Flying

Published

When is it safe to fly with an infant? I am concerned about their little ears and the stale air on a plane but we are moving and baby will be about 2-4 months when we leave.

Jenn

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

well given the germy environment of many planes, that would be my primary concern. As far as the ears go, you can take care of that w/frequent nursing/suckling, particularly during the times you are taking off and landing (changes in altitude). If the child cries loudly, often this indicates ears bothering him/her on a plane. It's a good idea to nurse the baby at this time (or allow to suckle vigorously).

Try to keep baby away from others you do not know----sitting near the window, perhaps, to avoid exposure to cold/flu possiblitities (and RSV, which is "in season" in fall/winter).

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I had to fly when my son was 3 weeks old due to a death in the family. Our pediatrician gave the okay and gave me some tips for flying. Try to schedule feeding during takeoff and that will help with the ears. Put in a couple drops of children's saline nasal spray to moisten the mucous membranes so the dry airplane air doesn't irritate them. The airlines recommend purchasing a separate seat for the infant, but I think they just want to make some money. I held my son on my lap and that's the only way it would work when they're that young anyway (IMO). You can bring your stroller or travel system right to the gate with you and they stow it for pick up on landing, which helps. Also make sure to ask to preboard, I found out the hard way that all airlines do not automatically offer preboarding for people with kids. Good luck, I recommend trying your best to get nonstop flights, I had a connection and it was a long and frustrating day (I didn't have help though as my husband was out of town).

Up Vote Up Vote ×

We will be flying from Washington DC to San Francisco. I already have a pediatrician picked out. Talk about stress. I am due in the next 5 weeks and we have to sell our home and move and find a place to stay, etc plus have a newborn. I just hope I do well. Please keep me in your thoughts.

Jenn

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

i wish you the best

did you find out your GBS result yet?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

No, didn't find them out yet but I had a concern since I was tested at 34 weeks and 2 days and not 35 weeks but I think it is b/c I have been spotting since last Friday and having cramping and maybe they are worried about ruptured membranes.

Jenn

PS. Will let you know my results. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion