How to Travel with a Newborn Baby?

By Gopika T R

So it’s been a few months since your little one’s arrival and there is some travelling that your family has to do. Don’t be worried, as long as you have all their essentials packed and are well informed on the travel tips you are good to go.

Well, many doctors have recommended that you wait until your baby’s immune system is better developed. That could be a month at the earliest but it is highly advised to travel only after the baby is anywhere between three to six months. So it’s best to consult your doctor before embarking on the journey, as every mother and baby are different.

Once you’ve got that covered here are some essentials that you must carry when travelling with a newborn and the dos and don’ts on how to care for your munchkin when travelling.

Essentials to carry

When choosing clothing items your utmost care should be directed to the fabric/material. Cotton cloths hold the supremacy in this arena as it is gentle on their skin and extremely breathable.

• Cotton Swaddle – it’s is an important item because it can keep your little one wrapped up and warm.
• Cotton Blankets – they are multifaceted that is they can be used for different purposes that range from giving your baby an extra layer of warmth to serving the purpose of a nursing cover.
• Dry sheets – they come in handy all the time because they help to change your baby’s diapers and clean them without making a mess.
• Jhablas and nappies – these are extremely important, make sure to carry as many as possible because they run out fast especially during long journeys.
• Cotton cap, mittens and booties – these help in shielding your baby from the cold that might get to their ears, hands and feet.
• Sanitisers, Wipes
• Trash bags
• A toy/pacifier
• Diapers
• Medicines
• A can of water and another bottle of drinking water
• Flask of hot water for formula
• Baby bottles, Breast pump/Formula etc
• Stroller/car seat if needed.
• Baby Carrier/Sling

Now new moms don’t overlook your health when taking care of your little one, make sure to pack nutritious food and your prescribed medication for the ride because your health is co-related to your baby’s health.

The Dos

Be attentive to your baby and keep them engaged. Throughout the trip, your little one is probably going to get some sleep that they need but during the few intervals that they are awake keep them entertained with toys and by playing with them.

Travelling by Car

• For car rides, it is highly recommended to install a car seat for your baby but holding your baby in your arms is also recommended. Use comfy pillows for support.
• When travelling by car make sure to adjust the temperature that is ideal for your baby, not too cold not too hot.
• If possible make multiple stops when travelling by car, especially for long journeys.

Travelling by Air

• Always plan. If you are travelling by air, early booking can get you a bassinet seat.
• A stroller can be a useful aid. Check in all your other luggage other than the baby essentials.
• Last but not least, reach the airport early so that you don’t have to rush through the process. Passengers with small children get priority in most places. Look for one and use it whenever possible.
• Feeding the baby during taking off and landing can soothe the baby.

Travelling by Train

• If travelling by train, book a lower berth for convenience.
• Baby Slings can help you to move around easily.

The Don’ts

• Never under pack. Pack everything that you and your baby need. If it’s a car journey packing everything does not seem a bad idea. But if you are boarding a train or travelling by air, ditch all the unnecessary baby gear. It will only slow you down.
• Don’t disturb their sleep. This should be prioritized first when travelling because the baby is prone to many disturbances.
• Hungry babies are cranky. So feed them on time.
• Don’t forget the window shades if you are travelling by car.
• Don’t forget to pack an extra set of clothes for you too even if it is a short duration trip. Things can get messy easily with babies.

Travelling with a newborn baby can be stressful, especially when you are sleep-deprived too. Listen to your doctor and put off the journey unless if it is unavoidable until the baby turns a couple of months old and their immune system is a little more matured. Exposing the newborn to many unfamiliar people and situations may not be ideal.

We recommend creating a checklist. Parenting is hard. We get it. So, it is better to be prepared. Create a checklist and plan everything meticulously if you cannot avoid the travel. A little preparation can go a long way.