Hypoxia and Medicine

Is it safe to take a newborn in and out of high altitudes?

My cousin lives in Colorado Springs and Just had a healthy baby on Thursday. She is from Indiana and wants to come home the beginning of March with the baby for a few weeks then head back to Colorado. She is worried that it isn't safe to take him in and out of the altitude. He had to be on and off oxygen for the first day and a half of life and the nurses told her it was because of the altitude. Anyone have any facts or similar situations you can share with me? Outcomes?

Public Comments

1. It depends on the particular infant. If s/he has weaker lungs or smaller than average eustachan tubes, the altitude changes can cause a lot of pain and risk for the baby. Only a pediatrician can judge when it is safe for baby to fly. Maybe you could suggest your cousin fly her family into Colorado instead of taking the baby out of state?
2. My son was on oxygen for the first 6 months of his life. We waited a few years before taking him from Dallas to Colorado, specifically where it was over 8,000ft. He was fine, but he was a toddler and not a newborn. Have your cousin contact her pediatrician or pulmonologist (if the baby has one). I wouldn't think it would pose a problem as long as she takes the trip easy. Stop for a bite to eat, or just for a break, simply to let the baby adjust. Good luck!