Summer is the season for travel, and for new mothers, it may be the first time ever heading out for a long trip with baby on board.
"No new parent wants to leave the side of their little ones, but travelling with an infant brings on a whole new set of challenges and requirements," says Amanda Spakowski, birth doula and founder of The Nesting Place. "Babies may be small, but they can be high maintenance, so planning ahead and creating a checklist of must-have items can help lighten the load and allow for a stress-free trip."
When Flying
- Plan feeding time during take-off and landing, which will help ease ear pain.
When Driving
- Add removable window shades for your car windows to protect your baby from the sun.
- Make sure to use a rear-facing car seat for safety.
When at the hotel
- Pack diaper rash cream, bags for dirty diapers, enough diapers for the trip and infant acetaminophen for relieving pain and fever - if your baby is teething, consider bringing teething gel.
- Book a crib when making your room reservation - or remember to bring your own travel Pack 'n Play.
When out and about
- Bring hats and SPF 30 sunscreen or higher - if your baby is under six months remember to keep them entirely out of the sun and refrain from using sunscreen.
- If you aren't breastfeeding, bring formula and add cooled boiled water as needed.
- Bring a plastic bib for your baby - it'll save you a change of clothes in case of spills.
General Tips
- Bring a bag containing a few of your baby's favorite toys to keep them happy and distracted, as well as a blanket for park visits.
- It's important to keep your baby on the same sleep schedule, so when on the go consider using white noise to help them ease into a deeper sleep. A sound machine is a great tool to pack!
Source: The Nesting Place, Hotels.com