Q: We're expecting our first baby on June 8, but still plan to go on our yearly trip to a lake house in Idaho with friends. It's during the second week of July, and she'll be 6 weeks old by then. We're worried about the effects of altitude. What do you think?

A: First, let's talk about the trip itself. I hope that all will run smoothly with your baby's birth- that she'll come out on time, you'll feel well and rested, and nursing will be a breeze. That can happen, and often does. However, you could deliver early or be up to two weeks overdue. Your recovery could be like clockwork, or you could feel consistently rundown. Nursing could be a challenge, or your baby could be a natural. Unfortunately, until you're living it, you just can't know.

So, planning such a big trip so close to this time is risky. Technically, your baby shouldn't even travel for the first 6 to 8 weeks of life. Sometimes urgent circumstances might require you to travel with a young infant, but trips should be the exception, not the rule, at this time. I think you might want to reconsider that vacation- or ask your friends if they can postpone to August.

As for the change in altitude, many babies are born in altitude, and infants can generally handle minor changes ... but I think that's the least of your concerns with a 6 week old.