travelling with baby before vaccinations

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• Section 7 - Traveling Safely with Infants & Children
• Section 7 - International Adoption

Vaccine Recommendations for Infants & Children

Cdc yellow book 2024.

Author(s): Michelle Weinberg

Vaccinating children for travel requires careful evaluation. Whenever possible, children should complete routine childhood immunizations on a normal schedule. Travel at an earlier age, however, might require accelerated vaccine schedules. Not all travel-related vaccines are effective in infants, and some are specifically contraindicated.

See recommended childhood and adolescent immunization schedules . The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides a catch-up schedule for children and adolescents who start a vaccination schedule late or who are >1 month behind. Tables also describe the recommended minimum intervals between doses for children who need to be vaccinated on an accelerated schedule, which could be necessary before international travel.

Country-specific vaccination recommendations and requirements for departure and entry vary over time. For example, proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for entry into certain countries. Meningococcal vaccination is required for travelers entering Saudi Arabia for Umrah or the annual Hajj pilgrimage. The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued temporary vaccination recommendations for residents of and long-term visitors to countries with active circulation of wild or vaccine-derived poliovirus. Some countries might require coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine, testing, or both for entry. Check the CDC Travelers’ Health website for current requirements and recommendations.

Additional information about diseases and routine vaccination is available in the disease-specific chapters in Section 5. See tools for determining routine and catch-up childhood vaccination .

Modifying Immunization Schedules for Infants & Young Children Before International Travel

Several factors influence recommendations for the age at which a vaccine is administered, including age-specific risks for the disease and its complications, age-dependent ability to develop an adequate immune response to a vaccine, and potential interference with the immune response by passively transferred maternal antibodies.

Immunization schedules for infants and children in the United States do not provide guidance on modifications for people traveling internationally before the age when specific vaccines are routinely recommended. Age limits for vaccine administration are based on the risk for potential adverse events (e.g., yellow fever vaccine), lack of efficacy data or inadequate immune response (e.g., influenza vaccine, polysaccharide vaccines), maternal antibody interference and immaturity of the immune system (e.g., measles-mumps-rubella [MMR] vaccine), or lack of safety data.

To help parents decide when to travel with an infant or young child, advise them that the earliest opportunity to receive routinely recommended immunizations in the United States (except for doses of hepatitis B vaccine at birth and age 1 month) is when the baby is 6 weeks old. In general, live-virus vaccines (MMR, varicella, yellow fever) should be administered on the same day or spaced ≥28 days apart.

Routine Infant & Childhood Vaccines

Children should be vaccinated against diphtheria, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), hepatitis A and hepatitis B virus, human papillomavirus, influenza, measles, mumps, Neisseria meningitidis , pertussis, polio, rotavirus, rubella, Streptococcus pneumoniae , tetanus, and varicella. To complete a vaccine series before travel, doses can be administered at the minimum ages and dose intervals. Inform parents that infants and children who have not received all recommended vaccine doses might not be fully protected. Rotavirus vaccine is unique among the routine vaccines given to infants in the United States because it has maximum ages for both the first and last doses; specifically consider the timing of travel so that the infant will be able to receive the complete vaccine series, if possible.

Coronavirus Disease 2019

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, and CDC’s vaccination recommendations are updated regularly. See the most current recommendations for children and teens . COVID-19 vaccines available for use in the United States can be administered simultaneously with all other vaccines.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A infection is usually mild or asymptomatic in infants and children <5 years old. Infected children can, however, transmit the infection to older children and adults, age groups at greater risk for severe disease. Ensure vaccination for all children traveling to areas with an intermediate or high risk for hepatitis A (see Sec. 5, Part 2, Ch. 7, Hepatitis A ). Routine hepatitis A vaccination for children aged ≥12 months consists of 2 doses, separated by ≥6 months. Ideally, the first dose should be administered ≥2 weeks before travel. When protection against hepatitis A is recommended, infants aged 6–11 months should receive 1 dose of hepatitis A vaccine before travel outside the United States.

Hepatitis A vaccine is considered safe and immunogenic in infants; doses administered before 12 months of age, however, can result in a suboptimal immune response, particularly in infants with passively acquired maternal antibody. Therefore, doses administered to infants <12 months old are not considered to provide long-term protection; initiate the 2-dose hepatitis A vaccine series at age 12 months according to the routine immunization schedule.

Hepatitis A Immune Globulin

When protection against hepatitis A is recommended, infants <6 months old should receive immune globulin (IG) before travel. One dose of 0.1 mL/kg intramuscularly provides protection for ≤1 month. Infants who do not receive vaccination who will be traveling for >1 month but ≤2 months should receive an IG dose of 0.2 mL/kg. If the traveler remains in a high-risk setting, IG (0.2 mL/kg) should be administered every 2 months until hepatitis A vaccine can be given at ≥6 months of age, if not contraindicated.

For optimal protection, children aged ≥1 year who are immunocompromised or who have chronic medical conditions, and who will be traveling to a high-risk area in <2 weeks, should receive the initial dose of hepatitis A vaccine and IG at separate anatomic injection sites.

Recommended Dosing Intervals for Coadministration of Live-Virus Vaccines

Hepatitis A IG is an antibody-containing product that does not interfere with the immune response to yellow fever vaccine but can inhibit the response to other injected live-virus vaccines (e.g., MMR, varicella) for up to 6 months after administration (see Sec. 2, Ch. 3, Vaccination & Immunoprophylaxis—General Principles ).

MMR vaccine is recommended for all infants aged 6–11 months traveling internationally. Because measles in infancy is a more severe disease than hepatitis A, administer hepatitis A vaccine and MMR vaccine simultaneously to infants aged 6–11 months to provide protection against hepatitis A and measles, but do not give hepatitis A IG.

If the interval between MMR or varicella vaccine administration and subsequent administration of an antibody-containing product is <14 days, repeat vaccination after the recommended interval unless serologic testing indicates a protective antibody response. For information about dosing intervals, see The Timing and Spacing of Immunobiologics, General Best Practice Guidelines for Immunization: Best Practices Guidance of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, Table 3-4 ) and Table 3-5 .

Hepatitis B

For certain age groups, hepatitis B vaccine can be administered with an accelerated schedule of 4 doses of vaccine given at 0, 1, 2, and 12 months; the last dose can be given after the child returns from travel (see Sec. 5, Part 2, Ch. 8, Hepatitis B , for details).

Influenza viruses circulate predominantly in the winter months in temperate regions (typically November–April in the Northern Hemisphere and April–September in the Southern Hemisphere) but can occur year-round in tropical climates (see Sec. 5, Part 2, Ch. 12, Influenza ). Because influenza viruses can circulate any time of the year, travelers aged ≥6 months who were not vaccinated during the influenza season in their country of residence should be vaccinated ≥2 weeks before departure if vaccine is available.

Children aged 6 months–8 years who have never received influenza vaccine, or who have not previously received a lifetime total of ≥2 doses, should receive 2 doses separated by ≥4 weeks. See annually updated recommendations about seasonal influenza vaccination .

Measles-Mumps-Rubella or Measles-Mumps-Rubella-Varicella

Children traveling abroad need to be vaccinated against measles, mumps, and rubella at an age earlier than what is routinely recommended. Infants 6–11 months old should receive 1 MMR vaccine dose. Infants vaccinated before age 12 months must be revaccinated on or after their first birthday with 2 doses of MMR vaccine (separated by ≥28 days) or measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV) vaccine (separated ≥3 months). The minimum interval between any varicella-containing vaccine (MMRV or monovalent varicella) is 3 months.

MMRV vaccine is licensed for use in children aged 12 months–12 years and should not be given outside this age group. Recipients of a first dose of MMRV vaccine have a greater risk for febrile seizures compared with recipients of MMR and varicella vaccines administered concomitantly. Unless the caregiver expresses a preference for MMRV, CDC recommends administering separate MMR and varicella vaccine for the first dose of MMR and varicella vaccination for children 12–47 months.

Meningococcal

Quadrivalent conjugate.

Children aged 2 months–18 years who travel to or reside in areas of sub-Saharan Africa known as the meningitis belt during the dry season (December–June) should receive quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) vaccine (see Sec. 5, Part 1, Ch. 13, Meningococcal Disease ). In addition, travelers are required to have meningococcal vaccination to enter Saudi Arabia when traveling to Mecca for Umrah or the annual Hajj pilgrimage. The CDC Travelers’ Health website provides annual health requirements and recommendations for US travelers going to Mecca for Umrah or Hajj (also see Sec. 10, Part 1, Ch. 2, Saudi Arabia: Hajj & Umrah Pilgrimages ).

The schedule for primary series meningococcal vaccine and booster doses varies depending on the vaccine administered.

Meningococcal B

Unless an outbreak of serogroup B disease has been reported, vaccination with a serogroup B meningococcal (MenB) vaccine is not routinely recommended for travel to the meningitis belt or other regions of the world. Although MenB vaccine is not licensed in the United States for children <10 years of age, some European countries recently introduced MenB vaccine as a routine immunization for infants. Some countries might have other meningococcal vaccines available. Consider meningococcal vaccination for infants residing in these countries according to the routine infant immunization recommendations of that country.

Polio vaccine is recommended for travelers going to countries with evidence of wild poliovirus (WPV) or vaccine-derived poliovirus circulating during the last 12 months, and for travelers with a high risk for exposure to someone with imported WPV infection when traveling to some countries that border areas with WPV circulation. Refer to the CDC Travelers’ Health website destination pages for current polio vaccine recommendations.

Ensure that travelers complete the recommended age-appropriate polio vaccine series and receive a single lifetime booster dose, if necessary. Infants and children should receive an accelerated schedule to complete the routine series. See Sec. 5, Part 2, Ch. 17, Poliomyelitis , and CDC’s Immunization Schedules website for information about accelerated schedules.

People ≥18 years of age traveling to areas where polio vaccine is recommended and who have received a routine series with either inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) or live oral polio vaccine in childhood should receive a single lifetime booster dose of IPV before departure. Available data do not indicate the need for more than a single lifetime booster dose with IPV. Requirements for long-term travelers might apply, however, when departing from certain countries.

Long-Term Travelers to Countries With Poliovirus Transmission

In May 2014, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the international spread of polio to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern under the authority of the International Health Regulations (2005). To prevent further spread of disease, WHO issued temporary polio vaccine recommendations for long-term travelers (staying >4 weeks) and residents departing from countries with WPV transmission (“exporting WPV” or “infected with WPV”) or with circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses types 1 or 3.

Long-term travelers and residents could be required to show proof of polio vaccination when departing from these countries for any destination. All polio vaccination administration should be documented on an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP). See ordering information and instructions on how to fill out the ICVP . The polio vaccine must be received 4 weeks–12 months before the date of departure from the polio-infected country.

Country requirements can change, so clinicians should check for updates on the CDC Travelers’ Health website.

Travel Vaccines for Infants & Children

Dengue can cause mild to severe illness (see Sec. 5, Part 2, Ch. 4, Dengue ). Although many people have asymptomatic infections, for some children dengue can be life-threatening. Travelers should adhere to mosquito protection measures during travel to dengue-endemic areas (see Sec. 4, Ch. 6, Mosquitoes, Ticks & Other Arthropods ).

In June 2021, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended the use of a live attenuated dengue virus vaccine, Dengvaxia (Sanofi Pasteur), to prevent disease in children aged 9–16 years. Children eligible to receive the vaccine include those with laboratory-confirmed previous dengue virus infection who live in areas of the United States, including the US territories of American Samoa, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands; and freely associated states, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau. Dengvaxia is not approved for use in US travelers who are visiting but who do not live in areas where dengue is endemic.

Only people who test positive for previous dengue infection or who have other laboratory-confirmed evidence of a previous dengue infection are eligible for vaccination with Dengvaxia. In people without previous dengue infection, Dengvaxia can increase the risk for severe illness and hospitalization if the person gets infected after vaccination. Serodiagnostic tests recommended by health authorities with acceptable performance (≥75% sensitivity, ≥98% specificity) are available to test for evidence of previous dengue infection.

The vaccine is a series of 3 doses, administered 6 months apart at month 0, 6, and 12 months.

Japanese Encephalitis

Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus is transmitted by mosquitoes and is endemic throughout most of Asia and parts of the western Pacific. JE risk can be seasonal in temperate climates and year-round in more tropical climates. Risk to short-term travelers and those who confine their travel to urban centers is considered low. JE vaccine is recommended for travelers who plan to spend ≥1 month in endemic areas during JE virus transmission season. Consider JE vaccine for short-term (<1 month) travelers whose itinerary or activities could increase their risk for JE virus exposure. The decision to vaccinate a child should follow the more detailed recommendations found in Sec. 5, Part 2, Ch. 13, Japanese Encephalitis .

An inactivated Vero cell culture–derived JE vaccine (IXIARO) was licensed by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2009 for use in the United States for travelers aged ≥17 years. In 2013, the recommendations were expanded, and the vaccine was licensed for use in children ≥2 months of age. For children aged 2 months–17 years, the primary series consists of 2 intramuscular doses administered 28 days apart. For travelers who received their primary JE vaccine series ≥1 year prior to potential JE virus exposure, ACIP recommends providing a booster dose before departure. See information on age-appropriate dosing .

Rabies virus causes an acute viral encephalitis that is virtually 100% fatal. Traveling children can be at increased risk for rabies exposure, mainly from dogs that roam the streets in low- and middle- income countries. Bat bites carry a potential risk for rabies throughout the world. In addition to taking measures to avoid animal bites and scratches (see Sec. 4, Ch. 7, Zoonotic Exposures: Bites, Stings, Scratches & Other Hazards ), preexposure and postexposure rabies prophylaxis is part of a broader approach to preventing this disease. Follow the recommendations in Sec. 5, Part 2, Ch. 18, Rabies , when making decisions about whether to provide rabies preexposure prophylaxis for children.

Preexposure Prophylaxis

In June 2021, to align with the recently revised adult schedule, ACIP adjusted the number of recommended doses of rabies preexposure prophylaxis in children downward, from 3 to 2. For immunocompetent children <18 years old, administer the first dose of vaccine on day 0 and a second dose 7 days later (see Sec. 5, Part 2, Ch. 19, . . . perspectives: Rabies Immunization ).

The advantages of the revised schedule are that it is both less expensive and easier to complete prior to travel. There are, however, no data on the duration of protection afforded by this 2-dose series. Because of this uncertainty, travelers with a sustained risk for rabies exposure should either have a titer drawn or receive a third dose of vaccine within 3 years of the initial series. Travelers unlikely to visit an at-risk destination after 3 years require no further titers or boosters unless they have a subsequent exposure.

Postexposure Prophylaxis

Children who have not received preexposure immunization and who might have been exposed to rabies require a weight-based dose of human rabies immune globulin (RIG) and a series of 4 rabies vaccine doses on days 0, 3, 7, and 14. Decisions about any changes in how to manage postexposure prophylaxis, schedule deviations for pre- or postexposure prophylaxis, and postexposure prophylaxis initiated abroad are expected from the ACIP.

Tick-Borne Encephalitis

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a viral disease transmitted by Ixodes ticks in parts of Asia and Europe. Rare in US travelers, TBE is usually asymptomatic but can appear as a biphasic illness with central nervous system involvement (see Sec. 5, Part 2, Ch. 23, Tick-Borne Encephalitis ). Although TBE infection tends to be less severe in children, residual symptoms and neurologic deficits have been described.

Most infections result from the bite of infected tick, typically acquired when a person is bicycling, camping, hiking, or participating in other outdoor activities in brushy or forested areas. TBE also can be acquired by ingesting unpasteurized dairy products from infected animals, or, rarely, from direct person-to-person spread via blood transfusion, solid organ transplantation, or breastfeeding.

