Taking Trips with Your Baby

Once your baby is old enough you may want to start planning trips and vacations that will include your baby boy or baby girl. Most parents and pediatrics recommend staying close to home for the first few months of a newborn baby’s life since you’ll want the safety of familiar surroundings and the comfort in knowing your doctor is nearby in case something should go wrong.

Prior to 8 months it is suggested that you only do short trips to a park or beach that isn’t too far from home. Babies do not often enjoy long car rides and too much time away from their crib can cause anxiety and a tantrum. A short stroll through a park or a few hours at the beach is a good way to acclimate an infant or toddler to the idea of traveling without going to extremes.

A key to taking successful trips with a baby is being prepared. Always have a safe and reliable car seat or car seat/carrier to provide the most protection for your newborn baby in the car. The baby should always ride in the in the back seat in a rear-facing car seat. Before you leave the driveway make sure the car seat is installed properly and that the seat belts and harness are securely fastened. If you are traveling via public transportation such as taxis, trains or busses make sure to have a car seat/carrier that can detach from your car and be able to use in other vehicles.

Other things to keep in mind when traveling with a newborn baby is to have a fully stocked first aid kit, emergency contact list and enough diapers, food, baby toys and baby stroller to handle the travel time. One of the hardest parts of traveling with a baby is their lack of patience. Having a favorite toy ready or a bottle of their favorite drink can often buy you some valuable time and peace and quiet while driving.

Many experts suggest not traveling too far before a baby is at least a year old. It is also recommended that you avoid amusement parks and other loud and hectic places that will easily wear a toddler out and quickly lead to meltdowns and temper tantrums. Another tip is to avoid traveling internationally with a newborn baby as a language barrier in the event of an emergency can cause panic and stress for everyone involved.