Other than short distances from home, traveling with a newborn baby is generally not encouraged until they reach the age of three months. At that age, however, babies are less fragile than parents fear, and travel does not have to disrupt their schedule. While car travel with your baby is much easier to handle than travel by air, both require organization and pre-planning. Arriving at your travel destination unstressed makes it possible for you, and the baby, to adjust more quickly to your new surroundings. By planning ahead for all eventualities and packing smart, your trip is bound to be a success!
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Use this list!- Priority items
- Car seat. You will need one of these for the car or the airplane.
- Baby food and drink. Enough for an entire day in case you experience delays.
- Diapers. Plan to use one for each hour in transit, plus pack a few extra.
- Wipes. Bring enough for any contingency.
- Diaper bag. Preferably pack one with a waterproof lining and a shoulder strap.
- Baby clothes. Bring one change for the trip and plan for pack for two changes each day thereafter. Include a hat for sun protection.
- First aid kit. Enough to deal with minor medical problems. Include an emergency sheet with the names and phone numbers of your pediatrician, including your baby's health information and any medications.
- Pacifiers. If your baby uses them, be sure to bring extras.
- Plastic bags. Bring all sizes for dirty diapers or soiled clothing.
- More things to pack
- Bibs. Disposables for the trip and several washables for when you arrive.
- Baby blankets. If you are nursing, bring one to cover yourself, and others to cover the baby and other surfaces.
- Changing pads. Buy disposables.
- Disposable spoons. For feeding baby food.
- Extra shirt for mom. In case of an accident, having an extra will prevent embarrassment.
- Sanitizing hand gel. Use to wash your hands, your baby and even as a baby lotion.
- Tissues. You can never have enough of these.
- Snacks for you. Keep your energy up with a nutritional power bar and plenty of water to keep hydrated.
- Other items for your stay
- Baby bathtub. An inflatable one makes bath time easier.
- Collapsible stroller. You can check it at the gate or store in an overhead unit in the plane.
- Sling or front carrier. One of these keeps your baby safe and your movements easier.
- Portacrib or play-yard. Either of these creates an instant child safe area whenever needed.
- Camera. Bring extra batteries to be sure that you do not miss any Kodak moments.
- Nightlight. One of these makes your room just like home.
- Reading light. A clip on light allows you to read without disturbing your baby.
- Sun tan lotion. For baby and yourself.
Plan for airport security. When traveling by air, mothers must be aware of items that will and will not pass through security. More than three ounces of breast milk, formula or juice is allowed if declared at the security checkpoint. Breast milk is considered the same as liquid medications. Also allowed in your carry-on bag is gel or liquid-filled tethers, canned, jarred, or processed baby food.
Schedule smart. For best travel results, try to pace your trip to your baby’s schedule for eating and napping.
