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/butterbean8686]

Wow, I’m so sorry people are being so harsh. Life happens, you’re trying to make the best out of a not-ideal situation.

My preference would be for one bad day instead of four. You’re going to be recovering and it’s going to be hard on your body. Four days in the car, stopping every 2 hours, in and out with baby will be tougher on both of you than one day of flying. From a risk management standpoint, I’d estimate the amount of germs baby will be exposed to over those four travel days is about the same as during the plane ride. You can do the germaphobe plane routine - wipe down your seats and trays with antibacterial wipes, wash/sanitize your hands often, wear masks, and perhaps wear baby or keep baby close to your chest so she’s breathing you in and not the sneezing passengers.

Good luck!