In August 2021, the FDA approved a TBE vaccine for people aged ≥1 year ; in February 2022, ACIP approved recommendations for vaccine use among people traveling or moving to a TBE-endemic area who will have extensive tick exposure based on planned outdoor activities and itinerary. Primary vaccination consists of 3 doses; the schedule varies by age. For children 1–15 years old, give the second dose 1–3 months after the first dose; for children aged ≥16 years, give the second dose 14 days–3 months after the first dose. All children should receive the third dose 5–12 months after receiving their second dose of the vaccine. A booster (fourth) dose can be given ≥3 years after completion of the primary immunization series if ongoing exposure or reexposure is expected.

Typhoid fever is caused by the bacterium Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi (see Sec. 5, Part 1, Ch. 24, Typhoid & Paratyphoid Fever ). Travelers can avoid typhoid fever by following safe food and water precautions and frequently washing hands. Typhoid vaccine is recommended for travelers going to areas with a recognized risk for Salmonella Typhi exposure.

Two typhoid vaccines are licensed for use in the United States: Vi capsular polysaccharide vaccine (ViCPS) administered intramuscularly, and oral live attenuated vaccine (Ty21a). Both vaccines induce a protective response in 50%–80% of recipients. The ViCPS vaccine can be administered to children aged ≥2 years, who should receive a booster dose 2 years later if continued protection is needed. The Ty21a vaccine consists of a series of 4 capsules (1 taken orally every other day), which can be administered to children aged ≥6 years. Do not open capsules for administration; capsules must be swallowed whole. All 4 doses should be taken ≥1 week before potential exposure. A booster series for Ty21a should be taken every 5 years, if indicated.

Yellow Fever

Yellow fever, a disease transmitted by mosquitoes, is endemic to certain areas of Africa and South America (see Sec. 5, Part 2, Ch. 26, Yellow Fever ). Proof of vaccination against yellow fever is required for entry into some countries (see Sec. 2, Ch. 5, Yellow Fever Vaccine & Malaria Prevention Information, by Country ). Infants and children ≥9 months old and without contraindications should be vaccinated before traveling to countries where yellow fever is endemic.

Infants aged <9 months are at greater risk for developing encephalitis from yellow fever vaccine, which is a live-virus vaccine. Studies conducted during the early 1950s identified 4 cases of encephalitis out of 1,000 children aged <6 months who received yellow fever vaccine. An additional 10 cases of encephalitis associated with yellow fever vaccine administered to infants aged <4 months were reported worldwide during the 1950s.

Advise travelers with infants aged <9 months against traveling to areas where yellow fever is endemic. ACIP advises against administering yellow fever vaccine to infants aged <6 months. Infants aged 6–8 months should be vaccinated only if they must travel to areas of ongoing epidemic yellow fever, and if a high level of protection against mosquito bites is not possible. Clinicians considering vaccinating infants aged 6–8 months can consult their respective state health departments or CDC toll-free at 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636).

The following authors contributed to the previous version of this chapter: Michelle S. Weinberg

Bibliography

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Japanese encephalitis vaccine: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2019;68(2):1–33.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Meningococcal vaccination: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, 2020. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2020;69(9):1–41.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Prevention of Hepatitis A virus infection in the United States: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2020;69(5):1–38.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Use of a Modified Preexposure Prophylaxis Vaccination Schedule to Prevent Human Rabies: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices—United States, 2022. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2022;71:619–27.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Yellow fever vaccine: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). MMWR Recomm Rep. 2015;64(23):647–50.

Global Polio Eradication Initiative. Public health emergency status: IHR public health emergency of international concern. Temporary recommendations to reduce international spread of poliovirus. Geneva: Global Polio Eradication Initiative; 2021. Available from: https://polioeradication.org/polio-today/polio-now/public-health-emergency-status .

Jackson BR, Iqbal S, Mahon B; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Updated recommendations for the use of typhoid vaccine—Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, United States, 2015. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2015;64(11):305–8.

Kimberlin DW, Barnett E, Lynfield R, Sawyer MH, editors. Red Book 2021–2024. Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases, 32nd edition. Elk Grove Village (IL): American Academy of Pediatrics; 2021.

Paz-Bailey G, Adams L, Wong JM, Poehling KA, Chen WH, McNally V, et al. Dengue vaccine: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, United States, 2021. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2021;70(6);1–16.

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Do Kids Need Vaccines Before Traveling?

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If your family plans to travel abroad or internationally, you and your kids might need to get certain vaccines. Different countries have different health risks and may require specific vaccines. For example, a family will need the yellow fever vaccine if they're traveling to tropical and sub-tropical areas in Africa or South America.

To find out which vaccines your family needs, ask your doctor or visit the CDC's travelers' health website for a list of recommended or required vaccinations (you can search by destination).

Most immunizations should be given at least 1 month before travel, so try to schedule a doctor's visit 4–6 weeks before your trip. This gives plenty of time for the vaccines to take effect, and allows for vaccines to be given over a period of days or weeks, if necessary. But even if you're leaving in less than 4 weeks, you should still make an appointment, as kids might still benefit from shots or medicines.

Depending on your travel plans, your doctor may recommend that besides routine immunizations , you and/or your kids be vaccinated against:

• yellow fever
• Japanese B encephalitis

All kids get the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine at 12–15 months of age, and the hepatitis A vaccine between their first and second birthdays. But any who will travel outside the United States before that can get these vaccines as early as 6 months of age. They will still need the routine vaccines after their first birthday.

Kids of any age can get malaria , so if you're traveling to a country with a malaria risk, talk to your doctor about antimalarial drugs.

An updated  COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for all adults and kids ages 6 months and up, as is the yearly flu vaccine . Traveling can involve exposure to crowded airports and vacation destinations, which makes the spread of respiratory viruses much more likely. That's why experts strongly recommend that people make sure they're up to date on COVID-19 and flu vaccines before travel.

And if you're traveling internationally, be sure to take your kids' immunization records with you when you go.

Does your child need vaccines before international travel? Here's what you need to know.

Traveling with kids exposes us to new family travel adventures , but it can also expose our immune systems to unfamiliar diseases, ones not covered by routine vaccinations in our home countries. For this reason, travel vaccines are a vital part of preparation for international travel to certain countries or regions of the world.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, close to 2.4 million children from the United States travel internationally every year. And when it comes to illness, kids face similar risks as adults – but depending on their age, kids may not have completed their routine vaccine schedule. When you consider vaccines for international travel, different recommendations sometimes apply to children. 

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What to know about travel vaccinations

Pre-travel immunizations at a travel clinic can protect you and your children while you’re abroad, keeping everyone safe and happy as you explore the world. Here’s everything you should know about required vaccinations for travel, including travel vaccinations for babies, older kids, and everyone else in your family.

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Which travel vaccines should my child get before traveling internationally?

Recommended or required vaccines for travel depend on the destination. In some cases, recommended vaccines are based on the specific health risks. 

Start by checking the CDC’s travel vaccination website to get a sense of which vaccines are recommended or required for your destination , then follow up with a travel clinic visit or appointment with a travel medicine specialist. These specialists can provide tailored information based on the destination and the vaccination schedule of your child, and can help you decide if optional vaccines for travel are right for you.

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Recommendations and travel vaccination schedules vary depending on where you live (schedules vary among countries, states and provinces), your child’s health and the type of vaccine. A travel specialist can help you find out if any additional travel vaccines are recommended. 

Do some routine childhood vaccines require an adjusted schedule for travel?

Before you go on any trip, your children should be up to date on their routine immunizations. In some cases, routine childhood vaccination schedules may need to be adjusted to provide extra protection for travel. 

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For example, often MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) is given at the 1-year-old visit. But in case of travel, your travel specialist may recommend giving a dose of MMR vaccine before age 12 months (minimum 6 months old). Note that in this case, you’ll still need to re-vaccinate the full course (two doses for MMR vaccine) after age 1.

When should travel vaccinations be assessed?

Once you’ve booked your travel, it’s a good idea to start assessing which vaccines you and your children should receive. You should schedule an appointment at your doctor’s office or at a travel vaccine clinic at least four to six weeks before you leave. The ideal time to receive required vaccinations for travel is usually at least a month before departure. That allows your body time to build immunity before your trip.

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However, even if you’ve left it to the last minute, a pre-trip doctor’s appointment is still important. Immunizations can still be necessary, and pre-travel care extends beyond vaccinations. You and your child may still benefit from medicine to bring along in case of illness, and doctors are the best source of pre-travel medical advice beyond travel vaccines.

How effective are travel vaccines?

The effectiveness of vaccines varies. In general, most childhood vaccines provide more than 90% protection against diseases that are otherwise related to severe complications and death. 

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Factors contributing to the effectiveness of vaccines include the recipient’s age, the recipient’s health status, the recipient’s immune response to the vaccine, and how well the vaccine components match the disease-causing bacteria or virus circulating in the population. In some cases, people who have developed only partial immunity to the vaccine may contract the disease. In this case, the vaccine helps reduce disease severity and prevent complications.

Are travel vaccines safe for kids?

All routine childhood vaccines and vaccines for international travel in babies and children that are available have been fully tested and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 

Vaccines stimulate the body to develop protective responses and make antibodies against a disease. As a result, you and your child can be protected against the disease when you’re exposed to the actual bacteria or virus in the future. 

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Rarely, vaccines may be contraindicated in some children, but the most common adverse effects of vaccines are minor and usually include fever and swelling or soreness at the injection site. Talk with a travel health care provider to know if a vaccine is right for your child, and about how to manage any adverse effect.

Does my child really need a vaccine against a disease that is now rare?

Widely adopted vaccination schedules are effective and may help explain the scarcity of diseases such as varicella or measles in your home country. But these diseases can still be prevalent in other parts of the world where such vaccination schedules are not in place. 

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Traveling to such a country without immunization may expose your child to these preventable diseases. In addition, travelers can unknowingly bring back the disease-causing bacteria or virus. If the community is not protected by vaccines, these diseases can quickly spread again.

Will multiple vaccines at the same time overload a baby’s immune system?

The safety of giving multiple vaccines at once has been established by numerous studies. In fact, children are exposed to lots of foreign particles from the environment and their diets every day without adverse outcomes. Similarly, the amount of bacterial or viral particles in vaccines is not adequate to cause harm. Giving multiple vaccines at once ensures the child will acquire protection as early as possible and prevents unnecessary delay in vital vaccinations. 

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Generally, there is no upper limit for the number of routine or travel vaccinations for babies that can be given at the same time. However, if live vaccines are to be given at separate times, each dose should be spaced out at least 28 days.

Tips for preparing your family for healthy travels

Schedule your family’s appointment with a travel clinic or travel medicine specialist four to six weeks before your departure date. Bring your and your children’s immunization records to every clinic visit so the health provider can sign and date each vaccination. And always bring your family’s immunization records with you when you travel.

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Yes, You Can Travel With Unvaccinated Children—Here's How

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How Comfortable Are You?

In October 2022, the FDA authorized the updated bivalent boosters from Pfizer and Moderna for everyone ages 5 and older. These boosters provide protection against both the Omicron variant and the original strain of the virus. The Pfizer booster is available for kids ages 5 and up, and the Moderna booster is available for kids ages 6 and up.

In December 2022, the FDA extended the authorization for these boosters to kids between 6 months and 4 years old.

• If your child completed the Moderna primary series (two shots) at least two months ago, they can get a Moderna bivalent booster.
• If they are still in the process of getting their three Pfizer primary series shots, the third one will be a bivalent booster.
• If they have completed the three-shot Pfizer series, they do not need a booster yet.

Key Takeaways

• Choose a destination where COVID-19 is not rampant.
• Drive rather than fly, if possible, to reduce possible COVID-19 exposure.
• Vaccinate all members of your family who are eligible. This includes everyone ages 6 months and older.
• Follow safety measures like wearing masks in indoor public spaces and washing hands, regardless of vaccination status.
• Masks are still recommended (but no longer required) in indoor public transportation settings.
• Do not travel if you have COVID-19, are waiting on test results and have COVID-19-like symptoms, or have recently been exposed and were advised to quarantine.

The increasing availability of COVID-19 vaccinations may inspire you to finally book a family vacation. Now, kids aged 6 months and older are all eligible for vaccination. But travel is still tricky, especially if you have babies under 6 months old or older children who have not been able to get the vaccine yet.

If anyone in your family over the age of 6 months old hasn't been vaccinated yet, schedule their shots sooner than later. Even if their entire series isn't completed, they will still have some immunity to the coronavirus from their initial shots.

If you think ahead, plan wisely, and take appropriate precautions, your family can safely venture out to enjoy a long-awaited getaway.

Keeping your kids protected during a family vacation starts with picking the right destination. Leaving the U.S. may still feel too risky for some families, but others are taking advantage of the fact that masks are no longer required on planes and in airports. Pre-flight COVID-19 testing is no longer needed for most destinations or for returning to the United States, making travel a bit less complicated and stressful than mid-pandemic.

International Destinations

International travel is still relatively risky, particularly for the unvaccinated. While many countries have open borders, some have high COVID-19 rates and so-so safety policies. In other countries, you'll need to follow complex entry rules requiring vaccination, testing, and/or quarantining requirements that may end up being quite cumbersome. However, these no longer apply upon returning to the U.S.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) studies travel risk factors and provides guidance about where it's safest to travel. The agency regularly updates its COVID-19 Travel Recommendations page with a color-coded map to show which destinations are Level 4, or red (very high COVID levels); Level 3, or dark orange (high COVID levels); Level 2, or light orange (moderate COVID levels); and Level 1, or yellow (low COVID levels).

Rates of transmission ebb and flow. For example, at the end of 2021, many countries were at the higher risk red and orange levels. Those in the yellow or low COVID levels included the British Virgin Islands, China, India, Morocco, Paraguay, and Japan. The CDC does not recommend against traveling to these low-risk level countries for vacation. But it does advise against any recreational travel to Level 4 countries.

The CDC recommends against international travel until you are fully vaccinated. So, your safest bet is for anyone eligible to receive the vaccine and/or booster before taking a trip abroad. Additionally, aim to avoid COVID-19 exposure before your trip. If you have a confirmed active infection or have symptoms at the time of your trip, you won't be able to travel.

Note, however, that in some cases, particularly in large countries, outbreaks move quickly and may be limited to specific areas. For example, in 2021, when the United States was routinely designated a level 4 risk, only parts of the country were experiencing surges at various times. So, it's worth looking at the case counts in the local area you are considering traveling in when making your plans.

Regardless of where you're headed, the CDC recommends that everyone who is eligible for the vaccine get it before traveling. Everyone aged 6 months and up can (and according to the CDC, should) get the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. If your child is younger than 6 months old, you may want to hold off on international travel until they can get their shots.

As of April 18, 2022, masks are no longer required (but the CDC still recommends them) for air travel in the United States. Additionally, as of June 12, 2022, travelers entering the U.S. from a foreign country no longer need to show proof of a negative COVID test before boarding their flights.

Domestic Destinations

Domestic travel is safer than international travel, advises Andi Shane, MD, MPH, MSc , system medical director for infectious disease at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and professor of pediatrics at Emory University.

Official requirements aside, the CDC does recommend that all people taking an out-of-state vacation get fully vaccinated if they are eligible to do so. If you or your child is unvaccinated, you should have a COVID test one to three days before traveling (or attending a large gathering), five days after any confirmed COVID-19 exposure, and three to five days after returning.

Using a mode of transportation that gives you the most privacy and control allows you to set the safety rules. “Driving in your own car is least risky, taking into consideration that you’ll have to stop,” says Dr. Shane. Try to avoid crowded rest stops and be sure your kids are masked up, wash their hands, and don't linger when they use a public bathroom or are in any inside space with numerous other people.

