Can My Baby Handle a Trip? Your Helpful Guide to Newborn Travel

Are you planning a trip soon?

Planning on taking your sweet, precious baby along?  

There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to traveling with your baby. 

First off…

We understand that traveling with a newborn can be daunting. 

Not only are you getting used to your at-home routine, but you’re also still recovering from birth. This can make it difficult to decide if you’re going to travel or not. 

But listen in…

Don’t feel like you have to travel. 

Travel if you need to or want to. 

Your mindset going into this will matter a lot. Traveling with a baby is more intimidating when you overthink it. If traveling is unavoidable or you really want to, don’t let it stress you out (too much). 

There are many ways to be proactive as you prepare for newborn travel. It may be easier than you expect.

Preparation: Newborn Travel Checklist

Just like with any trip, with or without a baby, it helps to have a checklist. 

It allows you to establish priorities and get a sense of what you can take and what you can leave at home. 

Here’s a checklist of items to keep in mind as you prepare for your trip: 

Large Baby Gear: 

• Baby carrier/wrap
• Car seat 
• Stroller 
• Travel crib/bassinet 

Baby Clothing: 

• Shirts/onesies 
• Pants 
• Rompers 
• Sleepers 
• Socks 
• Hat (warm and fuzzy for winter, sun hat for warmer months) 
• Swimsuit (if needed)

Extra tip: Consider booking a place to stay that has access to a washer and dryer. This way, you don’t have to overpack outfits and can wash clothing as needed. 

Nursing and Feeding: 

• Travel bottles 
• Travel-size dish soap (especially helpful for hotel rooms)
• Bottle wipes 
• Travel drying rack
• Breast pump + accessories 
• Nursing cover 
• Large insulated mug (great for warming a bottle)
• Burp cloths 
• Wipeable bib 
• Travel high chair 
• Snack trappers 

Bath and Hygiene: 

• Diapers (you can bring 8 to 10 diapers with you, and then buy more when you arrive at your destination) 
• Wipes 
• Travel changing pad 
• Baby first aid kit 
• Infant Tylenol
• Travel size trash bags (you can use travel diaper bags or small doggie bags) 
• Sanitizing wipes 
• Inflatable tub

Play and Sleep: 

• Travel play mat/blanket 
• Pacifier 
• Crib sheets 
• Swaddle blankets/sleepsack 
• White noise machine (so effective for sleeping in an unfamiliar place)

Remember, not every single item will apply to you. Only you know what is necessary. You may end up taking more or less than what is on this list. 

Modes of Transportation – Car or Plane? 

Whether you’re traveling by car or plane…

You probably have many questions. Let’s answer them. 

There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to traveling with a baby. 

Traveling By Plane With a Newborn

Is it safe for me to fly with a newborn?

Short answer: Yes. 

Long answer: There are a few things to keep in mind. You know the health of your baby best. So, use that knowledge to make this decision. 

Many healthcare professionals urge parents not to fly with their babies until they are 7 days old.

Some will tell you to wait even a few months after their birth. 

Here’s their reasoning: 

A baby’s immune system is brand new. 

Unfortunately, airplanes tend to be germ magnets. Oftentimes, adult immune systems can handle it without getting sick, but with babies, you need to be more careful. 

Also, depending on your baby’s health, they may not react to pressure changes very well. For example, if your baby was born with heart or lung problems, it may be wise to hold off on flying. Their bodies likely need more time to develop and strengthen before flying in a plane.

So, yes, newborn babies can fly with you. However, you must keep your baby’s health in mind to make this decision. 

Can I hold my baby in my lap while flying? 

Many experts recommend not to do this. 

Here’s why: 

Technically, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)…

Children under 2 can fly for free, which means they are sitting on your lap. 

But here’s the thing… 

If something goes wrong on the plane, or even a bit of turbulence happens, you don’t have a great way to protect your baby. 

In fact, turbulence is the leading cause of child injuries on a plane. 

Here is the safest way for your baby to fly: 

For infants under 20 pounds, it is safest for them to ride in a rear-facing car seat during the entire flight. This would involve you most likely purchasing another seat right next to you. Or, you can try to plan your trip during low-volume travel times. Then, hopefully you can score an empty seat right next to you. 

You can also ask for an airplane harness device, which connects with the airplane seat’s buckle. This is for children who weigh 22 to 44 pounds. So, this is more appropriate for older infants or toddler-aged children. 

Can my baby lay flat at all during the flight? 

Yes, there are options for you to do this. This can be especially helpful during long flights. 

Here they are: 

• Inflatable seat extender: Many airlines will let you bring an inflatable seat extender. This allows your baby to lay flat next to you.  
• Airplane bassinets: Some airlines (mainly for long international flights), offer bassinets. They latch to certain areas of the airplane. Depending on the airline, the weight limit may vary. Also, these are available mainly for convenience, not safety. So, your child usually cannot be in them during take-off, landing, or turbulence. 
• Sleeper seats: For international flights, some airlines allow you to book three seats in a row. Called “sleeper seats” or “sky couches,” these would allow you and your baby enough room to lay flat or be in their car seat. 

While your baby is lying flat, keep their safety in mind. Check on them periodically to make sure they have enough space to breathe. 

Traveling By Car With a Newborn

Is it safe for my baby to travel for hours at a time in their car seat? 

Yes, this can be quite safe for your baby. Also, driving in the car puts your baby at less risk of getting sick. 

But, here are a few things to keep in mind while traveling for hours in the car: 

• Check car seat safety.  Always make sure to get your baby’s car seat inspected before use. 
• Consider sitting in the backseat with your baby if possible. If someone else is able to drive, sitting in the backseat with your baby could prevent a few issues. You are there to comfort them if they cry, entertain them, and feed them. Also, you’re there to monitor if they need a diaper or clothing change.
• Plan for breaks. Babies need to take more breaks than adults do. It’s just a fact! Be proactive now, and allot yourself more time to arrive at your destination.

When is the best time to travel with my newborn? 

This is up to you. 

Remember, you know your baby best. You also know your family best. 

Many families take road trips early in the morning because they know their kids will be sleeping. Some decide to drive during their baby’s normal nap time, because they know driving in the car will calm them. Others consider driving at night because it’s easier for them. 

It just depends. 

So, stay in tune with your baby’s routine, and plan your trip accordingly. 

What newborn travel essentials should I have nearby? 

Being proactive will help you during a long car ride. Whether you are sitting in the backseat or in the front seat, having important items within arm’s reach will only make your trip easier. 

Here’s a list of items to have near you: 

• Breast milk or formula in a cooled bag (you can measure out formula ahead of time and keep water separate). 
• A thermometer 
• Pacifier or other soothing toy 
• Burp rags and bibs
• Wipes (these will always come in handy) 
• Extra diapers (these also work well to soak up any large spills or accidents) 
• Musical books or devices that play sounds and music 

Remember, always make room for extra time. 

The benefit of traveling in the car is you are on your own schedule. Use that advantage to allow yourself more grace, less stress, and to slow down. 

This will make your trip easier. 

Traveling with your baby is part of your postpartum journey. We’re happy to help and direct you in anything you may need. 

Talk to us today. We’re here for you!

Contact us directly here. 

Want more travel tips? Check out this article: Traveling With Your Baby