Tips for trips with your baby
Hitting the road with your baby in tow can be a pleasure for the whole family. The key, of course, is planning. Here are some ideas to get you on your way:
Schedule wisely
Careful scheduling is the key to successful travel with your baby.
- It’s easier for both you and your baby if you opt to travel during times your child will be sleeping.
- Before your trip, play with your baby in the car seat at home until she becomes accustomed to it.
- Take breaks. Schedule stops for diaper-changes, small walks, or a change of scenery.
Pack lightly
It’s tempting for new parents to want to bring along many unnecessary items “just in case,” but reducing your load to the essentials will make the trip much easier.
- Whether you’re traveling by car or plane, you’ll need a car seat that meets all safety specifications.
- Pack essentials in a bag that’s always with you. Be sure to include toys for your baby, a change of clothes, an extra bottle, extra diapers, and a plastic bag to put wet/dirty diapers in.
- Pack a bottle or pacifier in your carry-on bag. The sucking motion will help prevent your baby’s ears from popping during pressure changes.
- Most hotels can provide a crib, so bringing along a portable one may not be necessary. If you’re staying with friends or relatives, see whether they have or can borrow a crib to reduce your load.
- Bring along any medications your baby may need while on vacation.
- Always carry emergency phone numbers.
Feed your baby on the go
Babies need to eat often, and a hungry baby will lead to a fussy baby that can make your traveling experience less pleasurable.
- Expressed breastmilk: Expressed breastmilk will keep for 24 hours in a cooler if the temperature remains between 5 to 39 degrees F. Keep ice packs in contact with milk containers at all times and limit opening the cooler.
- Powdered formula: Before leaving home, fill a bottle with pure, non-fluoridated water. When it’s time to feed your baby, simply add powdered formula, shake, and feed to her.
- Ready-to-feed formula: When hungry, just open a can, pour the formula into a clean bottle—or attach a nipple onto a nurser bottle—and you can begin feeding right away. Ready-to-feed formula is ideal for no-mess feedings on the go.
- Solid foods: If your baby is eating solid foods, bring easy-to-eat favorites.
Prepare for your destination
- Look online for a list of child-friendly hotels in or around your destination.
- Call ahead to reserve a safe crib or high chair.
- Baby-proof your room. Check outlets, tabletops, floors, etc., for possible dangers. (You may want to bring extra outlet covers.)
