Baby Travel

From LoveToKnow Baby

Baby travel is possible during the first year. Unless your pediatrician has given you a specific health reason for not traveling with your baby, you and baby can enjoy a trip together!

Minimum Age for Baby Travel

Obviously, you won't want to plan a big trip as soon as you and your baby return home from the hospital. You need time to recover, and your baby needs time, too. Many pediatricians recommend that parents don't bring their newborns to public or populated places until the infant is at least two weeks old. While your baby should have received much of his immunities from you, he is still vulnerable during the first week or so.

The biggest deterent to traveling with a very young infant is the strain it can put on you. Remember, newborns will want to eat every two hours. If you are breastfeeding, your body will pretty much be on demand around the clock. This can make it difficult for you to do much intensive traveling in the first few weeks. Even if you are giving your baby formula, you will still need to feed him every two to three hours. You'll need lots of supplies on hand, and if this is your first baby, you may need to become adjusted to the new routine of preparing bottles and feeding baby round the clock. So, if possible, you'll probably want to wait at least six weeks before you plan a big trip, so that you have had time to recover from the labor and delivery, and you've adjusted to caring for your infant.

Baby Travel

In some ways, baby travel is much easier than traveling with a toddler. You certainly don't have to worry about keeping your infant from running all over the place. You also don't have to worry about carving out a special time for your infant to sleep. He'll sleep anywhere if he is tired! Noises won't bother him, and as long as he is fed and dry, he'll probably be content just to be with you.

Diaper Bag Supplies

You will need to pack a well-stocked diaper bag, however, complete with most and maybe all of the following items.

Diapers
Wipes
Burp cloths
Disposable changing pads
Bibs
Pacifiers
Bottles
Formula
Juice
Baby food
Spoons
Disposable bibs
Diaper Ointment
Changes of clothes
Blankets
Bulb syringe
Baby thermometer
Petroleum jelly
Baby fever reducing medicine
Baby hat or bonnet
Baby nail clippers
Ziplock baggies
Baby toys
Baby snacks

Other Baby Travel Necessities

Once you have your diaper bag packed, you might think you're home free. Think again! By the time you finish packing everything you need to make sure that baby is comfortable, you'll feel as if you are moving! The following is a list of travel necessities you may need to pack.

Travel playpen or bed-You will probably need one of these unless you are staying in a place that already has one. Many travel playpens are also equipped with a raised, removeable changing pad.
Infant carseat-If you are renting a car, you can get by without using one of these by renting one instead. Be sure you tell the rental car company that you need an infant seat, however. You also do not have to purchase an airline seat for babies younger than two. However, if you do want to secure your infant in a carseat, you'll probably have to purchase an airline ticket for her.
Stroller-Since there are several types of strollers available, you'll want to choose one that is the most easy to travel with. Keep in mind, however, that infants need to be placed in strollers that offer head, neck, and back support.
Front pack carrier-You may want to purchase a front carrier to place your infant in. This will free up your hands, and it can even eliminate the need for a stroller.
Sling-A baby sling is just a another version of a baby carrier. Many slings are made out of simple cotton, and they often provide extra material that you can use to place over baby for discreet nursing or to block out the sun.

Entertaining Baby

Once your baby has reached a few weeks of age, you'll need to be sure you bring items that can entertain your baby. Baby's love colorful objects, and newborns love toys and objects colored in black, white, and red. They also love faces. You should pack your diaper bag and suitcase with lots of interesting toys and books for your baby to look at, reach for, and manipulate.

If your baby is old enough to eat solids, you can pack baby food that can be given straight from the jar. You can also pack healthy finger foods, such as cereals and baby snacks. Sometimes, this is all it takes to settle a fussy baby.

Overstimulation

Finally, keep in mind that babies can become overstimulated. If you are visiting relatives, they may all want to hold the baby as soon as you arrive. Instead, try to limit the amount of stimulation your baby receives. Small doses of attention will work better, at least until you and baby have settled in.