How do you travel with a newborn baby?

‘Tis the season! If you have a newborn, infant, or toddler, the upcoming holiday season may have you feeling a little anxious. This may be your first big trip with your baby if your family isn’t able to come to you. Whether you’re driving or flying, I’ll share a few tips on how to travel with babies so you can feel prepared and look forward to any upcoming trips. 

Surprisingly enough, traveling with a newborn or infant is pretty easy. You can nurse or give a bottle when they get cranky, and the constant noise and motion usually lulls them to sleep for a large portion of the time. The closer your child gets to toddlerhood, the more you’ll have to start implementing some extra creativity since busy bodies have trouble sitting still for long periods of time. 

Traveling Hacks for Parents with Children Ages 0-2

Preparing for Trips

Use a Checklist – As much as you think that there would be NO WAY you could forget essential items, the truth is you might. This will help you keep track – basically, it’s a sanity saver. Make a checklist for every member of the family to be sure you have everything without digging through each person’s suitcase twenty times to check. 

Backpack Diaper Bag  – Since you’ll be on the move and bending over, use a backpack or cross-body bag to keep it from slipping off your shoulder and out of the way.

Bring a Baby Carrier   – If you can’t/don’t want to bring a stroller, use your most comfortable baby carrier so you can wear your baby and keep your hands free. Wraps and slings are great, but I recommend something like the Ergobaby for traveling through airports since it offers more support. Even if you have a stroller, some kind of carrier will be nice for times you don’t want to pull out the stroller.

Lightweight Blanket  – In addition to the other essentials (diapers, wipes, cream, pacifier, feeding necessities, sanitizer, toys, burp cloth, lovey, teether, etc.), don’t forget to bring a couple  lightweight muslin blankets. You can use these for snuggling, privacy, warmth, feeding, and more. They also help comfort baby in unfamiliar places.

Extra Clothes & Plastic Bags  – Bring extra clothes for both baby and  you .  Nothing’s worse than wearing a shirt with spit up on it for five hours. And blowouts . . . enough said. You’ll need to bags for the soiled items.

Color-Coded Packing Cubes   – These are especially great for larger families. But even if it’s just two or three of you, having  color coded bags  will help you find things faster throughout the trip. For instance, if you need to grab something quick, you’ll know Baby’s things are in the blue bag while yours are in purple. These also save space and keep things organized inside suitcases.

Bring Proof of Age –  If your baby will ride in your lap on the plane ride, let the airline know when you book your flight. Be sure to bring along you baby’s birth certificate or passport to prove he is under two years of age.

Encourage Swallowing  – If your baby struggles with the changing pressure, try nursing or feeding on takeoff or landing. If your baby is in a car seat or their own seat with a seatbelt, you can use a bottle (or cup if old enough) to cause them to swallow. For older toddlers, you could try pouches or a sugar-free lollipop.

Attempt to Keep Their Schedule  – If possible, try to get them to nap or rest during their normal nap time, eat during typical snack or meal times, and play during wake times. Their little bodies thrive on routine at this age. You’ll have a happier baby on your hands if you can try to mimic your regular routine the best you can. At the same time, keep your expectations reasonable. Baby won’t sleep? It’s ok. Take a deep breath, stay calm, and try a soothing activity together.

Bring New (to Baby) Toys  – Reserve some toys that baby has never seen before so she’ll spend more time examining them. Sensory toys are great! Here are some good options:

Small Fidget Cube

Dimpl / Dimpl Duo

MiniSpinny

Teething Phone Toy

Interactive Books

There are many great options for all ages at  Fat Brain Toys.

Baby-Friendly Snacks   – Puffs, pouches, cheerios, yogurt melts, teething wafers…these will tide baby over and keep him entertained for a while.

 
Plan Your Stops  – Obviously, road trips are different with baby, but not impossible. Plan good places to stop along the way for feeding, diaper changes, and stretching. Give about two hours of wiggle room for road trips if you’re planning on arriving at a certain time.

Travel During Naptime  – If it’s a long road trip, this obviously won’t take up all of your time, but it’ll give you a little peace. If you do have hours of travel, possibly consider traveling at night or starting very early so your baby will sleep a bit at night, and then maybe doze off again for nap time.

Have a Go Bag Ready  – You don’t want to spend time unloading and reloading your things every time you stop. Pack a small “go bag” with all of the things you might need during your trip so they are easy to reach.

Alternate Music  – Give your baby’s ears a treat. Try nature sounds, calming tunes, nursery rhymes, interactive kid tunes – change it up. Of course, listen to some of your favorite music, too.

Alternate Seating Arrangements  – Sit with your little one for part of the trip. You probably wouldn’t want to stare at the back of a seat for hours on end either. Take turns next to your little one and enjoy some quality time talking, playing, and snacking together.

Sound Machine   – Bring along a familiar sound machine so your baby feels at home, and it masks loud or unfamiliar sounds.

Use the Closet   – If you’re short on space, try putting the baby bed in a closet space or cozy nook (with the door open). It will be dark and quiet – easier for you little one to settle in.

Give Baby a Lightly Worn Shirt   – To help your baby feel more at home, offer one of your lightly worn shirts so she can fall asleep with your scent and soft familiar shirt beside her. This may help calm her if she’s upset.