Travel with a newborn seems like an impossible task but is quite doable with proper planning. Most pediatricians agree that travel is generally fine to start around 6 weeks of age as long as the baby has established a regular feeding routine and is gaining weight appropriately.
Of course, every baby develops at their own pace so be sure to consult your little one’s doctor based on individual factors. At 6 weeks, newborns have had time to build up their immune systems and can stay awake for longer stretches.
Now that you’ve welcomed your little one into the world, you may be wondering – can I still travel with a newborn? While packing up and preparing a baby for their first trip seems daunting, it is possible to give your infant positive travel experiences from a young age. With the right planning and by following some expert advice, you can feel confident exploring with your newborn in tow.
When Is Baby Ready for Their Maiden Voyage?
Most pediatricians generally recommend waiting until babies are around 6 weeks old before embarking on major travel like flights or long road trips
Newborns have had time to build up their immune systems both in and out of the womb. Every baby develops at their own pace, so discuss your travel plans with your little one’s doctor based on factors like birth weight, feeding routine, and overall health.
Some signs that indicate baby may be ready include being able to hold their head up unassisted, staying awake for stretches longer than 2 hours at a time, and having established a regular feeding pattern
Remember, the younger the baby is, the more frequently you’ll need to stop for feeding, diaper changes, and soothing. As long as the baby is meeting all developmental milestones, most find 6-8 weeks of age is a suitable window for introducing short trips 1-3 hours away from home.
Packing List for Baby’s Suitcase
When planning their first voyage, having the right gear along is crucial. Consider including these essentials in both your baby’s carry-on and checked baggage:
- Diapers in the next size up (you’ll go through more than expected!)
- Wipes and diaper cream
- Outfits for each day of travel plus extras
- Sleep clothes and blankets or swaddle blankets
- Hat for sun protection
- Pacifiers and teething toys or rings
- Portable changing pad or foldable change pad
- Nursing or bottle-feeding accessories
- Medicine dropper or syringe if supplementing with water or Pedialyte
- Baby Tylenol or other medications prescribed by a pediatrician
- Favorite toy for distracting during takeoff/landing
- Car seat if driving
Also don’t forget your own “must haves” like pumping accessories, nursing pillows or pads, extra chargers, and snacks. With all their necessities covered, the baby’s trip will get off to a smooth start. It’s also wise to ask family to register or borrow items you may only use once like swings or bouncers to lighten the travel load.
When To Travel With Newborn By Car?
Most experts recommend that car travel is generally fine for newborns as young as 2-4 weeks old. At this age, babies have generally met all of their key developmental milestones like regulating body temperature, and have established a regular feeding schedule.
Trips by car are preferable to flights for younger infants, as babies can be easily soothed during short drive time stops if they become fussy or need feeding. Keep drives under 2 hours initially, and plan to stop about every 2 hours so baby can be changed, fed, and moved around in their car seat to prevent soreness.
Listen to your baby’s cues and be prepared to pause travel if they seem over-tired or overwhelmed. Stick to daytime drives when your newborn will likely sleep the most.
When Is It Safe To Travel With A Newborn By Plane?
Babies are at least 6 weeks old before flying. At 6 weeks of age, babies have generally developed enough to be out of the initial “fourth trimester” stage where they spend their time eating and sleeping.
Their immune systems have also matured to better withstand fluctuations in cabin pressure and exposure to germs in an airport environment. Look for signs that your newborn can stay awake for stretches longer than 2 hours and is regularly feeding on demand. Be sure to check with your pediatrician as well based on your specific baby’s health and development.
Try choosing red-eye flights when possible, as babies tend to sleep better at night. Always secure the baby in an FAA-approved car seat during takeoff and landing for maximum safety. Keep nursing/feeding schedules consistent and bring distractions like toys or music to help the baby stay calm during ascent and descent.
Air Travel Tips for Flying with Newborns
When navigating airport security and boarding a plane, careful planning makes all the difference. Here are some tricks for streamlining flying with a baby:
- Consult your airline’s policies on free infant tickets and lap seating. Most allow lap seating for children under 2 years old.
- Bring the baby’s FAA-approved car seat onboard for takeoff/landing instead of using lap seating. This provides the safest restraint.
