Altitude Sickness in Babies
Content reviewed against published AAP, CDC guidelines
Last reviewed:
If your baby has been diagnosed with or you suspect altitude sickness in babies, here is what the evidence says.
The short answer
Babies and toddlers can experience altitude sickness when traveling above 5,000-8,000 feet (1,500-2,500 meters). Symptoms are harder to recognize in infants because they cannot describe how they feel. Watch for unusual fussiness, poor feeding, disrupted sleep, vomiting, and fast breathing. Gradual ascent is the best prevention. Most pediatricians recommend avoiding sleeping at very high altitudes (above 8,000 feet) with infants when possible, and descending immediately if symptoms appear.
Key takeaways
- Babies and toddlers can experience altitude sickness when traveling above 5,000-8,000 feet (1,500-2,500 meters). Symptoms are harder to recognize in infants because they cannot describe how they feel. Watch for unusual fussiness, poor feeding, disrupted sleep, vomiting, and fast breathing. Gradual ascent is the best prevention. Most pediatricians recommend avoiding sleeping at very high altitudes (above 8,000 feet) with infants when possible, and descending immediately if symptoms appear.
- Usually normal when: Your baby is slightly fussier than usual for the first 1-2 days at altitude but adjusts and returns to normal behavior
- Call your doctor if: Your baby has severe breathing difficulty, blue-tinged lips or fingertips (cyanosis), extreme lethargy, or is unresponsive — descend immediately and seek emergency medical care
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“Fever itself is not an illness — rather, it is a sign or symptom that the body is fighting an infection. Fever stimulates certain defenses, such as the white blood cells, which attack and destroy invading bacteria.”
Parents everywhere have the same worry. You are doing the right thing by looking into it.
By Age
What to expect by age
0-3 months
Very young babies are particularly vulnerable because their respiratory and cardiovascular systems are still immature. Avoid unnecessary travel to high altitudes with newborns. If you live at high altitude, your baby will acclimate naturally. If visiting high altitude, ascend gradually and watch for increased fussiness, poor feeding, or rapid breathing.
3-6 months
Babies at this age can tolerate moderate altitudes (up to 5,000-6,000 feet) well with gradual ascent. Watch for changes in feeding patterns, sleep disruption, or unusual irritability. Keep the baby well hydrated with extra feedings. Avoid rapid ascent above 8,000 feet.
6-12 months
Older babies can handle moderate altitude travel. Allow 1-2 days to acclimate before going higher. Increase fluid intake through extra breastfeeding or formula. Monitor closely at elevations above 6,000-8,000 feet. If your baby shows signs of distress, descend to a lower altitude.
12 months+
Toddlers may show altitude sickness through vomiting, loss of appetite, excessive tiredness, or unusual crankiness. They may also have difficulty sleeping at altitude. Gradual ascent, staying well hydrated, and allowing rest periods are key. Toddlers are more communicative and may point to their head or tummy if feeling unwell.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your baby is slightly fussier than usual for the first 1-2 days at altitude but adjusts and returns to normal behavior
- Your baby or toddler has mildly disrupted sleep for the first night or two at altitude
- Your baby feeds slightly more or less than usual during altitude adjustment
- Your toddler seems a bit tired for the first day at high altitude
- Your baby has persistent vomiting, significantly reduced feeding, or seems unusually lethargic at high altitude
- Your baby or toddler has noticeably fast or labored breathing at altitude that does not improve with rest
- Symptoms have not improved after 24-48 hours at the same altitude
- Your baby has severe breathing difficulty, blue-tinged lips or fingertips (cyanosis), extreme lethargy, or is unresponsive — descend immediately and seek emergency medical care
- Your baby shows signs of high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) — persistent cough, rapid breathing at rest, chest congestion — this requires immediate descent and emergency treatment
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Altitude Sickness in Babies.
Things to mention
- Your baby has persistent vomiting, significantly reduced feeding, or seems unusually lethargic at high altitude
- Your baby or toddler has noticeably fast or labored breathing at altitude that does not improve with rest
- Symptoms have not improved after 24-48 hours at the same altitude
Observations to share
- Your baby has persistent vomiting, significantly reduced feeding, or seems unusually lethargic at high altitude
- Your baby or toddler has noticeably fast or labored breathing at altitude that does not improve with rest
- Symptoms have not improved after 24-48 hours at the same altitude
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Your baby has severe breathing difficulty, blue-tinged lips or fingertips (cyanosis), extreme lethargy, or is unresponsive — descend immediately and seek emergency medical care
- Your baby shows signs of high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) — persistent cough, rapid breathing at rest, chest congestion — this requires immediate descent and emergency treatment
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
Related Conditions
Flying with Baby (Ear Pressure)
Ear pain during flights is caused by changes in cabin air pressure during takeoff and landing. Babies cannot intentionally equalize the pressure in their ears like adults can, which can cause significant discomfort and crying. Feeding (breast or bottle), using a pacifier, or encouraging swallowing during ascent and descent helps equalize ear pressure. Most pediatricians consider flying safe for healthy babies after the first 1-2 weeks of life.
