Top Tips (From The Pro’s) For Traveling With Babies
Last updated on November 18th, 2022 at 11:16 pm
Do you find traveling with babies overwhelming? Our top tips will ensure you have a fun trip with the family!
In this article:
- When Is it Safe to Travel with My Baby?
- What Factors Do I Need to Consider When Planning a Trip with My Baby?
- When Is the Best Time of the Day to Fly with My Baby?
- What Should I Pack for the Trip?
- How Do I Keep My Baby Comfortable While Flying?
Guide to Staying Sane While Traveling with Babies
When Is it Safe to Travel with My Baby?
There really is no hard and fast rule as to how many days or weeks your baby is allowed to travel. Some airlines accept baby travelers as young as two days old. Other airlines will insist the baby be at least two weeks old before flying. There are several important factors that can affect your baby’s comfort on a flight.
For example, the changing cabin pressure can bring discomfort to your baby’s ears. As adults, we know swallowing or chewing can help in this situation. You can’t teach this to babies yet, though. It’s also important to note that your baby’s immune system is only starting to develop in the early months and a closed, pressurized cabin can subject him/her to viruses.
You can follow several tips to ensure your baby is safe and comfortable as you travel. It’s also best to get your doctor’s approval before flying with your baby to make sure they are ready for it.
What Factors Do I Need to Consider When Planning a Trip with My Baby?
You might be excited to travel again after months of pregnancy or maybe you’re psyched at the idea of a first family trip. But before you buy those plane tickets, do your research on your preferred destination first. Take into consideration the weather on the date you’ll be traveling since it’s going to determine what kind of clothes you’ll pack for your baby.
Be sure to check if your destination or any other countries you’ll be transiting through have any warnings regarding contagious illnesses. If you plan to take your baby out just weeks or months after they are born, chances are, they haven’t completed their vaccines yet. There are also some countries that require certain vaccinations before you can enter, so check on that too.
When Is the Best Time of the Day to Fly with My Baby?
If you can get a flight schedule around your baby’s sleep schedule, then do it! The trip will be a lot easier if your baby sleeps while on the flight. If you’re also heading to far destinations, a red-eye flight will work and will lessen the baby’s chances of experiencing jet lag.
What Should I Pack for the Trip?
Traveling with your baby means you’ll be carrying a lot more stuff than you do when you travel alone or with your spouse. You’re going to have to account for your baby’s necessities when packing. If you’re going overseas, you won’t be sure if they have the same brand of formula or medication your baby uses, and this means you’re going to have to pack those, too!
To avoid being overwhelmed, one of the top tips for traveling with a baby is to make a checklist ahead of time. Start drafting out a list of necessities weeks before you even start packing to make sure you don’t leave out anything important.
Parents have different must-have items for traveling with their baby depending on what their child needs the most. Some basic must-brings for a trip include a baby stroller, a well-stocked diaper bag, a pacifier, and a change of clothes for both you and your baby in case things get messy in the plane.
How Do I Keep My Baby Comfortable While Traveling?
- During Flight
If you’re worried about diaper changing in planes, you can ask for help from your spouse or the flight attendants. Most airlines usually have a diaper changing table in their lavatories, so there really isn’t much to worry about.
If you’re breastfeeding and need to nurse your baby while on the flight, carry a scarf which can cover you if you want to have some privacy. If it feels a bit cramped where you’re sitting, do not hesitate to ask assistance from a flight attendant. They will be glad to escort you to a seat with more space so you and your baby can nurse comfortably.
- During Travel
The first thing to consider to ensure your baby’s comfort is choosing the right clothes. Don’t choose the outfit which will make your baby cuter for when you take those first family trip Instagram photos. Rather, pick out outfits your baby can stay comfortable in for hours.
Pick out layers of outfits you can put on and take off easily. This way, you can add some clothing when the baby feels cold and take them off if they get too warm.
Consider bringing your baby’s favorite toy, too! Whether it’s a rattle, a pillow, or a blanket, make sure you have it packed in your bag to calm your baby down. There are some babies who can’t sleep without their favorite toy, so don’t think twice about packing it just to save luggage space. These toys are a life saver!
For more helpful tips for traveling with babies, check out this video from Justine Marie:
Some traveling couples worry that their travel adventures will end once a baby is on the way. This doesn’t have to be the case, though! Just follow a few simple tips to ensure maximum fun while traveling with your little one. Sure, it’s not going to be as easy as traveling alone or with your spouse. But if you prepare, a family outing with your new baby will be a memory that will last a lifetime.
Have you traveled with your baby? Tell us how it went in the comments section!
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