If you are using any sort of public transportation—airplane, train, or, bus—consider wearing masks. They are recommended by the CDC in airports and transit stations, too.

What Vacation Activities Are Safe?

Avoiding crowds and large indoor gatherings minimizes your child’s chance of exposure to COVID. The fewer people (particularly those that are unvaccinated) that you interact with, the better.

“ Activities that are outdoors like camping, the beach, and playing outside are less risky than those that involve large groups of people being indoors. Visiting a zoo or a botanical garden or something like that where you can maintain distance outside is probably optimal,” says Dr. Shane.

National parks can be a great choice, but they've gotten very popular during the pandemic and some now require reservations for entry. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and Zion National Park were the three most visited national parks in 2020, the first year of the pandemic. When COVID numbers remain high, it's a good idea to choose a park that's off the beaten path .

Theme parks have reopened for the most part. If you go, be sure to read up on and follow specific safety measures. Disney no longer requires masks but recommends them, particularly for unvaccinated people. Likewise, Six Flags has also made masks optional for their visitors.

When staying at hotels with pools or hot tubs , it's recommended to remind kids to keep a safe distance from other swimmers . There is no evidence that COVID-19 spreads via water. Breathing in the virus exhaled by fellow swimmers is the biggest threat. So, outdoor and less crowded pools are safer. That means waiting to take turns on the water slide until the line trickles down or taking kids to the pool on the early or late side when crowds are smaller.

How Else Can You Keep Kids Safe When Traveling?

No matter where you go or what you do, there are things you can do to make your family vacation safer and less stressful.

In crowded public areas, particularly indoors, it's a good idea to wear a mask, whether vaccinated or not. "Often children mimic their parents, so if you’re in a situation where you don’t need to wear a mask but you want your child to wear a mask, then modeling is optimal," says Dr. Shane.

Pair masking with good hygiene. explains Lainey Conroy, a dietary nutrition supervisor at Piedmont Fayette Hospital. "The number one thing that I feel is important to communicate with kids is the 'three W’s': Wear your mask. Watch your distance. Wash your hands," says Conroy.

Additionally, even though it's tempting on vacation, try not to relax your own and your kids' nutrition standards completely. “You need to stay super hydrated, and drink a lot of water,” Conroy notes. “All of your veggies, all of your fruits, things like that need to be constantly taken into your system.” She adds that taking any doctor-recommended vitamins and getting appropriate rest also help fight against sickness.

Ultimately, the decision to travel with your children is a personal one. What is your comfort level with the precautions you are taking? Consider if waiting to travel until everyone in your family can be vaccinated would make everyone less stressed and more ready for fun.

Forcing someone to go along with the program when they are uneasy might do more harm than good, However, feeling overwhelmed with worry about COVID-19 also causes stress.

Vacations can have big mental health benefits for you and your kids. Shelter-in-place orders were designed to curtail the spread of COVID-19 and keep us physically healthy. But isolation and social distancing came at a cost, with spiking numbers of people experiencing depression, anxiety, and loneliness.

“Everything is a risk and a benefit,” Dr. Shane notes. That can mean weighing a child’s need to get out with reasonable safety measures. “A parent knows their child best. Maybe there is a less risky outdoor activity nearby that would at least get everybody out of the house to explore.”

Finally, if your child can be vaccinated, doing so can help lower risk and make everyone more comfortable about a getaway. "Vaccination is a tremendous tool, and it’s the way we’re going to get this virus under control and try to get us out of this pandemic,” says Dr. Shane. “Everybody who’s eligible to get vaccinated should do so as soon as possible.”

What This Means For You

Travel is not off the table at this point of the pandemic, but it's important to make smart choices to keep your family safe. This means choosing a destination where COVID-19 rates are manageable, following federal and local safety measures, and making sure that every family member who is eligible for vaccination gets their full set of shots well before your trip.

Balancing the desire for some sense of normalcy while taking precautions is key. Help your children to understand why it's important to still abide by safety measures, without instilling fear in them. Often, when children know that a reward of fun or adventure is waiting, it's easier to do what is necessary. And you can all enjoy a healthy, happy trip full of memories.

The information in this article is current as of the date listed, which means newer information may be available when you read this. For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit our coronavirus news page.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration.  Coronavirus (COVID-19) update: FDA authorizes Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech bivalent COVID-19 vaccines for use as a booster dose in younger age groups .

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Coronavirus (COVID-19) update: FDA authorizes updated (bivalent) COVID-19 vaccine for children down to 6 months of age .

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines .

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. COVID-19: travel .

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Key things to know about COVID-19 vaccines .

U.S. Department of State. New requirements for air travelers to the U.S .

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. COVID-19 travel recommendations by destinations .

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. U.S citizens, U.S. nationals, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and immigrants: air travel to and from the United States .

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC COVID data tracker .

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and immigrants: travel to and from the United States .

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Domestic travel during COVID-19 .

National Park Service. Visitation numbers .

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Water and COVID-19 FAQs .

Rajkumar RP. COVID-19 and mental health: a review of the existing literature .  Asian J Psychiatr . 2020;52:102066. doi:10.1016/j.ajp.2020.102066

Giallonardo V, Sampogna G, Del Vecchio V, et al. The impact of quarantine and physical distancing following COVID-19 on mental health: study protocol of a multicentric Italian population trial .  Front Psychiatry . 2020;11:533. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00533

By LaKeisha Fleming LaKeisha Fleming is a prolific writer with over 20 years of experience writing for a variety of formats, from film and television scripts, to magazines articles and digital content. She has written for CNN, Tyler Perry Studios, Motherly, Atlanta Parent Magazine, Fayette Woman Magazine, and numerous others. She is passionate about parenting and family, as well as destigmatizing mental health issues. Her book, There Is No Heartbeat: From Miscarriage to Depression to Hope, is authentic, transparent, and providing hope to many.Visit her website at www.lakeishafleming.com.

Do kids need to get the COVID-19 vaccine before traveling?

More than 50% of the U.S. population over the age of 18 has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 . And many of the people who have been vaccinated -- or are scheduled to receive the vaccine soon -- are thinking about their travel plans for this summer and beyond.

There's a noticeable group of people who aren't vaccinated yet: kids under 12. And another group that just started to be vaccinated en masse: tweens and teens. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on May 10 authorized the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for kids ages 12 to 15 years old in the United States. (Moderna also said on May 25 that its vaccine was effective in children ages 12 to 17, although it has yet to gain approval for use). And now, roughly 2% of people under 18 have been fully vaccinated, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

If you're traveling domestically with young kids, or even older ones, there are no COVID-19 testing requirements . But even if you haven't left home since the onset of the pandemic , you probably won't be shocked to hear that traveling abroad with kids is a bit different than it used to be. Adults traveling with kids may, in some instances, have different travel requirements as a result of the pandemic. So, what does that mean for your family's travel plans?

Here's what to know about traveling when part of your family is unvaccinated.

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Can children get a COVID-19 vaccine?

Approving children for vaccination is a crucial step in the fight against the pandemic and could mean many more families booking travel. Many parents have been waiting to hear about vaccinations for kids before booking family trips.

Currently, there's an age limit on all three vaccines available under the Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is the only vaccine available for kids 12 to 17, so far. The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are only available for adults who are 18 and over.

According to The New York Times, younger children will probably be eligible this fall when Pfizer plans to seek emergency authorization for children between the ages of 2 and 11. Additionally, results from Moderna's clinical trial in children as young as 6 months are expected by the end of the year. For now, though, kids under 12 aren't eligible for any version of the COVID-19 vaccine.

"[The] CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccination for everyone 12 years of age and older to help protect against COVID-19," the CDC said on its website. "Children 12 years of age and older are able to get the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine."

Related: What you need to know about all the COVID-19 vaccines in the U.S.

Can children travel abroad if they haven't been vaccinated?

Dozens of countries have now reopened to U.S. tourists , and some of those countries are only welcoming — or waiving testing and quarantine requirements for — fully vaccinated travelers.

At this time, travelers from the U.S., EU and Schengen area are now permitted to enter Greece, providing you're either vaccinated or can show proof of a negative COVID-19 test (this would apply to nonvaccinated children).

Italy is also open to travelers again with similar requirements, as is Croatia . As the summer progresses, and more European countries open their borders, you can expect to see other vaccination and negative COVID-19 test requirements. In brief: It will be quicker and easier to bring vaccinated teens and tweens across borders, but younger kids should still be able to travel with you as long they test negative for COVID-19.

In other cases, being able to show proof of vaccination may be your only way in. Iceland, for example, said it would accept fully vaccinated travelers . These travelers would not be required to quarantine upon arrival.

Related: Can you skip quarantine if you've been vaccinated?

We can also look at the cruise industry for an idea about how destinations and travel providers might accommodate families who are traveling with unvaccinated children.

Two sister cruise lines, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity , said adult passengers would need to be fully vaccinated to sail when they resume operations. However, both lines said children under 18 could sail with proof of a negative COVID-19 test instead of proof of vaccination. But changes are happening fast to these requirements and they aren't standard across embarkation ports. For example, on Royal Caribbean sailings to Alaska, anyone 16 years of age or older must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and those 12 or older as of Aug. 1.

But, Royal Caribbean has also relaxed its vaccination policy for sailings out of Florida and Texas. Even unvaccinated passengers may sail on those itineraries on Royal Caribbean ships. The cruise line said, "Guests are strongly recommended to set sail fully vaccinated, if they are eligible. Those who are unvaccinated or unable to verify vaccination will be required to undergo testing and follow other protocols, which will be announced at a later date."

At this time, there is no vaccine requirement to travel back to the United States. U.S. airlines oppose travel vaccine requirements but asked the Biden administration to exempt vaccinated travelers from international testing requirements.

At this time, however, travelers flying into the United States from abroad still need to provide a negative COVID-19 test result before boarding -- even if fully vaccinated. All passengers 2 years of age and older traveling into the U.S. must provide proof of a negative test taken no more than three days before flying back to the U.S.

Related: What you need to know about getting COVID-19 tested for US-bound international flights

Bottom line

It's not out of the realm of possibility that travelers, even children, may be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to visit certain countries or travel with certain providers.

We've seen this play out before with other vaccines required around the world. The yellow fever vaccination, for example, is recommended or required for entry into countries such as Liberia and Uganda, while the meningococcal vaccination is required for travelers entering Saudi Arabia for the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages.

There's still a lot that's unclear about traveling with unvaccinated children, but the cruise industry's plan to require that children test negative for the virus in place of having a vaccine points to the most likely trend, as can be seen with the reopening of Greece and Italy.

The travel industry won't want to alienate a large swath of travelers -- and their parents -- by barring access to children who have yet to be vaccinated. That means it's likely that unvaccinated children will have to use other methods to prove they're healthy, such as testing negative for COVID-19.

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How Safe Is It to Travel With Unvaccinated Children?

As of March 2022, kids under 5 weren't able to get any COVID-19 vaccine in the US—here's what that means for your travel plans.

When the COVID-19 risk in your community and your dream destination is lowered, it's understandable that you'd want to travel—so long as you're following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) travel guidelines .

But, as of March 2022, children under the age of 5 weren't eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in the US, making them more vulnerable than others to getting the virus. That should absolutely factor into your vacation plan-making.

And it raises important questions, including whether traveling with an unvaccinated child is safe. Here's what pediatricians and infectious disease experts had to say.

Is It Safe To Travel With an Unvaccinated Child?

A lot of it comes down to personal risk tolerance, Mark Hicar, MD, PhD , associate professor of infectious disease at the University at Buffalo in New York, told Health . "The amount of risk one tolerates on a day-to-day basis varies by person, so something that one considers 'safe,' others may think is risky," pointed out Dr. Hicar.

Still, there are some other factors to consider. "If the location you are planning to travel is experiencing high rates, I would consider canceling the trip or making sure the location you are staying in, and the people you will interact with have been practicing social distancing and optimal safety measures," said Dr. Hicar.

COVID-19 research is your friend here if you're planning on vacationing with unvaccinated children. In the US, the CDC maintains a tool to determine COVID-19 levels by county. "I strongly recommend doing extensive research on what is going on locally with COVID-19," Rosemary Olivero , MD, pediatric infectious disease physician at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan, told Health . "I generally would not recommend this unless you have a healthy family with plenty of flexibility—both in terms of finances and time—regarding your trip, as this could get derailed should someone in your family test positive for COVID-19."

According to Dr. Hicar, the type of vacation you're planning on taking matters, too. "There are big differences in taking a vacation to a city where you are going to museums, ballgames, and visiting amusement parks, and going on a family camping or hiking vacation, or going to visit and solely spending time with extended family," pointed out Dr. Hicar.

Robert Hamilton , MD, a pediatrician at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, California, and host of the podcast The Hamilton Review: Where Kids and Culture Collide , told Health that it's largely OK to travel with unvaccinated kids—if the proper precautions are followed.

However, note that any unvaccinated person poses a transmission risk to older, ill, or otherwise immunocompromised people. This, of course, includes unvaccinated kids.

If You Do Choose To Travel, What Are Your Safest Options?

In general, experts recommend traveling by car, when possible. "A road trip is safer," Richard Watkins , MD, an infectious disease physician and professor of internal medicine at the Northeast Ohio Medical University, told Health . Dr. Hamilton agreed. "It's like traveling in your living room," said Dr. Hamilton.

But driving isn't always the best option. "If you are going to drive through 'hotspots' of spreading [the] virus, it may be better to fly," said Dr. Hicar. "Choosing a driving vacation that necessitates hotel stays and a large number of stops adds measurable risk as well."

Flying can be OK, said Dr. Hamilton—you just need to make sure that you and your children are following the right precautions. "Flying on a plane presents challenges," said Dr. Hamilton, "but airlines are doing a wonderful job of keeping people healthy. They are not the focal point of super spreader events."

If you choose to fly, Dr. Hicar recommended trying to get a direct flight to "cut down on extra crowd exposure."

And of course, that's only for domestic travel within the US—international travel will have its own set of complications and issues. "International travel will be much more complex with unvaccinated persons," said Dr. Olivero.

If for some reason you do have to travel internationally with unvaccinated children, know this: Things will be "wildly different" outside of the US, depending on where you go, said Dr. Olivero. "From a very general view, traveling internationally with unvaccinated persons means potential quarantines, frequent testing before boarding flights, and subjecting yourself to highly contagious variants," said Dr. Olivero.

If you're traveling by air and are 2 years of age or older, as of April 2022, the CDC required proof of a negative COVID-19 test no more than one day before you enter the US. If you'd recently recovered from COVID-19, documentation of recovery would be required. The CDC provided a helpful guide to international travel for nationals of all countries.

If someone in your party does test positive, the quality of care at local health care facilities may vary. If the appropriate medical care is not available at your local facility, the CDC published guidelines for air evacuations of COVID-19 patients . But note it's not an easy trip to arrange. And, without emergency medical evacuation insurance, depending on where you're flying from, emergency medical transportation back into the US could cost you over $100,000.

Overall, experts said it's OK to travel with unvaccinated kids—you just need to be on high alert. "It's certainly reasonable to travel," said Dr. Hamilton. "You just need to follow the right precautions."

Related Articles

What Kids’ COVID Vaccines Mean for Family Travel

After holding back on more ambitious travel plans for nearly two years, families with kids newly eligible for a covid vaccine are now planning—and booking—big trips for the holidays and beyond..

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More vaccinated kids likely means more (younger) travelers back in the skies.

Photo by Shutterstock

This week, approximately 28 million additional Americans became eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine when the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that it is recommending the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for children ages 5 to 11.

