Traveling With Your Newborn

Traveling with your newborn can present you with new challenges, but it is possible! Luckily, newborns require very little: comfort, dry pants, and a full tummy. There is a way to enjoy life outside of the nursery by simply being prepared for these simple needs.

Be sure to pack weather-appropriate clothing. Check the weather report ahead of time and prepare accordingly. You will not need to pack as many clothes if you will be staying somewhere with laundry capabilities; simply pack a small container of detergent or buy some at your destination. With newborns basic onesies will suffice for warm weather. For cooler weather you can exchange the onesies with footie outfits and beanies. Don’t forget a warm blanket.

Think about where your baby will sleep. If you prefer not to have your baby in bed with you there are easier ways than lugging around the massive portable cribs. I found a wonderful Nap ‘N Pack (travel bed) at Wal-Mart for $50. It is a bed, changing pad, and play mat the rolls up into an easy-to-carry duffle bag, with pockets to boot. I have used mine when hiking to the lake for a lake day, camping, and when visiting the grandparents. It is very easy to pack and carry.

Don’t forget the diapers or the wipes. If you are traveling to an area with stores, don’t worry about filling your trunk with diapers and wipes galore; you can always buy more if you run out. However, if you are camping or traveling somewhere rural, you can never have too many diapers. They don’t take up that much space and are a great thing to keep on hand. I keep an extra diaper bag in the trunk of my car with a couple burp rags, a blanket, a pacifier and extra diapers.

Be sure to feed, burp and change your baby just before heading out the door. If you feed your baby formula plan ahead and pack the amount you know you’ll need. Keep a bottle ready to go for your baby. If you are breast feeding you can simply pull the car over when your baby is hungry. If you have a breast pump I would advise bringing the pump with two bottles (and nipples) and extra batteries. I found it much easier to pump once in the car and have a warm bottle ready to go when my baby asked for it (rather than having a cold bottle and have to tow along the ice packs and other gear).

One item that truly made travel easy was my baby sling. It was a great alternative to hauling a stroller. Some slings also double as a nursing cover which is a great thing to have when away from the privacy of home.

Things intended to ease your life as a parent can actually end up hindering you. It is nearly impossible to travel with cribs, playpens, toys, strollers, and all the other items parents tend to rely on at home (refer to the Top Ten Baby Items for the First Time Mom). By planning ahead of time and keeping calm when issues arise, you can successfully enjoy time away from home with your new family.