Whether it's around the block or across the country, the idea of traveling with baby can overwhelm a new parent. I agree that life is not so simple with a newborn baby in tow, but with some preparation, your trip will go smoothly.
"Children are a great comfort in your old age - and they help you to reach it faster, too." --Lionel M. Kauffman
Car Seats In most countries and in all U.S. states, the law requires that newborn babies be buckled into an age-appropriate car seat. Hospital policy will not allow personnel to release your newborn baby to go home until you have shown them that your baby can be properly fitted into your car seat. If you will be taking public transportation home after your baby's birth, be sure to check with the hospital regarding their policy.
Make sure you observe all infant car seat safetyinstructions. Read the manufacturer's instructions and have your car seat inspected by a technician certified in proper car seat installation.
You also need to be aware of the child car seat laws for your areas of travel. (You are responsible for them even if they are different than the laws of your home state or country.)
There are two basic car seat options available for transporting newborn babies. The first is the "infant-only" carrier (rear-facing), and the second is the "convertible" car seat.
While the infant-only car seat is more convenient and a better fit for newborns, most can only be used until your baby reaches approximately 20 pounds. Many of these are available with a stroller that fits the carseat and makes taking your baby out-and-about a breeze!
The convertible car seat is designed to be used for smaller, rear-facing infants, and then turned around for older, forward-facing babies. While purchasing just one car seat that will be usable for several years is great, these car seats can not be used as carriers outside of the vehicle.
Once you have selected the best car seat for your baby, you will want to seriously consider purchasing one of the gorgeous
baby carseat covers
that are available. These are a terrific way to show some style AND are a snap to remove and clean. Not sure you really need one? I "make my case" for this in
Why You Need an Infant Car Seat Cover.
(I just wish these had been available when my oldest was born!)
Keeping Them Warm If you will be traveling with baby in cooler temperatures, you will want to plan for how to keep your baby warm. Many new parents have mistakenly thought that the best way to keep a newborn baby warm while traveling is the same way we keep warm - with a heavy coat or snowsuit. The problem is that
infant snowsuits can actually be dangerous when traveling with baby.
You'll need several blankets of different thicknesses to keep your newborn warm no matter what is blowing your way. Layers will help you easily adjust to varying temperatures without having to remove the baby from the car seat.
Strollers A good stroller is an investment that most parents will want to consider. There are hundreds of different options, so you'll want to evaluate what its future use will be. Some infant-only car seats have an optional stroller available in which the car seat may be securely attached.
Slings and Carriers After 9 months of a warm, snug environment, is it any wonder that newborns love to be held close to your body?
It's unfortunate, but life intrudes on our desire to spend every moment holding our newborns. A baby sling (worn over one shoulder) and a baby front pack carrier (similar to wearing a "backpack" in front) are great ways to keep your baby close and still be able to use both hands. These can be used in place of a stroller when you are on an outing, or even around the house.
Diaper Bags Before you take off out the door, don't forget to grab the diaper bag!
There are now many great choices for stashing all of the newborn "necessities" when you are traveling. It's a great way to show some personality. From distinctly feminine to something that even "Dad" will be willing to carry...from practical to chic...perhaps personalized? organic? I even have fisherman friends who decided to use a fishing tackle box as their diaper bag. The possibilities to show some personality are endless, therefore there will be no need for the ugly, vinyl "give-away" bags from the hospital.
Are you not sure of all of the items you should be stocking inside your diaper bag?
Here is a diaper bag checklist
that will have you prepared for all of your travels.
Portable Cribs For those overnight trips, you will want to consider where your newborn will sleep. A portable crib is a great option for this. If you will be staying in a hotel, many will make a portable crib available for little or no charge. Be sure to mention your need of a crib when you make your reservations, since these are often available on a first-come-first-served basis.
Air Traveling with Baby The safest way for traveling with baby by air is in an FAA approved car seat which is buckled into a purchased seat on the plane. If you feel that this is not an option, U.S. domestic travel allows babies under 2 years of age to ride on the lap of an accompanying adult. This means that you must hold your child on your lap during the entire flight (unless there happens to be an open seat next to you). Regardless of whether or not you purchase a ticket for your baby, you will want to bring your car seat on the trip unless you have made arrangements for one on the other end of your flight.
See the individual airline's policies for more information about air traveling with baby.
If you will be checking your car seat, it is best to acquire a car seat travel bag. These bags not only protect the car seat, but are especially helpful for carrying this bulky item to and from your vehicle.
Note: I would strongly suggest that if you decide not to purchase a ticket for your newborn that you keep your baby in a baby front pack carrier to minimize any possibility of injury from unpredictable turbulence.
Traveling with baby can be a culture shock for the first-time parent. The days of spontaneously dropping everything and running out the door will most likely need to wait a while. If you plan ahead however, you are sure to have an enjoyable outing showing off your precious baby.
Here are my best tips and reminders for traveling with baby:
Feed your baby right before you leave. There is nothing more stressful than rush hour with a screaming, hungry, newborn baby.
Proper positioning in the car seat is tricky with newborns. If possible, have a responsible person sit next to the baby during every trip to make sure that his head doesn't fall forward, causing restricted breathing.
Follow the car seat manufacturers installation instructions. Never put a infant car seat in a front seat with an air bag.
Restock and bring your diaper bag!
For longer road trips, plan ahead for extra stops to feed, change, and exercise the baby.
Shade your baby from sun exposure. Delicate skin can be easily damaged.
Road trips in cold climates during the winter are very dry. Be prepared to compensate for this. (...with milk, not money!)
The motion and noise of the automobile comforts and soothes most newborns. They may sleep very well on long road trips. Don't be tempted to stretch your baby too long between feedings. You will pay for it later by having to feed him more frequently during the night.
When traveling with baby by air, either feed him or supply a pacifier during ascent and descent to help with air pressure changes.