The announcement comes after a summer during which the Delta variant surge resulted in a worrisome rise in COVID-19 cases among children. “During a six-week period in late June to mid-August, COVID-19 hospitalizations among children and adolescents increased fivefold,” the CDC reported.

Thankfully, the Pfizer vaccine was found to be nearly 91 percent effective in preventing COVID-19 in children ages 5 to 11, according to the agency. When asked during a media briefing following the CDC announcement how safe the vaccine is for younger children, Dr. Robert Jacobson, pediatrician and vaccine researcher with the Mayo Clinic Children’s Center , responded, “We have more monitoring in place for this vaccine than we’ve had for any other vaccine we’ve rolled out here in the United States. In that sense it is the safest vaccine we’ve ever delivered in the United States.”

He went on to explain that the dosage for children ages 5 to 11, which is a third of an adult dose, “achieved the same antibody levels that adults and adolescents 16 to 24 years of age achieved and yet the reactions were about the same in terms of the pain and redness at the injection site, the body aches or headaches. So, we saw no safety signals.”

Distribution of the pediatric COVID vaccines started this week; public health officials plan to scale up to full capacity starting November 8. Kids ages 12 to 17 are already eligible for the Pfizer vaccine, and all adults age 18 and older are eligible for the Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines.

Pack your bags, kids, you’re getting vaccinated

For many families with kids ages five and up, the news—and its timing—is a game changer for upcoming travel plans.

An October survey of 2,000 travelers commissioned by American Express Travel reveals that 84 percent of parents say they plan on traveling up to six times in 2022. The survey found that 53 percent of parents already have a vacation planned or want to plan one before the end of 2021.

“As soon as it looked good, about a month ago, we booked [a Disney vacation] to get ahead of what we thought would be a rush,” says Julie Donnelly, a mother based in Boston who works in Biotech communications and has two sons, ages six and eight. “You can cancel Disney vacations up to a month beforehand with no penalty.”

Donnelly said if the situation with COVID cases worsens or if the kids weren’t vaccinated in time, they would opt to cancel their March 2022 trip to Walt Disney World in Orlando—but now at least her sons will be vaccinated in time. The family had also planned to visit the children’s grandparents in Texas during Labor Day Weekend this year after not having seen them for two years, “but with the Delta variant raging, we canceled. Now that trip is back on for holiday break. Texas and Florida would just be out of the question unless they are vaccinated,” says Donnelly.

Donnelly’s isn’t the only family planning to travel more now that younger kids can get vaccinated.

Kate Bruce, who lives in Westchester, New York, booked a trip to Grand Cayman for this December that was fully contingent on her daughters, ages five and seven, being vaccinated beforehand, not least because it’s necessary for bypassing an otherwise mandatory quarantine requirement on the Caribbean island.

“We booked an Airbnb that we knew was cancelable up until four weeks before the trip. If they hadn’t announced that the kids were going to be vaccinated, we wouldn’t have gone,” says Bruce.

Grand Cayman is just the start of bigger travel plans for Bruce and her family. Next year, they want to travel to Europe and possibly Australia after nearly two years of foregoing flights with the girls and sticking with domestic road trips. (Bruce and her husband have both flown themselves during the pandemic, but not with their daughters.)

Marc Percher in Castro Valley, California, says he and his wife plan to travel with their nine-year-old to Arkansas this Christmas if his son is vaccinated. After that, they’re hoping to do some international travel with him in 2022, possibly to Europe—they have their eye on Paris.

Of course, there are many families that traveled throughout the pandemic, some staying closer to home, opting for road trips or vacation rentals for a simple and safe change of scenery, while others have ventured farther afield, depending on their comfort level. Many families with kids under the age of five continue to wait for COVID vaccine eligibility—could vaccine approval for even younger children spur another travel booking wave? Dr. Jacobson estimates that vaccine approval for children ages six months to four years is just months away. Once the younger members of the family get vaccinated, he says there are many ways to help commemorate the experience.

“Parents might celebrate the vaccination with their child. Think about something special your family can do to mark the vaccination and to celebrate the vaccination,” says Dr. Jacobson.

Travel, perhaps?

With a surge in demand, families should book sooner than later

As we head into the second holiday season of the pandemic, what families want more than anything is a big trip. The American Express Travel survey found that 68 percent of consumers are willing to give up exchanging holiday gifts with family this year for a family vacation instead.

“There’s no denying that the demand for family travel is there,” says Audrey Hendley, president of American Express Travel. “We’re starting to get inquiries about booking larger wish-list family trips.”

Hendley says that American Express Travel is booking families for a really wide variety of trips: beach vacations in the Caribbean and Mexico, family ski trips in Colorado and Utah, an adventure to see the Northern Lights in Finland with a packed itinerary of dog sledding and a visit to a reindeer farm, as well as a multi-generational safari in South Africa. The company is also starting to see an uptick in interest in cruise bookings for 2022 and 2023, for sailings in the Caribbean and Europe.

“There’s been a huge surge [of travel bookings] lately,” says Amy Annis, travel consultant with family specialist Ciao Bambino! , a Virtuoso agency. For summer 2022, Annis says almost all of her family clients that were with her from before the pandemic “are coming back—and they’re coming back even stronger, meaning that they want to take a little longer trip, they want to take a little bit more luxurious trip. It’s almost like, ‘We’ve missed it so much and now we’re going to splurge.’”

Annis specializes in family travel to Europe, and the places her clients want to go include Paris, Venice, Tuscany, and the Amalfi Coast. With the big wave of 2022 bookings coming in she is telling all her clients that they need to get their 2022 travel plans booked ASAP.

For the most sought-after vacation destinations in Europe, she says, “I’m pretty sure I’m not going be able to find good accommodations for families in those places past January.” All is not lost, though: Families should anticipate limited availability and anticipate booking their second or third choice of accommodation if they wait too long.

After booking mostly domestic trips for families in 2020 and some Mexico and Caribbean trips in 2021, William Kiburz, vice president of Coronet Travel Ltd. , and a member of AFAR’s Travel Advisory Council (TAC), says his agency is booking a lot more family travel beyond the borders in 2022, with the most popular bookings being multiple-bedroom villas in the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe and, yes, still some U.S., for summer and fall 2022.

Cari Gray, CEO and owner of bespoke travel agency Gray & Co. , and another AFAR TAC member, says her family travel clients are finally ready to travel beyond North America again, too. As long as the international destinations they’re planning to visit have no mandatory quarantine, they are “not going to let [required COVID] tests or forms get in the way.”

She said many families are opting for additional travel insurance that includes costs associated with the pandemic, like covering an extended stay or medical evacuation if someone in the group were to test positive for COVID and can’t get back into the U.S. right away due to the COVID testing requirements .

Family travel plans “have been stalled by the pandemic, but now they are raring to go,” says Gray. “People are ready to go explore with their kids.”

Tips for families with upcoming travel plans

For families embracing their newfound confidence to travel, Sally French, travel expert at NerdWallet , reminds them and those around them to pack some extra patience in the coming weeks and months, especially during what will likely be a much busier holiday travel season this year compared to last.

Patience and understanding will be key

Nearly one-third of Americans who didn’t travel during the 2020 holiday season plan to do so this holiday season, according to a NerdWallet survey of 2,000 U.S. adults conducted in September.

“Given that many families haven’t flown in two years, it’s likely that the crop of first-time travelers will be twice as big this year. Expect things in the airport to be a little bit slower and stressful as you account for the newbie travelers, or quite simply those who haven’t flexed their travel muscles in a while,” advises French.

Work with a travel advisor or agent

Never has there been a more potentially complicated time for familes to travel. Now, more than ever, families should consider tapping a family travel specialist to help them map out their plans and create safeguards.

Sign up for TSA PreCheck, Clear, or Global Entry

With increasing crowds at the airport, families should consider investing in trusted traveler expediting services like TSA PreCheck, Clear, or Global Entry to get through the TSA security lines quicker (with PreCheck and Clear) or to pass through customs easier (with Global Entry).

Related TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and Clear: What’s the Difference?

Check your (vaccine) calendar

Don’t forget about the timeline for getting vaccinated. If you’re hoping for the kids to be vaccinated by a certain date, you need to work backward from that date, taking into consideration that the Pfizer vaccine requires two doses that need to be given three weeks apart. The CDC (and many countries and destinations that require vaccination for entry) considers someone to be fully vaccinated two weeks after the second dose, so that’s a five-week span from first dose to being considered fully vaccinated.

Make flexible travel plans

While being vaccinated can boost confidence in travelers, there are conditions that can still make even the vaccinated less certain about going forward with their travel plans, as we have already seen with the Delta variant surge and breakthrough infections. We are still in a pandemic, and there are still many potential hiccups, including ever-changing travel rules and regulations that are beyond our control. Make sure that the flights booked have no change fee (this typically applies to all but Basic Economy fares on most airlines), and try to book hotels and vacation rentals with lenient cancellation policies.

French advises travelers to consider getting travel insurance that includes Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage or using a travel credit card that offers some trip cancellation benefits.

>> Next: Booking 2021 Holiday Travel: Your Guide to When, Where, & How

37 Best Travel Tips for Traveling With an Infant, Older Baby, or Toddler

Family travel is exciting for you and your kids and can create special memories that last a lifetime, whether you’re off on an adventure abroad or simply going to visit Grandma. But traveling with an infant, older baby, or toddler requires a little extra preparation to ensure a safe and comfortable trip. We’ve got the answers to common questions surrounding baby travel—short and long—plus a list of all the essentials and 37 tips for traveling with the little ones!

How Soon Can You Travel With a Newborn Baby?

When is it safe to travel with a newborn? It’s always wise to check with your healthcare provider before traveling with an infant. Your provider will likely offer specific guidance on whether you should or shouldn’t travel with your little newborn, depending on your little’s one's age and health status, as well as more general advice on when you can travel with a baby or older child. Whenever you do end up traveling with your little one, keep some safety precautions in mind. Your child is still developing their immune system, so it’s important to take protective measures, especially when flying or in crowded locations, such as

frequently washing hands

using hand sanitizer

avoiding visibly ill travelers.

Besides these basic safety precautions, keep reading for more tips on traveling with infants, plus older babies and toddlers, which include additional measures that will help keep your little one healthy, safe, and comfortable.

37 Tips for Traveling With an Infant, Older Baby, or Toddler

There are many ways you can help keep your infant, older baby, or toddler safe while traveling, and ensure that the trip is comfortable for all involved. It’s best to always consult with your child’s healthcare provider before traveling, especially with newborns or infants. Younger babies are more vulnerable than older babies and toddlers, so consider the provider’s advice and tips for traveling with an infant. Knowing how to travel with an infant isn’t much different from knowing how to travel with an older baby or toddler, but age can impact strategy. For example, traveling with a toddler opens up more opportunities for activities on your trip! You’ll probably notice that traveling with a 2-year-old is a lot more interactive than when your little one was just 3 or 6 months old. To cover all the bases, we’ve included 37 tips for traveling with babies of any age, but some apply more to younger babies, like infants and newborns, whereas others are more geared toward older babies and toddlers. However, all are worth considering when traveling with kids of any age and whether you’re flying to Paris or hopping in the car for a day trip.

1. Update Immunizations

Before you travel, including by car, on an airplane, or anywhere abroad, ensure your baby has had all the necessary immunizations. Following an immunization schedule is key to keeping your little one healthy throughout their life and, of course, when traveling. If you plan to travel abroad, be aware that some countries require additional vaccinations. You’ll want to consult your child’s healthcare provider for specific advice before planning any overseas trips, and you can contact the U.S. State Department for general information. As children will need immunizations and boosters throughout their early years, this tip also applies to travel with infants, older babies, and toddlers.

2. Consult Your Child’s Healthcare Provider

Remember that your baby’s healthcare provider is your ally and a great source of information. Don’t hesitate to be in touch if you have any questions about traveling with an infant or how to best travel with a baby of any age. If you’re thinking of traveling with a newborn, the provider may suggest waiting in some cases, such as if your little one has an underlying health condition or was born prematurely.

3. Collect Medications and Important Documents

Before setting off on your adventure, remember to pack any medication your child will need while away from home. You can also purchase a sturdy folder to keep any important documents, such as your baby’s vaccination record, copies of recent medical reports, passport, etc. When traveling with an infant, older baby, or toddler, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and bring everything you might need!

4. Do Some Research

One of the best tips for traveling with newborns or older babies and toddlers is to hunt for and gather relevant information ahead of time. Besides things like looking up vaccination requirements, you can also research details about accommodations and activities. Some hotels offer amenities that may come in handy when traveling. For example, if you’re breastfeeding your baby , you might want a refrigerator in your hotel room to store extra milk.

5. Allow Extra Time

Always remember that traveling with an infant or baby of any age means everything will take a little more time (or sometimes a lot more time!). Be sure to start early and allow extra time when packing the car or getting to the airport, going through security, checking into your accommodation, eating out, etc. This additional time makes for a smooth trip and also helps keep stress to a minimum.

6. Bring Those Baby Essentials

Although your research may reveal that hotels or accommodations offer some basic baby necessities, it’s best to bring as much as you can with you. For example, if a hotel offers cribs, unless you can guarantee that their baby cribs are up to date on safety requirements, it’s better to bring your own travel crib if you’re able to do so. Other travel essentials for your baby include bottles, bibs, diapers and wipes , pacifiers, etc. Keep these in a separate diaper bag for easy access! Our baby travel checklist below includes all these items and more.

7. Don’t Forget Favorite Toys or Blankets

Your little one is still getting used to the world around them, so bring some reminders of home to soothe any discomfort when in unfamiliar places. A favorite plush toy, a familiar rattle, or a blanket with home scents can do wonders in keeping your babies and toddlers comfortable when traveling, so be sure not to leave Mr. Rabbit (or any other "lovey") at home!

8. Double Check Car Seats

Whether traveling with your infant, older baby, or toddler by car or plane, double-check any car seats you use for safety . Look up the expiration date to make sure the seat hasn’t expired, and ensure that it’s properly installed.

9. Keep Feedings and Sleep Schedules Consistent

When traveling with babies, especially newborns and infants, it’s best to keep feeding and sleep schedules consistent, even when crossing into other time zones. It’s hard for children to adjust to new routines, and a little consistency will do wonders. If you’re moving across several time zones and it’s impossible to stick to the same feeding times, try to adjust your schedule gradually. However, what’s most important is feeding your baby when they’re hungry, regardless of the hour, and giving yourself some extra grace.

10. Bring a First-Aid Kit

In addition to all your essential must-have items, it’s also helpful to have your baby’s first-aid kit with you when traveling. You can keep one in the car, diaper bag, or your little baby’s overnight bag. Do you have all the baby necessities in your diaper bag? Take our quiz below to find out!

11. Wash Hands Frequently

Although briefly mentioned above, this is one of the most important tips for traveling with an infant or child of any age, and it deserves a friendly reminder! Because your little one is still building their body’s natural immune defenses, they’re more susceptible to catching colds, flu, or other infections. And because you’ll be carrying your newborn while traveling or holding your baby’s hand, it’s best for you to wash your hands frequently and use hand sanitizer.

12. Stay Hydrated

Traveling in general, but especially traveling by plane, is dehydrating to the body. Staying hydrated yourself means staying healthy and alert for your child. To keep your newborn hydrated, you’ll want to feed them more often (if needed), and older babies and toddlers will need sips of water throughout the day. Hydration is also very important if your little one has diarrhea while traveling, which is common.

13. Bring Disposable or Hybrid Diapers

When you’re traveling, nothing beats the convenience of disposable diapers. Another option is a hybrid system, like Pampers Pure Hybrid Starter Kit, which uses reusable covers and disposable inserts to cut down on waste.

