Does flying affect babies?

Air travel is not recommended for babies younger than seven days of age. This is because cabin pressure in an airplane changes often, and newborn babies' systems may have trouble adjusting. Airlines have different policies about age of air travel, so it's best to check before you make plans.



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FLYING WITH AN INFANT: WHEN IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL WITH A NEWBORN BABY BY PLANE? In general, doctors recommend you wait to fly until your baby's immune system is better developed. This could be as soon as one month for full-term infants, though most doctors recommend anywhere between three months and six months.

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Unfortunately, babies don't quite understand how to cope with (or avoid) that unpleasant sensation. As a result, they may get irritable and cry—especially during take-off and landing. Parents and guardians traveling with infants can get ahead of this ear pain and the tantrums associated with it by planning ahead.

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They may be in pain because of pressure changes at takeoff and landing; they may be tired and find it difficult to sleep without their normal surroundings; they might want to move around instead of being stuck in a confined space or they might be disoriented and scared.

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12-18 Months Old Once your child starts walking, all bets will probably be off unless you are blessed with the chillest of children. One year olds are often highly mobile yet totally uncontrollable, making for a potentially dangerous travel combination.

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Booking your flight:
  1. Babies under two years old are free (or often 10% of the fare for international trips) if they sit on your lap and don't get their own seat. ...
  2. If you have a short flight, you can easily plan it around naps. ...
  3. Try to get a bassinet row. ...
  4. Book an aisle seat so you can get up and down easily.


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Mountain Travel With Newborns: Travel to places below 8,000 feet (2,438 meters) is safe. Brief drives over higher mountain passes are safe. If your newborn is not healthy, don't travel above 8,000 feet (2,438 meters). Your child's doctor should give the okay first.

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In short, no it is not safe at all. I realize there is a photo right here of my son asleep in a dockatot on the floor. I do not condone doing this and acknowledge the risk we took. I have since learned much more about child safety in airplanes and would not put a baby down there.

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Also, airplane cabin noise levels are loud, especially during takeoff. Consider using cotton balls, noise-canceling headphones or small earplugs to limit your baby's exposure to this noise. This may help make it easier for your baby to sleep.

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A pacifier might ease discomfort during flights. Babies can't intentionally pop their ears by swallowing or yawning to relieve ear pain caused by air pressure changes. Sucking on a pacifier might help.

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Nurse your baby during takeoff and landing when traveling by airplane. This will help to protect your child from ear pain due to cabin pressure changes. Feed your baby on demand.

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