Definition

• Questions about flying or mountain travel with a newborn baby

Health Information

Overview

• 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 altitude.
• Here is some general advice about travel for healthy newborns.

Care Advice

1. Flying With Newborns:
   • Never fly during the first 7 days of life. If flying is needed, it’s safe to fly after 7 days of age.
   • If your newborn is not healthy, do not fly. Your child’s doctor should give the okay first before flying.
   • Your baby can be exposed to germs aboard aircraft. So, it is best not to fly before 2 or 3 months of age.
2. Mountain Travel With Newborns:
   • Avoid mountain travel above 8,000 feet (2,438 meters) for the first month of life. (Except when the family lives there year-round)
   • 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.

Call Your Doctor If

• Your baby starts looking or acting sick
• Your baby starts looking or acting abnormal in any way
• You think your baby needs to be seen

Author: Barton Schmitt MD, FAAP

Copyright 2000-2020 Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC

Disclaimer: This health information is for educational purposes only. You the reader assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it. The information contained in this handout should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. Listing of any resources does not imply an endorsement.