In a perfect world, your baby's first travel experience would be a positive, memorable one. Unfortunately, your baby's weak immune system means he's especially susceptible to illness in the first few months of life. If you have a trip scheduled and your newborn is under the weather, always check with your pediatrician before you follow through with your plans. Travel is simply unsuitable for certain types of illnesses, while less severe illnesses benefit from proper preparation and soothing techniques while traveling.
Step 1
Plan for travel no fewer than six weeks after your baby is born. While most major airlines don't have restrictions on the age of a newborn, your baby's new immune system isn't equipped to handle the germs and bacteria circulated through the air on an airplane. Waiting for your newborn's immune system to develop means there's less of a chance traveling will actually make your baby sicker.
Step 2
Contact the airline concerning your travel plans. Check to ensure the airline accepts infant travelers in general, sick or not. Ask about any family-specific protocol, such as different boarding procedures for individuals traveling with young children, which gives you extra time to board and become settled with your baby ahead of other passengers.
Step 3
Schedule an appointment with your baby's pediatrician before you leave for your trip. Take the trip only after your pediatrician has examined your baby and given his approval for the trip. Certain types of illnesses, such as respiratory infections, require hospitalization and can even be deadly for young newborns; it's possible your pediatrician will ask that you cancel your plans until your baby is well again.
Step 4
Travel with an approved car seat, whether you're traveling in a car or on an airplane. It's simply the safest way for you to travel. A car seat is also especially comfortable for your sick newborn on a plane, as it places her in a reclined, but not flat, position. If she's suffering from congestion or cold symptoms, sleeping in a reclined position helps to keep her passages clear.
Step 5
Bring all of your baby's medications, clearly labeled and sealed in individual plastic bags. While the Transportation Security Administration prohibits bringing liquids in excess of 3 oz. in your carry-on, the rules are waived for liquid medications, breast milk and formula. Still, the medication may need to be tested during the security checkpoint, so ensuring that all supplies are clearly labeled and easily accessed expedites the process.
Step 6
Allow your baby to nurse, drink from a bottle or use a pacifier during take-off and landing. The change in air pressure often causes pain, especially if your newborn has been diagnosed with a cold or ear infection. Sucking helps to relieve some of the pressure for better comfort and less disruption.
Step 7
Encourage as much sleep and rest for your newborn as possible. Your newborn is naturally sleepy and sleeps up to 18 hours per day. A lack of sleep can weaken your baby's immune system, Kathi Kemper, M.D., director of the Center for Holistic Pediatric Education and Research at Children's Hospital, in Boston tells "Parents" magazine. Wearing your baby in a sling during layovers and during the boarding process helps to keep your baby relaxed until you place him in his car seat. Using a sling also discourages strangers from touching or otherwise disturbing your newborn.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Air Travel with an Infant: Is It Safe?; Jay L. Hoecker; Dec. 2009
- Babycenter.com: Traveling with a Newborn to 8-Month-Old
- Transport Security Administration: Important Information on Traveling With Formula, Breast Milk, and Juice
- "Parents"; 7 Ways to Boost Your Child's Immunity; Sandra Gordon
