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Baby on board Keeping baby safe and comfortable while traveling BY MEGHAN FITZPATRICK-BORODEN W ith summer vacation season upon us, you may be feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of traveling with your wee one. When your baby makes three or more passengers, traveling can have additional complexities, but there certainly is no reason to pack the luggage away in the attic indefinitely. Despite the economy, the multibillion-dollar leisure travel industry indicates families aren't staying home. According to recently released statistics by the U.S. Travel Association, family travelers, adults traveling with children or grandchildren, account for 30 percent of the industry. Ask about kid-friendly accommodations Local travel expert, Teresa Tavernise, of Warwick Valley Travel in Orange County explains that resorts, cruise lines and airlines are now accommodating families with very young children. Many airlines allow babies less than one month old to fly. Cruise ships generally welcome babies as young as 6 months, though Disney Cruise Line accepts babies as young as 12 weeks. But how can parents tell when their child is too young to travel? Is it safe to travel? Pediatrician Barbara Gannon, MD, of Washingtonville Pediatrics in Orange County, discourages travel before your baby's first round of immunizations at eight weeks. "In environments where the air is 38 Hudson Valley Parent June 2013 recirculated, such as on airplanes, there is a greater risk of contracting an airborne illness that vaccines help protect against," explains Gannon. Even after eight weeks, Gannon, advises parents to talk to their pediatrician before embarking on a trip. Your child's doctor might recommend additional vaccinations depending on your final destination. Gannon also recommends referencing the 'Travelers Health' tools on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's website, (cdc.gov) including one that shows what illnesses are threats in each nation. Prepare for the unpredictable! When booking a vacation, bear in mind how unpredictable life with a baby can be. Tavernise, a travel agent with more than 30 years experience, urges parents not to overlook the potential for a last