Not only is it safe to travel with most newborns, whether flying, driving, riding a bus, or taking a train or other mass transit, here's some even better news: You and your family don't have to give up on your travel dreams.
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Take regular breaksTry to take a break every 2 to 3 hours for a day trip and every 4 to 6 hours at night to change diapers or soiled clothes, or to feed your baby. Never attempt to breastfeed in a moving car. Before hitting the road, be prepared and know where gas stations and rest stops are on the way.
Experienced traveling families already know this, but in most cases the hardest time to travel with a child is from when they become squirmy and mobile by about 9 months old until they hit the age of reason bargaining/cartooning/snacking at about 18 months.
But you will probably want to stick close to home as much as possible for the first few months after your baby is born to ensure his or her safety and health. Many pediatricians recommend waiting until your child is at least 3 months old before traveling long distances.
Lap infant fares on international flightsMost international flights allow children under 2 to fly as lap children, but with one big difference — it's usually not 100% free. Typically, if you're flying on a revenue ticket, you must pay the taxes and fees for your lap infant plus, in some cases, 10% of the fare.
In fact, family travel expert Corinne McDermott believes traveling with an infant is often easier than traveling with an older toddler. “They're not mobile, they're not wiggling and they're eating and sleeping around the clock,” she says. “It doesn't really matter where you are!”
Should you travel with a newborn? There's no age limit for travel, but it is wise to talk to your newborn's healthcare provider before planning trips. It takes time for infants to build their immune system, and travel can put them at risk for colds, flu, or other infections.
Infants or children under 2 years of age can travel on the lap of an adult for free (within the United States) or at a reduced fare (for international travel).
If you think your toddler is likely to cry, yell and be noisy on the plane, you might want to book seats near the back of the aircraft. This section of the plane, behind the wings, is generally noisier, thanks to the engine, and the background hum might cover the sound of your child.
Diaper bags, soft-sided cooler bags with breast milk, child safety seats, strollers and medical or mobility devices don't count toward your personal item or carry-on.