Tips to Keep in Mind When Traveling With a Baby
The holiday season is such a magical time for families, but it can definitely bring some stress for parents with a little one along for the ride. If you're a travel pro or just starting out with your little one, the secret to a great trip is all about planning ahead and having the right tools at your fingertips.
Traveling with a baby can feel a bit daunting, but it’s definitely doable. Actually, family travel expert Corinne McDermott believes that taking a trip with an infant can be simpler than going on one with an older toddler. She said, "They're not moving, they're not wriggling, and they're eating and sleeping all day long." “It honestly doesn’t matter where you are!” In this article, we’ll go into some important questions about traveling with a baby during the holiday season and share tips to help make the experience easy and enjoyable.
No matter how you’re getting to your destination—by plane, train, or car—you’ll want to get ready to make sure your trip goes as smoothly as it can. Here’s a handy breakdown from experts on all the travel-with-baby tips you should know before you head out.
When Can You Travel With a Baby?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests that both premature and full-term babies should avoid flying for the first few months unless it’s really necessary. Flying might expose your baby to more germs, so it could be a good idea to hold off until their immune system is stronger or they've had some of their first shots.
These are usually given at the 2-month check-up, but can start as early as 6 weeks. Taking the train comes with similar risks. Taking road trips is often the best choice for newborns and infants. Just remember to get that infant car seat installed correctly and take breaks every few hours, like the AAP suggests. Of course, before organizing any kind of trip with your infant, it's best to consult your pediatrician.
General Tips for Traveling With an Infant
Traveling with an infant might feel a bit overwhelming, but there are definitely some tips to help make the journey easier. If you’re planning to hit the road, take a train, or hop on a flight, here are some handy tips for traveling with your little one:
Stick to Baby’s Schedule
Chances are your little one has a routine for naptime, bedtime, and feeding that they’re pretty accustomed to. Kids usually act better when they know what to expect, so it’s a good idea to plan your travel and activities around their routine, like after their nap or mealtime. At Blissful Beginnings, we've got the best organic baby loungers perfect for some supervised playtime with your little one.
Bring Extra Clothes and Lots of Diapers
When you're traveling with a little one, you'll definitely want to have all the supplies on hand to tackle any messy situations that come up. Make sure to pack some extra wipes in your carry-on diaper bag, along with a few changes of clothes for your little one. “You should definitely pack more diapers and wipes than you might expect to use,” McDermott recommends. Accidents can happen, you know. Keep some plastic bags handy to collect trash until you can throw it away the right way.
While you're at it, it's a good idea to have a spare change of clothes nearby for those moments when spit up or a blowout happens. If the baby gets messy, you might end up dealing with it. And yes, make sure you pack the must-haves, like travel-sized diaper cream, baby shampoo, body wash, moisturizer, and all those other essentials for your little one’s daily routine.
Bring Baby-Safe Medication
Consider also packing a first-aid travel kit in case of unexpected incidents, like if baby has an allergic reaction on the plane. It’s super useful once you’ve arrived, especially since you probably don’t want to be searching for a pharmacy in an unfamiliar area at a weird time.
Pack Baby’s Toys
When you're on the go with an infant or a toddler, it's super important to pack some books and toys to keep them entertained. Pack a variety of your baby's favorites, like their beloved stuffed animal or lovey for some extra comfort. A little piece of home can really help your baby feel happy and secure when they're in a new place.
Go Over the Logistics Beforehand
If you're planning to fly internationally with a baby, it's a good idea to do a little research ahead of time. Check if there are any special passport or visa requirements, and don’t forget to look into any immunizations your little one might need. It might be worth looking into whether getting travel insurance is a smart move. Hey, don’t forget to give your place a quick call before you arrive to check out what travel gear they have available. This can save you the hassle of packing up all that baby gear.
Baby Lounger
A good baby lounger really can make traveling so much easier. It gives you and your baby comfort and support while feeding. Also, it’s really handy for tummy time when you’re not at home. They really help you keep a good nursing position, which takes some of the strain off your arms and back. At Blissful Beginnings shop, we’ve got the best baby loungers for your little one!
Other Essentials
Make sure to keep in mind other essentials that might change depending on what your baby needs, like medical supplies, a bottle warmer, and a breast pump. It's really handy to have a small first aid kit stocked with some medications and basic medical supplies for those little health hiccups that might come up. A bottle warmer and breast pump make feeding super easy and relaxed, especially when you're out and about.
Traveling with an infant? You definitely need a good dose of patience and some solid preparation
The saying “hurry up and wait” is a great one to keep in mind when getting ready for a longer trip with a little one. If you’re well-prepared, your trip is going to be a lot smoother.
Sure, you can't really prepare for everything when traveling with your baby, but you can definitely make it a bit easier. This is where we need to be patient. Stay calm and keep in mind that parents take their little ones on trips all the time. You've got this!