Traveling with your Newborn can be challenging for some parents. Parents normally arrive home from the hospital a day or two after a birth fatigued. However, that quickly passes. The urge to take your newborn to visit grandparents and others soon gets very strong.
Traveling with your newborn can seem like setting up a 17th-century convoy across the desert. There are a thousand things to think about. However, with modern transportation, communication, and baby-friendly facilities in numerous places which is really not that bad.
Then there are the unavoidable pediatrician visits for examination, vaccinations, and other medical events. Although minimizing travel during the first three months is required, whenever you choose to travel with your newborn there are a few things to keep in mind.
Here are some useful things to ease the stress of traveling with your newborn
1. Basic supplies
Obviously, you won’t forget to bring the necessary items. You will need a supply of diapers, diaper rash cream, and a bag for soiled diapers. You should carry some teething gel and infant paracetamol for pain relief on the road.
Avoid aspirin for newborns. Petroleum jelly is a must. Sunscreen is beneficial for those circumstances where you can’t keep the sun totally off. Babies have very responsive skin.
2. Baby bonnet
Your baby needs a decent bonnet and the ability to layer clothing for changes in temperature. That variation can be from an air-conditioned car to the hot sun at grandmother’s house. Or, it can similarly be from the heated car to a house that is a little chilly for the newborn. Be ready for either contingency.
3. Auto travel with the baby
In favor of auto travel, you will call for a good child safety seat, which is specifically intended for infants.
It should be rear-facing and be installed in the back seat. An airbag that deploys in the front seat can bring about serious harm, both from direct impact and the hard jerk to a baby’s neck. At all times, take the time to secure the car seat properly.
However, as your baby grows, along with your car seat, you will need an up-to-the-minute baby stroller.
4. Consumable items for baby
Traveling with your Newborn – Whichever way you travel, food and drink are indispensable bring-along. Babies get hungry on an inner timetable that is not harmonized with parental convenience. Telling them to ‘wait until we get there’ is not a choice, as it is with older children.
The power to breastfeed conveniently and safely is best. For those on formulas, having some way of warming formula is good. Special warmers are obtainable that plug into the cigarette lighter socket.
5.Changing Diapers
The capability to carry out a diaper change on the road is another must. The substitute isn’t merely discomfort, but a bad smell for you and amplified the likelihood of diaper rash for the infant. A transportable changing station or pad will make that chore much easier.
6. Avoid Traveling by Air
Stay away from Traveling by air for the first few months, whenever possible. Traveling after six months can be a little bit comfortable as your baby had most vaccines at that time. This isn’t just a courtesy to the other passengers.
Pressurized cabins, recycled air, pressure changes from takeoff and landing, and other issues represent stress to your baby’s system. Breastfeeding mothers, unless you are bottle-feeding, will find it inflexible to find privacy at feeding time and both parent and spectator can be made uncomfortable.
7. Use precautions to prevent infection
Newborns are much more vulnerable to germs than older children since their immune systems are still developing. Maintaining exposure at a minimum is important. Avoid having every family member and friend breath on or touch the newborn. Be adamant that only those with clean hands and no colds get close.
Of course, there are plenty of challenges to face when traveling with a newborn. But, like that 17th-century convoy, it can be an exciting activity!
8. Baby feeding bottles
if you are not breastfeeding or breastfeeding still carry baby feeding bottles and a hot water bottle. Make sure you are giving your baby plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. You can take your own food for baby and baby utensils and disposable bibs.
Always keep pre-boiled water bottles and milk powder in small baby containers or single feed. Make sure it is already measured
Before giving food to your baby remember to check the food and bottle temperature to avoid burns or discomfort to the baby.
9. Carry baby toys or baby rhymes audiobooks
It is always good to engage your baby with some activities while traveling. Give toys or audio songs books. Sometimes babies fall asleep while listening to baby music. Try to talk with your baby and try to stick to the baby’s sleeping routine.
10.Maintain fluid balance and hydration
While traveling usually babies can easily get dehydrated especially when in a dry atmosphere on an airplane or car. If you are breastfeeding, keep yourself hydrated as well. Or if you are using a breast pump, pump extra. Just keep baby fluids, in bottle and gel teethers.
Tips while traveling on the train with your newborn
1. Use a carrier
When traveling with your newborn as you know walking around time is the main experience. You should use a soft carrier so you can move around easily and it will be comfortable for you and your baby. The train movement and your movement can make you uncomfortable. That’s the reason most of the youngest travelers like to wear the baby. (Using carrier)
But before you try this way talk with your doctor if it is safe or not for your baby. Some parents don’t like this way especially if you are a first-time parent. So before you buy it try it beforehand.
2. Carry important items
Take all the necessary baby items like umbrella strollers and backpacks. Remember to store your baby bag in a safe place as trains have plenty of room to store things. But it might possible you can forget things on the train. So keep your stuff carefully.
3. Check you train timings
Before catching trains research your train ahead of time. This will be convenient for you. Some trains are specially designed and have bathrooms with changing tables for babies and some trains don’t.
4. Be careful while getting on and off from the train
The most difficult thing while traveling with your newborn on the train is getting in and off from the train. Prepare yourself early before you get off. Know your destination stop, collect your all items, and be ready when the train stops and doors open.
You can ask the train staff to help if you are loaded with a lot of stuff. Check for everything when you are out. If you notice anything missing, inform the train staff immediately. Because they have the control to hold on the train. Don’t be anxious or worried. If anything missing the staff can help.
Tips when traveling in the car
Your baby arrives home from the hospital after birth usually by car so there are no particular boundaries on car trips.
1. Drive comfortably – when you drive make sure you drive safe and easy. Don’t rush and avoid harsh driving. Adjust the temperature control according to the weather.
2. Dress your baby comfortable cloths – use loose clothing and blanket. You can use removable window shades to avoid the sun if needed.
3. Play music – you can download your favorites songs or baby music on your phone and play. Music can be a good choice to make the baby happy while in a car. You can also play a car stereo, which has tons of songs to play.
4. Chill out – the best advice while traveling with a baby is to stay flexible and relaxed. You may be experienced some bad trips like crying baby but don’t give up this common with babies.
Traveling with your newborn can be comfortable with the right advice and care. Generally, the health practitioners suggest you to wait for any trip with the baby until your baby’s immune system well developed. But most of the doctors recommend you wait until three to six months.
Babies with health conditions such as heart or lung problems or premature babies may have breathing problems in airplane travel. Always talk with your doctor or pediatrician before you travel or traveling on an airplane with a baby.
More Interesting Stuff you like to Know :
I am experienced health professional (B.Sc. Nursing, P.GD Nursing). I am passionate to provide valuable information about Maternal and child Health. My goal is to provide the right and trustworthy information about pregnancy and baby care.
