Taos Air: Altitude Lies Inflaming Baby Guts?

By Franklin Everett Shaw

December 24, 2025

The tiny airplane shuddered as it began its descent. My daughter, barely six months old, started to fuss, a sound that quickly escalated into a full-blown, inconsolable cry. It wasn’t the usual airplane discomfort; this was different. We were landing in Taos, New Mexico, a town nestled high in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and I suspected the altitude was to blame.

Taos Air, known for its direct flights to this remote, high-altitude destination, offers a unique travel experience. But could that very uniqueness be contributing to digestive distress in infants? Anecdotal reports suggest a possible link, and as a parent who experienced it firsthand, I felt compelled to investigate.

The challenge with Taos, and other high-altitude destinations like Aspen, Colorado, or Mammoth Lakes, California, isn’t just the cruising altitude of the plane. It’s the rapid change in air pressure during landing, coupled with the already thinner air at the destination itself (Taos sits at nearly 7,000 feet). This can lead to gas expansion in infants, causing significant discomfort.

Here’s the problem: Babies can’t equalize pressure in their ears and sinuses as effectively as adults. This pressure imbalance can affect their digestive system, leading to bloating, gas, and ultimately, pain. The rapid ascent and descent during air travel exacerbate this issue, and the already lower oxygen levels at high altitudes can further contribute to their distress.

So, what can parents do to mitigate these risks when flying to Taos or similar high-altitude locations with their infants? Preparation is key.

Before the Flight:

Consult your pediatrician: Discuss your travel plans and any potential concerns about altitude sickness or digestive issues. They may recommend specific medications or strategies. For example, some pediatricians suggest infant gas relief drops (simethicone) before and during the flight.
Consider a slower ascent: If possible, break up your journey. Spend a day or two at a lower altitude (e.g., Denver, Colorado Springs) before heading to Taos. This allows your baby to gradually acclimatize to the thinner air.
Pack strategically: Bring plenty of familiar foods or formula, bottles, pacifiers, and comfort items. A familiar environment can help reduce stress and anxiety, which can worsen digestive issues.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate (for mom, if breastfeeding): If you’re breastfeeding, ensure you’re well-hydrated in the days leading up to the flight. This will help maintain your milk supply and ensure your baby is getting enough fluids.

During the Flight:

Time feedings strategically: Feed your baby during ascent and descent. The sucking motion helps equalize pressure in their ears and can alleviate discomfort. If bottle-feeding, ensure the nipple is properly vented to prevent excessive air intake.
Offer frequent sips of water or breast milk: Staying hydrated is crucial at high altitudes. Offer small amounts of fluids frequently to help prevent dehydration and constipation.
Use a pacifier or encourage sucking: If your baby isn’t hungry, a pacifier or gentle sucking can still help equalize pressure and provide comfort.
Keep them upright: Whenever possible, hold your baby in an upright position. This can help reduce gas buildup and improve digestion.
Be mindful of their cues: Pay close attention to your baby’s behavior. Look for signs of discomfort, such as fussiness, crying, pulling at their ears, or refusing to feed.
Consider infant gas relief drops: Administer infant gas relief drops (simethicone) as directed by your pediatrician. These drops can help break down gas bubbles and alleviate bloating.

After Arrival in Taos:

Monitor for altitude sickness: Watch for symptoms like irritability, poor appetite, vomiting, or difficulty sleeping. If you suspect altitude sickness, consult a doctor immediately.
Continue frequent feedings and hydration: Maintain a consistent feeding schedule and offer plenty of fluids.
Avoid overexertion: Give your baby time to adjust to the altitude. Avoid strenuous activities or long walks during the first few days.
Consider a humidifier: The air in Taos is very dry, which can exacerbate respiratory issues and contribute to dehydration. A humidifier can help add moisture to the air and ease discomfort.
Be patient: It may take a few days for your baby to fully adjust to the altitude. Be patient and understanding, and provide plenty of comfort and reassurance.

One common mistake parents make is assuming that their baby’s crying is simply due to being tired or fussy. While that may be the case, it’s crucial to rule out altitude-related discomfort, especially in destinations like Taos. Another pitfall is neglecting hydration. The dry air at high altitudes can quickly lead to dehydration, which can worsen digestive issues.

Let’s consider a hypothetical scenario: The Millers are flying Taos Air with their four-month-old son, Liam. They live in Dallas, Texas, a city at a relatively low altitude. They didn’t consult their pediatrician beforehand and packed only enough formula for the flight itself. During the descent into Taos, Liam becomes increasingly fussy and starts crying inconsolably. The Millers assume he’s just tired and try to soothe him with a pacifier. However, his crying continues after they arrive at their hotel. He refuses to feed and seems unusually irritable.

In this scenario, Liam is likely experiencing altitude sickness and digestive discomfort. The Millers’ lack of preparation exacerbated the situation. Had they consulted their pediatrician, packed extra formula, and been more proactive about hydration, Liam’s experience might have been much more comfortable.

Flying to high-altitude destinations like Taos with an infant requires careful planning and preparation. While anecdotal reports suggest a potential link between Taos Air’s unique landing profile and infant digestive distress, the issue is more broadly related to the challenges of altitude adjustment for babies. By following these practical tips, parents can minimize the risks and ensure a smoother, more comfortable travel experience for their little ones. Remember, a well-prepared parent is the best defense against altitude-related discomfort.