- Time feedings and diaper changes before anticipated TSA screening or boarding times.
- Use noise-cancelling headphones or a white noise machine app to soothe the baby during possible loud noises on the aircraft or in terminals.
- Consider night flights when babies may sleep longer on redeye routes.
- Check any bags with bottles, formula, or breastmilk at the gate within 3 hours of departure time per TSA guidelines.
Remember, traveling with a baby may slow your trip down and require extra patience. Flying with a calm newborn sets the right tone for any family vacations to come. With the right preparation, the baby’s first flight will be a breeze!
Road Trip Essentials for Driving with Infants
Hitting the open road with a new driver – your baby – means ensuring their safety is the priority. These items are road trip necessities:
- Car seat: An approved rear-facing car seat suitable until the baby is 2 years old or reaches the maximum rear-facing weight/height limits. Be sure to install it properly using either seat belts or LATCH system anchors.
- Extra clothing: Accidents happen, so pack more outfits than needed in various sizes.
- Diapers/wipes: Long trips warrant loading up on plenty of size-up diapers.
- Toys/books: Rotation of age-appropriate toys to entertain and provide mental stimulation during stops. Consider books with textures babies can feel.
- Blankets: For warmth, tummy time play, or swaddling baby is still an option at their age and development stage.
- Music: Calming songs or nature sounds to soothe via a portable speaker or car’s audio system.
- Diaper bag: For organized on-the-go accessibility of all baby gear and supplies.
To ensure road trips remain a joy, stop every 2-3 hours for diaper changes, feeding times, and stretch breaks. Keeping baby content and snug in their car seat makes long drives much smoother.
Soothing Cries While Traveling
Despite your most meticulous plans, the baby may still fuss or cry during transport. Staying calm and using these go-to techniques can diffuse tears:
- Skin-to-skin contact: Gentle kangaroo care with mom or dad’s body heat has a scientifically proven soothing effect on infants. Try skin-to-skin during taxi or train rides.
- Gentle bouncing or rocking: Simulating the womb’s soothing motion helps babies self-settle. Use a front baby carrier for on-the-go comfort.
- Pacifier: If your baby is not yet using a pacifier, white noise machines, sucking on their hand or nursing have similar calming effects.
- White noise: Playing consistent nature sounds or womb recordings through headphones or a phone speaker can distract from ambient noises.
- Dark, quiet space: If tears persist and baby seems overstimulated, find a private, dimly-lit spot to reconnect just you and baby.
Sticking to their normal schedule also provides stability. Remember, allowing the baby to fully cry out is discouraged when traveling due to safety. Curbing tantrums with proven techniques sets the stage for positive associations with family journeys.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can we start traveling by car?
Most babies are ready for shorter car trips of 2 hours or less starting around 2-4 weeks as long as they’re feeding well and sleeping regularly. Listen to your little one and be prepared to pull over if they get fussy.
What’s the deal with flying?
Planes are usually okay once babies hit 6 weeks. They’ll be out of the “potato” stage by then. Just bring the car seat on board and try red-eye flights if you can.
Any packing tips?
Don’t forget extra onesies, diapers in the next size up, your pump if nursing, and snacks for mom! Also pacis, toys and their blank ie to help calm little nerves.
How do I soothe a crying baby?
Skin-to-skin contact on daddy tends to work best. Also try shushing in their ear, breast/bottle, or just getting out of the crowded airport for a bit. They just wanna be held!
What about layovers or delays?
A: Pack extra diapers/clothes just in case, plus have snacks and movies downloaded to keep both of you entertained.
Conclusion
The idea of traveling with a new born can seem daunting, taking short trips and excursions is very achievable with some planning. The key is being prepared with all necessary supplies, keeping to baby’s normal feeding and sleep routines as much as possible when on the go, and listening closely to your little one’s subtle cues if they seem tired, overstimulated, or in need of soothing.
Having realistic expectations and being willing to roll with any unexpected changes or delays that arise are also important. The baby’s comfort and safety should always come before any itinerary or timetable.
If you focus on taking small journeys initially and make infant-friendly travel a priority, both you and your baby are sure to feel more relaxed and confident laying the foundations for future family adventures together.
