Holiday Travel with Baby
With the holidays quickly approaching, many will travel long distances to spend time with their families. New parents will be worried about taking their new bundles of joy on planes and road trips, but don’t despair.. I’ve got some helpful tips for you.
First and foremost, don’t procrastinate or you’ll end up running to the drugstore at the 11th hour. Keep a running list of things to take, or put items out on a table or dresser as you think of them. Preparation is key.
Some of the “must take” carry-on items include an infant car seat, collapsible light weight stroller, baby carrier (such as an Ergo or wrap), a blanket, plastic bags for soiled items, diaper changing pad, enough diapers/wipes while you travel, 3 oz size of anti-bacterial gel and first aid kit.
Added bonus-If you are traveling with a baby, you are allowed to travel with enough formula, breast milk, or juice in your carry-on needed to reach your destination. In addition, you are allowed to bring gel or liquid-filled teethers, canned, jarred, or processed baby food in your carry-on baggage and aboard your plane.
Make sure to use a diaper bag with a waterproof lining and a shoulder strap. Leaky diapers and baby spit-up at 30,000 feet is not fun, so tuck an extra outfit or two for your baby – and an extra shirt for you – into your carry-on bag.
Bring a new toy, book or game to entertain your baby or be prepared to make puppets out of the airsickness bags. Remember that take off and landings will increase the pressure in her ears, but nursing or sucking a bottle can help alleviate the discomfort. If you have flight connections, explore the terminals with your baby and tire them out. A sleeping baby on a plane is a happy parent and time for you to decompress.
Most importantly, relax, remember to breathe and enjoy the journey as best as you can, it won’t last forever and most people are tolerant of a crying baby…that’s what headphones are for, right?
- Jennifer