Cold Weather Outdoor Safety
Babies lose heat faster than adults because of their large head-to-body ratio and limited ability to shiver or regulate body temperature. The AAP recommends dressing babies in one more layer than an adult would wear in the same conditions. Avoid prolonged outdoor exposure when wind chill is below 0°F (-18°C). Cover extremities well (hands, feet, ears, head) and watch for signs of hypothermia or frostbite. Brief outdoor time in moderately cold weather is safe and healthy with proper clothing.
Related Resources
Frequently asked questions
Is altitude sickness in babies normal?
When should I call the doctor about altitude sickness in babies?
When is altitude sickness in babies normal?
What causes altitude sickness in babies?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about altitude sickness in babies?
Is altitude sickness in babies normal at 0-3 months?
Is altitude sickness in babies normal at 3-6 months?
Should I go to the ER for altitude sickness in babies?
Does altitude sickness in babies go away on its own?
References
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of altitude sickness in babies are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your baby has severe breathing difficulty, blue-tinged lips or fingertips (cyanosis), extreme lethargy, or is unresponsive — descend immediately and seek emergency medical care.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
Was this page helpful?
Related Medical Concerns
Flying with Baby (Ear Pressure)
Ear pain during flights is caused by changes in cabin air pressure during takeoff and landing. Babies cannot intentionally equalize the pressure in their ears like adults can, which can cause significant discomfort and crying. Feeding (breast or bottle), using a pacifier, or encouraging swallowing during ascent and descent helps equalize ear pressure. Most pediatricians consider flying safe for healthy babies after the first 1-2 weeks of life.
Cold Weather Outdoor Safety
Babies lose heat faster than adults because of their large head-to-body ratio and limited ability to shiver or regulate body temperature. The AAP recommends dressing babies in one more layer than an adult would wear in the same conditions. Avoid prolonged outdoor exposure when wind chill is below 0°F (-18°C). Cover extremities well (hands, feet, ears, head) and watch for signs of hypothermia or frostbite. Brief outdoor time in moderately cold weather is safe and healthy with proper clothing.
My Baby's Head Shape Looks Abnormal
Many babies develop temporary head shape irregularities that are completely normal. A cone-shaped head from vaginal delivery reshapes within days. Mild positional flattening (plagiocephaly) from sleeping on the back is very common and usually improves with repositioning and tummy time. However, head shape changes involving ridges, a persistently bulging fontanelle, or rapid head growth changes should be evaluated to rule out craniosynostosis.
Achondroplasia (Dwarfism) in Babies
Achondroplasia is the most common form of short-limbed dwarfism, affecting about 1 in 15,000 to 40,000 births. It is caused by a mutation in the FGFR3 gene and is usually apparent at birth with characteristic features including short limbs, a larger head, and a prominent forehead. Intelligence is normal. With monitoring for specific complications and supportive care, children with achondroplasia lead full, active, and independent lives.
Adenoid Hypertrophy and Breathing
Adenoids are lymphoid tissue located behind the nose that help fight infection in young children. When adenoids become enlarged (adenoid hypertrophy), they can block the nasal airway, causing chronic mouth breathing, snoring, nasal speech, and sleep-disordered breathing. Enlarged adenoids are most common between ages 2-7 and are a leading cause of obstructive sleep apnea in young children. Treatment ranges from watchful waiting and nasal steroids to surgical removal (adenoidectomy) if breathing or sleep is significantly affected.
Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) in Babies
X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is a genetic disorder affecting about 1 in 17,000 newborns, caused by mutations in the ABCD1 gene on the X chromosome. It primarily affects boys and impairs the breakdown of very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs), which accumulate and damage the myelin sheath in the brain and the adrenal glands. The most severe form, cerebral ALD, typically affects boys between ages 4-10 with rapid neurological decline. Newborn screening now enables early detection, and hematopoietic stem cell transplant or gene therapy performed before significant brain involvement can be life-saving.