Tips for traveling with a baby

Me and the 3 musketeers on vacation

Here in Atlantic Canada we are seeing the light at the very long tunnel of this pandemic. As of June 30th, my province opened up it’s borders to rest of Canada with some travel restrictions for Canadians (and other non Canadian travelers) outside of the Atlantic bubble (Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia). I took advantage of this, as did my sister in law (who lives in Ontario), we met up in our home town of Miramichi N.B. It had been over two years since we had seen each other and the cousins were able to hang out together. It felt good, it felt normal, oddly enough it felt like no time had past. It got me thinking about all the families in Canada (and the world) who welcomed new babies into their lives during the pandemic. The ability to is welcome news for many new parents who have yet to introduce their newest additions to their extended families. Traveling with a newborn or young baby or toddler has it’s advantages for sure, but it’s not without it’s unique challenges.

My sister(s) in law and I have traveled with newborns in cars, in planes, long distances and even longer distances. We’ve traveled just for fun, we’ve traveled for weddings and we’ve traveled to campgrounds and all with our young babies in tow. I’ve had friends who have camped across the pacific north west with a young baby (think pre-crawling)for months. We’ve all learned some tips and tricks for traveling with newborns and young babies. This post is based on our experiences and we hope that you’ll find something useful. Take what works for you and leave the rest.

Plane travel tips

vacation naps happen whenever they can!

• For nursing moms: bring a few one handed snacks with you on the the flight, you may find yourself nursing more than usual.

• Also bring a water bottle with a straw and ask for a bottle of water the flight attendant comes around.

• In my experience, some airlines allow you to nurse your baby on take off and landing, however if they don’t allow nursing, bring a soother or breast milk in a bottle or sippy cup.

• If your baby is slightly older, play basic games (peek a boo, pat a cake) and sing action songs (itsy bitsy spider, if you’re happy and you know it).

• Bring a portable sound machine with options to play lullabys, or white noise.

• Put some baby friendly music or shows on your phone.

• For older babies, a fun new interactive book might do the trick for a while.

• Babies will get antsy, fussy, and overtired on a plane (especially on long flights) try not to get frustrated and cuddles may help

• Babies sometimes do well with a change of scenery, allow them to peak around the plane, interact with other passengers on the plane - maybe walk to bathroom and back even if you don’t need to go.

• If your baby is older, bring a few favorite toys or a lovey.

• Older babies may enjoy their favorite snack and a little bit of water on the flight. You can make it by using a mini bento box.

• If you’re heading to a resort or hotel, ask ahead to see if they have a pack and play, or practice safe co sleeping.

• If you’re bringing your car seat, be sure to check the oversized luggage area first after your arrival.

• Pack the necessities in your carry on bags as well as your luggage. You can buy extra diapers and wipes when you arrive.

Car travel tips

• Rethink your departure times, if your newborn or young baby tends to have a longer stretch of sleep at a certain time of the day or evening, plan to leave close to that point, be sure to nurse or feed your baby right before your leave.

• If choosing to drive overnight, switch drivers so each partner gets a little sleep and hopefully you won’t be too exhausted when you arrive at your destination.

• If your baby is alone in the backseat, it might be nice for someone to sit in the back seat with her.

• A headrest mirror helps some babies especially when you’re traveling alone.

• Be prepared for more pit stops along the way (diaper changes, nursing/feeding). Slow and steady wins the race.

• If you’re bottle feeding, prep a bottle before you head out. Bring the cooled boiled water with you and enough formula the trip plus a day (you never know). Buy some formula when you arrive.

• Pack the necessities, if you’re staying with family, have them ask around the neighborhood for a bassinet, baby toys (that can be safely sanitized), a stroller.

• Bring a quality baby carrier, just in case the borrowed stroller doesn’t happen.

General travel tips

• When you finally arrive at your destination, whether you’re visiting family or on vacation, know that things might go off the rails for a bit.

• Your baby may want to nurse or feed more often.

• Your baby may experience ‘stranger danger’ and may be more clingy than usual, acknowledge and allow it, babies usually come around when they are ready.

• If there’s a time change, even by an hour, that might throw naps and bedtime a bit. If its a short trip, I personally would let it go.

• Tune in to your baby, watch for signs of sleepiness and allow for more cuddles, extended nursing or feeding session, and even napping together might be helpful.

• Overall, it’s your vacation too and when you’re relaxed and putting that energy out, your baby will be too.

camping in the Quebec woods

Happy travels!