14. Provide Entertainment

You may find that your newborn sleeps through much of the trip, but that probably won’t be the case for an active older baby or toddler! When traveling with a baby who’s a bit older and more alert, it helps to provide some form of entertainment, whether in the car, on the train, or on an airplane. A soft toy or a picture book work well.

15. Bring Food and Snacks

You don’t have to travel with a baby to know that meals and snacks are an important part of any outing! You’ll need to breastfeed or bring formula, of course, supplemented by solid foods once your little one has been introduced to solids at around 6 months. Good travel food for babies can be anything they regularly eat—the point is to keep their tummy happy!

16. Sing Songs

Singing is a wonderful way to bond and engage with your baby or toddler. It’s an entertaining way to pass the time on long car drives, for instance, and has the added bonus of helping to boost vocabulary as well as other important language skills and developmental milestones for babies . Before long your not so little one will be singing along and repeating their favorite songs, again and again.

17. Plan Car Games

In addition to singing songs, keep your little one entertained with some fun car games. Your toddler may enjoy the classic game I Spy or even counting things (with your help) they see out the window, like cows or red cars. Another idea is to build or purchase a travel tray, a simple tray that connects to the back of one of the front seats and provides lots of things to touch, look at, and listen to!

18. Pack Bedding From Home

When possible, pack bedding for your baby or toddler, which, of course, is easier when traveling by car or when you have extra space in your suitcase. Familiar feels and scents will help keep them at ease as they experience a disruption to their usual routine. If you’re flying far on a plane, just grab something small, like their favorite blanket or bedsheet, to help them feel “at home.”

19. Provide Extra Attention

Traveling with a baby or an older child often interrupts typical at-home routines, and your little one will probably need more attention from you. Some tips include extra hugs and snuggles during the day and at night, plus bringing interactive games and activities into the mix.

20. Maintain a Typical Meal Routine

Although traveling is a great time to try new foods or allow some “treats,” try to stick to your usual meal routines as much as possible. Let your older baby or toddler know that traveling can include trying new food while at the same time continuing to eat healthy foods and maintain normal mealtimes.

21. Look for Specials

Many accommodations and restaurants offer special prices or deals for families, which can help reduce costs. “Kids stay free” is a common feature; you can also see if a hotel provides complimentary meals or packaged discounts for kids and families. Consider working with a travel club or agency that can help you coordinate a trip with children in mind.

22. Ask for Assistance

With a baby, travel isn’t always an easy task to accomplish on your own. If your little one is feeling extra fussy on the plane or train and you’ve run out of ideas, ask an attendant if they have anything special for babies or young kids, such as a picture book or a pack of crayons. If you need a changing pad in your hotel room, call the front desk. It really does take a village, and many travel clubs, airlines, hotels, and more offer special assistance for kids and families!

23. Pack for the Weather

Take a look at the weather report before you leave and pack accordingly. Consider bringing some extra layers for cooler night temperatures or extra supplies in case of rain or snow. Socks, rain covers, a warm jacket, and a hat will all come in handy if the weather takes an unexpected turn.

24. Take Preventive Measures

It’s not unusual for an illness or another health-related issue to pop up when you’re on the go and away from home. Colds and sore throats, diarrhea, car sickness, mosquito bites or bedbug bites —all these scenarios are possible with any kind of travel, including travels with your baby. Although you might not be able to completely prevent all these issues, it helps to prepare. You can do so by

getting necessary vaccinations before traveling

checking hotel rooms, bus seats, or train cars for bedbugs

bringing your own food or eating only hot food that’s thoroughly cooked

eating only a light snack before traveling to lessen motion sickness

staying hydrated.

25. Remember Special Considerations When Flying

Don’t forget that flying with a child will require some extra steps. If you have any questions, consult your little one’s healthcare provider and contact the airline. For example, all equipment like car seats and strollers will need to be visibly inspected at the airport. Read more about air travel in our article about flying with babies .

26. Plan Age-Appropriate Trips

Of course, traveling with a 1-year-old is going to be a little different than traveling with a 2-month-old! It helps to plan a trip that works for your child’s specific age, so if you’re traveling with a 9-month-old baby, think of something to do that meshes well with their abilities and interests. A simple trip going to visit grandparents or where there are lots of playgrounds is all you really need! But, of course, kids love playing outdoors or at the beach, so see more suggestions on where to travel with a baby at the end of the article.

27. Plan Breaks

For travel of any kind, remember that kids need breaks, naps, and downtime. If you’re taking a road trip, for example, research your routes thoroughly and plan for pit stops and breaks. It’s not easy for wriggly little ones to sit for too long, and getting out of the car to stretch legs or enjoy an attraction along the way helps keep spirits and energy levels high. If you’re on a plane, get up and walk the aisle a few times for a little movement and stimulation. Or if you’re spending the day at a theme park, squeeze in some time in the shade with a blanket for a quick snooze or a calming activity, like reading.

28. Bring Craft Supplies

Your toddler may need something more interactive to keep them entertained while on a road trip, airplane, or in a hotel room. Basic arts and crafts for toddlers can keep your little one occupied. Even just some crayons and a coloring book will help.

29. Adjust Sleep Schedules 2 to 3 Days Before if Needed

As mentioned before, when traveling with infants and older babies, it’s better to try and stick to the same feeding and sleeping schedules. But when traveling with toddlers, you may have more wiggle room to adjust their routines. For short trips, you might not even need to consider this tip, but if you’re moving across multiple time zones, you can gradually adjust sleep and eating schedules to the new time zone a few days before departing on your trip.

30. Pack Books

Are you wondering what to pack when traveling with a baby or toddler? Put books at the top of your list! Any kind of books —picture books, storybooks, interactive books—will keep your little one entertained while traveling. And if you usually read before falling asleep, it’s important to maintain your bedtime routine while away from home.

31. Respect Boundaries

Traveling with babies and toddlers (or, really, kids of any age) is a lot of fun for everyone. But remember that a change in a routine can be difficult for children, so it’s important to respect any boundaries they put up. For example, if your child doesn’t want to give Grandma a hug this trip or go on a ride at a theme park, don’t force it. They might be feeling shy or nervous, and it’s best not to force interactions, even with family members or activities.

32. Allow Your Child to Make Decisions

One of the best tips for traveling with toddlers and older babies is letting them make some decisions as they start to dabble in independence. Ask them what they want to eat for dinner or what they’d like to wear. Keep decisions manageable for their little brains by offering two or three choices rather than asking open-ended questions. It will allow them to take ownership of the travel experience!

33. Try New Things

Make traveling with your baby or toddler even more memorable by encouraging new experiences. You’ll probably remember these trips forever, but to make them stick in your youngster’s mind, have some fun with unique activities that you can’t do at home. Plus, as your little one is growing and developing, they’ll naturally want to try new things and test newly developed skills!

34. Anticipate Big Feelings

Again, changes in routines can be difficult for kids to manage. Traveling means leaving home behind, sleeping in a strange bed, and being without the usual comforts. This may be stressful, confusing, or even a bit scary for your little one. If these emotions come out in the form of temper tantrums , crying, or resisting, give your child extra support and love.

35. Supervise Water Play

Baby travel or traveling with a toddler might include a little water play, like splashing around in the pool or at the beach. Drowning is one of the leading causes of death in kids of any age, and it can happen in seconds, whether children are swimming , playing in a shallow pool, or simply taking a bath. Watch children closely when in the water or during bath time.

36. Take Photos and Videos

With cameras built into phones, you probably don’t need a reminder to take photos! Still, be sure to capture the memories when traveling with your kids, especially as they get older. It will be fun for them to look back and remember the trip!

37. Keep a Scrapbook

Take a blank scrapbook with you and let your toddler draw or color in it each day of the trip. For infants and newborns, press their hand or foot into the page with a bit of paint and add photos. When you return home, you can add more pictures or little trinkets like ticket stubs to the book, and your child can keep it to remember the experience. As your babies get older, traveling with them will get more and more fun, so let them be part of making the memories!

Baby Travel Checklist

We know this list of tips for traveling with an infant, older baby, or toddler is quite thorough, so to make it a bit easier for you, you’ll find a handy baby travel checklist below! We’ve included all the baby travel items that will help support a trip of any kind with any age group. Whether you’re wondering what to pack when traveling with a baby or hunting for those baby travel must-haves, we’ve included them all! This baby travel checklist works for kids of all ages, so you can use it when traveling with infants, older babies, toddlers, or even older children. It also works for short or long trips, by car, plane, or train. You can also download a version of the checklist and use it at home when preparing and packing for any upcoming family trips.

INSERT DOWNLOADABLE LINK

Baby Travel: Where to Go

Now that you have all of our travel tips, it’s time to think about where to travel with your baby. Not all destinations and activities are suitable for young children, so we’ve rounded up some of our best ideas for kid-friendly travel destinations!

Where to Vacation With an Infant, Older Baby, or Toddler in the United States

Luckily, the United States is a big country packed with various travel opportunities for babies and young children. Because there are so many choices, we’ve rounded up a few suggestions for each of the following themes: National Parks Among the best places to go when traveling with a newborn, older baby, or toddler are national and state parks. When you explore the great outdoors, you can avoid cramped environments and secure your sweet little one to your chest or carry older babies in backpacks while you enjoy fresh air and nature. Of course, toddlers will probably want a little independence as they toddle around! Some suggestions for kid-friendly national parks include the following:

All these parks offer a range of hiking suitable for carrying sleeping newborns or curious infants, plus interesting experiences for more mobile toddlers. Watch your child’s eyes light up at the scene of geysers erupting in Yellowstone, birds singing in the Everglades, or the sky-high trunks of the towering Redwoods! Vibrant Cities Although nature is ideal for traveling with babies or kids of any age, new cities also offer a lot of entertainment for the entire family (including you!). The United States is so diverse with different cultures, and your little one can enjoy various activities that can enrich their development. The list of kid-friendly cities in the United States is nearly endless, so if you’re simply looking for a bit of inspiration or a few suggestions for exciting cities, perhaps consider the following:

All these cities offer fun for you and your kids, even if your infant is simply watching the buzzy world around them. Take your little one to look for seals at Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco, explore adobe architecture in Santa Fe, New Mexico, or listen to street music in New Orleans. Theme Parks Although some theme parks aren’t suitable when traveling with newborns, infants, or young babies, many can be a lot of fun for toddlers and older kids! However, some of these classics cater to kids of all ages, rather than just focusing on thrilling roller coasters for the big kids. Again, you’ll find plenty of fun theme parks throughout the country, but for a few suggestions, you could consider the following:

These theme parks offer exciting scenes for even the youngest guests but can also entertain older children if you have a brood of various ages. Watch your baby delight at meeting their favorite Disney, Sesame Street, or fairy-tale characters! Beaches Although infants shouldn’t experience any direct sunlight until they are at least 6 months , beaches can offer a relaxing place to be with your little one, as long as they’re properly shaded. For older babies and toddlers, the beach is an exciting source of pure entertainment! The United States has a lot of coastlines to consider; here are just a few ideas:

A beach vacation with an infant, older baby, or toddler will expose your little one to an entirely new world. Plus, all the above suggestions offer complementary activities that your baby may love, such as visiting wildlife education centers, observing tide pools, or having fun at neighboring playgrounds. Road Trips Like national parks, road trips are also ideal for traveling with infants or children of any age, as you don’t have to interact too much with other travelers who can spread germs to your family. Plus, road trips can combine all the aforementioned ideas into one exciting adventure! A road trip doesn’t have to be long; you can simply pack snacks and head over to Grandma’s house or into the big city. But the United States is also known for its signature stretches of highway, and some of the most popular road-trip routes include the following:

Best Places to Travel With an Infant, Baby, or Toddler Abroad

A vacation abroad is a terrific way to open up the world to your little explorer! Although infants and young babies probably won’t remember much about a trip abroad, you can still use the opportunity to introduce them to new cultures and experiences. And, who knows, perhaps a trip at such a young age will spark an interest in travel as your adventurous baby grows up! A list of the best places to travel with an infant, baby, or toddler is endless, so we’ve included just a few popular family-friendly destinations in different parts of the world. Of course, use your imagination and go where you want!

The Bottom Line

Traveling with young infants, older babies, toddlers, or kids of any age can be a lot of fun, but it also requires a little extra prep! We hope this article helps you prepare for future family trips:

Use our suggestions on where to go to plan memorable experiences for the whole family.

Download our baby travel checklist to ensure you don’t forget any of the must-have items you’ll need.

Consider all our tips for traveling with newborns, babies, and toddlers to help your vacation go smoothly.

Remember that there is no age limit when it comes to travel, but it’s best to take extra precautions when traveling with infants, as they have yet to build up their body’s natural immunity. Talk to your child’s healthcare provider before planning any travel so you know what vaccinations your baby will need.

Family travel is a way to build wonderful memories that last a lifetime! Savor these exciting moments, whether you’re taking a simple trip to Grandma’s house, venturing out on an epic road trip to national parks, or enjoying an international vacation.

How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on the expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.

• Book: Caring for your baby and young child, birth to age 5, Sixth Edition Paperback – November 2, 2014 by American Academy of Pediatrics (Author)
• Medline Plus: Traveling With Children
• Zero to Three: Survival Strategies for Traveling With Your Baby or Toddler
• Medline Plus: Toddler Development
• Mayo Clinic: Infant and Toddler Health
• Healthy Children: Sun Safety
• Healthy Children: Travel Safety Tips
• Healthy Children: Car Safety
• CDC: Travel Recommendations for Nursing Families
• CDC: Drowning Facts
• CDC: Traveling With Children
• Healthy Children: Car Sickness
• La Leche League International: Travel

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Safety & Prevention

Flying with Baby: Parent FAQs

By: Claire McCarthy, MD, FAAP & Jennifer Shu, MD, FAAP

Taking a baby on a plane is something that most parents approach with caution. Infants and air travel can both be unpredictable, and they don't always mix well. But some advanced planning and preparation can help make for a better experience for your baby, for you, and for everyone else on the plane.

Here are answers to some questions you may have before traveling with an infant, along with tips for a smoother and safer flight.

When is my baby old enough to fly on an airplane?

Generally, you should avoid flying with your newborn until they are at least 7 days old. Ideally, wait until your baby is two or three months old to fly. Air travel (and being in crowded airports) can increase a newborn's risk of catching an infectious disease.

Should my baby sit on my lap during the flight?

Ideally, no. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) doesn't require a ticket for children under the age of 2 years. But that means your baby will be on your lap. If there is turbulence, or worse, it may not be physically possible to protect your baby in your arms. Turbulence is the number one cause of children's injuries on an airplane.

If you do not buy a ticket for your child, you may want to ask if your airline will let you use an empty seat where you can install a car seat for your baby. If your airline's "lap baby" policy allows this, avoid the busiest travel days and times to increase your odds of finding an empty seat next to you.

The safest way for baby to fly

The safest way for your baby to fly is in a child safety restraint ―an FAA-approved car seat or airplane harness device . It should be approved for your child's age and size, and installed with the airplane's seat belt. Booster seats cannot be used on airplanes during flight.

• Infants weighing less than 20 pounds should be bucked into a rear-facing car seat during airplane travel.
• Children who weigh 20 to 40 pounds should be restrained in a car seat. They should not be switched to using just the airplane's lap belt until they reach at least 40 pounds.

There is an FAA-approved alternative to using a car seat on an airplane called the Child Aviation Restraint System ( CARES ). This airplane safety harness is not meant for infants, however. It is designed for use by toddlers (22 to 44 pounds) and only on airplanes.

Should I bring our car seat on the plane with us? Does that count as luggage?

