Q: How soon is it safe to travel with a newborn?

A: Wait until your baby is 2 to 3 months old before flying, advises Paul Horowitz, MD, a pediatrician in Valencia, California and member of the American Academy of Pediatrics. By then, your baby’s immune system should be developed enough to fight oncoming germs, which are undoubtedly plentiful considering that the air on planes gets re-circulated.

If you’re traveling by car, you get the green light immediately. “Car rides are fine for a newborn as long as everyone else in the car is well,” says Dr. Horowitz. But plan to make stops every 30 to 60 minutes to check on your baby and make sure she’s comfortable.

See our related reports on play yards, car seats, and our Kids & car safety guide for more information.