Q&A Forum

30/7/25

Rhian

I will be moving from Sydney to Brisbane when my baby will be approximately 7 weeks old. My first thought was to get a plane as it is the quickest way to get there. But I'm worried about such a young baby being on a plane with all the germs. A midwife told me if we drive he will be fine in a car capsule, as we will be stopping every 2 hours anyway for a feed and to let him have a stretch. We will split the drive into 2 days and will stop every 2 hours to feed, change and have a good stretch for as long as we need to. Im after any more advice you can give me, how long you recommend we stop for, and any suggestions on how we can safely get our baby to brisbane. Would we be better off getting a plane there as it is a shorter travel time, as driving will mean that over the 2 days he will spend a total of about 12 hours in a car capsule.

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Posted a response on 4/8/25

Red Nose Education

There is no specific information available that gives an exact time that is a “safe” limit for a baby in a car capsule
(or whether a shorter time in a plane is less risk than a longer time in a car.)
All the research information states not to leave a baby sleeping for “extended periods” in a car seat/capsule, due to the risk of baby’ sleeping with chin on chest position as this can cause obstruction of airways in some babies.
https://rednose.org.au/article/are-there-recommendations-for-car-seat-or-baby-seat-use

Raising Children Network.
https://raisingchildren.net.au/newborns/sleep/sleep-safety/baby-airway-protection

I would recommend you check with the Airline you are travelling with to find out their requirements about what they provide for infants to travel safely in a plane.
QANTAS
https://www.qantas.com/au/en/travel-info/children/child-restraints.html?
int_cam=au:children:article:child-car-seats-and-restraints:en:nn 

VIRGIN
https://www.virginaustralia.com/au/en/travel-info/specific-travel/children/   - see special infant items.

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