How soon to fly?

[Anonymous]

We are expecting our first and would like to plan a trip to Florida for not too long after baby arrives this fall. (Meet grandpa and other relatives who live there, enjoy warm weather, go during my leave so I don't have to use vacation time...) Has anyone flown with a really young infant? Some friends have said that the easiest time to travel is when baby is 4 weeks to 4 months or so. We would fly direct, take early morning flights (to minimize chances of delays), and take the carseat and snap and go. (Probably wouldn't need much else-- grandpa is getting a pack n play for his house!) We could wait and book last minute tickets once we decide we are ready to travel, but I'm a planner so I would love to make reservations now!

How young can baby fly? How soon after giving birth did you feel up to a long weekend away? Any other advice?

[Anonymous]

I flew at 6 weeks PP after a c-section and everything was fine. At that point I was comfortable enough with breastfeeding in public and I felt I could manage an infant. I was however very anxious. Normal for a first time mom but now it makes me smile. I did the same trip with a 6 week old and a just 2 year old and was anxious again but it all worked fine. Limit your carry-ons to only baby related items. Wear the baby if you can. If you are traveling alone, limit your fluids on the plane, going to the bathroom with an infant is no fun.

I'd wait to buy the tickets until after delivery because you just never know how things will turn out. But really you should be fine.

[Anonymous]

I would wait until after 8 weeks when your baby has had a good number of the vaccines.

[Anonymous]

We traveled when baby was 3 months, and it seemed ideal. We were confident with the baby, and baby was smiley and friendly with the family we visited.

[Anonymous]

because you'd be traveling in cold/flu season you may want to wait until he or she is 2 or 3 months old. and bring lots of hand sanitizer.

[Anonymous]

I traveled with my son (internationally 10+hours of flying each time) at 3 months, 6 months, 10 months, and 18 months. It only gets harder--so definitely go before they are walking.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would wait until after 8 weeks when your baby has had a good number of the vaccines.

we flew at 6 weeks and our pediatrician was not at all worried about this -

[Anonymous]

OP here-- Thanks for the helpful feedback! We think we'll plan to go in the winter (once baby is 3 or 4 months) and just get last minute tickets if we feel up to it by 6 weeks or so. I appreciate the comments!