Reference

Q: At what age is it safe and appropriate to take a newborn on an overseas flight? This is not for a vacation, but the family will be moving. We are a military family so there is no possibility of not moving, it is only a question of when.

A: I hope you are not looking for me to give you an excuse not to be transferred to another base because I can’t help you there.

Although newborns are very delicate in many ways, they are very hardy in other ways. Once the baby has made a successful transition to the air-breathing world, breast-feeding has been successfully established, and all of the newborn screening tests have come back as normal, you are pretty much ready to go. For normal babies, this means about 2 weeks of age.
Are there special circumstances when it's wiser to wait? Definitely yes! If the baby was born premature, particularly if the birth was before 37 weeks gestation, you'll need to wait and make sure that all physiological systems, particularly eating and breathing, are well established and that the child doesn't require a high intensity of professional medical care before traveling overseas.
If the baby had a big bout of jaundice and required re-hospitalization, phototherapy or a blood transfusion, you'll probably want to wait another week or two to make sure the jaundice has completely gone and that all systems are A-OK.
Also, if the baby was born with any congenital defects or concerns about genetic problems, you'll want a complete evaluation to make sure you know what's going on in terms of the heart, kidneys and other vital organs. Get the initial diagnostic work-up and referral visits made. And get your paperwork together.
And if the baby had any abnormalities on any newborn screening tests, you'll want to have those completely evaluated before you travel overseas.
Be sure to take complete medical records for the baby and all family members whenever you travel overseas. Make a list of all medications, allergies and any other special needs. Take along at least a three-month supply of any necessary medications.
Visit a travel clinic to make sure that everyone else in the family has received all the appropriate immunizations, preventive medications and other things they might need to visit or live in your destination country. You can find out more about the federal recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
You also can be assured that the U.S. military provides outstanding health care to its personnel and dependents overseas. You will have access to an American-trained, English-speaking doctor wherever you are stationed.
And if your baby develops special needs that can't be met on site, you will be transported to an appropriate facility that can provide necessary care.
But still, be sure to use your common sense when traveling, and follow these tips:

• Do continue to breast-feed your baby for at least the first year of life to lower the risk of infectious diseases, allergies and asthma.
• Do avoid exposure to tobacco smoke to reduce the risk of ear infections, colds, bronchitis and asthma.
• Do wash your hands frequently, particularly when in contact with folks who are sick.
• Do limit your newborn's exposure to sick kids and adults.
• If you're in a place where the water is questionable, boil it for at least 10 minutes before using it for a beverage, brushing teeth or personal hygiene.
• If you're at all concerned about your baby's health, contact your pediatrician for professional advice.
• Make friends with other new moms soon after you arrive. They are an indispensable source of wisdom and information about the resources in your new hometown. And they will provide much-needed support for any new parent.