You should be aware of the signs and symptoms of altitude sickness.    Make sure your child is nursing/feeding on her regular schedule, that your baby is well hydrated, and their temperature is kept at a constant.  The best way is to gradually go up in altitude. Of course, that is hard if you are arriving at a high altitude by airplane.

Also, you should monitor yourself or buddy up with someone else to make sure you are well fed, hydrated, and that your temperature is normal.  If you are having a bit of altitude sickness you may not be has sharp in realizing your child has issues.

That said, traveling at altitude for most adults and children should be completely fine.  7,000 feet is not that high, in fact it is rare to have significant altitude sickness under 8,000 feet.  Take it easy on the first few days. Most people who visit us from the east coast have mild headaches on the second day of their stay and may be more out of breath, but after that they are fine.  Since your newborn will not be exercising, they should be fine.

If you suspect that your child has mild altitude sickness either move to a lower elevation or if that is not possible go to the hospital.

Here are some resources to read:

You can check out Medicine for Mountaineering starting on page 266

 Baby Center has an article on the subject. The article is simple and to the point.

International Society for Mountain Medicine has extensive reporting on the subject.

Have a great trip.  It is always good to ask questions so that you are well informed.

Heidi Ahrens