Traveling Out of the Country with an Infant

I have taken my infant when he was 8 weeks from Germany to the US. I was really worried about the trip as well. What worked for me was using a sling to help me lug things around the airport. On the plane I wrapped a boppy pillow around my lap. He nursed and slept the entire trip. Their is something about the noise in the airplane that helps babies sleep. To avoid the babies ears from hurting try to feed on take off and landing.

If the baby is in good health, and your ped says its ok, I'd do it. I'd also recommend breastfeeding on the plane -- super convenient, don't have to worry about mixing formula, and on the plane helps with takeoff and landing -- especially clearing ears. We travelled lots with my first. My sis flew cross country with her 3 week old, and she and her hubby are both doctors. Trust me, they are LOTS easier now than they are at 9 mos and on. Have a great trip, and good luck with the delivery!!!

I flew for a major airline (based here in Houston) for 5 years. Babies travel quite well as long as they have the necessities (diapers, bottles, wipes, etc.). I am sure he'll be fine.

dad of 4
JE

Hi L., first my thoughts are with you and your husband's family. I can only imagine it would mean the world to your mother-in-law to get to meet her grandchild. Of course, as everyone has suggested, please talk with your pediatrician ASAP. If he gives you the all clear, then traveling witha 3-week old will certainly be easier than traveling with a 1 or 2 year old! Best wishes,

A.

I would wait till the baby was a little older. I mean its ammune system isn't built up yet and if you happen to sit around someone who is sick then your baby might get it. And with a new baby, everyone wants to touch and see it and that is alot of strangers. I would wait till it was older before I decided to go on a airplane and go far away from your doctor or the baby's doctor. The first months are the times that they can get really sick and you would want your pediatrician to take care of your child instead of some stranger in a different country.

I think taking the baby would be ok. U just need to be careful. Here is a question? Have u thought of someone close relative u could leave the baby with until u got back if the baby is born before u leave. I understand your concern for the loved one that is ill.. I had my baby out a week after he was born. I just couldnt stand it anymore of being in the house.. I still say its ok.. Just be careful.. I think as long as the baby is healthy and no problems... u may want to ask your doctor too.. Maybe they can tell what u can do... just a thought.. Good luck to u

L.,
when my son was born i took him out righ away. Everyone was telling me not to because he was too small and he could get something. I talked to his pediatrician and he says all that is a myth. So as long as YOU feel confortable to go, GO! just make sure you take everything the baby needs and remember you need rest after giving birth, so take that under consideration. But if you feel fine, go. It may be the last time your husband gets to see his mom!

I would really ask your pedi. 3 weeks is awfly young , and recirculated air in a plane can mean your little one will be exposed to any illness anyone else might have on the plane. babies that small might not have the immune system to handle that kind of risk - so please talk about it with your baby's future pedi- there are just so many variables to consider!

Hello there L.,

Wow that is a tough decision for you. But traveling with a baby that young is never really a good idea. I am a frequent traveler around the world with my two boys ages 2 & 3 both who have traveled with us since the age of 6 weeks. That is the soonest that is safe for an infant to travel. THere are hundreds of germs on the plane, airport etc. At that age the babies are more critical and suseptable for serious illnesses. My personal opinion I would not take my baby that young in age on a trip. But to reassure you, you may want to check with your baby's doctor and he or she can give you better advice. Good luck. Also we have been to punta cana and puerto plata Dominican Rep. before and loved it. Good luck and congrats in advance.
Julie

L.,
I wanted to travel to Mexico with my new baby and my ped. told it was fine. If you breast feed, the baby will have all of the immunity he needs from you. You will need to plan. First, as soon as the baby is born, make an appointment to get an emergency passport. You can get it in one day, but you will have to present a travel itenerary from the airline. Without the passport the baby will not be able to travel. You will probably not have the official one, but they will problably take the hospital one, and both you and your husband should plan on going because I believe they will need you to swear or take an oath that the document is authentic.

Second, plan on taking medications that the baby might need. Plan on taking the gas drops, baby tylenol, baby motrin, sunscreen, insect bite ointment, diaper ointment. You will be risking experiencing the joys of colic, constipation, etc. in a foreign country. Be prepared and don't freak out if it happens. I am sure you've read here some of the scary stories of gas and constipation.

And third, if any of these ailments do happen, your in laws will surely have some home remedies. If you can nicely get away with out giving your baby these remedies fine, but if you give in don't fret. They problably used them on your husband and he's still alive :) . . .so enjoy your trip and take lots of pictures!

G.

Probably the best thing to do would be to ask your babys doctor. Making sure that ur baby is good to travel. I also understand you need his birth certificate to travel. My brother lived in Germany and wanted to come down for christmas 2 years ago but the airline told them that their baby had to be at least 3 months old and that they had to have the all of the babys papers. you my want to ask the airline some questions as well. Good luck and congrats on your new baby.

I have three children, and it is not a good idea to travel with a child that young, more even so to another country.
I would suggest you have a friend care for the baby while you are away.

Birth Certificate!!! Don't they need this if your traveling to a different country and back to the U.S.
I once was asked if my child was mine at a port of entry (border) and if I had proof. Lots of missing and child kidnaping. Check with the airline.