It’s that time of year again! Families across the country are preparing to hit the road for summer vacations, but if you’ve got a newborn at home, you might be a little nervous about the idea of traveling with an infant. But, the good news is that it does not have to be a stressful experience.
Whether it’s a road trip across the state or an overseas flight, with a little preparation, it is possible to survive – and even enjoy – the journey with your new baby. Plan ahead to help reduce potential stress and make the trip memorable.
Keep Your Routines
A happy baby is safe and secure in his or her surroundings. Being able to predict what is going to happen next can help to establish a comfort level for them. While it’s not always possible to maintain the same routines that you have at home while you’re on the road, ensuring that nap times and bedtimes occur regularly can help to keep your baby rested and less fussy.
Plan Surprises
Depending on the age of the baby, distraction may be your most valuable tool. Circumvent fussy times by pulling out a favorite (or new) toy. Be sure to bring a few alternatives to swap out when your baby gets bored.
Bring Food and Water
Nothing can make a baby crankier than being hungry. And let’s be honest, the same goes for us. Make sure you have snacks packed for yourself and plenty of formula or breast milk for your baby. If you are traveling by car, you may need to pump ahead. For airplane trips, invest in a good nursing cover.
Relax
By planning and packing ahead, the actual day of travel should be relatively stress-free. Babies feed off our energy, and they can get very fussy if we are particularly nervous about missing a flight or where to stop next to fill the tank with gas. So, relax and enjoy the journey!
This is the first of a series of posts offering pointers on traveling with children during summer vacation. So, keep your eyes peeled for more tips on taking trips with young kids and teenagers in the coming weeks!
Author
