would you fly with a 7 week old in August?

[Anonymous]

It would be a domestic flight with one connection (both short flights). Pediatrician advises against it because of possibility of catching respiratory infections, but she does say summer is better than winter or fall for this.

[Anonymous]

Well, I would and I did. We flew from DC to Toronto when DD was 6 weeks old. All activities are a risk--our pediatrician told us the same thing, but she also said that she flew with her daughter as a newborn, too.

[Anonymous]

Yes- you can ask if you can push up some shots.

[Anonymous]

Yes, I would. Nurse lots.

And most of the illnesses floating around have nothing to do with the shots.

[Anonymous]

When in August, and how old is the baby now? You'd need to make sure baby was 100% healthy and recovered from any birth-related issues.

[Anonymous]

Why? I think the reason matters.

At 7 weeks it would have sucked to travel far from home, 'comfort'. Lots of nursing, terribly flabby, sleep deprived, bleeding x 2 (some ppl experience a bleed @ 6 weeks). 7 weeks is also a 'growth spurt' = feeding constantly, around the clock. Possibility of feeling blue, etc!

[Anonymous]

Yes I would, and I am. We're flying mid August when our son will be almost six weeks old - domestic flight about 90 minutes. It didn't even occur to me to ask our pediatrician. (I'm also sure that he'd not have an issue with it. Also, we have not yet had any shots and don't plan to before we leave).

With our older son we took a long road trip at 5 weeks and flew internationally with him at 10 weeks -- to Cuba. No issues.

[Anonymous]

Thanks all--OP here. IT would be either mid or late August and would be to see some extended family and get away from the heat by staying at family vacation home. Too far to drive. My husband wouldn't be able to go so it would be me flying alone with the baby but my mom would help a lot while i was there and there would be plenty of downtime. Still kind of torn---not sure it would be worth the hassle. I would be flying with miles so the ticket would be almost free.

[Anonymous]

I would, and I did. It was MUCH easier than flying with a seven-month-old. Little babies don't need as much gear, are more likely to be comforted by the breast alone. I say do it, if you're feeling well.

[Anonymous]

I would, and did - flew with a 3 week old in September. But that was for my brother-in-law's wedding. I am not sure whether I would do it for a more discretionary trip, but it could be more relaxing than being at home. If you are lucky, a baby that young will sleep through the whole trip.

[Anonymous]

I flew w/ my son at 7/8 weeks by myself and it was not at all a hassle. Easiest flight I've ever had w/ my son. I did not need to nurse him much b/c he slept so much of the way. I wore him to check in, so bringing my luggage in by myself was easier than expected. I did arrange to have my dad come in to help me get my luggage and that was helpful, but not necessary. I guess my last thought is while I liked being home, I really enjoyed being able to be around family and enjoyed the company.

[Anonymous]

No, because when my dd was 6 weeks we took her to visit family and got a high fever and was hospitalized, needed a spinal tap, continuous OB antibiotics. I know it's not common, but if a baby under 3 months gets a high fever for any reason (summer virus included) they have to do a septic workup like my dd did. That's why I wouldn't.

[Anonymous]

We flew at 12 weeks, and it was logistically really easy, except for all of the gear we were toting!

That said, I'd try to wait until baby has had the 8 week shots. Contrary to what PP said about shots having nothing to do with "most of the illnesses floating around", pertussis in particular is a real risk. Could you push back your trip a hair?

I would also factor in flight length. A short flight is no big deal, but longer ones could be. How will you negotiate getting to the bathroom? (or not?) Eating/drinking, if you want to do that? Not saying everything is difficult, just to be thinking about how it will be as one person with one pair of hands that happen to be full of baby!

You also have to get through security by yourself, which could be a little tricky if you are planning to gate check your stroller. I distinctly remember my poor husband trying to fish all of our gear off of the xray belt a la the I Love Lucy episode with the chocolates--stuff kept a-comin (stroller! carseat! Diaper bag! other extraneous crap!), and he kept a-grabbin, while I had gotten pulled aside for an extra security check and was not allowed to help him. Pure comedy--I'm trying to imagine this scene if you are by yourself.

It's all doable, but if you are a FTM, some moments may be particularly lively.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

NO! I would not do that. My in-laws wanted me to take my baby on an international trip when my baby was 8 months and I laughed in their faces.

[Anonymous]

Nope. If your baby gets sick, the baby has to go to the ER. Just not worth it.