Flying with your baby can be a challenge. If you're a seasoned parent, coping with the needs of a newborn doesn't seems as completely earth shattering and overwhelming as it is for first time parents. Yet many of us don't fly on a regular basis. Knowing how to plan and what to expect makes the journey much easier.

Most of the Pediatricians I know recommend that you keep newborns away from any sort of crowded situation. Doctors often vary on their opinions but the general rule of thumb is to keep newborns away from crowds until they are one to three months old. This just gives your baby's immune system time to adjust with the big, bad world of germs. Although this is standard practice, in today's world this advice is not always practical. If you can plan your trip for when your child is a bit older, great. If not, be sure to ask and follow the advice of your pediatrician before you travel. They understand the physical needs of infants as well as the specific health needs of your baby. You may actually want to consider speaking to your doctor before you start planning your vacation. Young children who have not been yet had their full course of vaccinations may be at risk for some diseases when traveling to foreign countries. Your doctor can advise you if any additional precautions are necessary. If you must travel with a newborn there is a few things you can do to be prepared.

Most airlines will allow infants and toddlers under the age of 24 to fly for free if they remain seated on their parent's lap during their flight. Although most people perk up when they hear the words "free ride" especially when it comes to expensive airplane tickets, there are many important safety and comfort issues that parents need to consider. For more information check out our article Should You Buy Your Baby An Airline Ticket?

First point is to dress comfortably. Flights are not fashion shows. Forget about showing up at Grandma's house with your daughter dressed in that frilly outfit. It's far more important that your child has a relaxed and comfortable journey. The same goes for you. Wear comfortable clothes and sensible walking shoes. You can always change once you have arrived. Aircraft temperatures range from hot and stuffy to drafty and freezing. Climates can be different between your departure and arrival cities. Bring baby outfits that can easily be layered or adjusted for warmth or coolness. It's a good idea to put an extra tee shirt for mom or dad into a zip-lock bag and keep it in your diaper bag. In case of any mishaps along the way, you and your fellow passengers will be glad you did.

Navigating the airport can be tricky, especially if you have other children in tow. Check your stroller with your baggage and use a snuggly infant carrier. This will free your hands for carry-on luggage, tickets, other children whatever. Besides everything else that you need to pack in your diaper bag, consider a small bottle of hand sanitizer. After handling dirt surfaces in the airport, use it before tending your baby. It will help pass the spread of germs to your infant when you can't wash your hands properly.

Planes recirculate the air that passengers breathe. It is not the healthiest situation for anyone but it puts infants at particular risk for any airborne infections. As airline passengers we don't have much control over this situation but as parents, we need to be especially aware of it. As a mom, I always live my “Murphy's Law”. You know the old saying...What can go wrong, will go wrong, and at the worst possible moment. If I'm prepared, and everything will go right, then I just act pleasantly surprised. You seasoned parents know exactly what I mean, you first timers will soon understand. So if you know your child is at a greater risk of catching an airborne infection, be prepared. Take along a thermometer and medication to reduce a fever. Make sure you tell your pediatrician of your flight plans and ask their advice ahead of time. Have them advise you on the brand and proper dosage of pain or fever medication they recommend for your child's age and weight. Also, ask if they can recommend the name of a good pediatrician in your destination city. Or, if you're visiting relatives, have them line up a pediatrician ahead of time either by personal experience or by asking the advice of local friends and neighbors. If your little one does becomes ill in the middle of the night, you will feel calling someone that comes with good recommendations instead of having to search randomly through the yellow pages.

That recirculating air in planes is also very dry and can cause dehydration for babies, especially on long flights. Make sure you offer extra fluids to your child before, during and after your flight. Nursing mothers must make sure that they significantly increase their fluid intake. This detail is often overlooked with all the stressful travel preparations yet it is a very important point for the health and well being of both mother and child. An excellent time to offer additional fluids to your infant is during take off and landing. The eustachian tubes inside of our ears help equalize pressure. Feeling your ears “pop” is your eustachian tubes doing their job. In small children, the eustachian tubes are curled like a pig's tale and they straighten as children grow older. This is why small children frequently get more ear infections and why they often experience ear pain in flight. It's simply harder for their little ears to pop. Of course, infants can't tell you that their ears hurt, they simply cry because they are in pain. Adults often chew gum to encourage swallowing and ear popping on flights. With infants, encouraging them to drink and swallow, will help alleviate the pressure in their eustachian tubes. Their pain will usually subside once the plane has landed and they've had some time to adjust. If your infant becomes extremely irritable while airborne and you're on a long flight, you may consider administering some pain medication. Again, ask your pediatrician's advice ahead of time so that you are prepared.

One last point about Murphy's Law again...when you travel with an infant it feels like there is a lot of things to schlepp around for such a tiny person. One word of advice, pack double the amount of diapers, wipes, zip-lock bags and formula/food you expect to use during your flight. Flights often get delayed, rerouted , cancelled or over booked. If you end up stranded somewhere remember a cranky child means miserable parents. Keep in mind that the rules often change regarding what parents can and cannot bring on board the airplane in their carry on bags. Before you pack supplies for your little one be sure to check out The Transportation Safety Administrations List of allowable carry on items for children. Remember, being prepared is half the battle.