Flying with a 6 wk old - yay or nay?

[busymama77]

We're planning a family trip to San Diego to visit some friends roughly 6 weeks after DS#2's EDD. We're unsure if this is safe or not to fly with a baby so young. Has anyone done this recently? How did it go? Should I give his ped's office a call to confirm with them? What sort of tips can you give me?
The youngest that DS#1 flew was around 10months so that is all brand new to us.

[indigosky]

We first flew with DD when she was 8 weeks, and had no problem at all. It's much easier to fly with a babe in arms than an older baby or toddler who wants to go explore!

I'm a big fan of babywearing in airports -- if your carrier has no metal you can wear the baby right through security. You have to take them out of the carrier on the plane itself (which I would want to do anyway).

If you're prepared to nurse a lot, and avoid flying during your LO's fussy time (if there is one), I predict you'll do fine!

[belltree]

I just flew with a 9 week old. The dry air was a bit problematic as he had a caugh that worsened, but logistically, it was very easy. I am not sure if I'd plan a trip so short after delivery. I'd be wondering what to do in case the babe arrives 2 weeks late? Also, I had a very hard time with breastfeeding and 6 weeks was just the time when it got better. I realle wouldn't have wanted to fly at that time.

Another thought to consider is, if you yourself will have healed enough. I am having problems with recovery and the flight and stress a couple weeks back, definitely set me back.

Those are just some random thoughts, besides that, I'd say, why not?

[tabrizia]

I traveled with a 5 week old last April and had no problems, I kept her in the sling most of the time or on my lap. That being said we had to go when we went, since it was likely, and did end up being, her only chance to meet her Great Grandfather. It wasn't a big deal to travel with her, I did have my parents traveling with me and they helped with DS as well which made things a lot easier. If I had had a c-section with DD it might have been a bit harder, though I probably would have gotten a wheelchair at that point in time. I was healed enough that I didn't have a problem with traveling and would have been able to do it as early as 2 to 3 weeks post birth (which is allowed by all the airlines I checked, most require a doctors note for under 7 day old babies only), but I was thankful to have a bit more time to recover.

A 5/6 week old on an airplane is easy, just nurse them as needed and let them cuddle and sleep, it is the older child that takes a lot more effort .

[4myfinn]

I personally would not fly with a baby that young. I already cringe every time I'm on a plane and there's someone with a hacking cough a few rows back (which there always inevitably is). Of course if you're BF that will give the baby some protection, but they're still quite vulnerable at such a young age.

Some close friends were going to come visit us for Christmas, but their pediatrician said she did not recommend getting on an airplane with such a young baby (about 2 mo) during flu season. They ended up not coming. I was pretty bummed but probably would do the same thing.

[EricaDoula]

You can do it. My sister and her 6 week old flew from Germany to NY and had no trouble at all!

[GoGoGirl]

I flew with my DD when she was 6 weeks. I was terrified (we flew alone, so no one to help me!) but it was fine. She slept and breastfed in the Moby the whole time.

Here is a comprehensive guide to flying with children. Some of the ideas in it really helped me!

[BrittneyMarie]

I personally wouldnt make plans. Like one of the pp's said, what if the baby's 2 weeks late? At 4 weeks postpartum I could barely make it up my stairs, and even at 6 weeks, theres no way I would've felt up to visiting with friends and dealing with all the stress that flying includes these days. I wouldn't expect so much of yourself.

[JHopesMomma]

My husband and I flew from Germany to Oregon when our DD was about 7 weeks old. We've just done that trip again at 10 months, and believe me, the first time was so much easier! I had her in the Moby most of the trip and she was able to sleep a lot. I'd recommend using a sling or wrap that has no metal. I know security is super tight now, but some people (hopefully!) still have empathy and you might be able to get through security not having to take the wrap and baby off.

[mamazee]

Babies are easier to fly with the younger they are. Toddlers are far more difficult to fly with! And if you bf your baby should be fine so far as being around germy people goes. I'd go for it!

[prothyraia]

My son's first flight was at about 5 weeks old. Easiest one I've had

My only concern would be post-partum healing for mama, baby should do just fine.

[SilverFish]

i think you'll be fine. my mom had to fly with my youngest sister at only a couple weeks old because she was so overdue, and i don't think either of them had any problems (but i was just a kid, so my memory isn't too clear). however, after seeing friends fly with older babies and toddlers, i'd say the younger, probably the better. and while you might be a bit uncomfortable, i just managed a trans-atlantic flight at 30 wks pregnant with a baby in my ribs, nausea, heartburn and hemorroids. i spent A LOT of the flight pacing up and down the aisles and in the bathroom (those economy seats are NOT comfortable!!). if your baby is overdue and you're still quite sore, get a wheelchair, ask to be upgraded, and take advantage of early boarding.

[busymama77]

Originally Posted by 4myfinn

I personally would not fly with a baby that young. I already cringe every time I'm on a plane and there's someone with a hacking cough a few rows back (which there always inevitably is). Of course if you're BF that will give the baby some protection, but they're still quite vulnerable at such a young age.

Some close friends were going to come visit us for Christmas, but their pediatrician said she did not recommend getting on an airplane with such a young baby (about 2 mo) during flu season. They ended up not coming. I was pretty bummed but probably would do the same thing.

Yeah, our ped's office said the youngest would be 2 months, so we've cancelled our trip to San Diego. No biggie. We have plenty of time to go visit our friends and are making plans for another vacation elsewhere later on in the summer.

[kirstenb]

I've flown with both DS1 and DS2 when they were 5-6 weeks. Easiest flights I have ever had with kids. Both of them slept and nursed the entire time. I recover pretty quickly after birth so both times I felt fine as well.

[ithappened]

We'll be flying about 17 hours with my DS when he is 8-9 weeks