It is safe to fly with a baby that is full term as early as 1 to 2 weeks old.
Although it's also recommended that you wait until the baby is at least 2 to 3 months old before flying with them if possible.
Premature babies should wait until at least 2 to 3 months of age to fly as long as they are healthy.
It's considered safe to travel with a baby that is full term as early as 1 to 2 weeks of age.
Although it's also recommended that you wait until the baby is at least 2 to 3 months old to travel with a baby, especially for long distance travel or airplane travel.
Waiting at least 2 to 3 months old before traveling with your baby also allows the baby's immune system to develop and also ensures that the baby has gotten their first round of vaccinations.
Airlines do often allow newborns to fly after 7 days to 14 days, although some airlines might require you have a doctor's note for infants that are under 2 weeks old.
Many pediatricians though recommend that 3 to 6 months before flying and traveling as a sweet spot for travel for babies.
At 3 to 6 months of age, babies are not as fragile and have better head control.
Driving is also often safer than flying for newborns as driving helps avoid large crowds.
Although going long stretches in a car seat for babies should be avoided to prevent the baby from developing breathing issues like positional asphyxia.
If traveling by car, you should plan for breaks ever 1.5 hours to 2 hours to take your baby out of their car seat to feed them, change them and allow them to stretch to ensure they have proper oxygen levels and comfort.
Airports and planes also expose babies to germs and if you have to travel early with your baby, you should make sure you wash your hands often as well as your baby's hands and use disinfectant wipes on surfaces and avoid crowded areas when possible.
With a newborn you should also avoid traveling at high altitudes of above 8,000 ft in the first month as a newborn's lungs are still adjusting.
And during the takeoff and landing, you should encourage the baby to suck on a bottle, pacifier or nurse to help relieve their ear pain that is caused by cabin pressure changes.
And although lap babies are allowed under the age of 2 on a plane, it's also recommended that you purchase a separate seat and use an FFA approved car seat for improved safety during turbulence.
Before traveling with your baby, you should check with the baby's pediatrician if the baby was born premature, they have any chronic lung or heart problems or if they have had any recent ear infection or surgery.
And if you're doing or planning any international travel, which might require additional vaccinations or specific health clearance.