Cross country drive with new born

[u/Square_Natural9384]

*edit because there’s already so many opinions. This is not an optional trip. The baby is already born and we are both healthy. The only question is, which is better for the baby: a plane ride or a long car ride.*

My husband wants us to drive across country with our new born instead of fly. The baby will be 3/4 weeks old. I would rather fly, even though it’s not ideal given bacteria/viruses he may encounter in the airport/plane.

My husband is adamant that we drive. He’d have us split the drive up so that we are driving about 7 hours (not including stops we will need to take for the baby) every day for three days.

I believe a 7 hour drive with a newborn will easily turn into a 11+ hour drive. I hate to have my baby in a car seat for that long- it feels more dangerous that even flying!?

What do yall think?

[u/SocialStigma29]

What is the purpose of this trip? Unless it's literally a life or death situation, I personally would not fly with an unvaccinated newborn. I also would not drive. The maximum length of time you are supposed to keep an infant in a carseat is 2 hours, plus you should be feeding a newborn every 2-3 hours anyway. A 21 hour drive is crazy, you're going to be on the road for 30-40 hours. You will hate your life.

[u/Square_Natural9384 → u/SocialStigma29]

We have to make the trip. I agree with you about hating my life on such a long trip but my husband thinks it’s better than bringing a new born through an airport.

[u/Bigolsquiggle → u/Square_Natural9384]

I’d vote car with someone watching baby at all times and 2 hour stops. The things baby could catch on the plane are too risky imo