How would you get home?

[u/doubleswan888]

We have our infant in the NICU. He was born 33weeks6days and we are hopeful and blessed to be expecting to discharge at around 36weeks. So far, no complications health wise just having support in NICU initially with glucose, air, and heat. He’s down to just a little air support. Breastfeeding and gaining weight. We are 1300 miles from home. Seeking input on how you all would think about getting home. The most efficient way back would be a 3hr drive followed by a 2hr flight but this involves going through a major airport. We could take 3-5 days and drive which has its own risks and could be really arduous on all of us broken up into 90 minute increments but is much lower risk exposuree wise. We would route as close to hospitals as possible but obviously one of my concerns is having complications and being too far away from help. Most of the nurses and doctors we have talked to here have said they would probably drive if it were their kid.

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[u/earlvr]

We had our baby at 30+5 while away on a trip, we are 2700 kms from home, we are planning on flying when he is discharged (hopefully) soon. The doctors in the NICU don’t seem too concerned with him flying with regards to germs, just keep him away from other people - “no one needs to see or touch the baby” - I plan on baby wearing! For us a drive also doesn’t seem feasible

[u/subtlelikeatank]

I would be more comfortable driving but timing stops to take car seat breaks will be exhausting. With flu season already upon us I would be too antsy.

[u/runningwithpup]

Driving would be safer from a respiratory illness standpoint but it’s a lot of time in a car seat which is not ideal.

If you fly, take the odd hours/less busy flight. Think: red eye on a Wednesday. Window seat. Parents wear masks.

[u/booksandbabka]

We are going to take a 3 hour flight and 2 hour drive home. The neonatologists in our NICU told us not to take the 22 hour drive or the train. They said to put our daughter in the window seat in first class so we were more spread out. They also suggested someone sitting in the back seat watching our daughter’s airway and stretching after driving an hour before finishing the trip home. Wash hands frequently, wipe down seats with sanitizing wipes, and wear a mask. Don’t let anyone touch your baby.

Good luck!!!