Congratulations mama! Now, you are three. Amidst lots of other responsibilities on the arrival of the baby, you also need some time to unwind and relax for a bit. And, why not this time with your little bundle of joy. You might be understandably nervous the first time you need to leave home with your newborn. Fear not!
Here are some tips for the newborn travel and a little advice for the new mum:
Flying with a newborn
Yes, it is safe to fly with newborn babies. If you are flying with an infant, the younger the better. Avoid flying for the first 40 days, if not urgent. Most of airlines have a guide if you’re flying with infants. So, kindly check with your airlines beforehand. Also, connect with your airlines for the best seats. You should always contact your airline in advance to book the bassinet seat if this is your preference, but they are likely to tell you they cannot guarantee this seat until you turn up at the airport to check-in.
Breastfeeding is the best
No running to the shop, no boiling, no sterilising to worry about. Mother’s milk is not just healthy for an infant but also during flying sucking on mum’s boob can help equalise the pressure in a little one’s ears on takeoff and descent on the plane. Bottle-feeding mums, you’re not forgotten. You can, of course, give your baby a dummy/pacifier or bottle in equally the same way to suck on, and with a little preparation you can get hot water on a plane and arrange for bottles to be washed. Do remember a nursing cover if you want to maintain privacy.
Travelling by road
When travelling by road, keep in mind to correctly install the car seat of the baby on the rear seat of the car rather than the front seat and properly secure the seat belts. It may be a good idea to place window shades or even a small towel or piece of cloth, on the windows of your car to protect the child from the harsh sun.
Medicines and First aid first
It may be wise to carry along a basic baby’s first aid kit with all the essential medicines to manage any probable medical issues like for colic, fever, nausea, cold and cough or upset tummy. Also, it is advisable to consult your doctor in this regard, especially if your child has motion sickness. You may be required to carry the prescription of these medicines, in case you are travelling by air.
Some other things to keep in mind
It may be wise to make your child wear a bright coloured dress so that it is easy to locate him in crowded places. You may also like to stick/clip on an identity card on his clothes with his basic information, in case you lose sight of him in a crowd.
Routine vaccines
Depending on your destination, it is not considered necessary to delay travel with an infant until they have had their first round of routine vaccinations.
We hope you feel comfortable and your new bundle of joy can safely travel. Happy Journey mommy!
