10 Tips for Traveling With Your Baby

10 Tips for Traveling With Your Baby

Do you feel overwhelmed at the thought of traveling with your little one? Whether you're traveling by car or plane, these 10 tips will help make your trip easier and more enjoyable for everyone.

1. Choose a family-friendly destination: If possible, opt to stay at a hotel or resort that caters to the needs of a family. This way, you won't have to worry about all the details, and all of you will be able to relax.
    
2. Pack efficiently: Toting children and 60-pound bags won't be fun for anyone. Take necessities, but also leave room for familiar items from home (a favorite blanket or stuffed animal) to help baby feel safe and secure. Let older siblings carry their own backpacks or small wheeling luggage (pack one of them with diapers so it's light enough for them). Note to mom: Skip a large handbag and opt for a cross-body satchel instead.
    
3. Stay organized: Let one person (the most responsible one!) carry all the plane tickets, identification, hotel confirmation numbers or any other important documents. Pack toys in a designated “toy bag.”
    
4. Use a car seat: Whether you're traveling by car or on an airplane, the safest way for babies to travel is in a car seat. Make sure they are securely fastened by strapping the seat to the plane seatbelt or securing an approved car seat into the backseat of your car.
    
5. Take some toys: Pack a selection of entertainment options for your little ones in an organized carry-along; include coloring books and crayons, electronic toys with lots of buttons to push, sticker or magnetic activity books or a portable DVD player and DVDs. Don’t choose toys with lots of pieces. Items that can attach to the car seat are ideal. No room? Get creative—keys, jewelry (nothing too small or sharp of course), straws or calculators will work in a pinch.
    
6. Pack drinks and snacks: Be ready to breastfeed or bring lots of formula, and pack neat and easy snacks such as cereal and precut fruit or veggies. Make sure to include plenty of wipes and paper towels for spills and sticky hands.
    
7. Bring an extra set of clothes: Whether they’re needed because of a spill or a potty accident, a clean set of clothes could come in handy.
    
8. If traveling by plane: Leave plenty of time at the airport for getting through security, diaper changing and unexpected hold-ups; rushing around will cause stress for everyone. If there are two adults traveling, one can board first to secure overhead bins, while the other boards last with the baby. This will prevent crying fits and potentially not-so-nice looks from other passengers boarding the plane. During take-off and landing, help reduce ear pain from pressure changes by giving your baby something to suck on, such as a bottle or pacifier.
    
9. If you're on a long road trip: Stop along the way at rest stops so your baby (and you) can get out of the car seat and stretch. Instead of fast food, opt to stop at a picnic table if possible to have a packed lunch.
    
10. Expect the unexpected: It's important to be flexible when traveling with your baby. You might not make it to every planned stop on the itinerary, so be sure to under-schedule, leaving free time to rest and relax. Be prepared for anything by packing plenty of supplies, including items likeinsect repellent, sunblock, swim diapers, a first aid kit, a thermometer and any medicines you might need.
     

Bottom line: Traveling with your baby can be lots of fun if you're confident, prepared and flexible.

© 2012. National Women's Health Resource Center, Inc. All rights reserved. All content provided in this guide is for information purposes only. Any information herein relating to specific medical conditions, preventive care and/or healthy lifestyles does not suggest individual diagnosis or treatment and is not a substitute for medical attention.