Tips For Travelling With An Infant

Tips For Travelling With An Infant

Travelling with a baby unprepared can be a nightmare for parents. If you are not a seasoned traveller, carrying a baby along can be intimidating. Procedures that were once relatively straightforward can now seem a little perplexing. With the pandemic, a whole new set of do’s and don’ts come into the picture, requiring a checklist for safe travelling with kids. Thus, to help you prepare for your first trip together, here are some essentials for travelling with a baby.

A. Tips for Travelling With A Baby: Things to Consider

1. Consider the Baby’s Age

    A forty-day confinement period is enforced so that the newborn baby can adjust to its surroundings while the mother recovers post-delivery. Staying at home protects the baby from infections while its body is building immunity.

    If you are not following confinement, you can travel with your baby by train, bus or car. However, for air travel, you should check the airline restrictions or rules for newborn babies. Airlines offer additional guidelines if your baby is born prematurely or suffer from health conditions.

    2. Research the Safest Way to Travel

      Before travelling, it is advisable to do thorough research. The same applies when first-time travelling with a baby. Before choosing a mode of transport, do a quick search for the rules and regulations. If travelling by airways or railways, select seats that would be comfortable for you and your baby. For example, some airlines offer front seats for parents travelling with a baby. You can also check if they provide diaper changing tables or bassinets that would help your baby rest well. 

      3. Use a Baby Carrier

        Another travelling tip is to bring along a baby carrier. A baby carrier helps soothe a baby, letting them relax and sleep better. A toddler will feel secure and confident if they know they can fall back into the security of their carrier when required. If the child is cozy in their carrier, you too will be at ease.

        4. Adjust Your Baby’s Eating and Sleeping Routine

          If you are flying with your baby to another country, you need to let your baby adjust to the different time zones. Start by slowly shifting your baby’s schedule 20 minutes in the direction it needs to go. For example, wake them up 20 minutes earlier and put them to bed 20 minutes earlier. This subtle change would ensure that the baby doesn't experience any major differences while travelling.

          5. Request a Seat For the Baby

            First-time parents travelling by plane, train or bus need to request a seat for their baby as well, as it can get quite tiresome carrying the baby for longer journeys. Always ask if there are any empty seats available; chances are they’ll offer you one. The extra space will be a lovely luxury for you and your baby, especially as they get squirmier when they grow older.

            6. Keep Your Baby Entertained

              Babies are sensitive, and changes in cabin pressure can make them fussy and irritable. Babies can also get fussy if their clothes aren't comfortable, so ensure you pick suitable clothing for babies while travelling. Use small earplugs designed for infants if the baby seems bothered by the engine noise. However, consult with a pediatrician before using them. Also, carry a good storybook or good travel toys for toddlers to keep them entertained.

              B. How to Feed an Infant While Travelling?

              Babies need frequent feeding, so travel with sufficient baby food and water. Breastfeeding is also a convenient option. If your infant consumes baby food or infant formula, you have to plan their meals carefully. Here are some options you can use.

              • Carry a mini formula or easy to pack food-
              • An insulated flask filled with boiled water and pre-sterilized travel bottles and nipples will also come in handy.
              • If your baby is on solids, pack some travel-sized baby cereals that are easy to prepare by mixing water or milk.
              • Carry sufficient baby bibs and wet wipes.

              If you are travelling by air, it is advisable to feed the baby during landing or take off to prevent earache. Most airlines do not impose any restrictions on carrying adequate baby food for the trip.

              C. What Things To Pack For Your Baby?

              When travelling with a newborn, keep the destination and the number of travelling days in mind and prepare accordingly. Here is a baby travel essentials checklist that you can refer to when planning a trip.

              1. What to carry in your handbag

                • Two days and nights worth of diapers
                • Wet wipes and diaper cream
                • A couple of bibs and two bottles
                • Change of clothes for the baby
                • Change of clothes for you (in case the baby spits on you)
                • Large resealable bags to store used clothes
                • Food for the baby in case you are not breastfeeding

                2. What to carry in your baby’s suitcase


                  Although babies are tiny, they require tons of stuff. Here are some additional baby travel essentials to pack.

                  • Baby food to last the whole trip
                  • A bottle brush
                  • Travelling outfits, socks, shoes or booties (Two outfits for each day plus an extra pair)
                  • Lightweight baby carrier or stroller
                  • Baby monitor and play mat
                  • Baby teether, books and toys
                  • Weather-specific clothes like sun hats or bathing suits for the summer and coats, mittens, and winter caps for the cold season.

                  Check out our blog to learn more about winter clothing for babies

                  Conclusion

                  Travelling with your baby comes with its own set of challenges. Take care that your baby is comfortable at all times while travelling. The main part of being comfortable while travelling is to dress your baby up in comfy clothes. So, if you are looking for baby clothes online, then browse through our collection of kid's clothes today.

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