When Is It Safe to Travel with a Newborn?
Tips for safe travel by car or plane with newborns
Tips for safe travel by car or plane with newborns
Key Takeaways
- Most newborns can travel after a few weeks; longer trips may be best after 2 to 3 months.
- Follow car seat, safe sleep and illness prevention guidelines.
- Check with your pediatrician before traveling if needed.
Traveling with a newborn can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time parents. Pediatricians often hear the same question: When is it safe to travel with my baby?
For healthy, full-term infants, short trips are usually safe after the first few weeks of life. However, many pediatricians recommend waiting until your baby is at least 2 to 3 months old before taking longer trips. This gives your baby’s immune system more time to mature and may help reduce the risk of exposure to infections during travel, particularly during periods of high RSV, flu or COVID-19 activity.
“During the first few months of life, a newborn’s immune system is still developing, which can make babies more vulnerable to infections,” says Nicole Gorton, MD, a pediatrician at Scripps Coastal Medical Center Hillcrest in San Diego. “Parents should use extra caution in crowded travel settings where infants may be exposed to infectious illnesses.”
If your baby was born prematurely or has a medical condition, such as a heart or lung problem, talk with your pediatrician before traveling. Some infants may need extra precautions, especially during air travel or trips to high-altitude destinations, where oxygen levels are lower.
Tips for traveling with a newborn
Whether you are planning a road trip, visiting family or flying with an infant, understanding basic travel safety can help make the experience safer and less stressful.
“Traveling with a newborn often takes extra planning and flexibility, especially for first-time parents,” Dr. Gorton says. “Checking with your pediatrician before a trip can help families feel better prepared and offer guidance on keeping babies safe and comfortable during travel.”
Parents should also expect travel plans to be less predictable with a newborn. Delays, schedule changes and unexpected stops are common when traveling with infants and young children. Allowing extra time and staying flexible can help reduce stress for both parents and babies.
Travel recommendations may differ depending on how you plan to travel. Here are some important tips for air travel and car travel with a newborn.
Air travel with newborn
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises against unnecessary air travel soon after birth. Flying can raise a newborn’s risk of infectious illness in crowded airports and planes.
Premature infants may be more sensitive to lower oxygen levels during air travel. The Federal Aviation Administration says infants are safest in an approved child restraint system. This is safer than sitting on a parent’s lap.
If you plan to fly with a newborn, these tips can help make travel safer and more comfortable:
- Check your airline’s infant travel policies before booking
- Feed your baby during takeoff and landing to help reduce ear pressure and discomfort
- Use an FAA-approved child safety seat whenever possible instead of holding your baby on your lap
- Consider flight times that align with your baby’s sleep schedule
- If traveling across time zones, gradually adjust your baby’s routine beforehand when possible
- Wash your hands often and use hand sanitizer to reduce germ exposure
Traveling with a newborn by car
Long car rides with a newborn require extra planning and frequent breaks.
Follow these newborn car travel safety tips:
- Always place your baby in a rear-facing car seat installed in the back seat
- Make sure the car seat is properly installed according to manufacturer instructions
- Stop every 2 to 3 hours so your baby can eat, stretch and get a break from the car seat
- During stops, avoid crowded indoor spaces and people who are sick
- Use a window shade to help protect your baby from direct sunlight and overheating
- Never leave your baby unattended in a vehicle
Parents should avoid bulky coats or thick blankets under car seat harnesses, since they can interfere with a secure fit and reduce safety.
Because babies can overheat quickly in warm cars, dress your baby in lightweight clothing and keep the vehicle well-ventilated during travel.
Safe sleep during travel
Babies should always sleep on a firm, flat surface, even while traveling. Car seats, strollers and infant carriers are designed for transportation and should not replace a safe, firm surface for routine sleep.
If your baby falls asleep in a car seat while traveling, move them to a crib, bassinet or other firm, flat sleep surface as soon as possible. AAP recommends placing babies on their backs to sleep. Keep loose blankets, pillows and soft bedding out of the sleep area.
Packing for newborn travel
Packing thoughtfully can help make traveling with a newborn smoother and less stressful. Babies often need more supplies than parents expect, especially during flight delays, traffic or unexpected schedule changes. Bringing extra essentials can help parents stay prepared and avoid unnecessary stress during the trip.
Consider packing:
- Extra diapers and wipes
- Diaper rash cream and disposable changing pads
- Extra clothes for your baby and yourself
- Bottles, formula or expressed breast milk
- Burp cloths, bibs and lightweight blankets
- Pacifiers and small toys
- Hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes
- Any medications your baby may need
- Extra feeding supplies, such as bottle liners, nipples or snacks for older infants
- A familiar comfort item to help soothe your baby during travel
- A diaper bag that is easy to access during the trip
If you are flying, check Transportation Security Administration guidelines ahead of time for traveling with breast milk, formula and baby food. It is also helpful to keep essential items, such as diapers, feeding supplies and an extra outfit, in a carry-on bag in case checked luggage is delayed.
Additional newborn travel tips
Parents should also pack weather-appropriate clothing and avoid overdressing babies, which can increase the risk of overheating.
It’s also a good idea to keep a copy of your baby’s medical information, insurance card and emergency contacts on your phone or in your diaper bag in case medical care is needed while traveling.
When to call your pediatrician before traveling
Before traveling with a newborn, contact your pediatrician if your baby:
- Was born prematurely
- Has a heart or lung condition
- Has trouble breathing
- Recently had medical treatment or surgery
- Has signs of illness such as a fever, cough, feeding difficulties or poor weight gain
Parents may also want guidance before international travel, trips to high-altitude destinations or longer trips that could expose babies to large crowds.
"Before taking a long trip with a newborn, parents should check with their pediatrician if they have any concerns about their baby’s health,” says Dr. Gorton. “A pediatrician can help families decide whether a baby is ready for travel and recommend ways to help keep infants safe and comfortable during the trip.”
Frequently asked questions about traveling with a newborn
Can newborns fly on airplanes?
Most healthy full-term newborns can fly after the first few weeks of life, but many pediatricians recommend waiting until babies are 2 to 3 months old for long-distance travel when possible.
How long can a newborn stay in a car seat?
Experts recommend taking breaks every 2 to 3 hours during long car rides so babies can eat, stretch and change positions.
Is it safe to travel with a premature baby?
Premature infants or babies with medical conditions may need additional precautions. Parents should speak with their pediatrician before making travel plans.