Car seats, booster seats, and strollers generally don't count as luggage, but policies vary by airline; check with yours before flying. In most cases they can be checked at the gate, where the risk of damage may be lower, at no cost. Consider packing the car seat in a protective bag or box. If your baby has their own airplane seat, bring your car seat with you.

Not all car seats are certified for use in airplanes.

Make sure a label on the car seat says: "This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft."

Which seat on the plane is best for a baby?

Look for rows on the plane with more space , like the bulkhead. Exit rows are out, for safety reasons.

Choose a seat closer to the window, if possible . Aisle seats can be risky for babies during beverage service. Hot drinks being passed to passengers can spill and cause burns , and their little arms and legs can be caught by passing carts. Aisle seats are also closer to falling overhead bin items. If you use a car seat, most airlines require that they be installed in a window seat.

Ensure that your baby's seat is next to you on the plane. Visit the U.S. Department of Transportation Airline Family Seating Dashboard for tips. It shows which airlines guarantee adjacent seats for children under age 13 traveling with an adult at no extra fee.

Is there a way my baby can lie down flat on long flights?

Buckling your baby into a car seat or safety restraint remains the safest option. However, there are other options available to help baby sleep comfortably, especially on long-haul flights.

Airline bassinets. Some airlines offer airline bassinets attached to the plane's bulkhead wall―the wall behind the galley, or toilets or another cabin. In some premium cabins, they can be built into the seat compartment to use in bulkhead rows. Most airline bassinets require the baby to be under 6 months old and/or 20 pounds, and not yet able to sit up unassisted. These bassinets are sometimes called "skycots" or baskets.

Sleeper seat . For an added fee, some international airlines let you book three seats in a row with locking seat extensions. This creates a "sky couch" or sleeper-seat big enough for both parent and child. Some airlines also offer "lie-flat" and "flat-bed" seats.

Inflatable seat extenders . Some airlines let you bring your own inflatable, individual seat extension for your baby to snooze on lying down. Not all airlines permit these to be used, though, so check ahead of time. Your child will need their own seat to use one.

Note: For all options above, your baby would still need to be buckled into a car seat or held on your lap during takeoff, turbulence and landing.

Safe sleep practices still apply on the airplane.

• If your baby sleeps on your lap during the flight: stay alert and check on your baby often. Make sure they can breathe easily, and their face is uncovered.
• If your baby sleeps on another device during the flight: check that it is firm and flat, with no soft bedding. (See, " How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe .")

Will I be able to get liquid formula or expressed breast milk through security?

Yes, but you have to follow the reasonable quantities rules. This means you're exempt from the 3-1-1 rule limiting liquids to 3.4 ounces (100 mL).

Pack formula, expressed breastmilk, or water for mixing with powder separately and be ready to let the TSA know you have it. You may ask that they not go through the x-ray machine (although this shouldn't cause a health problem). Visit the TSA website for more information.

Any tips for keeping my baby comfortable and content on the plane?

Dress your baby in layers. The temperature in a plane can vary widely, especially if you are stuck waiting on a runway. So, dress your baby in layers of clothing. As you pick out clothing , choose outfits that make diaper changing in a small space easier. Also, pack a change of clothes or two, in case turbulence hits during a diaper change or when you are feeding. Bring plastic bags for soiled clothing.

Be ready for ear pain during take-off and landing. During takeoff and landing, changes in pressure between the outer ear and middle ear can cause discomfort. If your baby has had ear surgery or an ear infection in the past two weeks, ask their doctor if it's OK to fly. Having babies drink from the breast or a bottle, or suck on a pacifier, can help. If your child has a cold or ear infection, a dose of acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help; check with your doctor for the right amount to give your child.

Reduce jet engine noise exposure . Airplane cabin noise hovers around 100 decibels, and is even louder during takeoff. Using cotton balls, small earplugs, or noise-canceling headphones may help to decrease the decibel level your baby is exposed to, and also make it easier for them to sleep or relax.

Keep in mind that sleeping babies are easier for everyone. If possible, travel at a time when your baby naturally sleeps. Or, onsider trying to put off a nap until it's time to fly. Flight delays can cause this to backfire if your exhausted baby decides to scream instead of sleep. But it may be worth a try.

Do not use diphenhydramine, or Benadryl, to help your baby sleep without talking to your doctor.

This medication can have serious side effects , especially if repeated doses are given on long flights. If you get the go-ahead and appropriate dose from your doctor, try it at home first. Some children react to the medicine by getting more awake instead of sleepy.

Consider a diaper change right before boarding the plane. A dry baby is a happy baby. Fortunately, when you do need to change a diaper in-flight, many planes have restroom changing tables . If yours doesn't, ask a flight attendant if there is a spot where you can spread out your changing pad. Some parents resort to diaper-changing on the closed toilet seat. If you try this, be sure to have a hand on your baby at all times and pack a disposable changing pad. Plan for delays; pack plenty of supplies.

Bring distractions . Pack some toys and books and be ready to play with your baby the entire time. A tablet with videos can be a good backup if the toys and books aren't helping anymore (we don't encourage entertainment media for children under the age of 2 , but desperate times can sometimes call for desperate measures).

Don't let the glares get to you . Despite the best advanced planning and efforts, babies cry sometimes. Know that you did, and are doing, all you can. At that point, one of the best ways you can calm your baby may be to stay calm yourself. And remember that for every person who is glaring at you, there are plenty of people who have been through it themselves and have lots of sympathy.

Ask for help . Arrange for your airline to help you if you need help making a connecting flight. Carrying a child safety restraint, your baby and luggage through a busy airport can be challenging.

Does my baby need a passport for international travel?

Yes. All U.S. citizens, including infants, need a current passport to travel internationally. Parents or guardians need to apply with their baby in person using the form DS-11 . Be sure to bring your baby's birth certificate and a photo taken within the last 6 months.

Passport photos must be taken with nobody else in the photo, which can be tricky with infants. To do this safely if your baby can't sit up yet , lay them on their back on a plain white blanket or sheet to ensure head support without having to hold them. Another option is covering a car seat with the sheet and taking a picture with your child in it.

What about domestic flights?

A valid passport is usually the only identification your baby will need to fly on a domestic flight, unless you need to show proof of age for a discounted child fare. Check with your airline before you leave. Note: Children under age 18 will not be required to get a Real ID .

What is the best time of day to fly with a baby?

It is hard to say whether flying during the day or night with a baby is better. After the first few weeks, some infants may sleep more reliably at nighttime than they do during naptime travel. If you and your baby can sleep on the plane, a late-night flight may be the way to go.

More information

Travel Safety Tips

Holiday Travel Tips

Flying With Children Safely (FAA.gov)

Tips for Families and Links to Airline Webpages (U.S. Department of Transportation)

Destination-Specific Vaccine Recommendations for Travelers—Including Travelers with Children (CDC.gov)

Flying With a Baby? Here’s What to Know Before You Go

Medical review policy, latest update:, how old should a baby be to fly, read this next, what do children need to fly, tips for flying with an infant.

What to Expect the First Year , 3rd edition, Heidi Murkoff.  WhatToExpect.com, Do Babies Need Passports? , May 2019.  WhatToExpect.com, Should You Bring Your Child’s Car Seat on an Airplane? , August 2021. WhatToExpect.com, Your Ultimate Guide to Traveling While Breastfeeding , August 2020. American Academy of Pediatrics, Family Friendly Flying , November 2015.  American Academy of Pediatrics, Flying With Baby: Parent FAQs , November 2019.   American Airlines, Traveling With Children .  Delta Air Lines, Infant Air Travel , 2021.  Federal Aviation Administration, Flying With Children , March 2021.  Transportation Security Administration, Coronavirus (COVID-19) FAQ .  Transportation Security Administration, Identification .  Transportation Security Administration, Will Minors Need to Have a State ID to Fly Domestically? United Airlines, Traveling With Children , 2021.  U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Children – Child Traveling With One Parent or Someone Who Is Not a Parent or Legal Guardian or a Group , December 2019.

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• Infant and toddler health

Is air travel safe for an infant?

Air travel is typically safe for most healthy, full-term infants after the first few weeks. Air travel may not be a good idea for babies born before their due date, called premature or pre-term.

Babies born early may still need time for their lungs to mature. So check with a healthcare professional before flying in a pressurized cabin or visiting high-altitude places.

And any infant with heart or lung problems should be cleared for air travel by a healthcare professional.

As you plan your trip, here are some things to keep in mind, such as the baby's age, your health and some basics of flying.

The baby's age, overall health

Experts caution against flying in the first seven days after a baby is born. Some healthcare professionals suggest not traveling for the first few months.

In general, babies and adults face the same risk of exposure to illness from travel. But a baby's immune system is still learning how to protect against germs. And in most cases, a baby's illness needs to be more closely watched by a healthcare professional.

Caregiver health and planning

It is important for caregivers to think about their own health too. Flying with a child can cause added sleep loss and stress. And adults are at risk for new germs and illness, as well.

Finding out what illnesses are spreading in your area and where you're going can help you prepare and take thoughtful action. And basic things like handwashing are even more important to prevent the spread of germs while traveling.

The baby's ears

Offering a baby something to suck on may help relieve the baby's ear discomfort. You can offer the baby a breast, bottle or pacifier to suck on during takeoff and the start of the landing process. It might help to try to time feedings so that your baby is hungry during these times.

Ask a healthcare professional when it's safe to fly with babies who have had ear surgery or an ear infection.

Also, airplane cabin noise levels are loud, mainly during takeoff. Cotton balls, noise-canceling headphones or small earplugs may limit your baby's exposure to this noise. This may help make it easier for your baby to sleep.

The baby's safety seat

Most infant car seats are certified for air travel. Airlines often allow infants to ride on a caregiver's lap during flight. But the Federal Aviation Administration recommends that infants ride in properly secured safety seats.

If you choose not to purchase a ticket for your infant, ask about open seats when you board the plane. It's possible an open seat could be assigned to your infant.

Don't be tempted to give your baby medicine, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl, others), to help the baby sleep during the flight. The practice isn't recommended, and sometimes the medicine can have the opposite effect.

Jay L. Hoecker, M.D.

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• Jana LA, et al. Flying the family-friendly skies. In: Heading Home With Your Newborn: From Birth to Reality. 4th ed. American Academy of Pediatrics; 2020. https://www.aap.org/en/shopaap. Accessed Oct. 30, 2023.
• Newborn-flying and mountain travel. Pediatric Patient Education. https://publications.aap.org/patiented. Accessed Oct. 30, 2023.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Traveling safely with infants & children. In: CDC Yellow Book 2024. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2024/family/infants-and-children. Accessed Oct. 30, 2023.
• AskMayoExpert. Infant Fever. Accessed Nov. 18, 2023.
• Schmitt BD. Pediatric Telephone Protocols: Office Version. 17th ed. American Academy of Pediatrics; 2021.
• Child safety on airplanes. Federal Aviation Administration. https://www.faa.gov/travelers/fly_children/. Accessed Nov. 18, 2023.

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Tips for healthy travel with children

The smaller bodies and developing immune systems of children under the age of 15 make their travel health needs unique.

On this page

Visiting a health care provider, preparing for air travel, common illnesses, infections from insects and animals, environmental effects of travel, safety measures.

Consult your health care provider or one at a travel health clinic about your travel plans—preferably 6 weeks before you travel. There may be age limitations for some travel vaccines.

Remember to:

• discuss all your planned activities
• check your child’s routine vaccine schedule to make sure their vaccinations are up to date
• year-round in tropical regions
• November to April in the northern hemisphere
• April to October in the southern hemisphere
• the risk for most vaccine-preventable diseases is generally higher for all ages when travelling abroad
• vaccine-preventable diseases tend to be more severe in children than in adults
• children are often at a higher risk than adults of getting infections from other people and animals, especially if they have not received all their vaccinations
• if you are breastfeeding, discuss your vaccination options
• ask for age-specific advice on how often to apply insect repellent

Learn more about travel vaccinations.

Pack supplies to prevent illness and handle minor illness or injuries, such as cuts and insect bites and stings.

Air travel is safe for healthy infants and children, but ear pain due to changes in pressure during landing is more common in children than in adults.

To lessen the pain you can:

• bottle-feed or breastfeed infants
• encourage older children to chew gum, swallow or yawn

If you are travelling by air with a newborn who is 1 to 2 weeks old, check with the airline before flying. Some airlines won’t allow newborns to fly.

Learn more about travelling with children on a plane.

Children may be at risk of illness or infections while travelling outside Canada.

Learn about what to do if you or your child need medical attention.

Travellers' diarrhea

Travellers’ diarrhea is a common illness. Children with diarrhea become dehydrated more quickly than adults. You can prevent dehydration with an oral rehydration solution (ORS).

Seek medical attention if your child:

• appears to be severely dehydrated
• has bloody diarrhea
• has diarrhea and a high fever
• has diarrhea and persistent vomiting
• does not improve despite the use of ORS

Avoid using bismuth subsalicylate (for example, Pepto-Bismol) to treat diarrhea in:

• breastfeeding mothers

Learn more about the symptoms and treatment of travellers' diarrhea.

Illnesses transmitted in food and beverages

Food and beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites or viruses cause the most common illnesses among travellers.

If you are travelling with an infant, you can help prevent food- and water-borne diseases by:

• breastfeeding, if possible
• washing bottles, pacifiers, teething rings and toys in water that has been disinfected

Learn more about water treatment methods and avoiding contaminated food and drinks.

Illnesses transmitted in swimming water

Swimming in fresh, non-chlorinated water, such as that in ponds or lakes, can lead to diseases like schistosomiasis and leptospirosis.

Infected insects, such as mosquitoes, flies, fleas and ticks, spread many travel-related diseases. Use insect repellents containing DEET or icaridin (also known as picaridin) on exposed skin, but avoid applying them on children’s hands.

In areas with dengue or malaria, insect repellents are recommended for use even on children under the age of 6 months. Although insect repellents are not usually advised for children under 6 months, these diseases pose a greater risk to them than the potential adverse effects of repellents.

Use a bed net over playpens, cribs and strollers. Insecticide-treated clothing may be available to protect young children.

Learn more about preventing and reducing the risks of insect bites.

Malaria can be particularly severe for children.

• Visit a travel health care provider before travelling to a high-risk area to find out if anti-malarial medication is recommended
• Keep malaria tablets in childproof containers and out of the reach of children
• Crush malaria tablets and mix the powder with small amounts of food or drink to mask the taste
• Seek medical attention immediately if your child develops a fever while travelling to an area where malaria occurs—or up to a year after return from one—and tell your health care provider that your child has travelled there

Find out which areas have a risk of malaria.

Rabies is a deadly illness that spreads to humans through close contact with the saliva of infected animals.

If your child is bitten, scratched or licked on broken skin or mucous membranes – for example around eyes, nose and mouth:

• clean the area thoroughly by washing and flushing it with soap and water for at least 15 minutes
• seek medical assistance immediately to assess the risk and discuss treatment options

Learn more about the risks, symptoms and treatment of rabies.

Jet lag can develop after crossing multiple time zones. Children with jet lag may have difficulty falling asleep at night and may wake up earlier than usual.

• Encourage short daytime naps, since long daytime naps may worsen jet lag by making it difficult to fall asleep at night
• Help minimize jet lag by exposing your child to sunlight and having them follow their normal schedule in local time

Motion sickness

Motion sickness is a risk for children between the ages of 2 and 12.

Children may be able to lessen motion sickness by:

• avoiding reading while in a moving vehicle
• shutting their eyes or looking at the horizon

Altitude sickness

Altitude sickness can develop in children more quickly than adults. The signs and symptoms in children are often vague and may be confused with other illnesses. Medical authorities recommend that children not travel to altitudes higher than 2,500 m (8,200 feet) above sea level.

