Ask Dr. Sears: Flying With a Newborn

Q Our family is planning a trip to show off our new baby to out-of-town relatives. Is a 1-month-old old enough to fly?
A Yes. Traveling by plane can be easy with a baby -- but with longer waits now at airports, it's all the more important to keep your newborn comfortable and safe.

When maneuvering through a busy terminal, use a soft front carrier that keeps your newborn secure and leaves your hands free.

Choose an aisle seat, which allows you to walk up and down the cabin more easily if you need to lull your baby to sleep. If you can, book a separate seat for your child and take his car seat; this is the safest way for little ones to travel, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Because the low humidity of the cabin air may dry out and plug your baby's narrow nasal passages, take along saltwater nose drops (available over the counter) and squirt a few into his nostrils every two hours. You can also hold a damp washcloth a few inches in front of his nose to keep the air he's breathing humid.

Soothe your child's ears. Letting him suck allows his eustachian tubes (which connect the middle-ear cavity to the throat) to equalize the pressure and prevent discomfort. As soon as the plane begins its descent, start to feed your baby or give him a pacifier.

If you're breastfeeding, it's particularly important to stay well hydrated. Drink a few extra glasses of water before, during, and after your flight.

Enjoy your trip!

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