Your happy baby: Travel tips

Many families want to make plane trips shortly after their new baby's birth. But traveling with a baby can challenge even the most serene person.

How old should my baby be?

No one knows the earliest age at which most babies may safely travel by air. Some pediatricians recommend waiting at least two months after birth, others two weeks.

Equalizing ear pressure

Commercial planes are "pressurized for our comfort and safety." However, the adjustment of the airplane pressure with changes in the altitude is not always smooth. This pressure change can cause ear discomfort in adults and intense ear pain for infants.

You can help your baby equalize his or her ear pressure -- and avoid pain -- by nursing, giving him or her a bottle, or having him or her suck on your finger or a pacifier. This should be done during take-off and especially during landing.

Re-circulated air and ill passengers

Airplanes have more re-circulated air than we normally experience and we sit close to many other people. If one of them is ill, your baby may be exposed. So keep him or her close to you and covered with a light blanket if possible (especially when sitting in an infant seat). This will help keep people from touching or looming over your baby.

Extra clothes

Bring an extra change of clothes for you and your baby in your carry-on or diaper bag. That way if your baby spits up or has a leaky diaper, you won't have to wear dirty clothes the rest of the trip.