• Children with altitude sickness may vomit, lose their appetites or be irritable
• Older children may also complain of headaches, nausea or trouble breathing
• If you can’t avoid travelling to areas higher than 2,500 metres (8,200 feet), ascend a little at a time: no more than 300 metres (984 feet) per day, with a rest day every 1,000 metres (3,280 feet)

Driving and getting around at your destination

• If you’ll be driving and your child normally uses a booster seat, bring it with you, as booster seats may not be available at your destination
• Even if safety devices, like booster seats, seat belts and bike helmets, aren’t required at your destination, you should follow the practices recommended or legislated in Canada as closely as possible
• In areas with unpaved roads, consider using a carrier for your child rather than a stroller

Water sports

• Supervise your child when they are swimming or playing in the water, and make sure they’re wearing age-appropriate life jackets or personal floatation devices
• Consider bringing life jackets from home: they are not available in every country

Learn more about supervising children when they are in water.

Related links

• Consent letter for children travelling abroad
• Travel health kit checklist
• Sickness or injury
• Receiving medical care in other countries
• Well on Your Way - A Canadian’s Guide to Healthy Travel Abroad

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9 common questions about vaccines and travel

Joel Streed

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Travel does more than just transport you to a different place. It can broaden your perspective, increase your happiness, give you a chance to try new things, boost your creativity and help you recharge. Even planning a trip can be an exciting task. The anticipation of mapping an itinerary and scheduling your must-see attractions can bring a lot of joy and happiness.

One of the most important tasks before taking a trip is to make an appointment with a travel medicine specialist. These health care professionals help keep travelers safe and happy before and after their journeys.

Here are answers to common questions about travel medicine:

1. who should make an appointment with a travel medicine specialist.

Anyone planning a trip overseas can benefit from seeing a travel medicine specialist. However, a travel clinic appointment is critical if you are traveling to underdeveloped or developing countries where there's a higher risk of contracting severe communicable illnesses while abroad. It is also important for patients with certain medical conditions that make their immune systems weaker and more vulnerable to infectious diseases.

2. What vaccinations do I need to travel overseas?

All travelers should be vaccinated against the flu and current with COVID-19 vaccines and boosters.

In addition, it's important to complete the adult vaccination schedule that includes vaccinations for:

• Chickenpox (varicella)
• Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTP)
• Pneumococcal
• Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)

Additional vaccines may be recommended depending on your travel itinerary. For example, hepatitis A vaccination is recommended if you are traveling to Southeast Asia. During your appointment, we can discuss which vaccines are appropriate for your itinerary.

3. Are there travel destinations that have different vaccination recommendations?

Yes. Infectious diseases thrive in different climates. If you travel to a new climate, you may be exposed to diseases to which you don't have any immunity.

Some infections are more prevalent in tropical settings compared to temperate climates. For example, typhoid and hepatitis A are more common in Southeast Asia because these communicable diseases can be spread through contaminated water. Some areas of Africa and South America have a higher prevalence of yellow fever and malaria, which are mosquito-borne infections.

The  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)  has good information online for travelers for each travel destination.

Recommended vaccines may include:

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Japanese encephalitis
• Yellow fever

4. Can my primary care provider give me travel vaccinations?

It depends on your travel destinations and vaccine recommendations. I recommend starting the conversation with your primary care provider and reviewing the  CDC recommendations .

If you have a complex itinerary with multiple countries or are traveling to Southeast Asia or Africa, it's better to make an appointment at the travel clinic. I also would recommend patients with organ transplants and immunocompromising conditions seek travel medicine consultation to reduce the risk of illness during travel. During that appointment, we will review your itinerary, provide necessary vaccinations and discuss ways to prevent mosquito-borne or tick-borne diseases.

5. How long before my trip should I go to the travel clinic?

Plan to have an appointment at least four weeks before you travel. Some vaccines require several weeks for immunity to develop, while others require more than one dose of vaccine for full protection.

If your trip is to an underdeveloped or developing country, you may need to schedule an appointment up to two months in advance to receive a complete set of immunizations. This gives your body time to produce the protective antibodies, so you are well protected when you land at your destination.

6. Can I only go to the travel clinic before I travel?

No. The Travel and Tropical Medicine Clinic is available before or after travel. The team can provide consultative services and treatment if you get sick after you return home.

7. I'm going to an all-inclusive resort. Will I have a lower risk of getting sick?

Maybe, but no traveler should take safety for granted. Even in an all-inclusive resort, knowing how food is prepared or the water supply quality is not possible. Mosquitos and other insects could still be a concern. It's important to take all necessary precautions and follow vaccination recommendations when you travel, regardless of your accommodations.

8. How do I lower my risk of malaria when traveling?

Malaria is a disease caused by a parasite. It's spread to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Prophylactic malaria medications are available and are started before the travel, continued during the stay and for a certain duration after returning home. A travel medicine specialist can review the risks and benefits of all prevention and treatment options.

9. How do I stay healthy while traveling?

Nothing can ruin a trip like illness. Make sure all your vaccinations and boosters are up to date, and get any new vaccinations recommended for your destinations.

Food and water safety is important while traveling. Only eat well-cooked food. Avoid eating from roadside stands and uncooked foods, like salad and raw vegetables. Drink bottled beverages only, including bottled water. This is especially important if you travel in resource-limited regions, such as Southeast Asia or Africa.

Hand hygiene is important at home and overseas. Wash your hands often using soap and hot water. Avoid crowded places, follow respiratory etiquette and consider optional masking. Mosquitos and bugs can transmit parasites and diseases, like yellow fever and malaria. Use mosquito repellents. Mosquito nets may be appropriate in some parts of the world, as well.

As you make travel plans, schedule an appointment with a travel medicine specialist to get the vaccinations and information you need to be healthy and safe on your journey.

Raj Palraj, M.D. , is a physician in  Infectious Diseases  and  Travel and Tropical Medicine  in  La Crosse , Wisconsin.

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Baby and toddler travel: what you need to know before going ahead

Read time 6 minutes

While pre-baby journey prep involved chucking some things in a bag and a drink at the airport, travelling with a child can feel daunting. Here are some tips…

Travelling with a baby or toddler: the basics

If you want to stay put for a while when you have a newborn, that’s understandable and totally normal. But when you are ready to head off, you will have all kinds of fun and adventures. Here are some tips to help things go as smoothly as possible.

Baby and toddler travel essentials

Think about what you’ll need, particularly if the journey takes longer than planned. Stuff to tick off includes:

• drinks and snacks
• nappies, wipes and changing mat
• change of clothes.

(Which? 2018a, b)

Keep it all easily accessible and prep a few bags with one or two nappies, a small packet of wipes and some cream for easy dashes to the loo (Which? 2018a, b) .

Baby and toddler holiday essentials

Things you’ll probably need include:

• a lightweight buggy
• a baby carrier/ sling
• a travel cot
• a first-aid kit, medicines and sun protection
• travel blackout blinds.

If you're formula feeding, you'll also need to think about:

• a travel steriliser
• bottles and teats
• formula milk

(Which? 2018b)

See our guide  to sun safety for more tips. 

Travelling with a baby or toddler: top tips

• Try to organise your baby's passport in plenty of time (GOV.UK, 2018a) . NB: this will involve the most hilarious photoshoot of your life.
• If you are travelling to countries where you need a visa, you’ll need to sort that out too (GOV.UK, 2012) .
• Make sure you sort travel and health insurance before you go (annual family policies are often the best value) (GOV.UK, 2012) .
• Find out about required travel vaccinations (GOV.UK, 2012; Fit for travel, 2018)
• Try not to rush – this will make journeys way more stressful.
• It might be easier to go when your baby is young. Small babies are portable and often a lot more flexible than their toddler buddies. Usually infants must be at least two weeks old before they can travel although some airlines allow seven-day old infants on board. The booking policy differs from one airline to another, so it is important to check directly with the airlines (Which? c) . But three to seven months is a great window (The Guardian, 2005) .
• Book outside the school holidays if you can – way cheaper and less crowded. 
• You can make full use of the facilities: lots of airports have dedicated areas for entertaining children and have buggies you can use. Some airlines also let you keep your own pushchair with you right up to the boarding gate.
• Try to keep stuff you need for your baby or toddler in your hand luggage.
• It’s always good to check the weight limit for your airline before you travel.
• Children under two years old usually sit on your lap, so taking a cushion or blanket can help.
• On long-haul flights, you can request a bassinet for them to sleep in. Travelling at night can help them stick to their usual routines too.
• A baby carrier or sling  for very young children and a back/hip carrier for toddlers is great for walking babies up and down the aisles. It also keeps your hands free.
• It’s good to find out from the airport and your airline about the rules for fluids allowed through security and in cabin baggage.
• If you need transfers from the airport, check with your airline about taking your baby car seat, or arrange to hire one when you get there.
• If possible, sit in an easily accessible seat on the plane.
• Changing cabin pressure during take-off and landing can be uncomfortable for your children, you can ease the discomfort by feeding babies, giving toddlers a dummy and older children a sweet to suck on.
• You could attach a luggage label to your child’s clothing with their name and flight number on it.

(Baby Can Travel, 2018b; Which? 2018a, b)

By train or bus

• Try to avoid rush hour. This means the carriages and buses are less crowded and there will be extra seats.
• You’ll thank yourself for checking which train stations have lifts for pushchairs.
• Perhaps try to avoid quiet zones on trains – other passengers may not be sympathetic to a chatty toddler or crying baby.
• Try to use a sling or baby carrier rather than a buggy. It can be overwhelming arriving at a train station with a buggy, whereas using a sling will keep your hands free to find things like tickets.
• Sit near the toilets on trains as there’s often more space and flip-up seats for pushchair space. When you get off the train, watch gaps and get off backwards as it’s often safer.
• Plan the most direct route to avoid awkward train changes.
• Reserve a seat, choosing a window seat for older babies and toddlers to look out of.
• Pack a light bag with nappies, snacks and toys so you can stow other luggage in the rack. 
• Plan how you get from the train station to your final destination, e.g. whether you need to book a taxi with a baby seat. 

(My Train Ticket, 2018; TFL, 2018).

• Try to time your journey around nap times and stop for breaks if you need.
• If you need to, dispatch one parent to the back seat to keep your child company.
• Take window blinds for bright sunshine and music for bored children. Warning: be prepared for long stints of Twinkle Twinkle.
• Make sure you keep toys handy.
• Stock up on essentials like snacks, water, formula, extra bottles, extra soothers.
• Make sure your car seat meets all the safety criteria for your baby or toddler. Read our guidelines here  and how to fit it here.

(Baby Can Travel, 2018c)

This page was last reviewed in March 2019

Further information

Our support line offers practical and emotional support with feeding your baby and general enquiries for parents, members and volunteers: 0300 330 0700.

We also offer  antenatal courses   which are a great way to find out more about labour and life with a new baby. 

Baby Can Travel. (2018a) Airline perks for families with babies. Available at: https://www.babycantravel.com/2015/11/11/airline-perks-for-families-with-babies/ [Accessed 15th October 2018]

Baby Can Travel. (2018b) Inflight entertainment for babies and toddlers. Available at: https://www.babycantravel.com/2017/04/27/inflight-entertainment-for-babies-and-toddlers/ [Accessed 15th October 2018]

Baby Can Travel. (2018c) Road trip with a baby: 7 essential tips. Available at: https://www.babycantravel.com/2015/09/14/road-trip-with-a-baby-7-essential-tips/ [Accessed 15th October 2018]

Fit for travel. (2018) Travel health advice. Available at: https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home Accessed 15th October 2018]

GOV.UK. (2012) Checklist for travelling abroad. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/checklist-for-travellers--2 [Accessed 15th October 2018]

GOV.UK. (2018a) HM Passport Office. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-passport-office [Accessed 15th October 2018]

GOV.UK. (2018b) Apply for a European Health Insurance Card. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/european-health-insurance-card [Accessed 15th October 2018]

My Train Ticket. (2018) Travelling by train with children. Available at: http://www.mytrainticket.co.uk/travelling-with-children [Accessed 15th October 2018]

TFL. (2018) Getting around with your buggy. Available at: https://tfl.gov.uk/transport-accessibility/getting-around-with-your-buggy [Accessed 15th October 2018]

The Guardian. (2005) Have baby, won’t travel? Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2005/oct/22/familyholidays.family.guardiansaturdaytravelsection [Accessed 15th October 2018]

Which? (2018a) Top 10 baby and child travel tips. Available at: https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/travelling-with-children/article/travelling-with-children/top-10-baby-and-child-travel-tips [Accessed 15th October 2018]

Which? (2018b) Baby products to take on holiday. Available at: https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/travelling-with-children/article/travelling-with-children/baby-products-to-take-on-holiday [Accessed 15th October 2018]

Which? (2018c) What are my rights when flying with a baby? Available at: https://www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/advice/what-are-my-rights-when-flying-with-a-baby [Accessed 15th October 2018]

Information you can trust from NCT

When it comes to content, our aim is simple: every parent should have access to information they can trust.

All of our articles have been thoroughly researched and are based on the latest evidence from reputable and robust sources. We create our articles with NCT antenatal teachers, postnatal leaders and breastfeeding counsellors, as well as academics and representatives from relevant organisations and charities.

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Travel vaccination advice

If you're planning to travel outside the UK, you may need to be vaccinated against some of the serious diseases found in other parts of the world.

Vaccinations are available to protect you against infections such as yellow fever , typhoid and hepatitis A .

In the UK, the  NHS routine immunisation (vaccination) schedule protects you against a number of diseases, but does not cover all of the infectious diseases found overseas.

When should I start thinking about the vaccines I need?

If possible, see the GP or a private travel clinic at least 6 to 8 weeks before you're due to travel.

Some vaccines need to be given well in advance to allow your body to develop immunity.

And some vaccines involve a number of doses spread over several weeks or months.

You may be more at risk of some diseases, for example, if you're:

• travelling in rural areas
• backpacking
• staying in hostels or camping
• on a long trip rather than a package holiday

If you have a pre-existing health problem, this may make you more at risk of infection or complications from a travel-related illness.

Which travel vaccines do I need?

You can find out which vaccinations are necessary or recommended for the areas you'll be visiting on these websites:

• Travel Health Pro
• NHS Fit for Travel

Some countries require proof of vaccination (for example, for polio or yellow fever vaccination), which must be documented on an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) before you enter or when you leave a country.

Saudi Arabia requires proof of vaccination against certain types of meningitis for visitors arriving for the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages.

Even if an ICVP is not required, it's still a good idea to take a record of the vaccinations you have had with you.

Find out more about the vaccines available for travellers abroad

Where do I get my travel vaccines?

First, phone or visit the GP practice or practice nurse to find out whether your existing UK vaccinations are up-to-date.

If you have any records of your vaccinations, let the GP know what you have had previously.

The GP or practice nurse may be able to give you general advice about travel vaccinations and travel health, such as protecting yourself from malaria.

They can give you any missing doses of your UK vaccines if you need them.

Not all travel vaccinations are available free on the NHS, even if they're recommended for travel to a certain area.

If the GP practice can give you the travel vaccines you need but they are not available on the NHS, ask for:

• written information on what vaccines are needed
• the cost of each dose or course
• any other charges you may have to pay, such as for some certificates of vaccination

You can also get travel vaccines from:

• private travel vaccination clinics
• pharmacies offering travel healthcare services

Which travel vaccines are free?

The following travel vaccines are available free on the NHS from your GP surgery:

• polio (given as a combined diphtheria/tetanus/polio jab )
• hepatitis A

These vaccines are free because they protect against diseases thought to represent the greatest risk to public health if they were brought into the country.

