Although it may sound very suspicious, traveling with a newborn is quite an experience if one is well-prepared and set for it. Take that tiny bundle of joy along when visiting family, seeing new sights, or even taking that well-deserved break.
In this article, we shall explore everything one needs to know when planning a journey with a newborn—from conceptualization to actual packing and through the journey proper. What’s more, I’ll be sharing some personal experiences that should give you an idea of what to expect.
Plan Ahead: The Foundation of a Smooth Trip
Planning is most important before embarking on any journey. When traveling with an infant, complete preparation is not possible. Research the destination to start off with, keeping in mind baby-friendly accommodation and medical facilities, and a destination that is supposed to be safe and suitable for an infant.
Choose one that will offer amenities like cribs, kitchenettes, and quiet rooms. Some even offer baby-proofed rooms so ask about those as well. If you are going to another country, be sure you know where the nearest hospital or pediatrician would be should an emergency arise.
The type of traveling you choose will greatly impact how smoothly everything will go. Whether flying, try to get a direct flight where at all possible to minimize upset. Many airlines are able to offer you bassinet seats for long haul flights, which can be a lifesaver. If going via road, make sure your car seat is installed correctly and stop often so your baby can get around and get some fresh air.
Before the trip, visit your pediatrician so that he can check upon your baby’s health and whether the vaccinations are updated. You can tell him certain apprehensions that you may have regarding your infant being exposed in the journey to new atmospheres and more. Similarly, it is a good idea to carry a small first-aid box including a thermometer, a pain reliever for babies, and some prescribed medicines.
Smart Packing: Things You Will Be Requiring
When it comes to traveling with a newborn, less is more—but only if you’re strategic about it. You want to be prepared for anything without lugging around any more than you absolutely need.
Diaper Bag Essentials:
Feeding Supplies
Clothing
Comfort Items
Air Travel with a Newborn:
Flying with a newborn is often less uncomfortable than expected as babies sleep quite a lot. Any air travel discomfort might be related to the air pressure changes during take-off and landing; feeding during these times helps equalize the pressure in the baby’s ears. If breastfeeding: start just before take-off and before landing. If bottle feeding: have the bottle ready.
When you get to security, be prepared to take out your baby from the stroller or carrier. In one easy-to-access bag keep all the essentials of the baby so that it will be easy for you while going through security. Most airports will cut you some slack and give you a special, faster-moving line for families, so be sure to take advantage of it.
Road Trips with a Newborn:
With a road trip, there is more flexibility—an important plus when traveling with a newborn. You can map out your route in order to make plenty of stops for feeding, changing, and cuddling baby. Try to keep your baby on as much of a routine as possible while on the road. When possible, try to keep them on the same nap and feeding schedule to avoid crankiness.
Having a few toys or a soft playlist of lullabies on when your baby becomes fussy in the car can help. If need be, pull over at any time when it’s safe and comfort the baby. Keep in mind that a relaxed parent has a relaxed baby, so go at your own pace and enjoy the trip.
My First Trip with a Newborn
Let me narrate one story from my travel tales with a newborn. The first journey we took with our baby was a flight to visit our relatives living out of state when she turned three months old. I was all worried, taking into consideration everything about the flight and how we would manage all the gear for the baby.
We had booked an early morning flight, hoping that our baby would sleep most of the time. Thankfully, she did, but not without a few hiccups. During takeoff, she started crying—probably due to the pressure in her ears—but soon after I quickly began to breastfeed her, and in a few minutes she was placid, catching her sleep again.
Quite literally, I had packed what felt like an entire nursery into our bags, yet I used only the tiniest fraction of it. Of course, the lifesavers included diapers, wipes, and a couple of changes of clothes. There were, however, two more very important ones: a swaddle blanket that doubled as a cover to nurse under and to cozy up with the baby, and a pacifier that saved her from fussy screaming during the flight.
Upon arrival, flexibility became the keyword. We had to adapt our planning according to her times of nap and feeding; it was, therefore, much less stressful a journey. Actually, above these minor disadvantages, the pleasure of sharing things with our baby for the first time she had been discovering was worth sharing.
