10 Tricks for Traveling with a Newborn

Here’s the ultimate traveling with baby checklist! When preparing for flying with baby or a car travel with baby, you must be ready in advance. Learn all the essentials of flying with an infant on lap, or traveling with a newborn by car!

Common Sense Facts

Whether you’re an experienced parent or planning your first trip with the toddler, there are a couple of well-known facts that can help you put together the ultimate traveling with baby checklist. It’s all about safety and comfort, so the first thing on your list should be a great baby travel bed. But this is just the beginning, as there are numerous other precautions to be taken and preparations to be made. These will depend on many factors like the means of transportation, the duration of the trip, or its purpose. Here are 10 useful tricks that should cover every possible situation, regardless if you’re booking plane seats, or preparing for your first car travel with baby.

1. Bring Extra Snacks and Drinks

Irrespective of the means of transportation, healthy nutrition and hydration remain a priority. The food should be non-perishable, while for the liquids you can use a sippy cup. This will not only keep your child entertained, but it can also help to relieve air pressure when traveling by plane.

2. Pack Extra Diapers and Clothing

Babies are known to cause a mess when you least expect it. That’s why it would be best for you to keep and an extra set of changes and a fresh pair of diapers close, at all times. When you’re on the road or when flying with baby, and the air gets too hot or too cold for him or her, you need to be prepared to take off unneeded clothing or add extra ones, depending on the case.

3. Bring Your Child’s Favorite Toys

Your kid will be happy to get his favorite play toys which will make him feel safe and comfortable. They can help take the edge off and keep him occupied for a long time, but make sure to take only the soft toys, as safety comes first.

4. Pack Fun Items, Activities or Treats

After several hours of driving or flying, your kid will surely get tired and also cranky. The best way to lift his mood is to surprise him and give him a new object of interest. The kid will get excited once again and eager to play with newfound treats. Surprise packages are a great way to distract attention and entertain, especially when you’re traveling with a newborn by car.

5. Avoid Trips That Last Too Long

Much like for adults, sitting in the same position for many hours can be unhealthy for your toddler. When driving, you should consider planning several rest stops along the road, in public spaces that are safe and clean. Take your kid out of the car for short walks in the fresh air as often as you can.

6. Schedule Trips During the Baby’s Nap Time

If you’re worried about how your child is going to react to his first long-distance journey, one of the best things you can do is to schedule the departure around the same time he usually takes naps. As soon as the plane takes off, or the engine starts, put his jammies on and rock him gently to sleep.

7. Bring Your Baby’s Sleeping Gear

Whether it’s his favorite blanket or the jammies in which he feels the most comfortable, you should always pack the items that your child associates with sleep. This way, you can induce him the idea of napping. And if you’re going by car, you can use sun shades to cover the windows and make him believe the night has settled in.

8. Always Sit Next to Your Baby

If you’re flying with an infant on lap, booking the seat next to yours can be a great idea, just in case your kid needs room to play or simply doesn’t want to sit on your lap anymore. When driving, make sure you or your partner are always sitting on the backseat right next to him.

9. Always Keep Calm

Vomiting may happen, and if we speak about toddlers, this is almost a certainty. No matter where you are, it’s important not to panic, maintain your calm, and get on top of the situation. No need to be embarrassed; most of the people around you will understand.

10. Enjoy the Ride

Babies can feel if you’re anxious, nervous, or angry. You should only think positive thoughts and savor each part of the trip, especially when traveling with a newborn by car.

Conclusion

When you draw a line, it doesn’t really matter if you’re going by car, by train or flying with baby. What truly matters is for you to be ready for each of these alternatives. The better you prepare, plan, and schedule, the easier the travel will be both for you and your toddler. As long as you follow our guidelines, you should be fine and well-armed in the upcoming journey!