16 Tips for Traveling with Baby for the First Time

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Tips for Traveling with Baby

Traveling and seeing the world does not have to stop when you have a baby. In fact, you can still travel with wee ones, it just takes a bit more planning.

Right now, your baby is dependent on you alone and can’t necessarily run around and get into things. Once they’re mobile–travel takes on a whole new level of challenge.

We started traveling with our girls when they were babies. Gabby was months old and Mimi was the same.

We have been to many places and discovered so many things together ever since. But, while exploring the world can be adventurous and life-changing, illnesses while traveling do happen and you may find yourself with a sick baby while you’re on vacation.

Once you’ve decided where you’re going and how long you’re going, not only do you need to plan to care for baby throughout the trip, you have to plan for the unexpected.

If you are getting away with your new bundle of joy for the first time, read on for some tried and true travel tips.

1. Prepare for an Emergency

One of the things that we always make sure to do is to write down important information should something happen.

Odds are you may never need it but, having a list with your child’s health information and contact numbers for your doctor and emergency contacts is always good to have.

2. Consider Time Zones

If you are traveling to a destination with a different time zone, start shifting baby’s schedule over a week or a few days in advance.

Try to maintain the same schedule and when you arrive, get out and about if it is daytime.

Jet lag can make for fussy babies but, attempt to keep the same schedule so that they aren’t up when you are supposed to be sleeping. 

3. Pack a First Aid Kit

The first thing to make sure that you have packed is a first aid kit. Put together a kit with all the essentials to help you deal with small and minor complications you may come across in your journeys.

Make sure to bring along all prescription medications baby may need, even though you don’t think they will need them.

It always happens when you least expect it. Don’t forget a medicine dropper or oral syringe!

Our Recommended List:

• Thermometer
• Fever Reliever (if recommended by your doctor)
• hydraSense®
• Teething Remedies

4. Book a Room That Works for You!

4. Book a Room That Works for You

Getting a suite can be wonderful. It gives you a living room area, kitchenette, and separate rooms. You can take turns nap-sitting during downtimes and sneak off to catch a nap yourself.

If a larger suite is not available, asking for connecting rooms can give you more space at the same price.

5. Don’t Forget Sunscreen

This is self-explanatory. The recommended age of use is 6 months and up. As always, use your own discretion and use what works for you. Shade is your best friend!

6. Pack Heavier

Though it can be a drag, checking a bag is always ideal. Pack extra diapers, ointment, toiletries, blankets, PJs, onesies, socks, bibs, and outfits.

You never know if baby will have an accident.

Don’t forget a sun hat! You can never predict the weather, so bring extra long-sleeved onesies and pants because they can be cooler than anticipated. A light jacket is always a good idea too.

Don’t forget a tub for baby! The best ones for travel are the ones that are collapsible and easy to pack in a checked bag.

If you are nursing, pack your pump, bottles, and essentials too. Using a traveling with a baby checklist will set your mind at ease and allow you to double-check that you’ve packed everything you need.

7. Consider Ordering Ahead

Before you head off to your adventure, check out online services that can deliver diapers or formula to your destination. It saves space and makes it easier for you when you get there.

8. Bring the Appropriate Car Seat

If you are purchasing an extra ticket for baby, you should have no issues bringing along and installing the car seat.

Check with the airline on the type of car seat that’s acceptable.

If you are not purchasing a ticket, consider a baby wrap to keep baby close. Also, car seats can be rented via car rental providers.

This is something you can have waiting for you if you need or choose to. I always brought my own, so I knew that it was the right one and it is the safest way for baby to fly!

9. Ease Their Ear Discomfort

My girls would get a lot of pressure on their ears so, I always packed a bottle to give them during take-off and descent.

You can also offer something to suck on like a pacifier or encourage them to breastfeed. The motion of drinking helps to ease the pressure.

If baby is sleeping soundly, don’t wake them.

Not all kids are affected by ear discomfort. As they get older, you can offer a sippy cup or chewing gum.

10. Unpack ASAP

Once you’ve arrived at your destination, resist the urge to grab a nap or hit the pool. Instead, unpack everything you’ll need throughout your stay. It makes life easier to use those dressers that are provided. Trust me, it will help your sanity.

11. Bring Disinfectant Wipes

Yes, it may sound a bit crazy but bringing along wipes that can help minimize your exposure to germs is worth the luggage real estate.

I bring along a zip-up bag and place wipes in it every single day.

This makes it easy to just throw them into the diaper bag and reduces bulk. When you are out for the day, make sure to wipe down those high chairs and surfaces! 

Don’t forget hand sanitizer for yourself, it is your friend!

12. Create a Zen Den

Allocate the play-pen, toys, books, and anything else baby will need in one area. Use the area during downtimes or for baby to enjoy a nap.

It’s also a great way to keep things isolated in one area and will keep your hotel room tidy. We all know it can get stressful if there is baby stuff EVERYWHERE!

13. Use a Reclining Stroller

The whole point of traveling with baby is to be able to be out and about. I know most of us want to save space and lug fewer things around and opt for a cheap umbrella stroller.

Instead, pack a stroller that reclines or check ahead online to see if your destination has reclining strollers for rent.

I emphasize ‘reclining’ because this gives you the freedom to see the sights and gives your child a comfortable place to lay down and nap.