Which travel vaccines will I have to pay for?

You'll have to pay for travel vaccinations against:

• hepatitis B
• Japanese encephalitis
• tick-borne encephalitis
• tuberculosis (TB)
• yellow fever

Yellow fever vaccines are only available from designated centres .

The cost of travel vaccines that are not available on the NHS will vary, depending on the vaccine and number of doses you need.

It's worth considering this when budgeting for your trip.

Other things to consider

There are other things to consider when planning your travel vaccinations, including:

• your age and health – you may be more vulnerable to infection than others; some vaccines cannot be given to people with certain medical conditions
• working as an aid worker – you may come into contact with more diseases in a refugee camp or helping after a natural disaster
• working in a medical setting – a doctor, nurse or another healthcare worker may require additional vaccinations
• contact with animals – you may be more at risk of getting diseases spread by animals, such as rabies

If you're only travelling to countries in northern and central Europe, North America or Australia, you're unlikely to need any vaccinations.

But it's important to check that you're up-to-date with routine vaccinations available on the NHS.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Speak to a GP before having any vaccinations if:

• you're pregnant
• you think you might be pregnant
• you're breastfeeding

In many cases, it's unlikely a vaccine given while you're pregnant or breastfeeding will cause problems for the baby.

But the GP will be able to give you further advice about this.

People with immune deficiencies

For some people travelling overseas, vaccination against certain diseases may not be advised.

This may be the case if:

• you have a condition that affects your body's immune system, such as HIV or AIDS
• you're receiving treatment that affects your immune system, such as chemotherapy
• you have recently had a bone marrow or organ transplant

A GP can give you further advice about this.

Non-travel vaccines

As well as getting any travel vaccinations you need, it's also a good opportunity to make sure your other vaccinations are up-to-date and have booster vaccines if necessary.

Although many routine NHS vaccinations are given during childhood, you can have some of them (such as the MMR vaccine ) as an adult if you missed getting vaccinated as a child.

There are also some extra NHS vaccinations for people at higher risk of certain illnesses, such as the flu vaccine , the hepatitis B vaccine and the BCG vaccine for tuberculosis (TB) .

Your GP can advise you about any NHS vaccinations you might need.

Find out about NHS vaccinations and when to have them

Page last reviewed: 16 March 2023 Next review due: 16 March 2026

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When is it safe to fly with a newborn baby?

It's not always a clear-cut answer. Here's what you should know about flying with a baby before booking a plane ticket.

When is it safe to fly with a newborn?

What to consider before flying with a newborn, how to keep your newborn safe when you fly.

When my husband and I decided to settle in an Asian city more than 8,000 miles away from our American family and friends on the East Coast, we did so knowing that we wanted to have children and that one day, those kids would have to get on a very long flight. We welcomed a son in July, and when he was 5 months old, we embarked on the 14-hour flight home for the holidays. Amid our worries about irritating other passengers and maintaining our own sanity, there was of course the question: Was a flight this long even safe or healthy for him ?

I could pack my own sanitizer, wear a mask, and try to keep him from mouthing the seat belt flap and tray table – but there are limits to how much any of that could really help when traveling during RSV, COVID, and flu season . Introducing my baby to my 95-year-old grandmother in New Jersey was intensely important to me, though, so I was determined to figure out how to keep him safe. 

Not everyone might face the stakes (or distance) that I have with my baby, but figuring out when a baby can fly is a common question many parents face. 

There are two aspects to consider before booking a flight with your little one: what an airline will allow and what is actually medically recommended. 

What the airlines say

It's easy to find different carriers' policies on infants by checking their websites. Delta Opens a new window and American Opens a new window will allow newborns under a week old if they travel with a doctor's note, while United Opens a new window has a minimum of 1 week old , and JetBlue Opens a new window and Southwest Opens a new window permit babies 2 weeks old . 

What doctors say

"It's not advisable at all to travel with a newborn, especially on an airplane that is enclosed with so many people," says Karin Nielsen-Saines, M.D. Opens a new window , a professor of clinical pediatrics in the division of infectious diseases at UCLA Children's Hospital. "First, if they get sick, they have absolutely no immunity. And second, if they have any slight illness, or even a low-grade fever , they'll need to be brought to the hospital for a whole septic work-up, which entails being admitted for 48 to 72 hours. It's traumatic for everyone: parents and baby."

That's why you're unlikely to get a doctor's clearance to travel with a newborn unless it's an absolute emergency.

After those first few weeks, the advice becomes a bit more equivocal. "There's definitely some personal decision-making and risk-taking involved with flying with a newborn or an infant, but not a hard-and-fast rule," says Mary Carol Burkhardt, M.D., M.H.A. Opens a new window , a primary care pediatrician with the division of general and community pediatrics at Cincinnati Children's Hospital. "Babies face the same exposures when flying as adults do, but their immune systems are not as developed. Many people may feel more safe flying after a baby is [initially] vaccinated, which typically happens around 2 months of age."

Not all vaccines happen at that 2-month mark, though. "A child would not be really fully, totally protected against the most common pathogens until 7 months of age because then they would have received their primary immunization series – the ones they get at 2, 4, and 6 months," says Dr. Nielsen-Saines. Around 6 months, babies can also get their shots for seasonal illnesses like the flu , COVID , and RSV . "But the truth of the matter is that there's a risk, right? And the risk is potentially higher between September to April," she adds. 

Those two milestones – around 2 months and 6 months – are observed by the American Academy of Pediatrics as well, which recommends Opens a new window rethinking travel with infants under 6 months of age and avoiding any trips with those under 2 months . 

Your baby's health

As noted, flying is particularly dangerous for babies because their immune systems haven't developed enough to fight off the germs potentially found on a flight. That's true of all infants, but if a baby was born preterm or with any significant illnesses, parents should exercise more caution before hitting the skies, Dr. Burkhardt says. 

Beyond the dangers posed by pathogens, flying itself can bother babies. "As the plane climbs or descends, the differences in pressure can cause discomfort or pain to children," says Dr. Nielsen-Saines. "When you have young children or infants screaming when a plane is taking off or landing, it usually has to do with ear pain."

To alleviate that pain, you can have your baby suck on a pacifier, nurse, or take a bottle during takeoff and landing to mitigate some discomfort. Luckily, it's temporary and nothing to worry about long term, but with one big exception: if a baby or child has an ear infection when traveling . Though it's rare, "the pressurization could cause the tympanic membrane to rupture," Dr. Nielsen-Saines says. If you suspect or know your baby has an ear infection and there's a trip on the books, you should consult your doctor and very likely consider postponing to avoid that risk (or a lot of the pain, at the very least). 

Though babies under 2 years of age are allowed to fly seated on their parents' laps – and thus without a seat and ticket of their own – on most airlines around the world, most experts recommend strapping a baby into a car seat or other child-restraining device for air travel. In the event of turbulence, it can be difficult for an adult to maintain their grip on a child, with potentially devastating results. 

Airline-provided bassinets, too, which really only help the comfort of a baby and parent, not their safety; they're not designed to restrain a child, so you'd have to remove your baby from the bassinet and hold them when experiencing turbulence. 

Reserving a bassinet does mean you'd likely end up seated in the bulkhead row, and "bulkhead seats are better because there's more space for the baby at the front, and more space for the parents as well," says Dr. Nielsen-Saines. In case you're wondering, there is no one area or row of the plane that is safer or more dangerous for babies – except for the exit row, where only able-bodied adults are allowed to sit in case of an emergency.

Logistical considerations

Among the biggest stressors of flying is strategizing how and when to take care of your baby's basic needs. Feeding, changing, and sleeping can be terribly difficult on a plane. You have to keep breast milk cold (and then potentially get it warm) or prepare bottles of formula. Even changing a diaper on a plane can require advance planning.  

Plus, travel disrupts a child's (often precious) routines. While it's not inherently damaging to their health, it can end up frustrating both you and your baby. " Changes with time zones are very hard for infants and young kids to reorient to," says Dr. Burkhardt. "Parents should be prepared that the child may act differently: They may sleep slightly less or more, they may eat slightly less or more, because their routine has been interrupted. Give them some grace in that."

A mother's own health

Just as there are many medical reasons why a newborn shouldn't fly, a new mom should also keep her health in mind before traveling postpartum . C-section incisions or perineal tears that still have stitches might make it painful to spend a lot of time in an airplane seat with a seatbelt on, while postpartum bleeding (and the accompanying diaper or pads) can also make things uncomfortable. Additionally, "Moms who have had surgical deliveries tend to have more gas at high altitudes, and with the changes in pressure, you might get more abdominal distension and pain," Dr. Nielsen-Saines says. 

A lack of sleep, too, brought on not only by parenting an infant but also disruptions in routine and potential time zone changes can impact a parent's immune system, she adds. "It takes a toll on your immune system to be fatigued," Dr. Nielsen-Saines explains. "There's an association between [exhaustion] and being more prone to respiratory infections." 

This can ultimately affect your baby: "When the parents get sick, it's more likely the child will get sick. It all goes together."

Even with these concerns in mind, there will always be reasons – and desire – to fly with a baby. Thankfully, there are ways to mitigate some of the risks:

Sanitize everything. Bring some easily accessible sanitizer bottles or wipes to clean off your own hands, baby's hands, tray tables, windows, armrests, and anything else a kid might touch. 

Keep your distance. "Avoid the more crowded places in the airport while you're waiting, to the extent that you can, to decrease exposures whenever possible," Dr. Burkhardt says. When you're on the plane, keep the overhead fan on for extra ventilation. 

Stay hydrated.  "It is easier to dehydrate on a plane, as the environmental conditions are different and the air is very dry," says Dr. Nielsen-Saines. Dehydration can cause health problems including dizziness, fatigue, and headaches, and even a mild case can make an uncomfortable situation feel worse. Make sure both you and your baby get enough fluids while flying.

Layer up. "Dress your child in layers, because temperatures are super variable [on flights]," adds Dr. Burkhardt. 

Consider headphones. The background noise on an airplane won't harm your infant's ears – it might even prove soothing . But if your baby is particularly noise-sensitive, consider using noise-canceling headphones made for infants, Dr. Burkhardt advises. (That said, the need to wrestle them onto a baby's head, and keep them there, might prove another obstacle to peaceful rest. )

One common bit of advice that Dr. Burkhardt urges parents not to take? "Sometimes parents ask us about medicating the baby for a flight , with, say, Benadryl, and that is something that we would recommend against," she says. "That would not be a way to help a baby sleep." Otherwise, buckle up you and your baby, and buckle down – you got this. 

As for my own journey, flying with the little guy was stressful in all the ways I’d imagined, and some I hadn’t (trying to remove him from the carrier while also opening all our bags while also removing my shoes when going through security, for one!). We consulted with our pediatrician, donned masks, sanitized hands and toys and tray tables, nursed often, and ultimately kept every possible finger crossed. Our baby stayed healthy, and getting that moment with my grandmother near a twinkly Christmas tree was absolutely priceless. 

Was this article helpful?

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BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. When creating and updating content, we rely on credible sources: respected health organizations, professional groups of doctors and other experts, and published studies in peer-reviewed journals. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're seeing. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies .

American Academy of Pediatrics. Tips for Traveling with Young Ones this Holiday Season. https://www.aap.org/en/news-room/news-releases/health--safety-tips/american-academy-of-pediatrics-tips-for-traveling-with-young-ones-this-holiday-season/ Opens a new window [Accessed January 2024]

Delta. Infant Air Travel. https://www.delta.com/us/en/children-infant-travel/infant-travel Opens a new window [Accessed January 2024]

American Airlines. Traveling with children. https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/special-assistance/traveling-children.jsp Opens a new window [Accessed January 2024]

United Airlines. Traveling with children. https://www.united.com/en/us/fly/travel/accessibility-and-assistance/traveling-with-children.html Opens a new window [Accessed January 2024]

JetBlue. Traveling with lap infants. https://www.jetblue.com/help/traveling-with-lap-infants Opens a new window [Accessed January 2024]

Southwest Airlines. Traveling with an infant. https://www.southwest.com/help/flying-with-children/flying-with-infants Opens a new window [Accessed January 2024]

Mary Carol Burkhardt, M.D., M.H.A. Opens a new window , a primary care pediatrician with the division of general and community pediatrics at Cincinnati Children's Hospital

Karin Nielsen-Saines, M.D. Opens a new window , a professor of clinical pediatrics in the division of infectious diseases at UCLA Children's Hospital

Kaitlin Menza is a contributing writer at BabyCenter. After over a decade in New York City, she recently relocated to Taipei, Taiwan.

Where to go next

Plan for Travel

Measles cases in the United States originate from unvaccinated international travelers.

If you plan to travel internationally, make sure you and your loved ones are protected against measles before departure, no matter where you are going.

Planning a trip outside the U.S.?

Find out if you need measles vaccine

Which travelers are at risk?

You are at risk of measles infection if you have not been fully vaccinated or have not had measles in the past and you travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

Before international travel: Make sure you’re protected against measles

The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from measles is by getting vaccinated. You should plan to be fully vaccinated at least 2 weeks before you depart. If your trip is less than 2 weeks away and you’re not protected against measles, you should still get a dose of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine . The MMR vaccine protects against all 3 diseases.

• Two doses of MMR vaccine provide 97% protection against measles.
• One dose provides 93% protection.

Call your doctor, your local health department, or locate a pharmacy or clinic near you to schedule an appointment for a MMR vaccine. CDC does not recommend measles vaccine for infants younger than 6 months of age.

• Get an early dose at 6 through 11 months
• Follow the recommended schedule and get another dose at 12 through 15 months and a final dose at 4 through 6 years
• Get first dose immediately
• Get second dose 28 days after first dose

* Acceptable evidence of immunity against measles includes at least one of the following:

• Written documentation of adequate vaccination
• Laboratory evidence of immunity
• Laboratory confirmation of measles, or
• Birth in the United States before 1957

If you and your children are not traveling internationally, follow CDC’s routinely recommended vaccine schedule .

After international travel: Watch for measles

Watch your health for 3 weeks after you return . Measles is highly contagious and can spread to others through coughing and sneezing .

• If one person has measles, 9 out of 10 people around that person will also become infected if they are not protected.
• People who are infected can spread measles to others from 4 days before a rash develops through 4 days after the rash appears.
• High fever (may spike to more than 104° F)
• Runny nose (coryza)
• Red, watery eyes ( conjunctivitis or pink eye )
• Rash (3-5 days after symptoms begin)

If you or your child gets sick with a rash and fever, call your doctor. Tell them you traveled abroad, and whether you have received MMR vaccine.

What countries are having measles outbreaks?

Measles remains a common disease in many parts of the world, including Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. Each year, an estimated 128,000 people die from measles. Many countries and popular travel destinations have experienced measles outbreaks in recent years, including the UK, Israel, India, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Ukraine, the Philippines, and more.

For additional information on where measles outbreaks are occurring globally, visit: Global Measles Outbreaks (cdc.gov)

Before your next trip, check your destination and CDC’s global travel notices .

How do measles outbreaks start in the United States?

In the United States, measles cases originate from international travel. The disease is brought into the United States by unvaccinated people who get infected in other countries. Typically 2 out of 3 of these unvaccinated travelers are Americans. They can spread measles to other people who are not protected against measles, which sometimes leads to outbreaks.

Since measles is still common in many countries, unvaccinated travelers bring measles to the United States, and it can spread. Protect yourself, your family, and your community with the MMR vaccine, especially before traveling internationally.

Do not travel if you are sick. Call your doctor immediately if you think you or your child have been exposed to measles.

Signs and Symptoms

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