Tips and Strategies to Traveling with your Baby

Image by Luke Michael on Unsplash

You and your partner have learned your way through the first 3 months of parenting, and just maybe today is quite a lovely day as your baby went down for an early morning nap - a moment to collect your thoughts about your upcoming first travel experience with your little one! 

Travel can be unpredictable, and babies may have off days. Staying calm and flexible, and being open to adjusting plans as needed are all part of parent care, as much as your baby’s care and enjoyment! 

You are about to create wonderful opportunities for family bonding while building fond memories. Planning and preparation, along with tips and strategies can help make this experience both rewarding and as smooth as possible

— FOR BABY—

BABY CLOTHING

• Pack 2 or 3 times the clothing typically used per day  

  • Plain white onesies - throw them away when they get puke or poop on

• Plastic deodorized kitchen garbage bags for dirty laundry until able to launder at destination 

BABY SLEEPING & SLEEP SHAPING 

• Snooze shade/ slumber pod over Pack ’n’ Play

  • Keep sleep space consistent 

• Have parent sleep with baby’s sheets ahead of time to put parents smell on sheets for baby’s recognition and ease into sleep  

  • Start using sleep arrangement at home to help baby acclimate before the trip

BABY CARE IN THE CAR 

• Have parent with child in back seat at all times

  • Parent can take a nap

  • Parent can engage with child

  • Parent can hand out snacks to self and driver 

  • Comforts baby’s physical needs

  • Mimic baby’s regular schedule

• Block out/ screen from sunlight in baby eyes 

• Bring portable sound machine

  • Pack extra batteries

BABY HEALTH & SAFETY

• Baby-proof your accommodation by removing small objects and ensuring the space is safe for baby’s who are mobile 

• Keep your baby hydrated, especially in hot climates, and protect them from the sun with appropriate clothing and sunscreen (if age appropriate) 

• Try to stick to your baby’s usual routine for feeding, napping, and bedtime as much as possible.

• Carry documentation copies of your baby’s birth certificate and medical records, especially if traveling internationally.

• Know the location of the nearest hospital or clinic at your destination. Keep emergency contact numbers handy.

— BABY EQUIPMENT —

CAR SEATS & STOLLERS 

• Save time and energy from having to strip car seat cover

  • Disposable Car Seat Piddle Pad can made for ease of cleanup 

• Airplane carseat bags allow for cleaner arrival of your baby’s carseat after being tossed around in the airplane cargo luggage area. 

• Strollers also have brand name travel bags or generic options to maintain their cleanliness.

• Bring sanitary wipes for quick access upon getting carseat/ stroller etc, so it they be wiped down before putting baby in

RENTING BABY EQUIPMENT FOR DESTINATION LOCATION

• Reputable companies rent car seats, strollers, pack ’n’ plays, infant and toddler sleep spaces & other

  • Always check their standards of care and cleanliness requirements, along with company procedures and policies on recalled equipment

• These items can be delivered to your destination/ Airbnb/ family home/ hotel etc

DOG TRAVELING WITH YOU IN THE CAR 

• Keep dog crated or secured inside in vehicle

  • Harness that connects to seat-belt

• Dog sits harnessed in front seat can sometimes = a happy dog. 

— CAR TRAVEL —

DRIVE TIME SCHEDULING

Drive as much as possible during baby’s typical sleeping/ napping times

DRIVING STOPS

• Stop every 2 hours 

  1. Get baby out of car seat - recommended by American Academy of Pediatrics 

  supports baby's spinal integrity by reducing strain on spine when in a prolonged upright position 

  2. Feed baby 

  3. Everyone stretch and walk around

• Stop for gas when baby is awake - whether you need to or not

• Stop to use restroom when baby is awake 

— TRAIN & BUS TRAVEL —

• Comfort: Choose seats with extra legroom if possible. Bring a travel pillow for nursing and comfort.

• Supplies: Keep essentials within easy reach. Use a baby carrier/ sling/ wrap for hands-free travel and your baby’s closeness and comfort.

• Change of Plans: Have a next steps plan if transit is delayed or cancelled 

— AIR TRAVEL —

• Booking: Choose a flight time that aligns with your baby’s nap schedule if possible. Book a direct flight to minimize travel time.

• Airline Policies: Check carry-on formula and/or breastmilk polices and double check a day or 2 before your flight incase those requirements have changed. 

• Security Checkpoint: Prepare for extra time to pass through security. Carry liquids for baby (formula, breast milk) in reasonable quantities.

• Takeoff and Landing: Breastfeed, bottle-feed, or give a pacifier to help your baby equalize ear pressure.

• In-Flight: Walk the aisles with your baby to soothe them and give them a change of scenery. Bring toys and snacks to keep them entertained.

— FOR PARENTS —

PARENT CARE

• Assess day and energy of each parent

• Reassess value of the trip in measure of mental health and postpartum recovery

  • Be realistic about days events and driving distance 

  • A stressed, anxious, tired parent is a stressed baby

• Share driving 

• Share time in back seat with baby

• Set up a time each day to check in with other about the days events 

EXTENDED FAMILY & BOUNDARIES 

• Discuss you own family values and parenting styles before your trip 

  • Find out what is most important to each parent 

  • What boundaries would each parent like to be honored when visiting family

  • What are some new traditions you are creating with your new baby/ infant 

  • How would you like those to be shared with extended family 

• Determine a code word(s) between parents when space is needed to be together as a family and step away from other activities and interactions

— ABOVE ALL — 

Remember you know your baby best !

Your instincts, your intuition and your knowledge of who your baby is, is your very best guide ! 

-Sarah Willett