If you have a younger baby, a travel system that works with your car seat is best. 

14. Pack a His/Her Bag for the Day

I packed a diaper bag for me and an over-the-shoulder bag for Hubby with supplies and clothes while we were out and about.

That way, if I ever needed more supplies, Hubby had it. Not to mention, I always had two changing pads for those not so cleanly washrooms.

15. Don’t Give Up On Dining Out

Hands down, one of the best parts of traveling is eating out at fancy restaurants or trying out a famous restaurant.

If you plan to eat earlier, you can avoid busy times, have room for your stroller, and maybe even have the place to yourself.

Mimi absolutely adored sleeping in her car seat. This made it easy for us to enjoy later dinners since she would sleep soundly in her seat.

If she fussed, she had her bottle and we rocked her softly, soon enough—she was in dreamland again.

15. Don’t Overbook, Have Fun

Lastly, anticipate and KNOW that everything will take longer with a baby. Nurse your baby while everyone you’re traveling with is taking a break. You can also nurse in the car before you leave or when you get to each destination.

If you need to, find a spot wherever you are, take a break and nurse your baby!

Change your baby as soon as you get inside, that way baby is fed, clean, and ready to be stimulated by new sights and sounds. Last but not least, HAVE FUN!

Be Prepared

When your baby gets their first cold, even witnessing them sniffle is enough to make you uncomfortable, especially if you are new parents.

Before the age of 2, kids simply do not know how to blow their noses. When they get a common cold, breathing could be difficult due to blockages and congestion.

When you are traveling or on the road, having a baby with cold and congestion can be trying, it can lead to feeding and sleeping problems as well*.

Even if you are at home, if baby isn’t happy or comfortable—it can make for disruption in your life.

Something that we have always used and always pack is hydraSense^®. It is the #1 nasal saline brand in Canada for children**.

It’s made with 100 percent undiluted natural-source seawater that helps reduce and relieve nasal cold symptoms and nasal congestion to help baby breathe better.

Plus, it is free of any medications or preservatives. If you pack these in your luggage, you’ll be prepared!

A Natural Solution!

A Natural Solution

When you have your little ones, you are super protective. Believe me, I searched high and low to find a solution to help my kids breathe better when they had a cold.

The best cold remedy is a lot of fluids and plenty of rest but, what would could I use to help relieve their discomfort when they couldn’t breathe properly?

Imagine my happiness when I discovered hydraSense.

It can be used for kids 0+ and is trusted by moms, so I thought I would give it a try. It helps by cleansing excess mucus accumulation and reducing nasal dryness.

It can also be used to hydrate sensitive noses since we know how sensitive noses can get with a cold! It is gentle enough to use daily and can be used 4 to 6 times per day when baby’s nose is blocked due to colds.

Easydose Vials

hydraSense offers individual, portable and ready-to-use vials that can be used anywhere, they are great for travel and for use at home.

They aren’t bulky and can fit in your diaper bag should you need them. These are the ones we always bring along whenever we travel up to this day!

If your baby is having trouble breathing because of dry or obstructed nasal passages due to a cold, this is a good solution to help reduce and relieve nasal cold symptoms.

It still works as my kids have gotten older but, it is effective for wee ones who can’t clear their own passages.

HydraSense Ultra-Gentle Mist

This is another simple way to help ease your baby when they’re stuffed up. The Ultra-Gentle mist has a safety neck specially designed for use in the nostrils of young babies.

The nozzle is soft so it is gentle to use on those little nostrils.

Plus, the nozzle helps to deliver a controlled spray. The solution will help in hydrating and cleansing nasal cavities and passages.

HydraSense Nasal Aspirator Starter Kit

This nasal aspirator starter kit provides effective relief but, comes in a convenient carrying case. It’s easy to stow away in a diaper bag or store away in a checked bag and only 3 pieces are part of the device.

Since it is transparent, you can see the amount and type of mucus that is being removed. It is easy to use, take apart, and clean. 

More Details:

• Soft nasal tip: added comfort for delicate noses and improved fit of the device.
• Easy protective filter installation and removal.
• Flexible and large aspirator tube allowing easy suction.
• No BPA.
• High-quality protective filters for hygienic use.
• Storage box that makes removing the filters easy as well as keeping all components sterile.
• Convenient carrying case: Practical and hygienic storage for the complete Nasal Aspirator, the filter box, and up to 5 Easydose® vials.

There you have it folks, now you are armed with a handful of tips to help you on your journeys abroad.

Traveling with your baby for the first time doesn’t need to be stressful—you just need to be prepared for anything.

You May Also Like:

• Your Baby Has a Cold: 8 Things to Do to Help
• Tips for New Moms During Cold Season
• How to Protect Yourself During Cold and Flu Season

Take it from me, the earlier you travel with babies—the more seasoned you both will become, and traveling preparation becomes second nature. 

For more information, visit hydrasense.ca. You can purchase hydraSense at most mass food and drug retailers across Canada and online at Amazon.ca.

What are some of your baby travel tips?

Let me know, til then–cheers m’deres!

*Chirico and Beccagutti 2010. Nasal obstruction in neonates and infants. Minerva Pediatr. 62:499-505.

**Nielsen, National. 52 weeks ending Aug 20th, 2016. Based on combined sales of hydraSense Ultra-Gentle Mist, Easydose and Congestion Relief Kids.