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This article provides information about traveling by airplane or to high elevations with a newborn.
If your newborn was born premature or isn’t healthy, you should always get medical clearance from your child’s doctor before flying or traveling to a high altitude.
Here is some general advice about travel for healthy newborns.
Flying With Newborns
We recommend not flying with your newborn during the first 7 days of life. If flying is needed, it is safe to fly after 7 days of age.
If travel is needed, it is usually safe to fly after 7 days, but only if your baby is healthy.
Always check with your baby’s primary care provider before flying.
Airplane travel can expose your baby to many illnesses. To lower the chance of your baby getting sick, it's best to wait until they are 2 or 3 months old before flying.
Mountain Travel With Newborns
It’s best to avoid high mountain travel above 8,000 feet (2,438 meters) during your baby’s first month, unless your baby will be living there full-time.
Travel to places below 8,000 feet is safe.
Short car trips over high mountain passes are okay.
If your baby is not in good health, do not travel to high altitudes. Talk to your baby’s primary care provider to make sure it’s safe.
Call your child’s healthcare team if:
Your baby starts looking or acting sick.
Your baby starts acting abnormally in any way.
You think your baby needs to be seen.
This publication was adapted from information from American Academy of Pediatrics Patient Education materials.
Reviewed by: AM M.D., CPCMG Newborn Committee, AR D.O. | 06/2025