Travelling with a baby
There are pros and cons to traveling with a newborn or an older baby – as your child develops there are always going to be new challenges and there’s probably never going to be a ‘perfect’ age to travel.
There are things that you can do to make life easier for yourself, but different situations will demand different responses from you to keep your child entertained, so you need to be flexible and creative at times.
There’s no reason why you can’t travel with a newborn. However, in the early weeks, your baby is more susceptible to infections and exposure to lots of strangers and new environments is probably best avoided. After around three months, your baby’s immune system will be stronger and his daily routine a little more established. Both these things will make it easier to travel with him. In fact, up until about the age of nine months, when he starts to feel more insecure about changes (and potentially gets on the move!), traveling won’t be too difficult.
From around nine monthson your baby will likely be starting to crawl and this reinforces his knowledge that he’s a separate entity from you. This period of adjustment can leave him feeling a little insecure about changes, and sometimes travel can be a little disruptive. However, the important thing to remember is that each baby is an individual and what is worrying for one baby is an adventure for another. Whatever you do, don’t avoid traveling because you think it might be too difficult. Babies can learn to adapt and sometimes you need them to fit in with your life and activities.
The worst part of traveling with small children is the amount of baggage involved. You’ll need to pack diapers and changing gear, formula if you’re not breastfeeding, suitable snacks for older babies, toys to entertain them, blankets for warmth, an appropriate car seat depending on your transport method, sunscreen and a first aid kit as well as his clothes. Ensure your accommodation can provide a crib and if you’re not taking your own infant car seat, book one when you arrange your rental car. Traveling as light as possible is the best advice possible, when on the go with a baby. Be prepared by being organized and examining all your options in advance.
Hot tip Some babies can find the changes in cabin pressure during take-off and landing uncomfortable. A good tip is to breastfeed, or offer your baby his pacifier or a bottle, as the sucking motion will help his ears to ‘pop’ when necessary. With an older baby ask the flight attendant for a slice of lemon your baby can suck on.
The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.
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Last Modified: 03/07/2007
Related Chat 1
You are so right about feeding often! Please mums, feed your babies the minute he/she starts to fuss. I think sometimes breastfeeding moms feel awkward about just pulling up their blouse and nursing at an airport, etc.. but if it has to be done, do it! Sometimes, if you wait till you can find a secluded corner, it is worse, because by then the baby is really mad!!! Put a cute floppy hat in your bag, stick on the baby's head - it's fun, practical and will give you coverage without having a big blanket over you! (check out a MoBoleez hat). Anyway, feeding often is the key to travelling with babies!!
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