If you have a new baby in the family, it’s probably a thrilling time, though it may be an exhausting one as well. No one might be getting very much sleep, and you have to take care of the new addition and make sure the infant receives the proper nutrition, vaccinations, etc. You and the other family members might feel like you have a lot of additional responsibilities, and getting used to the new dynamic will take some time.
However, if you need to travel with the baby, that presents even more challenges. Here are some tips to help you if you’re going to take your new arrival across the state or country.
You Shouldn’t Travel Before Getting the Child Their Vaccinations
Ideally, you do not want to take the child on a long trip before they are at least six weeks old. That is because:
- At six weeks, your doctor will give your baby their first inoculation round
- Before that age, they have not developed their immune system sufficiently
Before six weeks old, your baby might be okay if you travel with them, but it is better not to risk it. If you wait until they are 2-3 months old, they will develop common bacteria and virus defenses.
If you feel like you have to travel before the baby is at least 2-3 months old, talk to your doctor. They can tell you some additional precautions you might wish to take.
Consider Driving Rather than Flying
If you’re traveling with a baby, you should also think about driving to your destination rather than flying. That’s because:
- You will have fewer Covid-19 concerns if you drive
- The baby’s crying will not bother the other passengers
Medical science does not fully know right now what Covid-19 can do to an infant. If you stay off airplanes where the air recirculates and remain in your own car, it is much less likely that your infant can get infected.
Also, even if there wasn’t a pandemic happening, nobody likes flying next to a crying baby. It’s inconsiderate to the other passengers if you’re on a multiple-hour flight, and your child is crying the whole time. You can’t get to some destinations by car, but if you’re going somewhere and that’s a possibility, you should at least think about it.
Bring Toys or Other Appropriate Diversions
If your baby is very young, you can’t sing songs or play games with them yet, regardless of your transportation method. However, you should do all you can to keep the child occupied.
You can bring along a stuffed animal or their favorite blanket. If they are teething, you might bring along something appropriate for them to suck or chew on.
If you’re traveling in a colder climate, bring along appropriate clothing or heavier blankets. Do all you can to keep the child content along the way.
Consider Food Arrangements
You should think about the baby’s food arrangements as well. If you are a breastfeeding mother, you may bring along a blanket, under which the child can breastfeed if you’re out in public. If you’re at the baby food stage, make sure to bring plenty of the child’s favorites along for when they get hungry.
If you’re going on an airline, look into what you can bring and what you can’t. There are usually food and beverage limitations, and that does apply to baby food containers as well. Get ready to screen the food, formula, or whatever else you brought along.
Bring a Transportation Method
If you’re a new mom, you probably have no problems carrying the baby around with you for part of the time, but you should also bring a stroller or a similar transportation method. If you’re flying, you can put the baby in there as you’re walking through the airport. You might have to check the stroller, so know how to fold it up so the airport staff can stow it under the plane.
You might also bring a baby carrier such as a sling. You need to be able to keep your baby close to you the whole time and keep them comfortable and warm as you move.
As you get more used to traveling with the new baby, you should master the whole routine. Also, as the child grows, they will gradually become more autonomous.
This is an exciting time for you and the little one as well, as you introduce them to the world and some different destinations.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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