Newborns on airplanes: Things to keep in mind

This is an automatically translated article.

The article is expertly consulted by Assoc. Dr. Dr. Huynh Thoai Loan - Head of Pediatrics - Neonatology Department, Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital. Uncle is one of the leading experts in Pediatrics - Neonatology in Ho Chi Minh City with nearly 30 years of experience in examining and treating diseases of pediatric endocrinology, pediatric nephrology and other pediatric - neonatal problems.

Air travel is suitable for most babies. However, before flying with your baby, there should be careful consideration and preparation to ensure the baby's health and safety.

1. Baby's age


Your doctor may advise against unnecessary air travel immediately after birth. Newborns are developing their immune systems. Therefore, air travel can increase the risk of infectious diseases. If you choose to travel with an infant, wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer, and avoid contact with travelers with visible symptoms of illness.

2. Baby's ears


Changes in cabin pressure during flight cause temporary changes in middle ear pressure, which can cause ear pain. To help equalize pressure in your baby's ears, offer your baby a breast, bottle, or pacifier to suck on during takeoff and when starting to get off the plane. Try to schedule feeding times, avoid leaving your baby hungry during those times. If your baby has had ear surgery or has an ear infection in the past 2 weeks, consult your doctor to see if your baby can walk.
In addition, the noise level of the aircraft cabin is very loud, especially during take-off. Consider using cotton balls, noise-cancelling headphones, or small earplugs to limit noise exposure and help your baby fall asleep easier.

3. Baby's breath


During flight, the air pressure in the cabin is lower than the air pressure on land. This temporary change in oxygen levels is unlikely to cause problems for otherwise healthy babies. However, if your baby is born prematurely, has chronic heart or lung problems, or has upper or lower respiratory symptoms, consult your doctor before flying.

4. Baby safety seat

Ghế an toàn của bé

Most infant car seats are certified for use in air travel. Although airlines generally allow infants to sit on a caregiver's lap during the flight, the Civil Aviation Administration recommends that infants be properly seated in a safety seat. If you choose not to purchase an infant ticket, ask about an open seat when you board - in case one can be used by your child. Your baby will be provided with a special baby seat belt attached to his or her seat belt.
Don't try to give your baby over-the-counter medication, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl or others), to help her sleep well during the flight. This is not recommended and sometimes medication can have the opposite effect.
As a key area of ​​Vinmec Medical system, Pediatrics Department always brings satisfaction to customers and is highly appreciated by industry experts with:
Gathering a team of leading doctors and nurses in Pediatrics : Consists of leading experts with high professional qualifications (professors, associate professors, doctorates, masters), rich experience, worked at major hospitals such as Bach Mai, 108,... The doctors are well-trained, professional, have a mind - range, and are knowledgeable about young psychology. In addition to domestic pediatric specialists, the Department of Pediatrics also has the participation of foreign experts (Japan, Singapore, Australia, USA) who are always pioneers in applying the latest and most effective treatment regimens. . Comprehensive services: In the field of Pediatrics, Vinmec provides a series of continuous medical examination and treatment services from Newborn to Pediatric and Vaccine,... according to international standards to help parents take care of their baby's health from birth to childhood. upon reaching adulthood. Advanced techniques: Vinmec has successfully deployed many specialized techniques to make the treatment of difficult diseases in Pediatrics more effective: neurosurgery - craniofacial surgery, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in cancer treatment. Professional care: In addition to understanding children's psychology, Vinmec also pays special attention to the children's play space, helping them to have fun and get used to the hospital's environment, cooperate in treatment, improve the efficiency of medical treatment.

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Article reference source: Mayoclinic.com
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