Travelling with a baby is challenging, but it can be done. With the holiday season fast approaching, we know parents all over the world are thinking about bringing their little ones with them when they travel.
You'll need to think about all of the details and prepare in advance so that your trip goes off without a hitch. Here at Ludere, we’ve compiled a list of tips, tricks, and useful advice when travelling with your baby, especially for first-time parents!
How to Prepare for Travelling with your Baby
There’s a lot to think about when you bring your baby on a trip, but it doesn't have to be stressful.
Bringing your baby on vacation with you is an exciting idea that can help you bond with each other and enjoy the experience even more. However, travelling with a newborn can be stressful if you aren't prepared for it or don't plan ahead.
Here are some tips for making sure that everything goes smoothly.
Talk to your Doctor before Travelling with a Newborn
If you are travelling with a newborn, it is important to discuss it with your doctor first. Your baby may also need shots or other preventative measures before starting the trip.
If you are breastfeeding and plan on leaving, it's important that you make sure that there is enough breast milk for your baby during the trip.
Your doctor or physician will be able to give you all the necessary information on how to safely travel with your baby, as well as some additional medication you or your child may need during the trip.
Baby’s First Plane Ride
If you're flying with a baby, there are some things that you'll want to do before the flight. Check if bringing a car seat is necessary for your particular flight. While some airlines allow babies to sit on their parent’s lap, others may require a separate seat for them and a baby carrier.
Make sure that your child's carrier meets all safety standards and will fit on an aeroplane seat; if not, then you may be required to buy one separately—and there's no telling how much they cost!
Pick the Right Flight for your Baby
When choosing a flight for your baby, there are a few things to consider. First and foremost, the flight shouldn't be too long. If you're flying across the country or internationally during nap time, it could be difficult for your little one to get restful sleep on the plane because they'll be awake for much of the trip.
Keep in mind that since babies don't have many experiences with being away from home yet, they won't know what to expect when they arrive at their destination—so try not to fly too early in the morning before everyone has had their coffee!
When looking at entertainment options while travelling with an infant/toddler, consider whether or not there will be any distractions like crying babies nearby; how easy will it be for you as well as other passengers if there are spills or loud noises?
Make sure that whatever device/device setup exists on board meets all safety standards set forth by regulations. Finally, always ask about customer service, especially if something goes wrong while travelling because sometimes those little details can make all of those other considerations worthwhile!
Preparing for Airline Security
Preparing for airline security is an important part of travelling with your baby. If you're flying with a plane, car seat, or stroller that's not approved by the carrier, you may need to provide proof of ownership.
Make sure to bring along a copy of your child's vaccination records and any other documentation that proves they're welcome to travel with their carrier on the flight as well.
Wear your Baby through Security
While travelling with your baby is one of the most exciting parts of being a parent, it can also be stressful. The stress comes in part from the fact that you are going through security as a family unit and not as individuals. In other words, if there's anything that sets off alarms at airport security checkpoints, it may be children who are crying or fussing while they're being scanned by metal detectors or wandered before their parents go through (or both).
So what do we do? How can we make sure our little ones stay calm during this process? Here are some tips:
Dress appropriately for the weather and season—you don't want to wear something too light or heavy when travelling on a plane (and neither does your baby), so pack accordingly! If travelling during wintertime when temperatures drop into single digits outside, consider wearing layers underneath sweaters/hoodies so that no one feels too cold inside their jackets/coats. Doing this also means less laundry needed later on down the road when temperatures rise again!
Another good tip: If possible, try not carrying around any unnecessary items such as umbrellas because those tend not only to take up extra space but also add weight onto already-heavy suitcases which might cause problems throughout transit time.
Baby's First Road Trip
Other than flying, a road trip with your baby can also be a fun experience! An upside to this is that it requires less preparation compared to flying. If you’re thinking about doing a family road trip, here is how you can make your baby’s first road trip a seamless experience.
- Make sure you have enough clothes and diapers in your car or stroller. Don't forget about the changing table!
- Bring a car seat—it makes life easier for everyone on the road.
Pack everything that might come in handy when travelling with an infant in tow. This includes formula bottles (especially if you're breastfeeding), wipes, and age-appropriate toys like rattles/dolls/blocks.
Pacifiers/nipples also take care of fresh milk supply issues too since most babies will want to feed frequently during the travel period.
Be Prepared for All Weather Conditions
Be sure to check the weather forecast before you leave. Bring a jacket, hat, and sunscreen for your baby. A waterproof cover or blanket will also come in handy if it rains while out on the road.
When travelling in the summertime, consider bringing an air conditioner unit with you if possible so that both you and your child can sleep comfortably at night!
Other Tips for Travelling with Infants & Toddlers
When you're packing for a trip, it can be tempting to bring every toy and accessory you've ever seen in an advertisement. But if you do that, then you’ll be packing too many items that might not fit into your car trunk or baggage allowance.
Instead of packing everything that's been on your mind lately, think about what would actually make sense for the trip: Is there really anything they need? Or are those items just taking up space?
Here is our list of must-have items for when you travel with your newborn or toddler.
Pack a Durable Baby Mat
If you're travelling with a baby, you'll need to change nappies—and not just once or twice. You might find yourself changing diapers every hour, day and night.
A large baby mat can help make this process easier by providing cushioning for her bottom as well as giving you enough space to lay down necessary supplies. It can also double as an awesome play mat that keeps toddlers entertained while their parents are busy elsewhere!
Ludere offers TPU foam mats and French linen baby mats that are spacious enough to cushion your baby during changing times. You can even let them nap on it safely. Ludere baby mats are travel-friendly, with easy packing and ample storage bags.
Bring Empty Bottles for Milk and Medicine
Empty bottles can come in handy when you’re travelling with your little one for the first time, whether it’s for milk or for medicine.
- Bring enough bottles for the whole trip.
- Bring a bottle warmer if you will be travelling for an extended period of time.
- If your child is breastfeeding, make sure to bring breast pads or milk storage bags that are compatible with their feeding schedule and equipment (if applicable).
- If you're travelling by car, bring along a cooler so that you can keep milk cold while on the road!
With careful planning and preparation, you can rest assured that everything will be smooth sailing!
With careful planning and preparation, you can rest assured that everything will be smooth sailing!
We hope that this article has given you some insight into the challenges and joys of travelling with an infant or toddler. It can be a difficult time, but we know from experience that it's also one of the most rewarding stages in your child's life.
