Thinking about traveling with your baby? Quite a few things may stress you and your little one, it’s natural! Whether it’s your baby’s food and sleep routines or a a different weather than what your baby is used to - there’s uncertainty in the air. Your baby may feel restless or irritated with the new sights and sounds. Let’s see how to ensure a pleasant travel.

Dos When Traveling With Your Baby

1) Plan ahead: If you can, do some research to pack weather appropriate things for your baby. Check for baby-friendly options when booking accommodations (some places offer cribs). Is it important for the hotel to have a lift, for when your baby is in a stroller and you hav luggage?

2) Be flexible: Babies are unpredictable, so factor in buffer time to manage feeding, naps, and their moods. Keep your travel plans flexible as much as possible. 

3) Emergency information: Consider putting an ICE (in case of emergency) note card in your baby’s bag with emergency contact details in case the bag gets lost.

4) Baby essentials: Depending on what you can buy at the destination, pack diapers, wipes, bib, burp cloths, blankets, and extra clothes. Carry formula milk, baby food, and/or pump breast milk. Don’t forget your baby’s favorite toys, books, or pacifiers. Carry medicines (if prescribed for emergencies). Feel free to speak to your doctor for any other advice before you travel!

 

5) Baby stroller, seat, or carrier: A baby stroller is useful for your baby to nap; a foldable stroller is easier to carry around. A baby carrier/sling gives a hands-free experience especially when you need your hands to carry bags.

6) Follow your baby’s schedule: Since your baby is already facing unfamiliar sights or a new environment, it’s best to align your travel plans with their feeding and napping schedule as much as possible. When babies are well-rested, they’re likely to be calmer and happier.  

7) Traveling by train: Carry plastic or cloth to put under your baby on the seat, baby wipes, disposable garbage bags for soiled diapers, sanitizer, liquid soap, newspapers, etc. Don’t get too caught up thinking what others are thinking. How your baby behaves in that moment is not reflective of your abilities as a parent.

8) Traveling by plane: During takeoff and landing, it’s a good idea to give your baby breast or formula feed. When the air pressure changes in the cabin, the sucking motion (on breast, bottle, or pacifier) offers them some relief from earache.

9) Stay hydrated: Hydration is very important for both mother and the baby when traveling. Breast milk or formula gives your baby the hydration and nutrition they need on the go.

10) Travel calmly: Babies can sense their parent’s stress, so if possible, try to stay calm.

Things to Carry When Traveling With a Baby

What you carry will be dependent on the mode of transport and the duration of your travel time. Adjust as required.

1) Diapers

2) Extra pair of clothes and towels

3) Entertainment for your baby (sensory toys, books)

4) Sweater or blanket, socks, mittens, cap (depending on the weather). The AC in trains and planes can get really cold, so pack baby clothes accordingly.

5) A familiar favorite of your baby; a soft toy that soothes them or that they sleep with or a favorite blankie they cannot do without. This familiar object will remind them of home and soothe them if they get overwhelmed by the new experience.

6) A car seat if you’re traveling by road is essential for your baby’s safety and your peace of mind. There are airlines that allow you to take the detachable car seat for your baby on the plane, so that ensures a safe journey for your baby too.

7) A foldable/portable stroller or baby carrier

Feeding Your Baby During Travel

When babies are in a new, unfamiliar environment, they may feel uneasy or overwhelmed. It’s common for them to eat less food than usual. Don’t worry if they don’t eat much solids so long as they’re having breast or formula milk.

 Here are approaches to feeding your baby on the go:

1) Breastfeeding

The easiest way to feed your baby during. It’s non-messy, convenient, and quick. You don’t have to carry cooked food and feeding accessories. Moms can express breast milk and carry it with them in a bottle.

2) Formula

Baby formula is readily available in most parts of the world, so it should be easy to buy some on the go. Formula milk contains all the nutrients your baby needs.

3) Solid food

Carry and offer finger foods if your baby can manage them well (it’s less messy). You can also carry ready-to-eat baby foods to which you can add warm/hot water. Choose foods that are free from preservatives, sugar, and salt. If you’re carrying home food, take soft, steamed fruits and veggies; carry a fork to mash the food on the go. Check the taste of the food before offering it to your baby to make sure it’s not spoiled. You can also order baby-friendly foods at the hotel or restaurant. Most of them will modify foods for kids.

 

Don’ts When Traveling With Your Baby

Holidays are short and temporary. How your baby eats food during travel will not be the same as they eat at home. Keep your expectations at a minimum and focus on enjoying your holiday with your loved ones. Here are some don’ts to keep in mind:

1) If your baby has just started solids and hasn’t yet been exposed to a variety of foods, it’s best to stick to foods your baby knows and is comfortable handling (avoid allergenic foods completely).

2) When you carry food, avoid carrying foods that need refrigeration (e.g., meat, fish) or will get spoiled faster. Carry dry foods.

3) Avoid foods with heavy sauces as they may have higher sodium content and they can cause a real mess, something you want to limit during your baby’s mealtime on the go.

4) If you buy fruits from a store at your destination or during transit, avoid pre-cut fruits as they may not be thoroughly washed or cleaned. Get whole fresh fruits, wash them yourself, and offer them in a safe way for your baby.

5) Avoid spicy, greasy street foods for your baby. No raw or semi-cooked food either, as it can lead to infections.

6) Avoid juices, milkshakes, or iced drinks from any outside source or store.

7) This may sound odd, but avoid kissing your baby too much while you’re traveling as they could be at a higher risk of catching an infection.

8) If you’re traveling by train, avoid giving mineral water or packed food purchased on the trail to your baby. It may not be safe or clean for children.

 

 

 

There you have it! Use traveling as an opportunity to introduce your baby to new experiences and new ways of living. They get to explore and learn about different cultures, people, foods, and flavors. With time, you and your baby will be comfortable and confident.