Q. We are expecting a baby next month and would like to take a trip, likely by airplane, to visit family a few weeks after our baby is born. Can we travel with our newborn baby? Is it safe to let her fly on a plane? Janet, Dallas
A. While you 'can' travel and fly with a two-week-old baby, it doesn't mean that you should.
You will have to check with the specific airline that you are using. American Airlines, for example, says that they don't allow younger babies to fly, including 'newborn babies (within seven days of delivery) unless parent or guardian has a medical certificate indicating travel is authorized.' So a two-week-old would be allowed to fly.
Again, that doesn't mean that it is a good idea, though.
Most experts advise that you limit a newborn's and younger infant's exposure to large groups of people so that they don't get sick.
Traveling through an airport, on an airplane, and then visiting a lot of family would likely expose your child to viral illnesses and other infections, which is the main issue about safe travel with a baby. It's not so much the oxygen levels, the pressured cabin on the plane, or the effects of high altitude. Also, there is no proven risk between airplane travel and SIDS.
No comments:
Post a Comment