Traveling with a baby can be confusing for a lot of new parents. Calculating the risks involved can get strenuous and increasingly burdensome, which in the end results in even more confusion. But, don’t you worry, we’re here to help you. Continue reading our article on tips for traveling with a baby to kick most of your confusion away!
One of the main tips for traveling with a baby is to carry a separate bag with only the essentials that your baby needs.
Carry A Baby Stroller
It’s tedious to commute with luggage and your child in hand. It becomes more difficult especially when you’re traveling solo. That’s why it’s important to invest in a nice comfortable stroller for your child. Nothing too fancy – something that is durable, lightweight, and can recline easily is more than enough.
This becomes handy especially if you have any last-minute shopping to do. With your stroller, you can easily glide your baby through any street without any hassle. But keep in mind to not expose your child directly to the sunlight or cold weather while moving along.
Don’t Neglect Your Child’s Skincare
A baby’s skin is really sensitive. And that’s why taking necessary precautions to avoid damage is crucial. Baby products such as moisturizing creams, skin wipes, anything that’ll keep the baby’s skin moist and clean to prevent infections from setting. Avoid using anything that’ll irritate the child’s skin such as harsh soaps, or lotions that will cause rashes or eczema. Consult your family physician or visit your pediatrician for advice on what creams or soaps to use for your child.
Inflatable Mattresses For A Smoother Journey
This is especially handy for those traveling by car. You can use inflatable mattresses for cars so that your child has enough space to crawl around and beat being restless. They’re inexpensive, durable, and portable. This also ensures that your child does not fall in between the seats, so this adds an extra level of security. Only make sure that your car doors are child locked.
Maintain Proper Hygiene
It takes time for a baby’s immune system to function at its utmost. And that’s why we need to ensure that the child remains in a neat and clean environment. Change your baby’s clothes frequently and wash them to avoid germs from breeding. Also, if you notice any signs of bumps and rashes, talk to your doctor immediately.
Pack Medication
Pack a small medical kit containing all the essentials and store it in a place that’s easily accessible. Paracetamol for treating fever, saline drops for stuffy noses, teething gel, basically anything that works on your child. Again, it’s recommended to consult your physician before trying out any medication and never experiment with anything new while traveling. If you’re traveling by air, you may have to hand over your prescription to airport security during an inspection.
Purchase Car Accessories
For better security, investing in a baby car seat will be one of your wisest decisions. It is secure, safe, and you won’t have to worry about an inch of anything happening. While installing, ensure that the seat belts are properly secured. And also keep in mind that it has to be installed on the rear seat of your car. Never install it on the front seat with airbags facing the child.
Also, have a couple of window shades covering your car windows so that the sunlight doesn’t affect your child. They’re easily available at car showrooms, and they’re also sold along highways. Where availability is concerned, you won’t have a problem at all.
Travel Light
The last but the most poignant tip is to carry only the essentials. Travel light. There’s a tendency to overpack thinking about “what-ifs.” Leave them for another day and just focus on what you require for yourself and the baby. If you’re in a habit of packing 4 sets of shoes, then please refrain from doing so. Carry a minimum of two pairs. Also, don’t overpack diapers. If the need arises to buy more, they’re easily available at any retail store.
Packing Baby Food
Whether you prefer breastfeeding or formula feeding, it’s important to pack a couple of snacks on the way for the baby. The key over here is to not overpack! Keep it minimalistic and simple. Carry something that is easily portable. Avoid anything that requires extra utensils, or foods that have sauce. You don’t want to be cleaning while traveling. You can go with boiled eggs, fruits such as bananas, papayas, and something that is easily chewable.
When Should My Baby Travel
It’s advised that the first 40 days after childbirth should be the period of no travel. This time frame may extend to a few more weeks so that the baby has enough time to gain strength. Plus, you’ll have ample time to recuperate after delivery too. Staying at home will also protect you and your baby from infections and you’ll be able to dedicate better hours to taking care of your newborn.
But if it’s an emergency and you have to travel, then try traveling by car, bus, or by train. Many airlines recommended babies be at least a week old before they can fly. It’s always better to check their website so that you’re in touch with their rules and procedures of flying for newborns. If your baby suffers from any illness or is prematurely born, airlines have some additional procedures to follow. If you choose to travel, ensure that you follow them to the bone so that no complications arise.
Once your baby is 3 – 9 months, they will have sufficient energy fit for travel. They won’t mind where on which bed their heads lay. But, here comes the tricky side of traveling. Once the baby is accustomed to a set routine, being in sync while traveling can get a bit strenuous. So, you’ll have to take note of that.
Make sure to talk to your pediatrician and take all the necessary precautions when traveling with a baby.
Conclusion
Now you know some practical tips for traveling with a baby. Be conscious to practice them and we’re sure you’ll have a safe and happy journey. Amid all this travel and bustle, we can often forget vaccinations or doctor appointments. But, you don’t need to fret. Download our ImmunifyMe app to book one-on-one consultations with pediatricians around your neighborhood and get vaccination reminders of your child. You can store prescriptions, and even track the growth of your child through our customized nutritional tracker feature.
FAQs On Tips For Traveling With A Baby
At What Age Is It Best To Travel With A Baby?
It’s advisable to let your child be at least 9 months of age before traveling. By then, your child’s immune system will develop and will have higher resilience to infections.
How Long Can A Newborn Be In A Car Seat?
There’s no factual evidence or research done on how long an infant can be in a car seat. However, many healthcare experts and safety professionals advise that a newborn should not be kept longer than 2 hours in one position. Frequent breaks are also advised.
How Should A Newborn Sit In A Car Seat?
The best way is to invest in a baby car seat. It’s safe, durable, and easily installable. If you have a long journey ahead of you, when your baby is in one of those specially-designed car seats, the amount of travel strain put on the child is cut by half.