I learned from this that even though it does take more work and preparation, traveling with a newborn is absolutely doable and very rewarding. The key is just to remain calm and be flexible, prepared for anything.
Managing the Unexpected: Flexibility is Key
Even the best-laid plans have a way of going awry when one travels with a newborn in tow. In any case, the key to dealing with such challenges includes mainly flexibility and having a good sense of humor.
Remember that delays during travels are more often than not inevitable; mentally and practically, prepare for that. Place some extra diapers, snacks, and formula in your carry-on just in case of a delay. If the flight is delayed in such a case, try finding a quiet place where you could feed or change your baby without any problem. Be prepared to extend the road trip accordingly, if need be—schedule more stops if needed.
The reasons can be many to make the baby cranky: due to hunger, tiredness, or being in an unfamiliar environment. If your baby starts crying, try not to get upset. Feed them, change the diaper, or soothe them with their favorite toy and lullaby. If all else fails, sometimes all it takes is just a small walk around the airport or a stop on the road.
Traveling with a newborn is very stressful, but that does not mean you have to neglect your own needs in the process. Take deep breaths, drink plenty of water, and sleep when you can. Your baby will very quickly feed off your stress; remaining calm means the baby stays calm too.
Making It Comfortable: Helping Your Baby Feel at Home
Bring along familiar objects:
Comfort items, like a favorite teddy bear, a soft blanket, or a pacifier, are things your baby prefers; these will give them at least some sense of security in an unfamiliar setting.
Routine Setting for Sleep:
Follow your baby’s home sleep routine as much as possible. This may even be reading bedtime stories or singing lullabies your baby is used to. Bring blackout curtains to hang in the hotel room or a portable sound machine to help the baby sleep.
Time Zone Changes:
Traveling through time zones: Make an advance adjustment in your baby’s schedule before embarking on your journey. On arrival, adhere as closely as possible to local time, bearing in mind this may take two or three days for your baby to adjust to.
Baby-Proofing en Route:
If your baby is old enough to get around, you will want to baby proof the hotel room or rental. You’ll want to bring outlet covers in and secure any hazardous items out of reach. A portable crib or playpen provides additional containment and safety for your baby.
Feeding on the Go:
Whether you are breastfeeding or bottle feeding, it’s nice to have a comfortable place to feed the baby. Many airports have nursing rooms; otherwise, if desired, use a nursing cover for privacy. If you are bottle feeding, be sure you have access to clean water and a way to heat bottles.
Keeping Your Baby Healthy: Safety First
The health of your baby is of great concern while traveling. A few precautions will see your baby through the journey in a healthy and safe way.
Vaccinations and Check-ups
Hygiene and Cleanliness
Managing Sun Exposure
Dealing with Sickness on the Road
Keeping Them Hydrated
Tips from Our Team: Gems of Collective Wisdom for Stress-free Travel
Behind these hints and tips is a set of seasoned travelers, many of whom are parents themselves. When we got together to brainstorm, everybody shared experiences and challenges along with solutions that worked for them.
From grumpy flights at ungodly hours of the morning with a fussy baby to navigating crowded tourist spots with a stroller, each had something different to offer. Pooled together, this covers one guide that we certainly hope will make your journey with your newborn as smooth as it can possibly be. It’s the collective wisdom of our team that underpins these practical real-life tips.
This paragraph should acknowledge some of the collaboration that went into the guide, and lets them know this was a group experience of your team.
Conclusion: Take the Journey
Traveling with a newborn is quite an adventure in itself. It requires more planning and flexibility, and some degree of patience, too. However, the time you’ll be spending together will all be worth that effort. So make sure to get prepared ahead of time, pack wisely, and try not to go ballistic on this travel so that you and your little one may truly love this travel.
Remember, every baby is different, and what works for one family may not work for another. Trust your instincts, go at your own pace, and above all, simply enjoy the journey.
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