Recommendations before booking a flight for a child by the American Academy of Pediatrics
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) generally recommends delaying air travel for newborns, particularly within the first 7 days of life, and advises against flying with a baby under two months old if possible. If travel is unavoidable within two months, consult with the baby's pediatrician. For all flights, the AAP strongly advises that babies and young children should be secured in FAA-approved car seats or other approved restraint systems, rather than being held in a parent's lap.
Here's a more detailed breakdown of the AAP's recommendations:
Age and Health:
- Newborns: Avoid air travel in the first 7 days after birth and ideally wait until the baby is at least 2-3 months old due to their developing immune system.
- Consult your pediatrician: If flying is necessary, 2-3 months before, or if the baby has any health issues (especially heart or lung problems), consult with the pediatrician first.
- Up-to-date vaccinations: Ensure the baby's vaccinations are up to date before travel.
Safety on the Plane:
- Secure your child:
The safest place for a child to be on an airplane is in an approved car seat or other restraint system.
- Don’t hold your baby on your lap:
Arms are not strong enough to protect a child from turbulence or sudden movements.
- Consider an FAA-approved harness:
For older infants and toddlers, FAA-approved harnesses are an alternative to car seats.
- Use the seatbelt:
Children weighing more than 40 pounds can use the aircraft's seatbelt.
- Consider a car seat for the destination:
Even if you don't use the car seat on the plane, it's recommended to have one for use at your destination.
Before the Flight:
- Pack appropriately: Pack extra diapers, wipes, clothing, and feeding supplies. Consider bringing a carrier or a safe space for the baby to sleep.
- Prepare for take-off and landing: Offer a bottle, pacifier, or breastfeed during these times to help with ear pressure.
- Consider the flight schedule: Schedule flights to avoid peak times and allow for extra time between connections.
- Bring distractions: Pack toys and books to keep older children entertained.
- Wash hands frequently: Use hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes to minimize the spread of germs.
- Inform the TSA: If you are carrying breast milk or formula, please inform the TSA officer during screening.
For more information, review the following link. HealthyChildren.org provides excellent, detailed information in that article.
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/on-the-go/Pages/Flying-with-Baby.aspx
Para los que prefieren leer en español, hagan clic en el siguiente enlace de Healthychildren.org que me encanta como ofrecen otros detalles importantes a tener en cuenta antes de viajar.
https://www.healthychildren.org/spanish/safety-prevention/on-the-go/paginas/flying-with-baby.aspx
We hope this information is helpful. Have a great trip.
Mylai Garofalo, MD, FAAP.
Pediatrician/Owner
3199 Lake Worth Rd. Ste B-2, Palm Springs, Fl 33461
P: (561)-621-1801 / F: (561)-331-4603 / e-F: (561)-288-4532
E: pediatricdreamcare@gmail.com W: www.pediatricdreamcare.com