There are a few different concerns while flying with a newborn. Parents usually ask me if flying is okay for their ears. Yes, it is. No problem with their ears. My biggest concern for anyone flying is the likelihood of catching a respiratory illness because of the poor ventilation. I know that I usually end up with the sniffles after a plane-trip. This is worse for young babies because even common cold virus can cause a significant respiratory problem for young lungs. Frequent hand washing is important after moving about the plane. Most colds are caught by touching infective mucous from somebody else, and then rubbing your own eyes or nose. So, keep your hands away from your face. As the plane descends, your child’s ears will start to plug up from the increased air pressure; this can be painful – but is not harmful. Drinking can help open the eustachian tubes to equalize the pressure in the middle ear.