I’ve recently seen several families who want to take their newborn out of the country for a visit with relatives abroad, or who are relocating soon. Many of these families are unaware of the risks that the trip abroad travel may pose for the baby and themselves.
Newborns have some protection from illness that is extended from mom through breastfeeding. Travel, however, poses additional risks for the baby.
In general, it isn’t wise to take your newborn on an airplane flight until they are over 2-3 weeks old. This is because some serious heart defects don’t develop murmurs or symptoms until that age – and the baby may need oxygen at high altitude.
It is best to avoid air travel until at least the first set of shots has been given, usually at 2 months, but as early as 6 weeks of life if necessary. This is because travel involves exposure to hundreds possibly thousands of individuals in airplanes and terminals.
Infants will be exposed to more colds, respiratory infections and public changing tables. These could potentially include whooping cough, rotavirus diarrhea and pneumococcal bacteria, all of which are preventable by vaccines given at the 2 month check-up. Even measles has been transmitted in airport terminals in the United States in recent years.
Travel abroad poses additional risks and most travel vaccines can’t be given to young infants. If your family lives in a country with measles, for example, it may be best to postpone the trip home until after the child is old enough for measles vaccine – usually given at 12 months, but possible to give as early as 6 months of age. Surprisingly, measles is now common in much of Europe, especially England.
The meningitis vaccine can now be offered as young as 9 months old if your travel is to the “Meningitis Belt” of Africa, or you plan to go on pilgrimage to Mecca. Other vaccines (yellow fever, hepatitis A, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis, etc.) may be recommended depending on your child’s age and your travel plans.
Before you make travel plans, check with your pediatrician for advice on the safest time for your baby to travel.
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