Things All Moms Should Pack When Travelling With A Newborn

1. Traveling with a newborn

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Traveling can be quite daunting at the best of times.  But when you've got your precious little bundle on board with you too, the stress can be quite a lot more apparent.  However, if you're prepared and have everything you need for your newborn as well as yourself, it's possible that you can actually make your journey a little less stressful.

2. Be prepared for every scenario

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When you're traveling with a newborn, it's always a good idea to be prepared for every possible scenario that you think you might face on your travels.  This could include taking extra feeds in case you get delayed, taking baby paracetamol in case they become sick, or even taking plenty of diapers and changes of clothes for those inevitable 'Poonamis'.

3. Bring some help with you if you can

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If you can, it's a good idea to bring someone to help you, at least on your first adventure as a new mom.  That way, at least you have someone to take care of your luggage, check-ins, and passports whilst you concentrate on caring for your precious bundle.

4. Bring proof of age

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Despite there being no legal minimum age for babies to fly, some airlines will have certain booking and charging policies so it's always a good idea to do your research before you book your adventure.  Most airlines will require newborns to be at least two weeks old, however, some may allow infants that are only one week old to fly.

5. If you're flying, don't forget your passports!

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It's important that no matter how old your baby is, you need to remember that they will need a passport too.  They might also need a visa, depending on where you're going and how long for.  They will also need a ticket to travel, even if they are going to be traveling on your knee.  Make sure you are prepared with all of the required documentation.

6. Make sure they're covered by your travel insurance

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It's also important that you include your newborn on your travel insurance.  Getting travel insurance will protect you and your family against medical and other emergencies whilst you're away, as well as protect you against any delays, cancellations, and missed departures that were out of your control.

7. If you're driving, be prepared to stop every few hours

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Traveling doesn't always mean flying.  In fact, you might opt for driving instead.  If you do decide to drive with your newborn, you need to be prepared to stop every few hours at least to change and feed your baby, as well as give them breaks from their car seat.  So be sure to plan stops into your journey times too.

8. Make sure you have plenty of milk for feeds

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When you're traveling with a newborn, they're going to need their regular feeds.  Therefore, you need to make sure that you prepare for this and make sure you have enough milk, plus extra, for your journey times and possible delays.  If you're flying, make sure you have a feed ready for them for when you take off and land to prevent their ears from being sore.  If you're breastfeeding, remember to wear something with easy access for your baby.

9. Travel sterilizer kit

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If you use bottles or a breast pump to prepare and provide feeds, you'll need to make sure that all of your equipment is sterilized just like at home in order to prevent harmful bacteria.  You can get travel sterilizer kits that are compact and can fit into your diaper bag.

10. Breast pump

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If you use a breast pump, it's a good idea to take one with you when you're traveling.  Even if you do not expect to use it, your routine might be disrupted by your travel schedule which might be that your baby feeds at different times.  So if they sleep longer and skip a feed, then at least you can still pump so you have a supply.  If you do this, be sure to take a cool box with you so you can safely transport the milk without it going bad.

11. Formula

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If you use formula, it's a good idea to take as much as you need plus spare.  This is especially important if you are traveling far because they might not have your usual brand available to buy.  This could spell disaster as sometimes, babies may refuse feeds if it's not what they're used to.

12. Spare bottles

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You should also pack spare sterilized bottles that are ready to use if you need to prepare an expressed feed or formula feed.  This way, you know that you have the feeding equipment that you need and you don't have to struggle to keep cleaning and sterilizing the same bottle over and over again.

13. Snacks

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If your baby is a little older and beginning to eat solids, it might be an idea to have some suitable and familiar snacks prepared for them.  If they're a bit young for this yet, though, be sure to take plenty of snacks and water for yourself to keep yourself going.

14. Bring enough diapers, wet wipes, and a changing mat

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Make sure you're fully prepared with enough baby changing gear too.  Make sure you pack your diaper bag with plenty of fresh diapers, wet wipes, nappy rash cream, cloths, and a few spare changes of clothes.  And if you're flying, this is your hand luggage - don't check it in by mistake!

15. Don't forget the burp cloths or tissues

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Make sure you also pack some burp cloths too.  These could be bibs, muslin squares, or even disposable tissues, all of which are useful for mopping up any milk or sick, as well as wiping those little noses.  Then at least you're not using your sleeve and can stay relatively clean yourself.

