stay close to his doctor in the first weeks of life. If you don't need to travel it is a good idea to stay close to home for the first three months in order to give your baby a chance to acclimate himself to the world and build up immunities. By three months of age, your baby will have a predictable schedule and will be easier to manage on a trip. Remember, if you are traveling outside the country, you baby will need a passport of his own, no matter how old he is.
Even tiny babies can experience discomfort when traveling by plane. Beth says, "Fluctuations in cabin pressure cause temporary changes in the middle ear, which can result in pain. Sucking helps equalize the pressure in the ears. So feeding your baby during takeoff and landing may help." Air pressure at high altitudes can also cause air to expand in an infant's intestines causing painful gas.
If you must travel with a newborn, the easiest way to go is by car. When you travel by car, you can pull over anytime for diaper changes, feedings, or just a cuddle. There are more opportunities for taking a break and staying at a hotel for the night if you need to and there are no worries about germs from lots of strangers.