16. Clothes

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Wherever you go with a newborn, you should always take at least two spare changes of clothes with you just in case they get dirty or wet.  If you're traveling for a lengthy amount of time, it's a good idea to pack more.  To make it easy for yourself, vests and sleepsuits are comfortable, easy and space-saving options.

17. Consider using a baby carrier or sling

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When you're transporting your baby around on foot, consider using a baby carrier or a sling whilst traveling.  For very young babies, wear a front carrier and be sure to get clued up on safe babywearing.  Wearing your baby in a carrier keeps your hands free to rummage for passports, money, tickets, and carry other luggage.  This also makes it easier to get on and off public transport.

18. Consider taking a travel system or stroller

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You might also consider using a travel system or stroller.  With a travel system, they usually have car seats attached to them which makes taxi transfers and the like much more seamless.  But they can be bulky so some people prefer to take a stroller.  With a stroller, you can fold it up like an umbrella and even take it right up to the plane to be checked in later (just make sure you get a tag).

19. First aid kit

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It's a good idea to take a first aid kit with you when you travel too.  You never know when you might need something out of it.  With a newborn, it is recommended that you take things like baby specific paracetamol for high temperatures, rash cream, saline drops for stuffy noses, a thermometer, teething granules or gel, dispensers, tissues, baby nail clippers, and any specific medications they might need.

20. Medications

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Whilst we are on the subject, make sure you take enough medication with you if your baby requires something specific.  If you don't and you run out, you might not be able to get it easily in your travel destination.  Most medicines are fine to travel but if you're worried, check your airline's policies.

21. Some of their favorite toys and books

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Your baby is going to need a bit of entertainment, especially if they're a little older.  So be sure to bring along some of their favorite toys and books for them to play with and read.  And get them out gradually so they keep their interest and don't get old too quickly!

22. Sun hat and sunscreen

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If you're traveling to a warm and sunny destination, make sure you have your baby's sun hat and suitable suncream too.  You can pack all of this in your hand luggage if you're flying so it's ready for you when you get off the plane.  Just make sure your liquids are packed correctly according to your airline's policy.

23. Travel cot

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If you're staying somewhere, make sure you check in advance whether or not they have a travel cot available for you to use.  There's nothing worse than turning up at where you're staying with a tired baby and there's nowhere for them to sleep!  If they don't have a cot, you should take a travel cot with you.

24. Blanket, bedsheets and/or pillowcases

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Whether or not your'e taking your own travel cot for your baby, you should take their own blankets, bedsheets, and/or pillowcases with you too.  Newborns are comforted by familiarity and if you take their own bed linen and blankets, they'll have that familiar scent from home and it might keep them nice and settled.

25. Comforter

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If your baby uses a comforter, don't forget this as it might keep them calm and settled during your journey.  This could be a blanket, soft toy, or even a pacifier.  Even if you try to stick to their routine, traveling will disrupt it in some way so having a comforter to hand can help them to feel a little less disrupted.

26. Blackout blind

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Some babies wake up as soon as the sun comes up and if you're familiar with this routine, then you've probably implemented a blackout blind at home.  But when you're traveling, wherever you're staying might not have one so be sure to pack a portable on in your bag.

27. Baby monitor

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It's also a good idea to take your baby monitor with you when you're away.  That way, when you put your baby down to sleep for the night, you can rest knowing that your precious little one is safe because you can hear them, or even see them if you've got a video monitor.

28. Plug adapters

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If you're traveling abroad, you'll probably want to invest in some plug adapters too.  You'll need to plug in your baby monitor, as well as charge your cell phones, and any other devices that you have with you so you'll need to purchase a few of these in your home country.

29. Hand Sanitizer

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It might not always be possible to stop and wash your hands thoroughly when you're traveling with your newborn.  And it's really important that you do have clean hands when handling their feeds and after changing them.  So taking some hand sanitizer with you can help with this.

30. Camera

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Everyone knows how daunting it can be traveling with a newborn baby.  But taking these steps will ensure that you're prepared for anything, from the unfortunate delays to the inevitable Poonamis.  So try to not get too caught up with the stress and take some moments to enjoy your first trip together.  Make memories and capture them on your camera or phone so you can look back fondly and say: 'We did it!'